National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has dismissed claims of an airborne virus causing severe stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhoea.  The ministry’s executive director, Ben Nangombe, urged the public to seek official information from the relevant authorities. “We don’t act on rumours. If there was anything at all, we would verify the veracity of that claim. What we do have is a cholera outbreak in the Kunene region and the measles outbreak, which we announced in December,” he said. He added that the ministry has not recorded any other public health concerns and condemned the spread…

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, in partnership with UNESCO Namibia, has officially launched the ICT Transforming Education in Africa – Phase III initiative, an ambitious project aimed at integrating digital technology into the education system. The initiative forms part of the UNESCO-Korean Funds-in-Trust (KFIT) programme, a multinational effort to harness information and communication technology (ICT) for educational development across Sub-Saharan Africa. Education minister Ester Anna Nghipondoka described the project as an essential step in modernising the education system to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving digital landscape. “Technology is no longer a luxury; it is…

The latest dam level update from NamWater indicates significant positive inflows into key dams, improving overall water storage and boosting Namibia’s water security. Since 10 March 2025, Von Bach, Swakoppoort, Hardap, Naute, and Neckartal Dams have recorded increased water levels, extending their capacity to sustain water supply in their respective regions. Current Dam Levels as of 12 March: Von Bach Dam: Increased from 35.3% to 35.8%, with an additional 239,000 cubic metres of water. Swakoppoort Dam: Improved from 37.5% to 38.4%, receiving a total of 572,000 cubic metres. Hardap Dam: Now at 24.2% capacity, gaining 5.839 million cubic metres over…

Niël Terblanché Namibia has launched a new Coordinated Border Management (CBM) national strategy and Inter-Agency Standard Operations Framework, aimed at enhancing the country’s role as a trade hub for Southern Africa.  The initiative, introduced in Windhoek on Monday, seeks to streamline cross-border trade, improve customs efficiency, and reduce delays at border points and seaports. Speaking at the launch in Windhoek, Sikongo Haihambo, the executive director of the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade, acknowledged the challenges posed by prolonged clearance times at Namibia’s border points and seaports. “A cargo takes about 19 days to depart after clearance at Walvis Bay Port.…

Ester Mbathera  Political commentators and analysts have criticised Swapo’s recent extraordinary congress for electing Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as party president by acclamation. Nandi-Ndaitwah was elected unopposed last Saturday, a move that has sparked debate about the party’s internal democratic processes. Stephanus Pombili, a party member and analyst, defended the decision, stating that electing Nandi-Ndaitwah by acclamation was intended to prevent infighting, division, and the emergence of dual centres of power within the party. “These two centres of power harness sabotage and political uncertainty within the party and the country. The party president could advance for impeachment if he controls the majority…

Niël Terblanché Health care services have been put on high alert to ensure swift action to safeguard public health after the first cholera case has been reported in the Kunene region. The Ministry of Health and Social Services’ (MoHSS) executive director, Ben Nangombe, in a statement on Tuesday, said health care services are committed to preventing a widespread outbreak. Nangome confirmed the first case of cholera in Namibia, raising concerns about the potential spread of the disease in the country. He said the case, identified in the Kunene Region, has prompted health authorities to activate a comprehensive response to contain…

Allexer Namundjembo The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) has dismissed claims of media freedom violations and interference in the internal affairs of Network Media Hub (NMH) as baseless and illogical. In a media statement issued on Tuesday, the NIPDB’s senior communications manager, Catherine Shipushu emphasised the board’s commitment to upholding media freedom as guaranteed by the Namibian Constitution.  "However, accountability is a two-way principle. Journalists also bear the professional responsibility to report accurately, fairly, and without bias,” she stated. The statement follows a disciplinary hearing held by NMH last week against staff member Jemimah Beukes, who is alleged…

Niël Terblanché Residents of the Zambezi Region, especially those in flood-prone areas and islands, will have better access to healthcare following the donation of an ambulance boat by the United States government. The vessel, which will aid in the transportation of healthcare workers and patients along the Zambezi River, was officially inaugurated by the minister of health and social services, Dr Kalumbi Shangula over the weekend. While inaugurating the new boat, Shangula stressed the vital role the boat will play in bridging the gap between healthcare services and communities that have struggled with accessibility due to seasonal flooding for years.…

Allexer Namundjembo The National Youth Council (NYC) leadership crisis has resurfaced after the suspended director, Calista Schwartz-Goagoses, through her lawyers, demanded reinstatement. Schwartz-Goagoses was suspended earlier this year by the organization’s board, which was also suspended shortly after that, has asked the interim board to return her to her position. Agnes Tjongarero, the minister of youth and sport, suspended the board earlier this year. In a letter served to the interim board chairperson, to which Windhoek Observer had access, her lawyers from Shipindo and Associates argued that the suspension was unlawful. “It is evident from this opinion that our client’s…