National News

Justicia Shipena  Namibia is ready to move from policy ambition to practical industrial implementation, the director general of the National Planning Commission (NPC), Kaire Mbuende, has said. He made the remarks during the industrial decarbonisation workshop, which examined opportunities under the Climate Investment Funds industrial decarbonisation programme. “Namibia now stands ready to move from policy ambition to industrial implementation. The Industrial Decarbonisation Programme offers a unique platform to build modern industries, strengthen infrastructure, create sustainable jobs, and accelerate inclusive economic growth,” Mbuende said. Mbuende said the programme gives Namibia access to up to US$250 million in concessional climate finance to…

Patience Makwele  Across Namibia, many young people are starting small side businesses as unemployment continues to limit formal job opportunities. From selling thrift clothing online to running small food stalls or offering services through social media, youth are finding ways to earn an income while searching for stable employment. Twenty-four-year-old Michael Amutenya runs a small phone repair service from his family home in Katutura. The business became his main source of income after months of unsuccessful job applications. “I applied for many jobs, but nothing came through,” he said. “At some point you stop waiting and start doing something for…

Young Namibians speak about the rising cost of relationships  Patience Makwele  Thirty-five-year-old Michael Amutenya pauses while typing a message on his phone before asking a woman he recently started seeing out on a date. “A simple date can easily cost N$400 or more if you include transport, food and drinks. So sometimes you think twice before asking someone out," he said.  For many young Namibians, dating now involves financial pressure, social expectations and influence from social media. Images shared on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok often show couples enjoying restaurant dinners, luxury gifts and holidays. While these posts reflect…

Patience Makwele  Young Namibians are entering the renewable energy sector as the country expands its focus on cleaner energy solutions. Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions across the country are training young people in renewable energy technologies and preparing them for work in the growing sector. Kevin Kevanhu, a solar technician in training at the Windhoek Vocational Training Centre, said renewable energy offers opportunities for both communities and young professionals. “Energy access is not just a technical issue. It affects education, healthcare and economic development in communities,” he said. Kevanhu said his interest in renewable energy started when…

Justicia Shipena  The government has spent N$6.48 million to restore the industrial electrical geyser water heating system at Windhoek Central Hospital. Minister of works and transport Veikko Nekundi announced the completion of the project during a handover ceremony at the hospital on Wednesday. The project was completed over seven months by Namibia Engineering Cooperation (NEC) and Pumps (Pty) Ltd, a Namibian-owned company. Nekundi said the upgrade restores reliable hot water across the hospital and improves conditions for patients and healthcare workers. “I am proud to provide that this project was undertaken and sincerely delivered at a cost of N$6.48 million…

Patience Makwele The arrest of three officials in the Omaheke region over the alleged diversion of community water tanks has raised concerns about accountability in public service and the protection of resources meant for vulnerable communities. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) this week arrested three officials from the directorate of rural water supply within the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform following an investigation into alleged corrupt practices involving community water tanks. The suspects, Katjimune Lion, Tjaondo Festus and Mbingana Morbe Albert, are accused of submitting fraudulent requisitions to the Omaheke Regional Government Stores to obtain two 10 000-litre…

Allexer Namundjembo Accredited electricians with the Central North Regional Electricity Distributor (Cenored) area say they are often overlooked when electrical tenders are allocated in their towns. The electricians told the Windhoek Observer that despite being registered and accredited to carry out electrical services, contractors from other towns are sometimes brought in to do work in areas where qualified local electricians are available. “Someone can be brought in from a different town to come do the wiring in Tsumeb. It is very bad considering that we also have qualified and professional electricians in Tsumeb or any other town that can do…

Allexer Namundjembo Hardap regional education director Lawin Paulus says he is awaiting a report outlining a long-term solution to the water problem at Pioneer Secondary School in Schlip after taps at the school ran dry. Paulus told the Windhoek Observer on Wednesday that a team from the Ministry of Agriculture was sent to the school to address the situation. “I am happy to inform you that the team reconnected the water, and learners are now able to access it. The team was at the school last Friday,” Paulus said. He said he is waiting for a detailed report on the…

Justicia Shipena  Minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform Inge Zaamwani-Kamwi says the fishing quota for the government employment redress programme will only be released once companies submit signed employee contracts.  Zaamwani-Kamwi said the government expects to receive the signed contracts by next week. Zaamwani-Kamwi said on Wednesday that the government has been engaging both employers and employees in the fishing sector to ensure they understand their roles before new agreements are signed. Zaamwani-Kamwi said the discussions took place over two days during consultations with companies and workers involved in the programme. “If we reach an agreement and the…