National News

Niël Terblanché With a multifaceted approach to rehabilitation, food security, and community engagement, the envisaged Kaoko-Otavi Correctional Facility represents a step forward for Namibia’s correctional services. Once constructed the facility will be a symbol of hope, resilience, and shared progress in the Kunene region. Dr Albert Kawana, the Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, inaugurated the partially completed infrastructure of the new Kaoko-Otavi Correctional Facility in the Kunene Region on Thursday. The new facility is currently under construction and is set to be completed in February next year. Kawana informed people attending the occasion that the facility, which…

Niël Terblanché Pohamba Shifeta, Namibia's Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, delivered a pointed critique of developed nations' reluctance to fulfil their climate finance obligations at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. Addressing the sixth high-level ministerial dialogue on climate change on Thursday, Shifeta expressed deep disappointment over the inadequate financial support provided to developing countries grappling with the consequences of global warming. "We came here to Baku with the understanding that COP29 is a climate finance event. However, it is quite astonishing and very disappointing to hear that those who caused global warming are…

Martin Endjala Amidst ongoing water and energy woes in many regions across the country, the Capricorn Foundation, in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), has committed to addressing water and energy challenges across regions. According to the foundation's executive officer, Marlize Horn, it has partnered with stakeholders such as the Network for Global Innovation (NGIN) and Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB) Namibia to launch the global Just Transition to the Future (JTF) Water-Energy Nexus Open Innovation Challenge. “The initiative aims to identify and develop innovative solutions that address the critical challenges surrounding water and energy in drought-prone regions in…

Ester Mbathera Sinomine, the new owner of the Tsumeb Smelter has clarified the recent changes to its executive structure following public concerns over the secondment of ten foreign staff members. Earlier this week the company issued an internal memo seen by the Windhoek Observer to introduce new team members seconded from Sinomine Resource Group Co., Ltd., to the smelter. Brumilda Britz, director of human resources, in the memo, explained that the team members are seconded to support our existing workforce. “We thank everyone for their continued support in welcoming them as we expand our capacity and capabilities as a business…

Niël Terblanché In a ceremony at the Peace Corps Training Center in Okahandja, 30 Peace Corps Trainees were officially sworn in to commence their two-year service as Economic Empowerment and Community Health HIV/AIDS Volunteers across Namibia. The event held on Thursday was attended by the Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Esther Utjiua Muinjangue, the United States Ambassador to Namibia, Randy Berry, and Peace Corps Country Director, Dr Elizabeth Anderson. Ambassador Berry reiterated the enduring partnership between the U.S. and Namibia. "The U.S.-Namibia partnership is built upon a foundation of meaningful people-to-people relationships and forged in shared values…

Ester Mbathera The absence of a minimum wage for the mining industry leaves room for companies to set wages as they see fit, creating disparities in worker pay and conditions. Currently, minimum wage laws only apply to construction, security, agriculture, and domestic work sectors. Maria Hedimbi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations & Employment Creation said it is currently the responsibility of the employers and employees' representatives within a particular industry to come up with a collective agreement that outlines conditions of service, including minimum wages for their respective industries. “In the absence of a minimum wage…

Stefanus Nashama Concerns over the country’s outdated water and sewage infrastructure are gaining momentum as political parties express frustration over the lack of maintenance and modernisation. The Affirmative Repositioning (AR), Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF), and the Landless People’s Movement (LPM) are among the latest parties calling for immediate action and proposing long-term solutions. On Monday the All People’s Party (APP), the Body of Christ Party (BCP), the Congress of Democrats (CoD), and the National Empowerment Fighting Corruption (NEFC), voiced their concerns. AR spokesperson George Kambala accused the Swapo-led government of failing to implement proper plans to fix and maintain…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In light of a recent incident involving a Namibian diplomat and his family, former Namibian ambassador Pius Dunaiski has highlighted the need for clear guidelines to address crimes committed by diplomats stationed abroad. The retired diplomat emphasised that while diplomatic immunity provides necessary protections, it can also complicate the pursuit of justice in cases where serious crimes are alleged. “It is a very difficult case because the embassy itself, as well as the people who live within the embassy, enjoy diplomatic immunity,” Dunaiski explained. “The host country cannot simply arrest anyone without consent from the Executive Director of…

Allexer Namundjembo The National Council Standing Committee on Home Affairs, Security, Constitutional, and Legal Affairs has invited experts in areas such as economists, and financial analysts to help unpack the budget and make the members of parliament understand it. The chairperson of the committee John Likando said the move should be a separate session before the budget is referred to the National Council. “Activities should be led by the standing committee on public accounts and economy to ensure that thorough consultations are conducted with the public and members of the National Council are taken through by the experts to ensure…

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security dismissed allegations made by political activist Michael Amushelelo, who recently criticized the conduct of a ministry staff member for using a mobile phone while on duty. In a widely circulated social media post, Amushelelo implied that the employee's brief use of their phone demonstrated a lack of professionalism. Etienne Maritz, the ministry’s executive director, in a statement on Wednesday, refuted this portrayal, calling it a misleading and unfair attack on the integrity of its workforce. Maritz clarified that the use of mobile phones by its staff is often a…