National News

Niël Terblanché Two female tourists, aged 69 and 72 succumbed to injuries on the scene of a horrific crash which involved three buses and a self-drive tourist car on the C214 Road between Walvis Bay and the Kuiseb River Canyon on Wednesday. The crash occurred when the brakes of a Scania tour bus that was driving downhill from the direction of Windhoek, allegedly failed. According to Chief Inspector Ileni Shapumba, the head of the community affairs division of the Erongo police, the driver of the bus lost control and smashed into a stationary bakkie and a smaller tourist bus that…

Niël Terblanché The Namibian government will have to remain steadfast in its dual commitment to environmental preservation and economic prosperity when tackling the development of the oil and gas industry. At the official opening of the Namibia International Energy Conference 2024, the Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo gave the assurance that the nation's mushrooming oil and gas industry aligns with stringent environmental regulations. The conference in Windhoek is presented under the theme, ‘Reimagine Resource-Rich Namibia: Turning Possibilities into Prosperity’. “Those who critique the environmental implications often do so from a place of comfort, detached from the realities faced…

Martin Endjala RedForce Debt Management has threatened to take legal action against the Municipality of Walvis Bay for breach of contract. This follows the motion that was passed by the council to terminate the contract earlier this week. RedForce’s deputy chief executive and legal advisor, Magaret Malambo told Windhoek Observer that the company finds it very comical for the council to terminate a valid contract already in place. “We find it very alarming and comical that the council has passed a motion contrary to the signed contract terms between the parties. Before our procurement and subsequent appointment, a council resolution…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Opposition leader McHenry Venaani has called on President Nangolo Mbumba to declare drought a state of emergency. Venaani wrote to Mbumba on Thursday saying the adverse effects of climate change have brought the country to an alarming state where the imminent threat of meteorological calamity overshadows human daily existence. “The relentless El Niño climatic phenomenon exacerbates this already precarious situation, causing severe rainfall shortages. This is indicative of not merely a seasonal irregularity but a dreadful spectre of our changing climate - a matter that deserves our undivided attention and swift action,” he said. NamWater's recent disclosure that…

Martin Endjala According to the Namibian Chamber of Mines (CoM) 2023 annual review report released on Wednesday, the mining industry recorded a turnover of N$51.572 billion in 2023. The 2023 turnover represents a 36 percent increase compared to the N$37.976 billion recorded in 2022. The report highlighted that several factors contributed to this growth, including a weaker exchange rate, higher prices for gold and uranium, and increased production of gold, uranium and diamonds. The report further highlighted that the sector achieved an impressive improvement in overall profitability. In 2023, it recorded a collective profit of N$2.731 billion, a stark contrast…

Lüderitz is currently in full preparation to open the long-awaited maritime museum that will bear witness to Namibia's commitment to preserving and showcasing its maritime heritage. The museum will also serve as a starting point for educational and economic opportunities for the community and visitors alike. The maritime museum is the brainchild of fisheries industry veteran, Angel Tordesillas and the Lüderitz Waterfront Development Company (LWDC). LWDC Chief Executive Officer, Fluksman Samuehl, announced the planned grand opening of the museum. “The museum will cover 2,000 square metres and will feature ancient water craft, fossils, maps, and a library,” he said. Samuehl…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Those contesting for the National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO) presidency at the party’s upcoming elective congress, are not allowed to campaign individually but will have to do so with other candidates to avoid divisions within the party. The party’s secretary general, Joseph Kauandenge, announced this during a media conference at Parliament on Wednesday. “As a strategic decision to avert disunity among party members, slate politics is completely obliterated. Hence, no aspirant leaders will be allowed to organise individual or solo formal public campaigns; however, aspirants can campaign freely on a small scale internally,” he said. He said this…

Martin Endjala The Walvis Bay Municipal Council, during an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday, passed an unopposed motion to terminate its contract with RedForce Debt Management with immediate effect. The motion comes after the Walvis Bay community marched to the streets, demanding the termination of the debt collector’s contract. The motion titled ‘Termination of the contract to render debt collection and management services to the Municipality of Walvis Bay’ seeks and requests a firm decision, which will be made by council members, to act in good faith and the public interest when carrying out responsibilities trusted upon them. Ryan Gordon, the…

Niël Terblanché Rundu Town Council is under significant pressure to improve its infrastructure while addressing substantial financial liabilities to its residents and utility companies due to escalating debt. The council currently owes NamWater an eye-watering N$229 million, with residents contributing to a debt of N$350 million in unpaid municipal charges. Bernadus Swartbooi, leader of the Landless People's Movement (LPM), voiced concerns at a recent campaign rally in Rundu. He stressed the necessity of constructing a new town council building to replace the current deteriorated facilities. Despite these infrastructure challenges, Swartbooi also highlighted pressing issues like food insecurity, underperforming agricultural schemes…