National News

Staff Writer The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture says admission into a tertiary institution does not automatically guarantee government funding.  Education minister Sanet Steenkamp on Friday clarified how the subsidised tertiary funding model will apply for the 2026 academic year. Steenkamp said funding decisions under the subsidised tertiary funding model will continue to follow the existing eligibility rules used by the Namibia Student Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF), despite the expansion of subsidised education. “Being admitted into a tertiary institution does not automatically guarantee funding, but funding decisions will be guided by the existing, transparent requirements,” Steenkamp…

Renthia Kaimbi Kwaito artist Lazarus "Gazza" Shiimi has ended a brief venture related to the international defence sector and is now refocusing on music and local business projects in Namibia. Shiimi said the separation from a UAE-based manufacturer of armoured vehicles and security equipment was amicable and followed limited support from local stakeholders.  He said the decision allows him to focus on areas where he can have a direct impact on youth development and economic growth at home. “When an opportunity arises that could potentially build skills and industry for our people, I believe in exploring it fully. The aim…

Justicia Shipena Former National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) executive and fraud-corruption accused Olivia Dunaiski has described the judgement denying her bail as a “shocking” one.  Dunaiski is now appealing the decision and is asking the High Court to condone delays in her bail appeal and allow the matter to be heard on its merits. Magistrate Linus Samunzala denied bail to Dunaiski and her co-accused in September last year.  In his ruling, Samunzala said five of the six people accused in the N$480 million Namcor corruption and fraud case lied during their bail testimonies.  She said the ruling which denied…

Allexer Namundjembo The Popular Democratic Movement Youth League (PDMYL) says recent changes to education policies have left many learners uncertain about their transition from secondary to tertiary education. PDMYL spokesperson Inajovandu Katjepunda stated that the changes have created confusion and could limit opportunities for further study, especially for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. “The growing uncertainty is deeply concerning,” Katjepunda said, adding that policy shifts have directly affected access to higher education. The Ministry of Education this week released the 2025 national examination results.  According to data from the ministry, only about 36% of Grade 11 learners met the minimum requirements…

Justicia Shipena Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) says it cannot comment beyond confirming the arrest of one of its employees in connection with the N$315 million diamond heist. The Windhoek Observer approached Namdia after the company confirmed on Thursday that an employee had been arrested.  The publication sought details, including the employee’s position, gender and identity, among others.  “Unfortunately, as it is an active criminal investigation, Namdia is not in a position to provide any further details of the arrest,” Namdia’s public relations and communications officer, Beverley Coussement, told the Windhoek Observer in response to questions. Coussement did however, confirm that…

Renthia Kaimbi The minister of works and transport, Veikko Nekundi, has ordered immediate action against Bluu Car Rental Namibia (Pty) Limited for running unauthorised passenger transport services using foreign-registered vehicles in Namibia. The directive was issued yesterday as part of a clampdown on unlawful cabotage to protect the local transport sector. The violations were detected during preparations for the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, which Namibia is set to host. The ministry said it found that Bluu Car Rental was operating South African-registered vehicles for domestic passenger transport without the required cross-border permit. Nekundi said the conduct would not be…

Allexer Namundjembo The president of the Association of International Energy Negotiators (AIEN), Shakwa Nyambe, has urged Namibians and other African energy professionals to enrol in the upcoming AIEN international oil and gas contracts and negotiations course. The course will take place from 9 to 13 February 2026 in Cairo, Egypt. Nyambe said the training comes at a critical time as Namibia and other African countries position themselves as emerging oil and gas producers.  He said this shift requires strong local capacity to manage complex contracts, commercial terms and regulatory frameworks. “As Namibia moves from discovery to execution, professionals involved in…

Just as young people were getting into the rhythm of adulthood, budgeting for brunch, arguing about whether soft life is a mindset or a scam, planning trips they may or may not afford, here come the headlines. War here. Tensions there. Missiles in one direction, sanctions in another. Suddenly the group chats have shifted from jokes about unemployment to anxious memes about conscription, nuclear bunkers, and whether learning a new language quickly might be “strategic”. It is a uniquely unfair moment to be young. After surviving a global pandemic, economic instability, and a job market that requires ten years’ experience…