National News

Niël Terblanché President Nangolo Mbumba emphasized the multifaceted partnership between Namibia and the European Union (EU) that transcends mere resource exchange during a courtesy visit by Ambassador Ana Beatriz Martins to State House. The cornerstone of this growing alliance is a comprehensive agreement, signed in 2022 by the late President Hage Geingob and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, to develop a strategic hydrogen roadmap. The meeting between President Mbumba and Ambassador Martins reiterated the deepening relationship of the partnership. The relationship is anchored in mutual commitment to sustainable development and green energy and is seen as a testament…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA), has announced that the Namibian economy continued to stride in a positive direction, posting a growth of 4.2 percent in 2023 relative to a growth of 5.3 percent recorded in 2022. The growth rate indicates the pace at which the economy is expanding and serves as a barometer of economic activity. The NSA’s Statistician-General and Chief Executive Officer, Alex Shimuafeni, announced yesterday that in nominal terms, the size of the economy was estimated at N$227.8 billion during the reporting period relative to N$205.5 billion recorded in 2022. This shows a moderate expansion of…

Stefanus Nashama The African National Congress (ANC), which governs South Africa, has lost a legal battle to prevent a newly formed party, backed by former President Jacob Zuma, from participating in the general election in May this year. The party in question is called uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), named after the now-defunct armed branch of the ANC. This development is expected to impact ANC's support, given Zuma's endorsement of the MK party. According to a report by the BBC yesterday, the electoral court dismissed the ANC's claim that the MK party did not meet the official registration requirements. Supporters of…

Niël Terblanché The recent induction of new members into the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) marks a key moment in Africa's ongoing battle against war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity. The orientation program not only introduced the members to the council's extensive mandate, powers, and functions but also reinforced the continent's resolve to silence the guns and ensure collective security. Established two decades ago, the PSC has emerged as the cornerstone of Africa's efforts to maintain peace and security across the continent. Bankole Adeoye, the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, emphasized the council's significant…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The community of Gobabis is set to present a petition to the Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Erastus Uutoni, voicing their discontent over recent developments within the municipality. Led by community activist Veronia Mokaleng-Kuzeeko, residents are scheduled to gather at the Government Office Park today to deliver their petition. The petition follows dissatisfaction among the council's management and community members regarding recent decisions that include salary adjustments for municipality employees made by the Gobabis Municipal Council. Despite objections raised by residents, the municipality proceeded with salary adjustments for its employees without proper consultation or authorisation, sparking controversy…

Hertta-maria Amutenja The President of the United People's Movement (UPM), Jan Johannes van Wyk, has filed an urgent application at the Windhoek High Court, challenging his abrupt withdrawal from the National Assembly (NA) earlier this month. According to the founding affidavit, Van Wyk seeks redress for what he claims to be an unconstitutional and invalid decision by the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM). Van Wyk and Frans Bertolini were in Parliament on the ticket of the PDM. They were however removed after forming an alliance with Independent Presidential Candidate, Ally Angula. The two former members of Parliament were then replaced by…

Niël Terblanché In a significant move that emphasizes global concerns over the escalating conflict in Gaza, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2728, calling for an immediate ceasefire during Ramadan and the release of all hostages. Ambassador Penda Naanda, the Executive Director of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, said Namibia welcomed this development as a crucial step toward alleviating the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where relentless violence has claimed the lives of approximately 33,000 people, including over 13,000 children and about 8,400 women. The resolution's adoption was notably marked by the United States' decision to abstain…

Martin Endjala Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, says new evolving technology is proving to be a challenge in combatting corruption, hence her advocacy on enhanced monitoring mechanisms. “One of the most pressing challenges we face is the increasing use of technology in corruption schemes, cybercrime, and other digital threats that are becoming more sophisticated and complex to detect. Enhanced monitoring mechanisms are crucial to prevent and detect illicit financial activities through which large amounts of resources are siphoned out of mainly natural resources endowed countries,” said stressed. The premier made these remarks during a two-day Global Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum currently…

Niël Terblanché In a significant development for the Rehoboth community, the Rehoboth Town Council has officially acquired the Reho Spa facility The acquisition is a key moment in the town's history and its commitment to rejuvenating local tourism and leisure amenities. Mayor Amanda Groenewaldt, in a statement made at a public meeting in the Hermanus Van Wyk Memorial Hall, shared the successful transfer of the title deed from the Ministry of Works and Transport, concluding negotiations with Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR). She said that the transfer of the deed signifies a new chapter for the community as well as the…

Martin Endjala The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has announced the appointment of Mufaro Nesongano, as its new Executive Public Relations Officer. The appointment came into effect on 20 March 2024. CRAN’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Emilia Nghikembwa, announced that Nesongano assumed the role of Executive of Communication and Consumer Relations, a position previously held by Katrina Sikeni. Nesongano previously served as Marketing and Communications Manager at Old Mutual Namibia, and in his new role, he will lead CRAN's strategic initiatives, focusing on communication, international relations, and stakeholder and consumer engagement strategies. He will drive the development and execution…