National News

Renthia Kaimbi  When Selma Jantjies Madzivanzira stepped onto a fishing vessel for the first time in 2017, rough August seas left her unsure if the ship would stay afloat. Today, she says she can sleep through storms. Madzivanzira works as an assistant to the cook on the MVF Oukaume V5-TL, a fishing vessel operated by Embwinda Fishing Company in Walvis Bay. She also steps in as a cook when needed and handles hospitality and housekeeping duties on board. The vessel carries 32 crew members and usually spends seven to ten days at sea before returning to port for two days.…

Renthia Kaimbi  Manica Group Namibia has pledged N$600 000 towards the construction of a multi-purpose hall at Kuisebmond Secondary School, adding support to efforts to complete the facility. The pledge was announced at a handover ceremony on Wednesday. The hall is expected to serve the school and the wider community. It will be used for assemblies, sports, vocational training and youth programmes. Manica Group managing director Ralph Ruiters said the contribution is linked to his connection to the area and the need for private sector support. “Growing up in Kuisebmund, I recall a joyful childhood. The presence of sports facilities…

Justicia Shipena  Preferred Land Development Holdings (Pty) Ltd (PLDH) has taken the government to court challenging a decision over road planning that affects its Osona Village development near Okahandja. The matter is before the High Court in Windhoek, where the company is seeking to have a decision to proclaim two district roads with a 30-metre road reserve reviewed and set aside. PLDH says the decision is unlawful and goes against earlier agreements. The minister of works and transport, the roads board for Otjozondjupa South, the Roads Authority, the Municipal Council of Okahandja and Osona Property Management Company are respondents. Osona…

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. …