National News

Justicia Shipena No Namibian national has been reported affected by the recent US-Israeli attacks in the Middle East, according to the Namibian Embassy in Cairo. The Embassy said it has not received reports of any Namibians directly impacted in the affected areas. It noted that the security situation remains volatile and may change without warning. "All Namibian citizens residing in, transiting through, or travelling within the region, their safety and well-being remain a priority. The embassy will continue to provide timely updates and relevant information to keep Namibians informed as the situation unfolds,” it said in a statement yesterday.  The…

Allexer Namundjembo Political analysts say a growing mistrust in Parliament lay behind last week’s opposition walkout in the National Assembly, which halted the approval of four nominees to the Public Service Commission (PSC). The vote, tabled by prime minister Elijah Ngurare, could not proceed after opposition members left the chamber. Their exit left the House without a quorum to continue.  This comes as the terms of the current commissioners expired at the end of last month. The new appointees are expected to be sworn in to ensure continuity at the constitutional body. Political analyst Sackaria Johannes said the conduct of…

Renthia Kaimbi The minister of justice and labour relations, Fillemon Wise Immanuel, has directed all government ministries to verify that every state-contracted service provider complies with minimum wage laws. Immanuel warned that the government cannot be linked, even indirectly, to the exploitation of workers. He issued the directive in a circular dated 24 February addressed to the line ministers. “Representations received from various unions and employees confirm that a number of security companies rendering services to state institutions, including your respective ministries, continue to pay their employees below the legally mandated minimum wage,” he stated. He said paying below the…

Staff Writer The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs paid out subsistence and travel advances amounting to N$ 54 632.40 to seven staff members by 31 March 2025, with N$ 23 253.40 still outstanding at year-end. This is contained in the auditor general Junias Kandjeke's report on the accounts of the ministry's department of veterans affairs for the financial year ended 31 March 2025. Despite the outstanding advances and other control issues, Kandjeke issued an unqualified audit opinion.  The audit shows that under the Veterans Welfare Programme, the department exceeded its performance target. The target was to support 530 veterans.…

Allexer Namundjembo New tariffs and fines by the Kavango East Regional Council have drawn criticism from a Rundu community activist, who says the charges will add pressure on low-income households and informal traders. Community activist Ndemba Kayone told the Windhoek Observer that the new fee structure does not reflect the realities faced by many residents. “We understand that the council must recover costs and maintain services, but these new tariffs place a heavier burden on people who are already struggling to survive,” Kayone said. The new charges were published in the government gazette No. 123 of 2026 and apply to…

Renthia Kaimbi Pensioners will receive a N$100 increase in their monthly state pension from 1 April. This would raise the grant from N$1 600 to N$1 700. Finance minister Ericah Shafudah announced the increase while delivering the 2026/27 national budget in the National Assembly on Thursday. She said N$447 million has been set aside to fund the adjustment. “The Ministry of Finance received a N$12.9 billion allocation for the 2026/2027 financial year, of which N$447 million is to cater for a N$100 increase in pension (funding) for the elderly,” said Shafudah. The increase falls short of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s election…

Renthia Kaimbi The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) has rejected allegations by the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) over the Lüderitz Oil Supply Base tender and its business associations, describing the claims as inaccurate. In a media statement issued on Wednesday, Namport chief executive officer Andrew Kanime responded to three claims made by the opposition party.  He addressed the cancellation of the design, build, own, operate and transfer tender; the involvement of the Namibia Industrial Development Agency; and the role of Tradeport Namibia at the Port of Lüderitz. Kanime first dealt with the cancelled DBOOT tender. He dismissed suggestions that Namport…

Allexer Namundjembo Windhoek municipal councillor Austin Kwenani has submitted a motion asking the City of Windhoek to identify land in all constituencies and set it aside for the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture. He wants the land to be used to speed up the development of sports facilities and youth infrastructure across the city. Kwenani, who chairs the Management Committee, introduced the motion in terms of the Standing Rules and Orders of the Municipal Council. He said the proposal aims to ensure coordinated land allocation to support structured sports development in the capital. In motivating the…