National News

Allexer Namundjembo Former Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) spokesperson John Haufiku has apologised to the university’s former chief legal adviser, Joshua Kaumbi.  The apology follows a statement Haufiku made in July 2023 that resulted in a defamation case. Kaumbi filed a N$500 000 lawsuit against Haufiku in July 2023 for alleging in a Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) interview that the university had suspended Kaumbi for leaking information to the media. The remarks were made shortly after Kaumbi’s suspension by Nust management.  According to court documents seen by the Windhoek Observer, during the interview, Haufiku said, “We have suspended…

“It was supposed to be harmless fun.” The above statement were the sentiments of some when two white learners painted their faces black during a Halloween celebration and referred to themselves using a derogatory term that carries the weight of centuries of humiliation. They laughed, others laughed, and photos found their way onto social media. Within hours, and inevitably so, outrage followed. What many called a joke quickly revealed how fragile our peace still is and how easily the past can walk into the present dressed as a costume. For a country that prides itself on reconciliation and unity, this…

In 2020, Namibia witnessed a political moment that felt electric. For the first time in decades, independent candidates flooded the political space with confidence and colour. They came armed not with party slogans but with promises of massive transformation and country-first politics. They stood as symbols of change, challenging the old ways and calling for a new kind of leadership. Many young Namibians were inspired. Social media buzzed with support, rallies felt fresh and free, and politics suddenly looked exciting again. Five years later, as the country prepares for the next round of regional and local authority elections, that energy…

There are moments in a country’s story that remind its people of what is possible. This week, Namibia confirmed that it has fully repaid its seven hundred and fifty million United States dollar Eurobond — the largest single debt repayment in the nation’s history. It is a headline that sounds technical; however, it represents something deeply emotional for a generation that has grown up in the language of debt, deficit and development promises. Under the stewardship of President Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah, this repayment has become more than an economic milestone. It is a statement about discipline, credibility and the quiet…

The recent altercation outside Windhoek Central Hospital between City Police officers and a street vendor has once again placed the spotlight on the growing tension between economic survival and the rule of law in our capital. The video circulating on social media shows several officers struggling with a woman, eventually pulling her to the ground, while a female officer is seen yanking the wig off her head. The footage has provoked widespread anger, raising serious questions about police professionalism, the limits of enforcement, and the dignity with which citizens are treated. Scenes such as these are deeply disturbing. They damage…

Allexer Namundjembo Social justice activist and City of Windhoek council hopeful Michael Amushelelo says his top priority is to formalise informal settlements by servicing land and relocating residents to developed areas. He said this will allow the city to properly service those areas and ensure people live in dignified conditions. Amushelelo outlined his plan in an interview with the Windhoek Observer on Wednesday as he contests for a seat in the upcoming municipal elections under the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF). “My key priority will be the servicing of land and making sure that land is affordable for all residents…

Justicia Shipena Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Inge Zaamwani-Kamwi says efforts to engage fishermen under the Government Employment Redress Programme have reached a deadlock because they refuse to listen to the government’s position. Zaamwani-Kamwi said the fishermen continue to demand that they be moved from one company to another, despite being informed that such a move cannot be approved at this stage.  This comes as on Wednesday, the fishermen, mostly from the Erongo region, travelled to Windhoek to demand answers from the minister on their petition calling for better working conditions and salaries.  They said they continue…

Allexer Namundjembo South African Lower Court Judges Express Solidarity with Namibian Magistrates Amid Planned Strike Allexer Namundjembo South Africa’s lower court judges have voiced support for Namibian magistrates who are on strike. They say both groups face the same challenges regarding low pay and poor working conditions. This comes as Namibian magistrates begin a partial strike on Wednesday.  South Africa's senior magistrate and president of the Judicial Officers Association of South Africa (JOASA), Neelan Karikan, said South Africa’s lower court judges are also protesting for fair remuneration, better working conditions, and equal benefits.  “We have noted that in other jurisdictions,…

Renthia Kaimbi Tutaleni Primary School principal, Neville Visagie, walked 35 kilometres from Swakopmund to Walvis Bay over the weekend to raise funds to improve the school’s feeding programme.  His goal is to make sure every learner receives not just food, but nutritious meals that support their learning. Visagie said while the government provides basic food items like maize meal and bread for underprivileged learners, he wants to expand the menu and improve the school kitchen. “The main reason is to upgrade the menu so that once a week, we divert from the maize and bread,” he said. “Like tomorrow (today),…