National News

Justicia Shipena Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) member of parliament Lilani Brinkman says the Mental Health Bill ignores the rights and dignity of mental health workers and home-based caregivers. She said the bill focuses on protecting patients but fails to consider the health workers and family members who look after people with mental illness. Brinkman said the bill does not include measures to improve the training, working conditions, or emotional support of caregivers, which she described as a serious weakness in the proposed law. Last month, health minister Esperance Luvindao tabled the Mental Health Bill in Parliament.  If passed, the…

Justicia Shipena President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says the government will be strict in identifying students who qualify for financial support beyond tuition and registration fees under the free tertiary education programme. Speaking during an engagement with youth in Ondangwa over the weekend, Nandi-Ndaitwah clarified that the state will only cover tuition and registration costs for students entering universities and vocational training centres. Earlier this year, during her inaugural State of the Nation Address, she announced that the country will introduce free tertiary education at public institutions starting in the 2026 academic year. “Anyone who qualifies to go to vocational training or…

Allexer Namundjembo  The government has approved a regulatory framework that allows the Namibia Stock Exchange (NSX) to change its structure and become a for-profit, publicly owned company. The amendment, published in the government gazette dated 31 October 2025, marks the end of years of discussion and sets the stage for the local bourse to become more competitive and growth-driven. The process, known as demutualisation, will see the NSX move from being a non-proprietary voluntary association or member-owned entity to a public company with share capital under the Companies Act of 2004.  “This strategic shift is a well-trodden path for major…

Allexer Namundjembo  The City of Windhoek has denied claims that it paid South African artist Kelly Khumalo N$650,000 to perform at the Windhoek Jazz Festival.  However, it did not reveal how much was paid to the artist.  Khumalo has been accused in connection with the murder of her former boyfriend, football star Senzo Meyiwa. Testimonies presented in a South African court last year alleged that she ordered Meyiwa’s killing. The Windhoek Jazz Festival took place this weekend.  In an official statement, through the office of the executive officer Moses Matyayi, the municipality said the total budget for all performers at…

Justicia Shipena United Nations resident coordinator to Namibia, Hopolang Phororo, says institutionalising employment impact assessments will help policymakers measure how public spending influences job creation.  She said the process will help them prioritise sectors with the highest potential to create jobs. Phororo was speaking at the awareness-raising event on the employment impact assessment (EmpIA) held at the Hilton Hotel in Windhoek on Friday.  The event brought together government officials, development partners, and experts to discuss ways to integrate employment impact studies into national policymaking. She commended Namibia for taking steps to include employment assessments in planning and budgeting processes.  Phororo…

Staff Writer  IdeaCandy has released the official trailer for Unspoken War, a Showmax Original documentary series that premieres on Showmax and M-Net on Wednesday, 12 November 2025. The five-part series looks at South Africa’s covert war between 1966 and 1989, fought across Angola, Namibia, and within South Africa. The conflict, known as the South African Border War, the Angolan Bush War, or the Namibian War of Independence, was never formally declared. Soldiers were ordered to remain silent, and families were left in the dark about what their loved ones experienced. Using rare archival footage and personal testimonies, Unspoken War features…

Renthia Kaimbi Minister of justice and labour relations Fillemon Wise Immanuel says he has not yet seen the letter of demand from Namibia’s magistrates threatening to strike over unpaid benefits. The magistrates, represented by Metcalfe Beukes Attorneys, have issued a final ultimatum to the ministry, demanding that it stop plans to gazette what they describe as an incorrect benefits schedule.  “I have not seen it yet because I’m travelling, but I will follow up and get back to you,” Immanuel told the Windhoek Observer. They are calling for the implementation of a fair proposal approved by the judiciary executive director…

Renthia Kaimbi Mining claims holder Timoteus Mashuna has been spared from losing his Goantagab mining claims after the mine settled N$52 950 in legal costs sought by Ultimate Safaris.  The payment, which covered taxed costs and interest, stopped the deputy sheriff of Windhoek from auctioning off eight of Mashuna’s mining claims following a court-issued warrant. The warrant, dated 22 October 2025, had authorised the deputy sheriff to attach and auction the claims registered under Mashuna’s name.  The execution proceedings followed a recent legal defeat for Ultimate Safaris, which had been ordered to pay Mashuna’s legal costs after its failed attempt…