National News

Justicia Shipena  The government withdrew its participation from the Disability Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Conference shortly before it was due to begin in Windhoek. A conference on disability and inclusion failed to take place after the government withdrew its participation. The conference was cancelled shortly before it was due to begin in Windhoek. The Disability Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Conference, organised by the Intelligence Transfer Centre, was set to start on Wednesday but was postponed hours before opening. A directive from the Office of the Prime Minister dated 17 April 2026, seen by the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday night, instructed…

Patience Makwele  The minister of home affairs, immigration, safety and security, Lucia Iipumbu, says the investigation into the diamond that took place at Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) in January last year will remain classified. The armed robbery at Namdia’s headquarters in Windhoek resulted in the theft of diamonds estimated at N$315 million. She said details of the case cannot be made public while investigations continue. “Details surrounding the case remain classified and will only be made public once investigations are concluded,” she said, adding that early disclosure could affect operations. She said the case is still active and that the…

Allexer Namundjembo Internal divisions, communication gaps and inefficiencies have weakened the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), secretary general Manuel Ngaringombe said. He made the remarks at a press conference in Windhoek on Tuesday after a three-day leadership indaba held in Otjiwarongo. “We used the Indaba as a moment of reflection, honesty and strategic repositioning,” Ngaringombe said. He stated that the meeting represented a pivotal moment for the party, during which leaders directly addressed internal challenges. “A strong opposition must first be united and disciplined,” he said. PDM experienced a massive resignation of its members, especially those in leadership positions. Ngaringombe said…

Renthia Kaimbi Germany has committed €84 432.35 (about N$1.59 million) to support efforts to fight gender-based violence in Namibia. The funding will support the “Speak Up” campaign led by the Ombetja Yehinga Organisation (OYO).  The project will run from 1 April to 31 December 2026 and target the Hardap, Erongo and Omusati regions. The agreement was signed on 30 March 2026 by German ambassador to Namibia Thorsten Hutter and OYO founder and director Philippe Talavera. The campaign will focus on schools and communities. It aims to promote dialogue on mental health and positive masculinity as ways to prevent violence. “We…

Renthia Kaimbi  Fishing industry stakeholders say a shortage of Namibian seafarers in the crab sector is putting operations at risk. The issue was raised during a meeting with Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Wednesday at the Atlantic Hotel in Walvis Bay. Industry representatives said there is a growing gap in qualified local officers and engineers on crab vessels.  They said many trained Namibians are moving to jobs in oil and gas and cargo shipping. To address the shortage, stakeholders proposed closer coordination between the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform and the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security. …

Renthia Kaimbi  Fishing industry stakeholders have urged the government not to restrict freezer vessel operations, warning that such a move could affect exports, jobs and competitiveness. The concerns were raised during an engagement with Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in Walvis Bay on Wednesday, where industry players met with the government to discuss the future of the sector under the sixth National Development Plan (NDP6).  Stakeholders said freezer operations are key to maintaining Namibia’s position in regional and international markets.  They said demand in Africa remains focused on whole round frozen horse mackerel. “Restricting freezer operations would have immediate consequences for Namibia’s export…

Allexer Namundjembo Outjo chief executive officer Tiofilia Jentzsch is demanding an apology over what she says are false corruption claims linked to the Outjo Fire Station tender. According to a letter of demand dated 20 April, Sisa Namandje & Co. Incorporated, acting on her behalf, instructed Outjo-based activist McKay Oswald Losper to retract statements made on social media. The letter states that Losper published claims accusing Jentzsch of being “implicated in the corruption of the Outjo Fire Station", which the firm says are false and defamatory. The letter asserts that Jentzsch has not faced any charges related to corruption and…

Patience Makwele  Industries, mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse has warned that Namibian businesses risk missing out on oil and gas opportunities if they do not prepare. He spoke at the upstream oil and gas local suppliers’ workshop in Windhoek on Tuesday, held by Petrofund.  Amutse said Namibia is nearing a final investment decision on offshore discoveries, and local firms must be ready. “Namibia is building this industry from the ground up. But participation will not happen by default. Our businesses must understand tendering processes, compliance requirements and operational standards if they are to compete," he said.  The workshop comes…