National News

Niël Terblanché The National Democratic Party (NDP) is urging the Namibian government to declare a national state of emergency in response to the severe drought conditions afflicting the nation. Party president, Martin Lukato emphasized the grave situation by pointing out widespread crop failures, escalating food shortages, and the critical lack of water affecting both people and livestock across the country. The NDP's appeal stresses the urgent need for increased resources and better coordination to effectively tackle the crisis at hand. Lukato said collaboration between the government and various stakeholders to bolster support mechanisms for those people hardest hit by the…

Martin Endjala Following public agitation towards power outages experienced last week and in February, the Namibia Power Corporation (NamPower) has clarified that the recent interruption in electricity supply in some regions was due to severe rainfall, lightning and the breakdown of a transformer. In response to Windhoek Observer questions last week, NamPower Corporate Communication Officer Rosa Nikanor, explained that the outages in southern Namibia and the Omaheke Region were the result of heavy rainfall in those areas. She said it is important to note that various factors can contribute to grid failures, with weather conditions playing a significant role. While…

Niël Terblanché The Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Dr Albert Kawana, has invited all Namibians to partake in the 34th Independence Day celebrations, while also emphasizing the significance of the occasion. Addressing the public and community policing forums in Katima Mulilo recently, Kawana stressed the importance of the event, encouraging every person but especially, the residents of the Zambezi Region to attend in large numbers and to be witness to the special day. Kawana highlighted the country's remarkable journey over the past 34 years, noting the achievements and advancements made in various sectors. He pointed out the…

Martin Endjala The Capricorn Foundation has availed N$1 million towards the Wolwedans Foundation's flagship initiative, RuralRevive: Building a Desert-based Economy, demonstrating its dedication to economic advancement, sustainable development and the empowerment of the Maltahöhe community. The pledge follows the unique partnership officially launched in Maltahöhe, in the Hardap Region last week between the Capricorn Foundation and the Wolwedans Foundation. The contribution will go towards the establishment and enhancement of six work packages, including Horticulture Capacity Building (Skills Transfer), which includes setting up five small holding farmers for organic vegetable production and establishing a fresh produce distribution hub called the Barn…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Ahead of Namibia’s 2024 Presidential and National Assembly Elections in November, the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has emphasised non-partisan conduct and transparency among Regional and Constituency Heads during the training session of Supervisors of Registration this week. With a stance against negligence, the Commission stressed the vital role of Supervisors of Registration during the electoral process. “As you may be aware, the Commission has employed Regional Electoral Officers in all 14 regions of the country permanently, replacing the temporary Regional Coordinators and Assistant Regional Coordinators. The Supervisors of Registration will work with and report directly to Regional…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a landmark judgment delivered by High Court Judge Eileen Rakow, the decision by the Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, to cancel a fuel retail license has been declared unlawful and contrary to the provisions of Article 18 of the Namibian Constitution. The ruling, following a review application brought by Gochas Lewende Hawe Agente CC against the Minister of Mines and Energy, highlights the limitations of Alweendo’s authority and the legal grounds upon which the fuel retail license was revoked. The license was revoked on 15 March 2022. Judge Rakow said the powers of the Minister…