National News

Ester Mbathera Swakopmund municipality prefers to handle its clients' debts in-house. This is despite the fact that residents, businesses, NGOs, ministries, and other property owners collectively owe the municipality a total of N$132 million. Linda Mupupa, the municipality’s spokesperson, told the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday that they are merely sticking to their mandate to operate as a self-sustaining entity as per the Local Authority Act of 1992, as amended. “Self-sufficiency in this regard means the council is to collect rates and taxes from residents, business owners, and property owners in return for services rendered. The council's current stance is to…

Martin Endjala In response to Namibia's persistently high unemployment rate among young people, the Capricorn Foundation has pledged to invest N$1 million in Bank Windhoek’s Young Talent Programme. The Capricorn Academy for School Leavers, a new initiative under Bank Windhoek's overarching Young Talent Programme, will receive the funds. Marlize Horn, the executive communications officer of the Capricorn Foundation, made this announcement last week. She said the Capricorn Academy for School Leavers aims to address the pressing issue of youth unemployment by providing training and employment opportunities for promising young Namibians. “Recognising the urgency of this national challenge, the Capricorn Foundation…

Niël Terblanché President Nangolo Mbumba and Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, outlined Namibia's ambitious plans to harness green hydrogen as a catalyst for economic transformation and sustainable development at the World Hydrogen Summit in the Netherlands. In his address, President Mbumba stated that Namibia views the 21st century as a transformative era for Africa, with green technologies playing a key role in industrialization and economic growth. "Green hydrogen is the brainchild of my predecessor, the late President Hage Geingob, who recognised its potential in early 2021," Mbumba said while adding that Namibia is currently developing nine hydrogen projects…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Amidst an ongoing leadership upheaval, the Mine Workers Union of Namibia’s (MUN) Executive Committee (NEC) has lifted the suspension of 11 members. At the same time, the union has also appointed former Namdeb branch chairperson, Shavuka Mbidhi to the position of acting vice president. The decision comes after former president Ismael Kasuto and vice president Densley Somseb were suspended because of allegations of financial impropriety and a lack of leadership. According to MUN acting president, Mathew Mberiuana and secretary general George Ampweya, the NEC has opted to lift the suspension of the eleven members. “After due consideration of…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The construction of houses to accommodate members of the Namibian Police Force in the Khomas Region has commenced in Windhoek’s Otjomuise neighbourhood. The national spokesperson of the police, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, confirmed this to the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday. Without revealing how much is budgeted for the project, she said funds have been availed, and the feasibility study and documentation process of the project are completed, as is the construction of the boundary wall of the allocated land in the Otjomuise area. “Indeed, funds were budgeted and available for the project of the police village, hence, the…

Martin Endjala The Mafwe Traditional Authority in the Zambezi Region has accused Chief Munika Mbambo of the Hamubukushu Traditional Authority of infringing on its communal area in the Mukwe constituency of the Kavango East Region. This is in response to a Bafwe community group's petition to the Zambezi Region's governor, Lawrence Alufea Sampofu. Glen Mutemwa read the petition on behalf of the group, calling on Sampofu to intervene before the situation escalates further. “Recently, Chief Mbambo of the Hambukushu has been threatening the peace and stability of the Bafwe community through constant flocking to the Mafwe people (Pitorosi Kabeto of…

Niël Terblanché Quarantine facilities designed to help farmers in the Kunene Region market their livestock are either non-functional or have been severely vandalised, according to findings by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economics and Public Administration. These facilities are crucial for farmers to sell their animals in formal markets, but their current dilapidated state is jeopardising this opportunity. At least three livestock quarantine camps have experienced vandalism, according to the committee's oversight visits to the Northern Communal Areas. This discovery follows a petition urging the region's livestock market to be revived. The only facility still in good condition is the…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The minister of justice, Yvonne Dausab, has raised concerns over the prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) in the country, attributing it to historical standards that were once socially acceptable. She addressed the issue during the launch of the Distress Application (D-APP) in honour of the recent murder of Delia Weimers-Maasdorp in Windhoek. Dausab emphasised that GBV affects both men and women, and it's the responsibility of everyone to prevent violence. “Gender-based violence is not only perpetrated against women but also against men,” said Dausab. Maasdorp’s body was found in her flat in Klein Windhoek, wrapped in a blanket…

Ester Mbathera Kavihuha Mahongora, the secretary general of the Trade Union Congress of Namibia (TUCNA), said that they should constitute the majority of board members in institutions where workers' resources are directly involved. Mahongora referred to entities such as the Social Security Commission, pension funds, and the National Training Authority (NTA). He was responding to questions from the Windhoek Observer about the importance of trade union representation on the plethora of boards of directors. “The workers must control the board, which determines their fate, look after the resources of the workers, and determine their future. But those boards that are…