Advocate Lotta Ambunda joins High Court bench

Advocate Lotta Ambunda joins High Court bench

Niël Terblanché Advocate Lotta Ambunda was officially sworn in as an Acting Judge of the High Court on Tuesday during a ceremony held at the High Court in Windhoek. The oath of office was administered by Justice Shafimana Ueitele, Deputy Judge President of the High Court. Ambunda’s appointment, effective from 15 April to 31 July 2025, was made by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). According to the JSC, this will be Ambunda’s first time serving on the bench. The JSC confirmed that Ambunda’s appointment forms part of broader efforts to enhance the judiciary’s…
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Namibia set to tackle climate change with science-based solutions

Namibia set to tackle climate change with science-based solutions

Niël Terblanché Namibia is committed to regional climate research and adaptation by hosting the latest Southern Africa Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL) Thematic Workshop in Windhoek. The workshop that started on Tuesday brought together scientists, students, farmers, and policy experts to exchange knowledge and shape practical responses to the region’s escalating climate challenges. The deputy minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform, Ruth Masake, officially opened the workshop and stressed the urgency of evidence-based, collaborative solutions. “Namibia continues to experience increasing climate variability, ranging from severe droughts to extreme rainfall, flash floods, and…
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BIPA extends annual duty penalty waiver programme

BIPA extends annual duty penalty waiver programme

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) has extended the deadline for its Annual Duty Penalty Waiver Programme to 30 September. Announcing the extension on Tuesday, BIPA’s acting chief executive officer, Ainna Kaundu, said the move is part of ongoing efforts to support local entrepreneurs and improve compliance across the business sector. The waiver program allows registered entities that are in arrears with their annual duty payments to settle their obligations without incurring penalties or interest. Kaundu said the initiative offers businesses an opportunity to update their records, become compliant, and avoid the risk of deregistration. “We continue…
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GIPF announces 4% pension increase

GIPF announces 4% pension increase

Niël Terblanché The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) has approved a 4% increase in pension benefits, effective 1 April 2025. This adjustment applies to all GIPF pensioners, qualifying annuitants, as well as spousal and child beneficiaries. The GIPF’s chief executive officer, Martin Inkumbi, announced the adjustment in a statement issued on Tuesday. He said that pensions in payment or deferment for less than a year as of 31 March 2025 will receive the increase on a pro-rata basis. “The Board of Trustees took this informed decision following the recommendation from the Fund’s Actuary,” Inkumbi said. He explained that the advice…
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NRU confirms warm-up matches for Africa Cup preparation

NRU confirms warm-up matches for Africa Cup preparation

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) has announced a series of high-profile warm-up matches for the national team, the Welwitschias, as part of their preparation for the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup and a bid to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. NRU Chief Executive Officer John Heynes confirmed on Tuesday that the matches will begin in June. He said that these games are expected to play a crucial role in building team cohesion and fitness ahead of the continental tournament scheduled for 6–20 July in Uganda. “These matches offer vital preparation and a chance for fans to enjoy…
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Opposition demands answers about N$100 million Angolan petroleum deal

Opposition demands answers about N$100 million Angolan petroleum deal

Allexer Namundjembo Opposition political parties are demanding full public disclosure and accountability over the unexplained disappearance of N$100 million linked to a controversial oil and gas project, known as "the Transaction", in Angola Block 15/06. The project involves the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) and other partners. More than a year after the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) launched an investigation, no official report has been made public. The Landless People’s Movement (LPM), through its spokesperson, Lifalaza Simataa, describes the situation as a pattern of state-owned entities mishandling public funds without consequences. “Large sums of money suspiciously not being recovered, going…
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Tjombe, Masua urge overhaul of land compensation model

Tjombe, Masua urge overhaul of land compensation model

Ester Mbathera  Human rights lawyer Norman Tjombe and former Member of Parliament and lawyer Patience Masua have called for urgent reform of Namibia’s land reform framework, criticising the current willing buyer, willing seller approach as ineffective and unjust. The two made the remarks during a high-level panel discussion hosted by Open Society Foundations (OSF) and Action Coalition-Namibia in Windhoek on Monday. The discussion formed part of the OSF Africa Tour under the Namibia chapter, titled “The Land of the Brave”. Tjombe dismissed the willing buyer, willing seller model as a policy with no basis in the Namibian Constitution. “I've gone…
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Ngurare calls for a shift in mindset from public servants

Ngurare calls for a shift in mindset from public servants

Niël Terblanché Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has called on staff members in his office to reflect deeply on their role as public servants and recommit themselves to efficient service delivery. Speaking during a staff engagement in Windhoek on Monday, Ngurare described the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) personnel as the most valuable asset in the country’s administrative machinery. “It has been three weeks since I was appointed Prime Minister, and I have been looking forward to this opportunity to engage with you. You, the staff members of this office, are the most valuable assets in our asset register. Without…
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Namutoni education centre receives equipment for enhance education

Namutoni education centre receives equipment for enhance education

Niël Terblanché The Namutoni Environmental Education Centre (NEEC), situated within the Etosha National Park, has received a consignment of office, accommodation, and kitchen equipment aimed at enhancing educational services. The Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Indileni Daniel handed the equipment to the management of the centre on Sunday. Daniel said the new equipment include a projector, desktop computers, laptops, and various kitchen utensils and that it was procured through the Game Products Trust Fund at a cost of N$151 129. "This centre is an integral part of our country’s education sector, and today’s handover marks a step forward in…
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Sulphur upwelling prompts water rationing in Swakopmund and Arandis

Sulphur upwelling prompts water rationing in Swakopmund and Arandis

Niél Terblanché A sudden sulphur upwelling in the Atlantic Ocean has disrupted operations at the Orano Desalination Plant, leading to a reduced supply of potable water at Arandis. The spokesperson of the Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater), Lot Ndamanomhata, reported that the phenomenon, which began on Tuesday, 8 April 2025, has caused water reservoir levels to fall below 50% in Swakopmund and under 30% in Arandis.​ “In response, NamWater has advised the Arandis Town Council to implement water rationing measures from 14 to 18 April,” he said. According to Ndamanomhata, residents will experience nightly water supply interruptions between 22:00 and 04:00.…
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