Windhoek Observer

Allexer Namundjembo Renewed calls for the former Caprivi Region to break away from Namibia reflect the revival of an old issue that was never fully addressed through sustained and inclusive dialogue, political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah says. Kamwanyah made the remarks as demonstrations linked to the United Democratic Party’s (UDP) secession agenda, alongside counter-protests by residents, continued in Katima Mulilo. Similar demands surfaced in the late 1990s and were firmly rejected by the government.  “Similar demands were made in the late 1990s and were firmly rejected by the state,” Kamwanyah said.  The Constitution defines Namibia as a unitary, sovereign and indivisible…

Renthia Kaimbi Cholera cases in Grootfontein have more than tripled in three weeks as suspected infections rise to 50. The outbreak was first flagged on 18 November with one suspected case.  By 24 November, health authorities were investigating six cases, three of which were confirmed by the Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP). As of yesterday, the Ministry of Health and Social Services is tracking 50 suspected cases in the Grootfontein district.  Laboratory testing by the NIP has confirmed 10 positive cases. Twenty-eight suspected cases tested negative.  Four samples have not yet been tested, one result is pending, and two patients…

Allexer Namundjembo The Home-Schooling Association of Namibia (HSAN) says it has never presented itself as a regulatory body or a registering or approving authority. It also says it does not act as an oversight or inspection body, nor is it a school or private education institution. Responding to questions sent by the Windhoek Observer on Monday, HSAN said it has also never presented itself as a substitute for the Ministry of Education or as a school in any way, type or form. “The media release correctly states that only the Ministry has the legal mandate to regulate, approve, and oversee…

Justicia Shipena  Local authorities and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) owe NamPower N$557 million after failing to meet repayment arrangements.  The Electricity Control Board (ECB) disclosed the figures following its board meeting on 9 December 2025.  The Mariental municipality owes the largest amount at N$233.29 million.  Meanwhile, Gobabis Municipality owes N$70.2 million, followed by Karasburg Municipality with N$59 million, Aranos Town Council with N$58 million, Maltahöhe Village Council with N$34 million, Gibeon Village Council with N$24 million and Bethanie Village Council with N$21 million. Local authorities on bulk prepayment arrangements owe a further N$210 million.  Rehoboth Town Council, which has been on…

Justicia Shipena  Election results remain binding even when they contain errors, unless a court sets them aside, the High Court has ruled in a case that corrected a mistake in the allocation of a council seat in the Rundu local authority election. In a ruling delivered on 9 December 2025, High Court judge Thomas Masuku said administrative decisions, including election outcomes, remain valid and effective until set aside by a competent court. He stressed that this principle underscores the central role of legality in the electoral process. “It is now firmly settled that administrative decision-making remains valid and binding, however…