National News

Allexer Namundjembo The Environmental Investment Fund (EIF) of Namibia has addressed concerns over its procurement process for the Namibia Green Hydrogen Program (NGH2P), emphasising that all decisions were fully compliant with the country’s Public Procurement Act. The concerns focus on the appointment of consultants for a Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) and a communication strategy for the green hydrogen sector. The EIF made it clear that the SESA, which was needed to study the social and economic effects of green hydrogen projects in southern Namibia, was behind schedule because of failed rounds of procurement. Benedict Lidanda, EIF chief executive…

Stefanus Nashama The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture has dismissed claims circulating on social media that it requested the deployment of military personnel to replace private security services at schools. Rumours spread through various WhatsApp groups over the past week suggested that the Ministry of Education had approached the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs to assign Namibian Defence Force (NDF) members to guard schools. The allegations further claimed the request was awaiting approval. Speaking to the Windhoek Observer on Wednesday, Sanet Steenkamp, Executive Director of the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, categorically denied the claims, emphasizing that…

Niël Terblanché As Christmas approaches, law enforcement agencies in the Erongo region have stepped up efforts to ensure safety and security for both residents and visitors. Erongo regional police commander, Commissioner Nikolaus Kupembona, assured the public of a well-coordinated safety strategy. “ We are ready to ensure law and order, but we need the public’s cooperation to make this festive season crime-free,” he said. He added that holidaymakers from across Namibia and abroad can look forward to celebrations in the coastal towns, supported by robust safety measures. According to Kupembona, the regional command has implemented a comprehensive safety plan, including…

Mallex Shipanga At just 34 years old, Rogina Muyamba, along with her two-month-old daughter, Ava Nangura, and her eight-year-old stepson, Alfred, tragically lost their lives in a vehicle accident 30 kilometres north of Keetmanshoop on Sunday afternoon. Her husband, Wendelin Muyamba, was driving the family of five when their journey took a tragic turn. On social media, Rogina and Wendelin often shared glimpses of their life together. These include vibrant birthday celebrations, joyful family gatherings, and wedding photos that paint a picture of a couple deeply in love and a family filled with hope and promise. Ferdinand Tjombe, Rogina’s uncle,…

Mallex Shipanga The Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) is subsidising farmers who grow mahangu and white maize seeds during the 2025/2026 growing season. “More than 1400 mahangu and white maize grain producers are expected to benefit,” said NAB public relations officer Liseli Mwilima. The subsidies fall under the NAB’s “National Drought Support Programme for Surplus and Commercial Producers,” to assist farmers in recovering from the 2023/2024 drought. The programme provides subsidies through a refund claim system on pearl millet and white maize seeds as well as fertilisers for rain-fed production. Mwilima explained why the “National Drought Support Programme for Surplus and…

Ester Mbathera An internal audit by Telecom Namibia in 2021 red-flagged their weaknesses, listing their troubled billing system, lack of controls and record keeping, costing the company N$69.3 million. The head of internal audit and risk management, Kgomotso Hochobeb, wrote to the Telecom chief executive officer (CEO), Stanley Shanapinda, requesting urgent management intervention in these weaknesses. This audit is part of leaked information from Telecom Namibia valued at N$5.4 billion (U$300 million) by hackers Hunters International. It exposed over 626 gigabytes of sensitive data of over 493 000 individuals, ministries, state-owned enterprises and private businesses. The leaked trove includes copies…

Allexer Namundjembo Fifteen political parties, including the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) and Landless People’s Movement (LPM), accepted an invitation from the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) to inspect electoral materials. The inspection process started yesterday and will end today (19 December). The process has been criticised over the limited time allocated. Ivan Skrywer, the LPM representative to the ECN, raised concerns about the feasibility of the inspection within the two-day timeframe mandated by the court. Speaking during the inspection at the ECN offices, Skrywer voiced his dissatisfaction with the court’s decision, which he argued did not reflect the seriousness…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The death of a 26-year-old motorcyclist in a collision involving a Seapride Foods delivery truck has raised concerns about the company’s vehicle maintenance practices and accountability. The fatal accident occurred in Windhoek last month. According to police reports, a four-tonne truck reportedly hit a motorcycle on Robert Mugabe Avenue, causing it to collide with other stationary vehicles. The motorcyclist, identified as Romario Tony Pienaar, died at the scene. Romario’s mother, Suzette Elizabeth Dominguez, has since accused Seapride Foods of negligence, alleging that the truck’s brakes were not functioning properly at the time of the accident. “Innocent people were…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Boxing promoter, Nestor Tobias has strong hopes that 2025 is going to be a better year for boxing. Tobias expressed the hope during an interview with the Windhoek Observer on Wednesday while highlighting boxing activities in 2024 and outlining aspirations for 2025. He said 2025 would be better, especially for his stable, as some of his boxers have good chances of winning world titles. “The current crop of boxers in the academy are hungry for success and they show it whenever they step into the ring to fight. Hence, some of them are in the world ranking, which…

Niël Terblanché As many Namibians prepare for their festive season travels at the start of the weekend, the Namibian Police issued an advisory to prevent a spike in housebreaking incidents, which typically rise during the holiday season. Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the head of the police’s public relations division, stressed the need for vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard homes while families celebrate Christmas and other festivities. "We have noted with concern an increase in housebreaking cases, particularly in urban areas, as the festive season approaches," she said. On Tuesday, members of the Namibian Police apprehended five suspects who broke…