National News

Martin Endjala With the deadline for the mandatory registration of all Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards scheduled for 31 March 2024 looming, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has repeated its call to all stakeholders who have not registered their SIM cards to do so, to avoid being disconnected on 1 April 2024. CRAN’s Chief Executive Officer, Emilia Nghikembua said for those who are still waiting to register their SIM cards, it is imperative to comprehend the repercussions of non-compliance should they not do so by 31 March 2024. As of 29 February 2024, Namibia had 2,387,230 active SIM…

Niël Terblanché A development aimed at facilitating trade and easing the movement of people between Namibia and Botswana, the construction of the Mamuno one-stop border post on the TransKalahari corridor is on track for completion in May. According to Yarukeekuro Ndorokaze, the Chief of Strategic Communications and Support Engagements executive at the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA), the initiative promises to revolutionize border control operations, significantly reducing congestion and waiting times. He said the project, rooted in a bilateral agreement between Namibia and Botswana, demonstrates the two nations' collaborative spirit and shared vision. The agreement was finalized during the first Bi-National…

Niël Terblanché The enduring relationship between Namibia and the United States of America is poised for further expansion and deepening, heralding a promising future for both nations. Following a courtesy visit to President Nangolo Mbumba at State House, US Ambassador to Namibia, Randy Berry reiterated the United States' commitment to continuing its long-standing programs and partnerships with Namibia, which span over three decades. According to Ambassador Berry, the cornerstone of this bilateral relationship has been the health sector, with the United States playing a pivotal role in Namibia's fight against HIV/AIDS. For nearly two decades, the partnership between the US…

Martin Endjala The Namibia Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s (NCCI) Chief Executive Officer, Charity Mwiya urged all Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to start collaborating to form consortiums. She said by doing this, many SMEs stand a chance to compete within various markets both locally and internationally while cautioning that those who choose to operate individually will miss out on many opportunities. “SMEs need to start forming consortiums to leverage the benefits of partnerships. The NCCI is here to expose you to various markets and partnerships will assist you along the way”. Mwiya said this during a business connect engagement…

Niël Terblanché The search for a new Chief Executive Officer for the Outjo Municipality is set to start afresh following directives from Erastus Uutoni, the Minister of Urban and Rural Development. The minister’s decision comes in the wake of serious allegations pointing to irregularities and a purportedly flawed interview process that marred last year’s recruitment efforts. The controversy unfolded after Mahne Kruger, a candidate for the CEO position, raised concerns with the Ombudsman over what was described as unfair recruitment practices at the municipality. These allegations prompted a closer examination of the selection process, culminating in the minister's intervention. Outjo…

Stefanus Nashama Maximalliant Katjimune, a Member of Parliament of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), has announced that he will be presenting a motion to merge the National Youth Council (NYC) with the National Youth Service (NYS) to the National Assembly next month. He has also declared that on the same day, he will ask the assembly to refer the motion to the relevant Parliamentary Standing Committee for further scrutiny and report its results back to the National Assembly. Katjimune expressed his reasons for re-tabling the motion, stating that the recent developments and infighting at the NYC have caused him to…