Windhoek Observer

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Namibian government has approved poultry imports from the United States, allowing U.S. exporters to ship fresh, frozen, and chilled chicken to Namibia starting 1 July. According to the ministry of agriculture, water and land reform, the approval followed a veterinary risk assessment focused on animal and public health.  The ministry said the decision is based solely on sanitary standards and not linked to trade or economic policy. “The decision to allow imports is based on compliance with Namibia’s sanitary measures rather than on timing considerations,” said ministry spokesperson Simon Nghipandulwa. The import permits were issued under the…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Deputy minister of defence and veterans affairs Charles Mubita has revealed that 12 702 veterans of the liberation struggle are still waiting for their approved benefits, more than a decade after the programme began. Responding to questions from Nudo member of parliament Vetaruhe Kandorozu in the National Assembly last week, Mubita said the ministry has paid out N$2.52 billion to 13,398 veterans since the start of the programme in the 2011/2012 financial year. “Out of the 33,500 veterans, 13,398 have been paid at an amount totalling N$2,52 million, while 12,702 are yet to be paid,” he said. He…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The ministry of information and communication technology (MICT) has confirmed that the country's data protection bill is still under review by the cabinet committee for legislation. This comes as the ministry of home affairs, immigration, safety and security, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has announced plans to roll out the country’s first electronic identity card (e-ID).  The smart card stores biometric and demographic data and is designed to support identity verification across sectors such as healthcare, banking, education, and public services. Digital rights groups, including the Internet Society Namibia Chapter, have raised concerns about…

Allexer Namundjebo Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) has confirmed that  it carried out an emergency procurement process to upgrade its security systems and appoint a security consultant.  This follows allegations made by member of parliament and Affirmative Repositioning (AR) leader Job Amupanda. In a social media post, Amupanda accused Namdia of violating procurement procedures.  He claimed the company appointed a security consultant without formal qualifications and that the consultant’s son was involved in installing the new security system.  He also raised concerns about Namdia’s previous ties to Neldan, an Angolan-based company that, he alleged, had access to the company’s alarm reports.…

Justicia Shipena Justice and labour relations minister Fillemon Wise Immanuel has directed Cheetah Cement in Otjiwarongo to ensure that all non-specialised roles are filled by Namibians. It affects roles such as two chef positions and one administrative officer post, which are currently held by Chinese nationals. The directive follows plans by Cheetah Cement, operated by Whale Rock Cement (Pty) Ltd, to merge with Ohorongo Cement.  Immanuel issued the directive on Saturday during a plant familiarisation visit.  He met with senior management, employees, officials from the Otjiwarongo Labour Office, and the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN). He also ordered he company…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Education, innovation, youth, sports, arts and culture minister Sanet Steenkamp has called on SADC member states to ensure their development efforts are inclusive and responsive, especially towards people living with disabilities. She made the remarks  on Sunday during  the Inter-Ministerial Forum on Inclusion and Sustainability held in Windhoek. “A child cannot succeed in school if they are unwell, a youth cannot thrive in sport without mental and physical support, and no system is complete if it excludes people living with disabilities. We are called to action. Not someday, now,” said Steenkamp. She said leaders are aware of the…

Allexer Namundjebo At 29, Johachim Kotze is a boiler operator at Gobabis District Hospital, working under the ministry of health and social services.  His path to this role was not easy. Kotze was born to a Nama mother and a San (Ju/'hoansi) father, two of Namibia’s historically marginalised groups. He grew up in Epako location, Gobabis, where poverty and unemployment are common. He completed Grade 12 at Epako High School in 2015. Life after school was tough. “Both of my parents are unemployed.  There was no stable income, so I had to hustle, selling anything I could, just to survive,”…