National News

Renthia Kaimbi Namibia has allocated N$952.1 million to fund its diplomatic missions abroad under the 2026/2027 budget. This accounts for 69.5% of the total budget for the Ministry of International Relations and Trade. International relations and trade minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi presented the ministry’s total budget of N$1.369 billion in the National Assembly on Tuesday. She stated that the allocation aims to safeguard Namibia’s interests in a rapidly evolving global landscape characterised by escalating tensions and competition. “In this shifting geopolitical landscape, global competition is no longer confined to oil but extends to critical minerals, as well as key technological inputs…

Patience Makwele  Floods are making it difficult for workers at Chobe River Lodge in the Zambezi region, where staff continue to work under rising water levels and worsening conditions. Parts of the lodge in Ngoma are submerged, with water surrounding chalets built on stilts and covering walkways.  Video footage taken on Tuesday shows large sections of the property under water as levels continue to rise. Workers who spoke to the Windhoek Observer on condition of anonymity said they remain on duty because they fear losing their income. “We are still working. It is business as usual because if we close,…

Staff Writer  Starlink says the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia’s (Cran) decision to reject its licence application is based on a misunderstanding of its operations and compliance. The satellite internet provider responded after Cran declined its applications for a telecommunications service licence and radio spectrum access last week.  Cran cited failure to meet ownership and regulatory requirements in its decision.  However, in a statement, this week Starlink disputed the finding of non-compliance.  The company said it has, over the past three years, committed to setting up a local entity, meeting national security requirements and paying taxes and fees in line…

Patience Makwele Parliament has approved a N$535 million budget for the Office of the Prime Minister, while funding for disaster risk management has dropped to N$47 million. The Disaster Risk Management Programme allocation has fallen from N$1.6 billion two years ago. This has raised concern among lawmakers as floods hit the Zambezi region and drought persists in other areas. Some communities in the region have been displaced, with homes and crops affected.  Lawmakers warned that recent rains could also increase the risk of veld fires. Members of parliament questioned whether the country is prepared to respond to emergencies. Swapo member…

Justicia Shipena  An engineering and construction company, Radial Truss Industries, has taken the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, the Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) and other parties to court in a bid to stop the termination of a construction contract at Tubusis Primary School in the Erongo region. The tender on renovation and upgrading of the school was awarded in 2021.  In an urgent application set down for hearing in the High Court on Monday, Radial Truss Industries is asking the court to review and set aside a termination notice issued on 6 February 2026. …

Allexer Namundjembo The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs overspent its 2025/2026 budget by 3.67%.  This was driven by high personnel costs. During the 2025/2026 financial year, defence was allocated N$7.49 billion.  The Ministry of Finance later suspended N$11 million from the development budget, reducing the allocation to N$7.48 billion. More than 60% of the budget went to personnel expenditure, while goods and services accounted for 22%. Spending on capital assets and infrastructure increased to 18%, aimed at upgrading facilities. The ministry expects a budget execution rate of 99.8% and reported six consecutive years of clean audit outcomes. Defence and…

Allexer Namundjembo The Namibia Professional Hunting Association (NPHA) has rejected claims that individuals or groups were excluded from participating in events related to the hunting sector. NAPHA President Hannes du Plessis said recent commentary has raised concerns about participation, representation and access. He stated that set rules govern participation at international events like the Dallas Safari Club. “Participation at such shows is governed by strict international rules, and only registered exhibitors who have paid for stand space may market or sell services,” Du Plessis said on Friday.  He said these rules are not set by NAPHA and apply to all…

Allexer Namundjembo Chief of the ||Khomani Traditional Authority Julianne Gawanas is facing a no-confidence process following allegations linked to land allocation in the traditional district. The Landless |Khomani Association and the Land Access Movement of Namibia have initiated steps toward her possible removal.  In a notice dated 27 March 2026, the organisations said they will institute proceedings in terms of Section 8(1) of the Traditional Authorities Act of 2000. The move follows a resolution adopted at a community meeting held on 31 January at A.I. Steenkamp Primary School, where more than 750 community members reportedly passed a vote of no…