National News

Niël Terblanché The minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform, Mac Hengari, has laid out a broad agenda for the ministry’s direction over the next five years, calling for committed teamwork and focused implementation to realise national development goals. Speaking during a meet-and-greet with officials and staff in Windhoek on Wednesday, Hengari described his appointment by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as an immense, yet exciting responsibility. He added that he was delighted to have been granted the opportunity to serve the nation through a portfolio that touches the core of rural development, food security and economic sustainability. According to Hengari,…

Ester Mbathera  Swapo lawmaker Tobie Aupindi has called for substantial and gradual change to the veterinary cordon fence, commonly known as the “red line”.  Aupindi argued that it perpetuates economic inequality in the country. Speaking during a budget debate in the National Assembly on Tuesday, Aupindi said the red line effectively creates two separate economies within the same country. “We are literally maintaining two economic systems in one republic. One for the commercial rich, and the other one for the communal poor,” he said. The Swapo member of parliament said the National Assembly also recommended the removal because the ministry…

Allexer Namundjembo Keetmanshoop District Magistrate Unchen Konjore is facing disciplinary action following a formal complaint that she presided over a maintenance case involving her former partner, raising concerns about a conflict of interest and judicial misconduct. The complaint, lodged by Lucia Sofia Hamana on 18 March 2024 with the Magistrates' Commission, accuses Konjore of failing to disclose her personal relationship with Heinrich Makanga Kambuli Karawora, the complainant in the matter she adjudicated. A letter of demand from Metcalfe Beukes Attorneys, seen by the Windhoek Observer, outlines the allegations. The attorneys argue that Konjore’s personal connection to the complainant compromised her…

Niël Terblanché Water rationing has been introduced in northern regions as the national utility, NamWater, battles operational disruptions caused by floodwaters entering a key supply canal between Oshakati and the Callueque Dam. NamWater’s spokesperson, Lot Ndamanomhata, said the measures are essential to relieve pressure on the Oshakati Water Treatment Plant, which has seen both water quality and production capacity compromised in recent days. According to Ndamanomhata, the rationing, which came into effect on Monday and will continue until the end of May, affects areas serviced by the Oshakati facility. “Water supply to areas supplied by the Oshakati plant will have…

Allexer Namundjembo  Several political parties have condemned the brutal killings of six members of one family in Usakos, calling for justice, accountability, and urgent intervention to address social challenges facing the country. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, involved the murder of four minors, a teenager, and an elderly woman. A 17-year-old suspect has been arrested and appeared in court, where he was remanded in custody while police investigations continue. Authorities suspect the victims were killed with an axe before their remains were set alight. In a statement issued on Monday, the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement condemned what it described…

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations has directed the management of Hotel De Duine in Henties Bay and the Swakopmund Abattoir to implement immediate corrective measures after investigations confirmed breaches of labour laws at both establishments. Following complaints that surfaced on social media, the ministry dispatched labour inspectors to assess the situation at these undertakings. At Hotel De Duine, investigators focused on a letter circulated internally, which stated: “All gratuities will remain the property of the hotel for distribution among personnel as per its own judgment or to cover costs. A portion of total gratuity received by…

Allexer Namundjembo A pride of nine lions has been roaming freely in villages in the Judea Lyamboloma Constituency in the Zambezi region in the past days. According to the constituency councillor Divai Humphrey, the situation has caused fear in the community and frustration over what the locals say is a lack of action from the authorities.  “A pride of nine lions is believed to be on the loose, terrorising communities and preying on livestock. In the morning when I spoke to one of the villagers, seven livestock had been killed by the said lions, but I believe the number has…