National News

Niël Terblanché The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has successfully dispatched ballot papers and non-sensitive election materials to 33 of the country’s 35 diplomatic missions worldwide. This is preparation for the Presidential and National Assembly elections special voting window for Namibians in the diaspora set for 13 November. The chief electoral and referenda officer, Peter Shaama in a statement on Monday said that the distribution commenced and concluded last Thursday, with the materials sent out on 1 November. The material was sent through the diplomatic bags of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation (MIRCO). Shaama added that the remaining…

Niël Terblanché Grootfontein’s residents are battling with an influx of free-roaming livestock that has taken over their streets, gardens, and public spaces. This has created a crisis that has left many frustrated and searching for solutions. The town, once known for its neat neighbourhoods, now faces the daily challenge of herds of cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs wandering the community. Despite repeated complaints to the town council, residents feel their concerns have largely been ignored, and many worry that the once vibrant town is losing its character and quickly turning into a village. For at least four years, the town…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Popular Democratic Movement’s (PDM) leader, McHenry Venaani has raised alarm over the escalating livestock theft in the country, highlighting its detrimental impact on farmers. Speaking at a rally in Gobabis over the weekend, Venaani claimed that livestock theft cost farmers more than N$3.4 million in the Omaheke region last year. "PDM is resolutely committed to addressing crime in all its forms, ensuring that our communities can feel safe and secure. We shall enhance the training of police officers to ensure that investigations result in successful convictions," he said. Venaani pledged to decentralise policing powers from national to regional…

Martin Endjala A group of Zimbabwean citizens living in Namibia, under the banner Zimbabwe Citizens Against Sanctions, submitted a petition to the embassy of the United States in Windhoek on Monday in which they demand the immediate lifting of sanctions imposed on their country by the USA. The action coincides with the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) Anti-Sanctions Day, observed on 25 October during which the severe economic and humanitarian impacts caused by the sanctions are emphasised. Arthur Makarutse, the chairman of the Zimbabwe Citizens Against Sanctions group, argued that the sanctions have led to high unemployment, surpassing 80%, causing…

Niël Terblanché MTC employees, supported by the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund and Namib Mills, donated more than 250 mattresses and essential food supplies to learners of the Cocoma Primary School in the Ndiyona circuit of the Kavango East Region. The generous initiative, part of the employee-led MTC Care programme, is a vital lifeline for many learners who struggle daily with educational inequalities. During the handover, school principal Moses Ndumba expressed gratitude, noting the difference this gesture will make to Cocoma Primary’s learners. “We are highly appreciative of the support that we have received today. Some of our learners have…

Niël Terblanché As NamWater continues to partner with various stakeholders to make a lasting, positive impact on communities across Namibia. In this regard, NamWater has demonstrated its commitment to improving education and community development in Namibia's Hardap Region with a substantial donation aimed at equipping young learners for academic success. At a ceremony on Monday which was attended by key stakeholders, NamWater handed over stationery supplies valued at N$381 660 to ten primary schools which is a substantial investment in the educational landscape of southern Namibia. Kadiva Hamutumwa, NamWater’s Chief Strategy and Corporate Affairs Officer, stated that the initiative is…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Swakopmund municipality has announced a donation of five erven, collectively valued at N$338 000, to first-time homeowners listed on the town’s Master Waiting List. The council decided to provide residents with affordable land under the 40/40 (Credit-Link) Housing Project on October 8. The erven are located in Extensions 6 and 7 of Matutura and collectively cover 1 877 square metres, with individual values ranging from N$64 000 to N$70 000. Linda Mupupa, a spokesperson for Swakopmund, explained that the original servicing of these units with government funds under the Mass Housing Project made the donation possible. “The…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The leader of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), McHenry Venaani has pledged to construct desalination plants along Namibia's coast if his party is voted into power. Speaking at a rally in Walvis Bay over the weekend, Venaani emphasised the urgency of addressing the country’s water crisis, which was exacerbated by the recent suspension of water extraction from the Hardap Dam due to drought. “This is a crisis that demands urgent action. I have seen the everyday hard-working Namibians at the forefront of being impacted by severe water shortages as I travel throughout Namibia. Communities are fighting to survive.…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Auditor-General’s report for the financial year ending 30 June 2023 flagged multiple financial irregularities at the Ondangwa Town Council. The report, presented by Auditor-General Junias Kandjeke, highlights several breaches of the Local Authorities Act and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). Kandjeke noted that the council implemented a Subsistence and Travel Allowance Policy in September 2022 without the required approval from the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, breaching the Local Authorities Act. According to the report, the council spent N$1.2 million on travel and accommodation between September 2022 and June 2023, without the requisite ministerial endorsement.…

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Police detained a 24-year-old woman in Swakopmund on Thursday evening in connection with the death of a three-month-old baby. Ashley Mudimu, a Zimbabwean national, was wanted by the police following the discovery of her baby’s body, buried in a shallow grave near the naval base in Walvis Bay last week. She was arrested by undercover police officers, from whom she requested a lift to either Otjiwarongo or Windhoek, as she did not have money to pay for the journey. She was subsequently taken into custody. Mudimu’s apprehension came shortly after this appeal by the authorities to…