Page 346 – Windhoek Observer

21 Jul

MPs challenge PAP selection process as four sworn in

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Members of parliament from the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) and Body of Christ parties are challenging the process used to select Namibia’s representatives to the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), accusing the National Assembly of secretive and unlawful conduct. On Monday four MPs were sworn in at PAP to represent Namibia. They are National Assembly deputy speaker Phillipus Katamelo and Uahekua Herunga from Swapo, Anseline Beukes from the Landless People’s Movement (LPM), and Rodney Cloete from the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC). AR chief whip Vaino Hangula has written to secretary to the National Assembly Ester Kaapanda demanding the immediate withdrawal…

21 Jul

Annual sport awards return with expanded categories

Sports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Namibia Sport Commission (NSC) on Monday launched the 2025 edition of the Namibia Annual Sport Awards to honour athletes, coaches, administrators, and institutions across various sport codes. Speaking at the launch, chief administrator Freddy Mwiya said the victories of Namibian athletes have built a legacy rooted in national pride. He said the celebration of sport is supported by the Namibia Sport Act, which guides the promotion, development, and recognition of sporting talent in the country. “For 2025, we are pleased to announce that the nomination application system will open on Friday, 25 July 2025,” said Mwiya. He…

21 Jul

Civil servants push back on Psemas restrictions

National NewsPublic Service Employee Medical Aid Scheme (PSEMAS)

Justicia Shipena The Teachers Union of Namibia (TUN) has opposed the government's decision to limit the use of the Public Service Employee Medical Aid Scheme (Psemas) to private healthcare facilities. On Friday, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced that shehe had instructed the health ministry to work on a plan to redirect Psemas usage from private to public health institutions. She said this shift aims to boost investment in public hospitals and clinics. “We don’t use the state facilities and that is why I said, minister of health, with your team, I gave them a timeframe. We will start with senior civil…

20 Jul

NNN urges public servants not to betray her trust

National News

Justicia Shipena “I am really appealing. I said I have confidence in you, and I mean it. Don’t betray my trust in you for us to transform our economy.” This was President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s message to civil servants during her address in Windhoek on Friday. She urged public servants to recommit to service delivery, integrity, and accountability while cautioning against corruption and poor conduct in public offices. “We must remain vigilant against corruption in all its forms by understanding it, as it is tantamount to treason. If corruption becomes a norm, you frustrate the population, and one day they can…

20 Jul

Over 400 000 homes still without power

National NewsNatangue Ithete, Ndeshihafela Larandja, Tobias Hainyeko constituency

Erasmus Shalihaxwe More than 400 000 households across the country are still without electricity. To meet its target of universal access by 2040, the government must connect at least 26 700 households per year, which currently represents just 6.68% of the total connected homes annually. This is according to the deputy prime minister and minister of industry, mines and energy, Natangue Ithete, who was speaking over the weekend during the commissioning of electrification projects in Windhoek’s informal areas, in the Tobias Hainyeko constituency. This comes as the cabinet approved the National Electrification Policy in 2022, which sets out that every…

20 Jul

Ballotti rallies creatives to make ‘Geld’

National NewsDino Ballotti, Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6)

Allexer Namundjembo Deputy minister of education, innovation, youth, sports, arts and culture, Dino Ballotti has called for the formalisation of cultural entrepreneurship. He says this move will help unlock economic opportunities and promote sustainable development. Speaking at a recent training workshop for cultural entrepreneurs in the cultural heritage sector held in Swakopmund, Ballotti said the country's rich cultural heritage can support livelihoods and contribute to the national economy when used effectively. “We must formalise the hustle. Why are we afraid of formalisation?” he asked. “Formalisation is key to accessing finance, mentorship, and markets which are essential for scaling and sustaining…

20 Jul

Palms for Life opens doors for ex-nun turned hospitality star

National News

Allexer Namundjembo From quiet halls of a convent to bustling hotel corridors, 30-year-old Ermelinda Amses of Gobabis has traded her life as a Catholic nun for a new journey in hospitality and tourism. Armed with vocational training and unwavering determination, she is redefined her path. Raised on a resettlement farm by her Ju/’hoansi mother and Nama father, Ermelinda’s path reflects the barriers many Namibian youth face in securing sustainable employment. She began her schooling at Gunichas Roman Catholic Primary School and completed Grade 12 at Epako Secondary School in 2013 with 18 points. Her dream of becoming a teacher was…

20 Jul

Windhoek eyes 11 new townships by 2027

National NewsMoses Matyayi, Vivo Energy

Allexer Namundjembo The City of Windhoek plans to establish 11 new townships in the next two years as part of its Vision 2027 under development strategy. As part of the plan, the municipality aims to service 326 erven and construct over 200 affordable houses. The city also intends to electrify 800 homes, formalise 7 300 lease agreements in informal settlements, and upgrade its water infrastructure as it pushes to meet its urban development targets by the 2027 deadline. These commitments were shared by the City of Windhoek chief executive officer Moses Matyayi during a recent public participation in Windhoek. The…

20 Jul

ECN accuses Amupanda of undermining public trust

National NewsDe Wet Siluka, Job Amupanda

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has rejected allegations made by Affirmative Repositioning (AR) leader Job Amupanda, who alleged that the Commission is colluding with the ruling Swapo party to delay a by-election in Outapi constituency. Amupanda took to social media last week, claiming ECN and Swapo were engaged in “behind the scenes” meetings to avoid calling a by-election in Outapi after former councillor Immanuel Shikongo was appointed governor of Omusati Region. In response, ECN spokesperson De Wet Siluka labbeled the accusations false and aimed at creating confusion and public mistrust in the Commission. He said the ECN…

20 Jul

MTC plans new stores in northern towns

Observer Money

Allexer Namundjembo MTC has announced plans to open new mobile homes in northern Namibia this year, with a focus on Katima Mulilo, Divundu, and Rundu, as demand for telecommunications services continues to grow. The announcement was made during the launch of the company’s 38th mobile home in Omuthiya on Friday. MTC’s chief commercial officer, Octivious Kahiya, said the expansion responds to rising business activity and population growth in the north-eastern regions. “Within this calendar year, we anticipate opening stores in the North East due to the increase in business and SME sectors and the overall population growth. Emphasis will be…