National News

Stefanus Nashama The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), in collaboration with Technical Assistance and Information Exchange (TAIEX), this week commenced with the second framework of a workshop to provide expert and practical support to deal with corruption risk in the public sector. Speaking at the opening of the workshop in Windhoek, ACC Executive Director, Tylvas Shilongo, said the workshop underscores shared commitment to finding solutions, exchanging insights, and exploring new possibilities to combat corruption risk. Since the Commission intends to establish a comprehensive framework at the national level to conduct corruption risk management within public entities, Shilongo stressed the workshop would provide…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In an affirmation of the One-China Policy amidst escalating China-Taiwan tensions, SWAPO has reiterated its steadfast commitment. The party, through its Secretary General Sophia Shaningwa, underlined its recognition of Taiwan as an integral part of the People's Republic of China, aligning with principles of multipolarity, togetherness, and cooperation. She said Namibia solidifies its commitment to the One-China Policy, emphasizing the bond with China and the "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership." Furthermore, Shaningwa asserts Namibia's commitment to trust, mutual respect, and non-interference in each other's domestic affairs. “Our organisation and its bilateral relations are premised on multipolarity, togetherness and cooperation, the…

Niël Terblanché In a determined move to tackle the housing crisis, the Swakopmund municipality has announced the donation of 379 erven to families living in the DRC informal settlement, marking a crucial step in the coastal town's efforts to provide housing to over 22,000 residents on waiting lists. This groundbreaking initiative was revealed last week, focusing on the DRC settlement's extensions 27, 29, and 30. The town council of Swakopmund, after careful consideration, identified the beneficiaries of these plots on serviced land, aiming to assist first-time homeowners. In documentation provided by the Swakopmund Municipality, the local authority confirmed that the…

Stefanus Nashama The Ohangwena Regional Council is embroiled in a financial mystery involving the disappearance of a N$200,000 donation from the Road Fund Administration (RFA). Despite the transaction's documentation, the Council has yet to pinpoint the missing funds' whereabouts. Fillip Shilongo, the Chief Regional Officer of the Ohangwena Regional Council, stated that the funds were earmarked for purchasing food for flood victims. However, it was later revealed that the money was allegedly transferred to a different company without the Council's consent or approval. Shilongo expressed the Council's perplexity over the missing funds. “As we speak, the whereabouts of the N$200,000…

Niël Terblanché A potential aviation tragedy was skilfully avoided on Monday morning when an experienced pilot, flying a light aircraft along the Namibian coast, executed an emergency landing on the B2 Road between Swakopmund and Langstrand. The incident, which could have ended in disaster, saw all passengers emerge unscathed thanks to the pilot’s quick reflexes and expertise. The Cessna 210, with five people on board, was ascending to its cruising altitude after departing from Swakopmund Aerodrome when it encountered sudden engine trouble. Hafeni Mweshixwa, a senior aircraft accident investigator at the Directorate of Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigations, reported that…

Stefanus Nashama In a significant development marking the evolution of relations between the United States of America and Namibia, the United States of America recently moved its embassy operations to its newly constructed site in Klein Windhoek. Tiffany Miller, the Public Affairs Officer and Spokesperson for the US Embassy in Windhoek announced this transition, signifying the closure of the embassy's previous location and the commencement of operations at the new diplomatic facility. Miller said that the move to the new site in Windhoek represents not just a physical shift but also symbolizes the future trajectory of collaboration between the United…

Martin Endjala Elijah Mukobonda, the Chief Information Officer at the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade (MIT), has recently declared that the ministry will embark on public consultations for three significant legislative and policy documents. These include the Special Economic Zone Bill (SEZ), the National Informal Economy, the Startups and Entrepreneurship Development Policy (NIESED), the Namibia Investment Promotion and Facilitation Regulations, and the National Cooling Strategy. The move comes as Namibia transitions from the Export Processing Zones (EPZ) to the SEZ, following the former's lack of success. "The EPZ did not generate the expected tax revenue for the Treasury and nearly…