National News

Mallex Shipanga In the heart of Kangongo village, 155 kilometres east of Rundu in the Kavango East region, lies Karovo Fish Farm, a modest fishing business owned by Djami Kafuro. Although Kafuro is a teacher by profession, he ventured into the freshwater aquaculture fishing sector in 2022. Freshwater aquaculture, primarily a government-driven initiative, focuses on species like African catfish and tilapia and aims to enhance food security in rural areas. Kafuro explained that he was inspired by others to start his own business. “I saw other places where people were doing business with fish and I had the desire to…

Mallex Shipanga Learners of the Ponhofi Secondary School in the Ohangwena region recently participated in an interactive session on sex education. The event last week brought together both male and female learners to discuss important topics affecting their growth and future aspirations. The session was led by motivational speaker and youth advisor, Andreas Robert. “Our session, open to both boys and girls, was full of meaningful conversations and inspiring energy,” Robert said. He warned the learners about the dangers of teenage pregnancy. “You have a bright future. You getting pregnant is just another distraction that is going to take you…

Martin Endjala The Outjo Municipal Town Council has restored water supply to residents after weeks of shortages and rationing caused by the failure of an electrical pump during a thunderstorm. The Outjo municipality’s spokesperson, Rivonia Roman confirmed this to the Windhoek Observer last week. During the water crisis, the council mobilised water supply trucks to assist residents. Roman said that three trucks were deployed, two were provided by NEXUS and one by the municipality. “Groundwater levels are low. New boreholes are required to provide enough water to residents, and since the booster pumps burned, the council had to order new…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Election observer missions from Southern Africa, African Union and civic organisations that oversaw the presidential and National Assembly elections have criticised operational failures that have undermined confidence in the electoral process. Observer missions have urged reforms to address logistical shortcomings, enhance inclusivity, and ensure transparency. Voters are also calling for the nullification of the election. The elections were marked by operational lapses, including a shortage of ballot papers at polling stations, the heating of tablets, the running out of batteries for the ultraviolet light torches, and the departure of mobile polling stations before some voters had cast their…

Niël Terblanché Namibians received welcome news on Friday when the Ministry of Mines and Energy announced that fuel prices will remain unchanged for December, offering relief to consumers during the festive season. This is the third consecutive month of stable fuel pricing, providing much-needed consistency in the face of global economic uncertainties. In a statement released on Friday, the ministry confirmed that petrol prices at Walvis Bay will remain at N$20.25 per litre, while diesel 50ppm and 10ppm will stay at N$19.72 and N$19.82 per litre, respectively. The announcement of stable fuel prices is aimed at mitigating the impact of…

Niël Terblanché Namwater has entered into a contract with institutions that have the capacity to perform water monitoring on a national level on Friday. The contract has been awarded to a Joint Venture (JV) between German-based GKW Consult GmbH and Namibian firm Burmeister & Partners (Pty) Ltd Consulting Engineers. NamWater’s chief executive officer, Abraham Nehemia, said that the six-year monitoring consultancy under the Water Sector Support Programme 1 (WSSP 1) project is aimed at strengthening the country’s water infrastructure and ensuring sustainable access to water services. “The Water Sector Support Programme 1 (WSSP 1) is a critical initiative to address…

Mallex Shipanga NamRights Director, Phil Ya Nangoloh has called on citizens and political parties to avoid inciting violence during and after the announcement of election results. In a statement issued on Sunday, Ya Nangoloh urged parties alleging widespread irregularities or vote rigging to pursue their claims through lawful channels. “We are extremely concerned by what appears to be rising propaganda for war or advocacy of national, racial, or religious hatred that incites discrimination, hostility or violence," said Ya Nangoloh. This comes after statements made by some political parties, or in their names, that concerned NamRights. “Such statements have now become…

Mallex Shipanga The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) is facing criticism for its lack of communication with the public following the recent elections. The commission has called on the nation to report any irregularities around the election and the ongoing ballot counting, but there does seem to be an avenue to direct such issues. Calls to the ECN's office at contact number +264 61 376 200 frequently go unanswered. Questions sent to the ECN’s spokesperson Dewet Silika also remain unanswered. The Windhoek Observer wanted to know if the ECN has a hotline number where the public can direct its complaints…