National News

Justicia Shipena A total of 476 pregnancy tests were conducted during a week-long outreach in the Kavango East region.  The outreach, held from 16 to 20 June 2025, was led by the #BeFree Cares Clinic in partnership with the ministry of health and social services. According to organisers, several young women who accessed services were already mothers, with some as young as 16 years old.  The outreach targeted five communities, Kamutjonga, Andara, Shamangorwa, Korokoko, and Likwaterera, focusing on sexual and reproductive health (SRH), particularly family planning and long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). “The outreach was prompted by the region’s alarming rates…

Niël Terblanché The Welwitschia Private Hospital in Walvis Bay has become the first medical facility in Namibia to earn ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 certification. Hospital manager Stephan Nel confirmed the achievement, which came after about a year and a half of hard work.  The global assurance firm DNV issued the endorsement, placing the hospital in a position to meet the standards required to serve the mining, marine, and growing oil and gas sectors in Namibia. Nel said the process began early last year when management decided to align all departments with the two ISO standards. “We were audited several…

Niël Terblanché The Public Enterprise CEO Forum will convene on 23 July in Walvis Bay, with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah set to attend for the first time.  Her presence underscores the importance of state-owned companies in the country’s economic agenda. Formed in 2017 and registered under Section 21 of the Companies Act, the forum brings together leaders of more than 80 public enterprises. It serves as a platform to review strategies, discuss governance, and exchange practical lessons. Deputy chairperson Toska Sem described the gathering as the biggest and most anticipated meeting of CEOs in the sector. “It’s a rare opportunity for…

Justicia Shipena Financial experts and civil servant union representatives have warned that the newly endorsed Pension-Backed Home Loan (PBHL) scheme could push public workers deeper into debt if not properly managed and aligned with wage growth.  The ministry of finance endorsed the scheme on Wednesday, describing it as a step toward affordable housing for government employees. Teachers Union of Namibia (TUN) secretary general Mahongora Kavihuha said the scheme is simply “another loan product” and fails to empower workers. “Yes, I’ve been saying all along, buying a house is a payslip issue; your income determines what you qualify for. If the…

Allexer Namundjebo The City of Windhoek (CoW) says it never had a formal contract with Rent-A-Drum for the collection and removal of the well-known clear recycling bags from residential areas.  CoW spokesperson Lydia Amutenya told Windhoek Observer that the municipality is not ending any contract, as no official agreement was ever in place. Amutenya responded to growing public concern over the future of household recyclable waste collection in Windhoek. She explained that since 2010, Rent-A-Drum, a private waste recycling company, has voluntarily collected the clear recycling bags.  She stressed that there was no binding contract between the company and the…

Allexer Namundjembo The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) launched the 2025 electoral calendar and voter and civic education campaign on Wednesday in Windhoek.  This marks the start of preparations for this year’s Regional Council and Local Authority elections.  ECN chairperson Elsie Nghikembua described the electoral calendar as more than just a timeline.  “This calendar is not merely the showcasing of dates; it is a beacon guiding us towards active engagement in our democratic rights and responsibilities,” she said.  Nghikembua also confirmed that a post-election review of the 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections has been completed.  "I wish to assure…

Niël Terblanché Windhoek Central Hospital now hosts the country's most advanced cardiac care unit, placing the country among the top in Africa for specialised heart treatment. Only South Africa and Egypt have similar facilities.  Namibia’s unit is the third of its kind on the continent and the first in the country to treat both adults and children under one roof. Prime minister Elijah Ngurare highlighted the achievement during a visit to the ministry of health and social services on Monday.  He toured the cardiac unit and praised medical teams for serving both public and private patients. “I urge all of…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Association for Localised Interest (ASOLI), a political party formed three months ago, is planning to contest the upcoming local authority elections in Windhoek, Ongwediva, Swakopmund, Otjiwarongo, and Karibib. ASOLI president Joseph Kauandenge said on Wednesday that the party has seen rapid growth since its formation.  He believes the party now has strong support in the five local authorities and is ready to compete with established political players. “In light of the fact that the Electoral Commission today made the election calendar for the 2025 elections public, we want to inform the nation that ASOLI will participate in…

Niël Terblanché Finance minister Ericah Shafudah opened the 52nd meeting of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Council of Ministers with a warning that the months ahead will test the bloc’s ability to protect export markets and drive industrial reform. Speaking in Windhoek on Wednesday, as Namibia’s term as SACU chair comes to an end, Shafudah told delegates, “This is indeed a critical period for SACU as we navigate these challenging times.” Ministers from the five SACU member states are meeting for two days to respond to the United States’ new tariff policies and prepare for the possible expiry of…