National News

Niël Terblanché The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) reiterated its commitment to delivering credible, free, and fair elections as the nation prepares for its Presidential and National Assembly Elections later this week. The ECN’s chairperson, Dr Elsie Nghikembua, during a briefing to international observer missions, diplomatic representatives, and media on Friday, stressed the importance of collaboration and transparency in safeguarding democratic values. Dr. Nghikembua welcomed observers and said they play a key role in enhancing the electoral process. "Your presence is not only an encouragement to the ECN but also to all electoral stakeholders. You bring expertise, values of impartiality,…

Stefanus Nashama The leader of the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF), Epafras Mukwiilongo, and Michael Amushelelo made a surprise appearance at the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) rally at the Okandjengedi location in Oshakati on Sunday. The rally was addressed by the IPC’s leader, Panduleni Itula and the final “Go Out and Vote” campaign event. Mukwiilongo, who is also in the race for the presidency, said they attended to show solidarity with IPC members and demonstrate unity. “We came to greet and support the chief patriot. We are all one,” he said. Mukwillongo observed that political parties have turned into…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Electoral Commission of Namibia’s (ECN) chief electoral and referenda officer, Peter Shaama, assured the public that the national elections that are set for Wednesday will go ahead as planned, even though some polling officials are threatening to derail it because of a payment dispute. This comes after some polling officials, who are currently undergoing training in Rundu, threatened to abandon the training, return to their houses and not work on election day. They demanded an increase to their daily allowance from the current N$150 to N$300 per day. On Sunday, ECN Regional Electoral Officer of the Kavango…

Ester Mbathera Swapo’s presidential candidate, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said corruption is holding the country’s public health facilities hostage. She said this on Sunday in Windhoek at the party's final rally ahead of the 27 November elections where she also acknowledged that there is a challenge with the shortage of medicine in hospitals. “There has not been a problem of money. The problem is the process. A government tender is given to one person. Those who did not get the tender complain justifiably, maybe because we have some people who may administratively do things the wrong way, corruption and this is keeping…

Niël Terblanché The African Union Commission (AUC) has deployed an Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) to Namibia in anticipation of the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for Wednesday. This deployment follows an official invitation from the government and the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN). According to the AUC’s statement, the invitation and involvement of the continental body is a demonstration of Namibia’s dedication to upholding democratic principles and the rule of law. The AUEOM is led by Dr Speciosa Kazibwe Wandira, the former Vice President of Uganda, and consists of 47 observers drawn from a diverse array of African nations,…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF)'s Elias Ndemuweda has urged unemployed graduates to vote for the party’s presidential candidate, Epaphras Mukwiilongo, and other aspiring legislative representatives. Ndemuweda reminded the unemployed graduates of their struggles in a statement over the weekend. ‘’This symbolised that, in an independent Namibia, there are young people who have completed their education but remain unemployed. On that day, we coined the words: ‘They say education is the key, but once you get that key—they change the locks.’ This fact remains true to date,” he said. He added that NEFF’s policy position is the reformation of…

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Defence Force’s (NDF) Command and Staff College has reinforced its reputation as the country’s premier military training institution, contributing significantly to national security and fostering regional stability and cooperation. On Friday, 30 senior military officers graduated from the Senior Command and Staff Course 04/2024, which focused on military leadership and strategic preparedness. The event highlighted the institution's commitment to equipping security personnel with skills to address evolving security challenges. Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Namibia's President and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Force, Dr Nangolo Mbumba, commended the graduates, describing their achievement as a milestone in national…

Stefanus Nashama Panduleni Itula, the leader of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), said he has no time to waste responding to fabrications and unsubstantiated allegations. He shared this information with the Windhoek Observer on Thursday. “I don't respond to lies, fabrications, and unsubstantiated allegations,” said Itula. This statement follows accusations made by former and founding IPC member Josua “Ketu 2000” Mwetupunga. Mwetupunga claimed that Itula threatened to block his phone number while he was attempting to advise the party leadership regarding the processes for the national conference where parliamentary representatives were elected. Mwetupunga, who resigned from IPC on Wednesday,…

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s journey towards integrating technology into education received a major boost with Huawei Technologies Namibia donating classroom digital equipment to President Nangolo Mbumba at State House worth N$900 000 on Thursday. The equipment will benefit two high schools - Oshigambo High School in the Oshikoto region and Dr Alpho Mauno Mbamba School in the Kavango East region. The donation aims to address the acute need for IT teaching aids in these regions, which have long struggled with limited access to technological resources. President Nangolo Mbumba hailed the donation as a substantial step toward transforming Namibia’s education system. Drawing…

Niël Terblanché In the face of the worst drought to hit Southern Africa in decades, the government of the United States of America, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has provided 14 tons of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) to Namibia. This vital nutritional aid, distributed in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Services and UNICEF, aims to address the alarming malnutrition rates among children under five years old, exacerbated by the ongoing food insecurity crisis. According to a statement issued by the US Embassy in Namibia, the country is currently in the grip of a…