National News

Allexer Namundjembo The Namibia Nurses Union (Nanu) has warned against the growing practice of members of the public taking photos and videos inside clinics and hospitals.  On Tuesday, the union issued a statement claiming that these recordings often circulate online as purported evidence of subpar service. It said the practice violates privacy and disrupts healthcare environments. “Our primary concern is that such actions are carried out without due regard for the fundamental rights to privacy and human dignity of both patients and healthcare workers,” the union said. Nanu said public healthcare settings require confidentiality and respect. It said unauthorised recordings…

Allexer Namundjembo The account manager for public relations and communications at Namibia Oil and Gas, Julie Hauwanga, says the lack of reliable information in Namibia’s oil and gas sector risks creating speculation that could harm its development.  Hauwanga said access to credible information will play a key role in shaping the sector. “Without credible knowledge platforms, speculation and rumours can easily replace facts, which can be hugely damaging for an emerging sector,” she told the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday.  Namibia’s recent offshore oil discoveries in the Orange Basin have drawn interest from global investors and policymakers. Companies such as Shell…

Staff Writer  Rosh Pinah Zinc (RPZ) has completed renovation work at the Rosh Pinah State Clinic to improve healthcare services in the town. The project was completed over three weeks and focused on fixing infrastructure and improving working conditions at the facility. Local contractor Onalufipa Trading carried out the work under the supervision of civil engineer Antonio Pedro. The upgrades included replacing light bulbs and covers, installing new toilets, replacing doors and locks, repairing geysers and drainage pipes, and completing carpentry and plumbing work at staff residences. The work addressed maintenance issues that had started to affect service delivery. The…

Patience Makwele Residents living in floodplain areas of the Zambezi region say they are worried as the Zambezi river continues to rise and floodwaters begin spreading into villages, fields and roads. Hydrological readings show the river at Katima Mulilo has reached about 6.7 metres. This is a sharp increase from just over two metres recorded during the same period last year. Floodwaters have begun spreading across parts of the eastern floodplains. Villages affected include Luhonono, Malindi, Namiyundu, Nsundwa, Nakuntwe and Muzii. On Monday residents say water has started entering homes and fields. “The water is rising very fast and we…

Patience Makwele  A Namibian initiative that documents inspirational words spoken by local leaders and citizens is gaining recognition for preserving voices that reflect the country’s experiences and identity. The platform, called NamInspiration, was founded by Meryam Nghidipo. The project was created to capture and archive motivational quotes spoken by Namibians working in areas such as politics, agriculture, education, finance, health and community development. Nghidipo said the idea began in 2015 after she noticed that most inspirational quotes shared online came from international figures. “I was searching online for quotes one day and I noticed that many of the inspirational words…

Allexer Namundjembo The Business and Intellectual Property Authority (Bipa) has deregistered 24 companies and close corporations that have stopped operating. The deregistrations were published in the government gazette on Friday. Bipa chief executive officer Ainna Kaundu said the entities submitted written declarations confirming they had stopped operating and no longer had assets or liabilities. “A written statement to the effect that these companies and close corporations have ceased to carry on business and have no assets or liabilities has been received,” Kaundu said.  “We have therefore deregistered these entities under the relevant legal provisions. No guarantee is given regarding the…

Staff Writer  Namibia and Russia have agreed to push businesses from both countries to pursue joint ventures and investment partnerships.  The two counties held the 11th session of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation held in Windhoek.  The meeting, which concluded yesterday, brought together officials and business representatives to review progress in bilateral relations and identify new areas of cooperation. The session was chaired by minister of international relations and trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi and co-chaired by Russian deputy prime minister Yury Trutnev. According to a joint communiqué, officials discussed expanding cooperation in sectors such as energy, mining and…

Justicia Shipena  Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader and member of parliament McHenry Venaani says Namibia must invest in irrigation infrastructure, agro-processing industries and modern agricultural value chains if it wants to promote rural development and economic diversification. He made the remarks in the National Assembly while contributing to the budget debate last week.  “If we are serious about rural development and economic diversification, we must invest aggressively in irrigation infrastructure, agro-processing industries and modern agricultural value chains,” Venaani said. Venaani said Namibia must move beyond gradual policy changes. “Our economy remains too small, unemployment remains too high, and inequality continues…