National News

Niël Terblanché As Namibian students gear up for their final exams, the Namibian Police issued a strict warning to the public to adhere to regulations limiting noise pollution and controlling alcohol sales. Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the head of the police’s public relations division in a statement on Thursday said that with the focus and academic performance of students of all ages on the line, the police are determined to create a conducive environment for studying by strictly enforcing the Liquor Act of 1998 and other public disturbance by-laws. Shikwambi stressed the importance of a quiet and safe atmosphere, not…

Stefanus Nashama The deputy minister of environment, forestry, and tourism, Heather Sibungo, has reiterated that cutting down protected tree species requires an official permit from the directorate of forestry. She emphasised that large-scale or commercial tree harvesting is a listed activity under the Forest Act and mandates an environmental clearance certificate. “Cutting down trees needs a permit in line with the Forest Act. Stakeholders are therefore requested to apply for permits before any tree is cut down,” she stated. Sibungo was responding to Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) lawmaker, Hidipo Hamata, who last month questioned if the ministry provides an environmental…

Niël Terblanché MTC and the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund have made a lasting impact on rural education by donating three new classrooms to the Zadang Primary School in the Kavango East region. The Deputy Minister of Education, Arts and Culture, Faustina Caley, Kavango East Education Director Christine Shilima along with representatives from MTC and the MVA Fund inaugurated the new infrastructure on Wednesday. This initiative is part of MTC's Rural Schools Project, aiming to create sustainable education in remote areas. Until now, the school’s 31 students faced challenging conditions, learning in a makeshift open-sided structure. Deputy Minister Caley stressed…

Ester Mbathera The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) is facing increasing scrutiny from economists and politicians after omitting the Labour Force Survey in its latest Census Main Report released on Wednesday. Economist, Roaland Brown took to the X platform, calling for the dismissal of the NSA board and executive for excluding the labour force survey. “The 2023 Census was released today, however the normal section on employment/unemployment was removed (see 2011 report example vs. 2023). After not producing socioeconomic data for six years, the NSA now hides vital information before elections. The board and executive should be held to account and…

Ester Mbathera Political parties preparing for Namibia's National Assembly and Presidential elections in November are still seeking clarity over the Electoral Commission of Namibia's (ECN) decision to use emergency procurement for ballot paper printing. According to the ECN’s annual procurement plan for 2024/25, the bidding process for printing ballot papers should have started on 25 July 2024. However, the commission opted for an emergency process instead after cancelling the initial decision to use Open International Bidding for ballot paper procurement. The ECN chief electoral and referenda officer of the ECN, Peter Shaama, on Wednesday, explained the emergency procurement process after…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Traditional authorities have expressed discontent with the national costume recently unveiled for Miss Namibia, Prisca Anyolo, for the 73rd Miss Universe Pageant, questioning its representation of the country’s cultural diversity. The costume, made from Odelela fabric, which is traditionally associated with the Aawambo people, has ignited a debate on whether it adequately embodies Namibia’s cultural inclusivity. Maria Katjaita of the Maharero Traditional Authority, however, voiced her disappointment with the choice, arguing that a national costume should strive for cultural neutrality and inclusivity. She remarked on the costume’s ties to a specific cultural group, suggesting it could have incorporated…

Stefanus Nashama Workers are increasingly turning to social justice activists for help with labour-related issues, citing frustration with the policies of the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation. Sakaria Johannes, a political analyst, said the government system has many flaws and is riddled with many loopholes that make resolving labour disputes ineffective. Johannes shared this with the Windhoek Observer this week. “Sometimes, those who are at the top are the cause of labour issues, which make it easy for them to manipulate the system,” he said. Johannes added that many workers are reluctant to report labour problems for…

Allexer Namundjembo Political analysts Rui Tyitende and Joseph Diescho have raised concerns over the absenteeism of Members of Parliament (MPs), accusing them of neglecting their constitutional responsibilities at the expense of taxpayers. Their remarks followed parliament’s failure to convene a quorum two days in a row for the review of the mid-year budget. Tyitende said the MPs are paid to execute their duties in the National Assembly, yet fail to show up. “The existing legal framework governing absence without leave should be reviewed so that punitive measures are imposed on dishonourable MPs who fail to show up without a valid…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The City of Windhoek (CoW) has denied claims that its involvement in Groot Aub is counterproductive because the city remains dedicated to ensuring the development of the settlement by providing all the basic services to the community. The city said this in a statement issued on Wednesday while responding to an article by a local daily that highlighted issues raised by local farmers in the Groot Aub vicinity, which is part of Windhoek's rural areas. CoW public relations officer Lydia Amutenya said a socio-economic survey conducted by the Khomas Regional Council in 2009, and a follow-up survey by…

Niël Terblanché A strategic alignment with BRICS could be a vital step in Namibia’s aspirations to contribute to a multipolar global economy, particularly in sustainable and green energy sectors. During a working visit to South Africa on Tuesday, President Nangolo Mbumba engaged in discussions with President Cyril Ramaphosa on the potential advantages Namibia could harness from the BRICS bloc, with South Africa being a founding member. The talks, held in Cape Town, reiterated Namibia’s close economic relationship with South Africa, focusing on enhanced trade, energy collaboration, and new investments stemming from BRICS developments. The leaders explored the outcomes of the…