National News

Martin Endjala  The Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform (MAWLR) has refuted allegations suggesting it blocked a fertiliser shipment heading to Zambia at the Walvis Bay port out of malice. This comes after Buks Jansen van Rensburg, chief executive officer of Buks Haulage Limited (BHL) Group, took to his social media page this week and accused the ministry of blocking fertiliser in transit to Zambia. He questioned the ministry's rationale for continuing to adhere to a 1947 law, which he referred to as regulations created by the old South African apartheid regime. “Namibia is a net importer of food.…

Allexer Namundjembo Vendors at the Omuthiya Open Market have raised concerns about the newly constructed market, citing its distance from the main road and lack of accessibility as potential threats to their businesses. The open market along the main road has long been a central part of Omuthiya’s economy, providing a platform for trading activities in a town where jobs are scarce. For years, vendors have been trading in open spaces due to the limited capacity of the existing market. Speaking to the Windhoek Observer, Selma Titus, a vendor at the current open market, acknowledged that relocating aligns with the…

Niël Terblanché The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), with a contribution of N$9 million from the Government of Japan, has launched a commodity voucher programme to tackle the worsening hunger crisis caused by the ongoing drought in Namibia. The programme was inaugurated at Okauva Village in the Ohangwena region, aiming to support 27 000 vulnerable people across the Ohangwena and Kunene regions on Thursday. Ericah Shafudah, WFP Deputy Country Director, while speaking at the launch, highlighted the critical nature of the partnership. "The partnership with Japan is critical in preventing the escalation of malnutrition and ensuring that families do…

Niël Terblanché Namibia is set to take centre stage in global biodiversity conservation by hosting the 11 Session of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). The event will take place in Windhoek from 10 to 16 December, gathering approximately 750 delegates from more than 150 countries. According to Romeo Muyunda, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism’s spokesperson, leading scientists, policymakers, and international experts will be among the participants, who will discuss critical issues related to biodiversity, ecosystem services, and their integral role in human well-being. “The event will further contribute to Namibia’s growing prominence in…

Niël Terblanché Sam Shivute, the Commissioner of the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA), has been elected as the Vice Chairperson of the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) which represents a giant leap forward for the country’s tax administration structures. According to NamRA's spokesperson, Yarukeekuro Ndorokaze, the election took place during ATAF's General Meetings held in Kigali, Rwanda, on Wednesday. “Shivute, the founding Commissioner of NamRA, will serve as the deputy to Professor Edward Kieswetter, the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service,” Ndorokaze said. ATAF serves as a platform for intra-African collaboration and peer learning among tax administrations. Its mission is…

Niël Terblanché The deputy prime minister, John Mutorwa unveiled Namibia’s National Risk Profile of Natural Hazards and Selected Diseases in Windhoek on Wednesday. This comprehensive document represents a fundamental step in shifting the country's disaster management approach from reactive to proactive. Mutorwa said the risk profile, commissioned by the Office of the Prime Minister, provides a detailed analysis of the country's exposure to various natural hazards, including droughts, floods, heatwaves, windstorms, lightning, and earthquakes. “The essence of managing disaster risks lies in the proactive, strategic, and sustainable approach to reducing vulnerabilities and enhancing resilience,” he said. Mutorwa reiterated that the…

Stefanus Nashama The Khomas Regional Council has allocated N$3 million to install five overhead lights at the Goreangab informal settlement in Windhoek. This was confirmed on Thursday by Samora Machel Constituency Councillor Nestor Kalola. Kalola explained that the program to provide lighting for residents in the area was proposed last year, but it could not be implemented due to a lack of funds. “I have submitted a proposal for the project at the Windhoek Municipality since last year, but there was no money available. Fortunately, the Khomas Regional Council made the N$3 million available for the project,” he said. Currently,…

Stefanus Nashama A family in the Zambezi region is still waiting for the government to compensate them for the use of their ancestral land. The Namibia Development Corporation (NDC) and the Namibia Correctional Service (NCS) have been using the land for agricultural purposes for the past 11 years. The land belonged to the late William Bill Finaughty. His grandchildren, Patrick Kangulu, Mary Kangulu, and John Finaughty, are now fighting the government for compensation amounting to N$7 million for the use of their ancestral land located near the Wenela Border Post and Katima Farm. “We have proof of ownership of our…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has confirmed that its investigation into suspected fraudulent activities at the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) is nearing completion, with potential prosecution on the horizon. The case revolves around allegations of unauthorised amendments to the ownership structure of Orange River Exploration and Mining CC, owned by businessman, Peter Shifwaku. The investigation has identified some BIPA officials as suspects. The names of the suspects are known to the Windhoek Observer. "I confirm that the allegations are under investigation by ACC. Some officials at BIPA are suspects, and the docket is at an advanced stage…

Niël Terblanché The day after the conclusion of Namibia’s 8th Presidential and National Assembly Elections, President Nangolo Mbumba praised the nation’s commitment to democracy and pledged the government’s unwavering support for the rule of law. President-elect, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will serve as Namibia’s first female head of state in the aftermath of the elections that ran from 27 to 29 November. “The Namibian people have spoken. Namibians in their majority wrote a new chapter in the history of their constitutional democracy by electing the first female President of the Republic of Namibia. I do not doubt that under her capable and…