National News

Niël Terblanché The government has reaffirmed its commitment to nationwide connectivity with an investment of N$145 million into the Universal Service Fund (USF). The minister of information and communication technology, Emma Theofelus, announced the funding at the launch of the USF by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) on Wednesday. She said the fund is aimed at bridging the digital divide by supporting the expansion of network infrastructure in underserved areas, ensuring that the nation has access to reliable communication services. Theofelus said the investment would be used to construct network towers and deploy digital infrastructure to achieve full…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe A parliamentary investigation has found that Uranium One Group, a mining company exploring uranium in the area of Leonardville in the Omaheke region, drilled 70 exploration boreholes without the required permits. The company also drilled seven boreholes for hydrogeological studies without authorisation, violating the Water Resources Act 11, 2013. A report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources, Economics, and Public Administration revealed that the company failed to follow permit conditions. According to the report, the boreholes were not properly cased off and grouted, raising concerns about groundwater contamination. “The two committees managed to hear the presentation…

Moses Magadza  A Zimbabwean youth leader representing the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) has called on African Union (AU) Member States to urgently ratify the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) to achieve lasting change and ensure the safety and empowerment of women and girls across Africa. Speaking at a side event during the ongoing 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) in New York on Monday, councillor Chioniso Michelle Murinda acknowledged the role of AWLN in nurturing young female leaders across the continent. “Since 2017, AWLN has been a transformative platform…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources chairperson Tjekero Tweya called on the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources to increase the seal harvesting quota from 50 000 to 200 000 to protect the fishing industry.  The committee’s report, released on Tuesday, revealed that the seal population has grown to 1.6 million, up from 680,000 in 1970. Seals consume large amounts of fish, which make up 70% of their diet, posing a threat to the fishing industry.   The report found that seal rights holders have not fully used their quotas. Harvesters have focused mainly on bull seals for…

Sakeus Iikela A South African Member of Parliament has called for urgent action to implement a bilateral agreement on preserving the Nama language between Namibia and South Africa. Speaking in Windhoek on Monday, Newrene Klaaste, Speaker of the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature, warned that without concrete efforts between the two countries, the language – a vital part of the region’s cultural heritage – could disappear. “Our bilateral agreements with Namibia include education and the preservation of the Nama language. It is crucial that we assess the progress of this agreement. The fear we have is that if we do not…

Niël Terblanché The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has announced the registration of the Association for Localised Interest (ASOLI) as an association under the Electoral Act, 2014. This development, published in Government Gazette No. 8585, opens a 30-day window from 4 March to 4 April 2025 for objections from any registered organisation or individual. In a statement confirming the registration, Chief Electoral and Referenda Officer, Peter Shaama, outlined the legal basis for the announcement. “Pursuant to Section 148(7) of the Electoral Act, Act No. 5 of 2014, as amended, the Electoral Commission of Namibia hereby formally announces the registration of…

Niël Terblanché The healthcare sector has undergone a major shift with the established Health Professions Council of Namibia (HPCNA) which consolidated five different councils into one entity. The transition follows on the heels of the enactment of the Health Professions Act of 2024. The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, during the swearing-in of the new council members in Windhoek on Monday, described the development as a critical step towards strengthening oversight in the medical field. “The new Health Professions Council of Namibia was established in terms of the provisions of the Health Professions Act, 2024. This…

Allexer Namundjembo A special parliamentary committee has raised concerns that the Affirmative Repositioning’s (AR) Land Bill of 2015 could harm foreign direct investment (FDI) and conflict with Namibia’s legal framework. Tjekero Tweya, chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources, presented a report analysing the bill, which aims to regulate land ownership by non-Namibian citizens. He said the bill may impact certain constitutional rights, particularly those in Chapter 3, which guarantees equality. “The proposed bill will have an impact on certain rights and freedoms, particularly the fundamental rights and freedoms contained in Chapter 3 of the Namibian Constitution, the…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe A parliamentary standing committee on constitutional and legal affairs has recommended that the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Ministry of Justice, review the Veterans Act No. 2 of 2008.  The committee wants amendments to include all children who were in exile during the liberation struggle. A report released by Parliament on Monday states that when the Veterans Act was enacted in 2008, it excluded those below 18 years old.  At the time, they were considered children and dependent on their veteran parents. “The concern is that the Act automatically excludes those above 18…

Niël Terblanché Namibia has taken a decisive step in enhancing its capacity to respond to health emergencies with the launch of the National Multi-Hazard Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan on Monday. The initiative, which was unveiled in Windhoek by the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), also includes the introduction of a Public Health Emergency Operations Centre Handbook, a Digital Learning Platform, and the distribution of 80 electronic tablets for Community Health Workers. Health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula said the new measures reflect Namibia’s commitment to being prepared for public…