Windhoek Observer

Allexer Namundjembo A 59-year-old man accused of fatally shooting Onelago village headman Sam Nepando and injuring Iikokola village headman and National Planning Commission (NPC) executive director I-Ben Nashandi made his first court appearance in the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court on Monday.  The accused, Sinskus Johannes, was remanded in custody.  The case was postponed to allow the prosecution and defence to prepare further submissions. The shooting occurred on 2 January during a community court session at Johannes’ homestead in the Oshikoto Region. The two traditional leaders had gone to address a land dispute. An eyewitness, David Nangombe, told the Namibian Sun that…

Allexer Namundjembo Voices in the political space have expressed mixed views on transfers of executive directors across government ministries.  While some see the reshuffles as a way to improve performance and curb corruption, others warn they could disrupt service delivery if not carefully planned. Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah said the movement of executive directors can be useful when guided by clear objectives and proper planning.  Speaking to the Windhoek Observer last week, Kamwanyah said transfers can help share institutional knowledge, bring in new ideas and reduce over-familiarity with long-standing systems. “Moving executive directors can improve performance, particularly in ministries where…

Allexer Namundjembo Namibia has called for an urgent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting following reports that the United States attacked Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.  The Namibian government said the actions constitute a breach of international law and a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty. On Sunday, the Ministry of International Relations and Trade said the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all nations must be respected in accordance with the United Nations Charter and the principles of international law.  “The respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is essential for the enhancement of global peace and…

Justicia Shipena President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged young people to care for the elderly and stand with the vulnerable, emphasising that the youth continue to be the nation's lifeblood and vitality. In her New Year message on Thursday, Nandi-Ndaitwah urged young Namibians to be protectors of those who cannot always protect themselves and to look out for one another in 2026.  She called on the nation to renew its commitment to guarding society against social ills that threaten progress.  She said efforts toward women’s emancipation must address all forms of abuse and discrimination.  Nandi-Ndaitwah urged citizens to reject gender-based violence,…

Renthia Kaimbi Human rights activist Phil ya Nangoloh says the term “war veteran” has no legal standing.  He criticises Namibia’s veteran policy, noting that it hides a gap in national law that leaves many former soldiers without recognition. In a statement issued on Saturday, Ya Nangoloh said the Veterans Act (2 of 2008) only recognises veterans of the liberation struggle and does not make reference to so-called war veterans. “So many former Swapo comrades and especially those who were in exile, call themselves 'war veterans'. But little did they appear to know that there is no such thing as a…