National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The High Court has ordered the former Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) chairperson for Swakopmund, Milton Augumeb, to retract defamatory statements he made about the leadership of the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN). On 25 November, the court also instructed Augumeb, who had claimed that the union's leadership was in crisis and that the national executive committee (NEC) was involved in the misappropriation of funds, to issue a public apology. Augumeb was also ordered to unconditionally retract the said defamatory statement. In addition, he must issue a public apology for the aforementioned defamatory statements within 14 days. Augumeb…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The United States Embassy in Namibia has issued a safety advisory to its citizens, urging them to remain vigilant during and after the country’s presidential and national assembly elections. The elections were held on Wednesday. In a statement shared on its social media platforms, the embassy highlighted the potential for heightened activity during the election period. “Throughout this period, as well as over the days following the elections, rallies and demonstrations may occur,” the statement read. The embassy advised American nationals in Namibia to avoid large crowds and stay alert. “Maintain a low profile, carry proper identification, review…

Niël Terblanché The Namib Desert Environmental Education Trust’s (NaDEET), innovative approach to environmental education and its impact on both individuals and Namibian policy received a prestigious international accolade. NaDEET is a Namibian non-profit organization dedicated to environmental education and sustainable living, that has been honoured with the UNESCO Sultan Qaboos Prize for Environmental Protection. According to a statement on UNESCO’s website, the award was presented on 20 November 2024 at the World Science Forum in Budapest, Hungary, acknowledging NaDEET's substantial contributions to environmental conservation and sustainable development. Established in 2003, NaDEET operates from the NamibRand Nature Reserve, offering immersive programs…

Mallex Shipanga The Trans Kalahari Corridor Secretariat (TKCS) has raised concerns over non-tariff barriers impacting trade at the Pioneer Gate and Skilpadshek border posts, which connect Botswana and South Africa. Complaints about these barriers, which obstruct international trade, were submitted by clearing agents and transport operators. The TKCS hosted a meeting on Tuesday where the institution addressed the complaints. “The meeting noted several challenges that resulted in non-tariff barriers,” said the institution. These challenges include capacity building, failure to pre-clear trucks, an increase in transit volumes, network challenges, and new updates. During the meeting, the TKCS aimed to address the…

Niël Terblanché As Namibians prepare to head to the polls tomorrow to elect the country’s fifth president and members of the eighth National Assembly, President Nangolo Mbumba has called on citizens to embrace peace and unity during this significant moment in the nation’s history. Addressing the nation on the eve of the elections, Mbumba reflected on Namibia’s democratic journey and its commitment to free and fair elections. “For the past 34 years of our independence, peaceful, fair, and free elections have become part of the cherished culture of our constitutional democracy,” he said. The President’s remarks come at a time…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The British High Commission in Windhoek has confirmed that Panduleni Itula, leader of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) and a presidential candidate in the 2024 Namibian general elections, is not and has never been a British citizen. This confirmation comes amid ongoing speculation regarding Itula’s citizenship status, a topic that has sparked public debate and raised questions about his eligibility to contest for Namibia’s highest office. “Dr. Panduleni Itula is not and has never been a British citizen,” said Lwimba Mufune, the communications and political officer at the high commission. According to UK government guidelines on citizenship,…

Martin Endjala The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs (MODVA) is under scrutiny following allegations of a fabricated quotation of N$8 million for a single spare part. In a letter dated 22 November from Windhoeker Maschinen Fabrik (WMF) which was cited by the ministry last week as having sold the part, raised questions about the authenticity of the quotation presented to the public. The matter first came to light on 19 November, when Affirmative Repositioning (AR) party leader Job Amupanda questioned the quotation. The MODVA denied the allegations during a press conference last week. Colonel Petrus Anton, the managing director…

Stefanus Nashama McHenry Venaani, the leader of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) claimed that the party is alone in its quest to hold the Swapo-led government accountable. While addressing the party’s final rally in Windhoek on Sunday, Venaani stated that the PDM has a proven track record of holding the government accountable. “There is no political party in Namibia that has the legislative record, experience, maturity and holding government to account,” said Venaani. He believes the PDM has the legislative experience necessary to form its own government. Venaani said PDM’s record is unmixed since it has fought against unemployment in…