Windhoek Observer

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Nearly 200 former fishermen from Merlus Cormorant, Iyaloo, Namfi, and Rukatuka are demanding government intervention over unpaid salaries, failed transfers, and unresolved exit packages under the Government Employment Redress Programme (GERP). In a letter dated 28 April and addressed to Deputy Prime Minister Natangwe Ithete, the Logistics and Chemicals Workers Union of Namibia (LAC Workers) secretary general Lawrence Ihuhua accused the former executive director and the former Minister of Fisheries of mishandling the programme. He said this has left many fishermen in financial distress. “We, the undersigned, acting in our capacity as the legitimate representatives of the majority…

Julia Heita Journalists in Namibia mostly work freely, but some face suspensions for expressing critical views, says Reporters Without Borders in its latest press freedom report.  The report states that while the independent press enjoys relative freedom, it is not free from political pressure, especially from government influence over certain media outlets. It notes that media outlets did not face major pressure before the November 2024 elections, but the government still controls board appointments at key publications, shaping their editorial direction.  “Although journalists are mostly free to report, the media landscape remains influenced by political control, especially in the case…

Niël Terblanché The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has seized assets worth over N$2 million from the premises of Etango Petroleum in Walvis Bay. This comes as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected corruption involving a Roads Authority (RA) employee and a supplier of industrial scales. ACC spokesperson Josefina Nghituwamata said the investigation focuses on the procurement and handling of weighbridge equipment. She said an invoice of N$2,37 million for a new weighbridge was allegedly certified without the equipment being delivered. “Following the acquisition of the new weighbridge, the old weighbridge was refurbished by the same supplier for an amount of…

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) has suspended one of its staff members after uncovering a fraudulent tax refund scheme tied to the Mass Tax Refund Initiative. The scheme led to the illegal payout of over N$666 000 to 47 individuals between January and April 2025. NamRA confirmed in a statement on Monday that the staff member was suspended and that the secondment of a Ministry of Finance official involved in the matter had been revoked. Three suspects linked to the scheme were arrested and appeared in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court last week on fraud charges. An internal investigation…

Justicia Shipena  Former Agriculture Minister Mac-Albert Hengari has accused the Namibian Police of criminal conduct, claiming they attempted to embarrass him and manipulate public opinion in a rape case he is involved in. In a letter dated 2 May 2025, Hengari’s legal team, Dr Weder, Kauta & Hoveka Inc., alleges the police violated legal procedures and unlawfully disclosed sensitive information.  The letter demands the release of key documents for formal bail proceedings. Hengari made his first court appearance last week alongside his co-accused on charges of attempting to obstruct justice.  He was denied bail, and the case was postponed to…

Mia Kellerman and Duane Dausab In Hardap Regional Council v The Labour Commissioner (HC-MD-LAB-APP-AAA-2024/00014) [2025] NALCMD 8 (27 February 2025) (“Hardap”), the court clarified the long-standing debate on severance pay upon resignation. It ruled that an employer must pay severance to an employee only if they resign or retire upon reaching the age of 65, provided they have completed at least 12 months of continuous employment. Mitchel Mwabi was employed by the Hardap Regional Council as Chief Human Resources Practitioner. After ten years of continuous service, he resigned at the age of 45 and demanded severance pay under section 35(1)(c)…

Niël Terblanché President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for national support for the Girl Guides Association of Namibia (GGAN), describing it as an important contributor to youth development and nation-building. Speaking at the 2025 World Thinking Day celebration in Ongwediva at the ELCIN Church over the weekend, Nandi-Ndaitwah shared her personal experience as a former guide and encouraged others to help grow the movement. ‘Outory’ is not just a phrase. It is characterised by courage, resilience, and sisterhood that has defined the World Guides and the Girl Guides Association of Namibia for over a century,” she said. The Head of State…

 Niël Terblanché The Namibian police are waiting for post-mortem results to better understand the circumstances of Deidre Meyer’s death. The 48-year-old woman, who was reported missing in mid-April, was found dead on Friday near the Hifikepunye Pohamba Freeway between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. According to Inspector Judith Shomongula, a man who had gone to the dunes to pray discovered Meyer’s body around 11h00. Her father’s white Suzuki Jimny was parked a few metres away. The man called for help from someone passing on the nearby road, who then alerted the police. Shomongula said there were no signs of foul play.…