National News

Niël Terblanché The Namibia College of Open Learning (NAMCOL) held its annual graduation ceremony in Windhoek on Thursday, honouring the academic accomplishments of its students and strengthening its role in Namibia’s educational landscape. The event was attended by Sanet Steenkamp, Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, who commended the graduates for their perseverance and dedication. She acknowledged NAMCOL’s contribution to skills development and lifelong learning.  “We continue to strengthen partnerships with institutions like NAMCOL, whose work is central to national progress. Let it be known that NAMCOL is not a secondary or alternative option; it is a…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) Member of Parliament Elvis Lizazi has criticised the continued exploitation of workers through labour hire companies, calling it a "lingering injustice" in an independent Namibia. Speaking during his maiden parliamentary contribution on Wednesday, Lizazi said the issue should have been addressed long ago. “Labour hire in Namibia should be a thing of the past but remains a daily reality,” said Lizazi, who also serves as IPC’s shadow minister of Justice and Labour Relations.  He referenced the landmark 2009 Supreme Court judgement that struck down a ban on labour hires, calling the Africa Personnel…

Niël Terblanché A looming crisis over food shortages at government school hostels in six regions has been averted following a High Court decision setting aside the cancellation of a multi-billion-dollar food supply tender. Judge Anne-Doris Hans-Kaumbi on Monday ruled that the decision taken by the chairperson of the tender review panel to cancel the entire tender process was invalid.  The judgment clears the way for the ministry to proceed with food procurement for school hostels in the Omaheke, Otjozondjupa, Kunene, Erongo, Omusati, Ohangwena, and Khomas regions. The ruling comes after the ministry filed an urgent application, warning that continued delays…

Hetta-Maria Amutenja  The Metal and Allied Namibian Workers Union (Manwu) has entered a transition phase as its general secretary, Justina Jonas, gradually steps back from daily operations to focus on her new role as a Member of Parliament. Jonas, who was re-elected as Manwu’s secretary general during the union’s 10th national congress in Ongwediva in September last year, confirmed that, although she still supports the union’s internal operations, she is now primarily serving in Parliament under the SWAPO party list. “You cannot just leave, because there are things that need to be put in place. So we started preparing last…

Allexer Namundjembo  A report by Auditor General Junias Kandjeke has uncovered significant gaps in financial reporting at the Otjozondjupa Regional Council, including missing payment vouchers and delayed submissions, raising serious questions about transparency and compliance. The report, submitted to Parliament in November last year, covers the council’s financial activities for the year ending March 2019. It reveals that payment vouchers for expenses amounting to N$4.86 million were not provided for audit purposes. Kandjeke noted that the council lacked a formal financial reporting framework for the period under review. “The Council did not have a financial reporting framework for the financial…

Niël Terblanché As thousands are preparing to travel home or to a holiday destination over the Easter long weekend, the Namibian Police have called on motorists to exercise caution and adhere to safety measures on the roads. In a statement issued by the head of the police’s public relations division, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, urged motorists to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before setting off. This includes checking brakes, tyres, lights, and indicators. “Obey all traffic rules and regulations at all times. Avoid overloading both passengers and goods. Do not drink and drive,” she urged. Drivers were also reminded…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Beauty pageant licensing issues saw to it that Miss Namibia 2018, Selma Kamanya, will represent the country at this year’s Miss World Pageant, scheduled for 31 May in Hyderabad, India. The decision to appoint Kamanya seven years after her crowning as Miss Namibia follows the handover of the national licence by the Miss World Organisation to Miss NGO Namibia earlier this year. The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), which previously held the Miss World licence, has not publicly explained why it ceased its involvement. When contacted for comment, NBC spokesperson Beaulah Boois-Beukes said, “Miss Namibia CEO will respond.” The…

Niël Terblanché The Office of the Presidency has condemned what it described as a coordinated spread of false information intended to damage the country’s reputation and cause diplomatic embarrassment. This follows the circulation of social media posts and online content alleging that President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah ordered the deportation of over 500 American nationals in retaliation for visa restrictions. The claims, widely shared on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook by accounts including @african_historyandnews, @its_onsiteafrica, and @afrika.world, have been labelled by the Office of the President as “fabricated” and “intended to tarnish the image of the President and the Namibian Government.”…

Niël Terblanché Florian Donatus, the newly elected chairperson of the Erongo Regional Council (ERC), has vowed to pursue an agenda of accountability, inclusive growth and accelerated service delivery as he begins his tenure following a recent leadership transition. Speaking at a press conference in Swakopmund on Wednesday, Donatus acknowledged the turbulence of the past few weeks but affirmed that the council is now ready to move forward. “I’m humbled to be elected as the chairperson of the Erongo Regional Council,” he said while also expressing appreciation to his fellow councillors and staff for their confidence and professionalism during the transition.…