National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) has expressed concerns about governance and transparency following the reappointment of Dino Ballotti to the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB). Ballotti, who recently left his role at First National Bank (FNB), has returned to the NIPDB as a technical consultant, a move that the PDM leader, McHenry Venaani, claims exemplifies the SWAPO administration’s lack of accountability. Balloti will serve as a technical consultant to NIPDB’s executive committee, having previously held the position of executive director of MSME innovation and acceleration at the same institution. Ballotti's brief tenure at FNB came to…

Allexer Namundjembo Namcor Interim Managing Director, Ebson Uanguta acknowledged that the institution has significant debts mainly owed to its suppliers. Uanguta said this on Tuesday while giving an overview of the company’s operations and strategic progress at the Government Information Centre. “These were possibly things that went wrong, hence Namcor found itself in significant debt, and because of that, we needed financial support from the government as a shareholder. We appreciate the government for its commitment because they came and supported Namcor during that difficult time,’’ Uanguta said. He explained that the institution then came up with a sovereign guarantee…

Allexer Namundjembo Tim Martins, founder and CEO of the I Got Your Back, My Sisters (IGYBMS) project, has reaffirmed the initiative’s commitment to ensuring that no learner misses school due to lack of access to sanitary pads. Despite challenges in securing partnerships with government agencies, Martins expressed pride in the donations the project has received so far, which have already made a significant impact in various regions of Namibia. “‘We are more dedicated to keeping the girl child in school. We are facing challenges such as partnering with government agencies, but we appreciate the donations we are getting particularly the…

Stefanus Nashama Theo Mujoro, the former Chief Electoral and Referenda Officer of the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), has been unemployed since his term at the commission ended in June 2023. Mujoro expressed optimism that he will find employment again in the future to the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday. “At the moment, I am unemployed, but I think I can still make it,” said Mujoro. He said he is currently preparing to secure gainful employment next year. “Due to my experience, skills, and knowledge, I believe I can get a job next year,” he said. Mujoro’s comments come after some…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Otjomuise Live Arts Festival (OLAF) brought Windhoek to life as it showcased the city’s emerging dance talent, with young performers dominating the spotlight. The festival, which kicked off on 9 October and concluded on 12 October, celebrated its fourth edition under the theme “MOVE!” and featured performances at key locations across the city, including Zoo Park, Sifu Arena in Katutura and the College of the Arts. The festival’s dance battle finale saw Rhythm in Motion secure the top prize of N$10 000, demonstrating the growing platform OLAF provides for young talent. One of the festival’s key goals,…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja High Court Judge Eileen Rakow dismissed an urgent application from Swapo member Reinhold Shipwikineni and four others. The applicants sought to overturn the central committee's decision to postpone the party's extraordinary congress until next year. Rakow ruled on Monday that the application was not properly constituted and lacked the return of service documents. Shipwikineni and the other applicants sought to nullify the candidacy of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as the SWAPO candidate for the upcoming presidential election. They also requested that the court compel SWAPO to hold an extraordinary congress, as required by the party’s constitution. The court ordered Shipwikineni…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Namibian courts and several ministries are yet to display the official portrait of President Nangolo Mbumba. The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology’s (MICT) spokesperson, Shoki Kandjimi confirmed the situation. “None of the courts have the new presidential portraits; this is because of procurement. However, I have advised them to at least put a ribbon on the late president’s picture. All offices, ministries and agencies were given the directive,” he said. In July, the ministry issued a directive following the death of President Hage Geingob, announcing the availability of President Mbumba’s official portrait for display in public and…