info_e12wt4cs – Page 2

28 Apr

Leaders call for action against “Blesser” culture

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Ester Mbathera Transactional relationships where older men engage with underage girls, often called “blessers” or “sugar daddies”, remain widespread across the country. Wealthy and respected men are often involved, with girls as young as 13 drawn into these relationships. Ohangwena Governor and former police chief Sebastian Ndeitunga said the rise in these cases is partly due to the involvement of some parents. "Parents are to blame for this. Some parents know that their child is going out with an older person, but because they need the money the girl is bringing in, they support her and keep quiet. Some are…

28 Apr

Funding secured for Okangwati Extension 3 township

info_e12wt4csNational News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Kunene Regional Council has secured funding for the establishment of Okangwati Extension 3 under the national development budget. This move sets plans in motion to formalise and expand the settlement’s residential and business areas. Chief Regional Officer, George Kamseb, said the township project aligns with the priorities of the Sixth National Development Plan and the National Housing Policy of 2023, which promote sustainable human settlements. "Funding has been secured under the Development Budget for the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework for the years 2025/26 to 2027/28," Kamseb said. The council will oversee needs and feasibility assessments, environmental impact studies,…

28 Apr

Zambezi region most supportive of marijuana use

info_e12wt4csNational News

Ester Mbathera People from the Zambezi region believe marijuana use can sometimes or always be justified. This makes them the most supportive group in the country, according to the Afrobarometer Survey 2024 conducted by Cirrus Survey Warehouse Namibia. The survey shows that approval for adult cannabis use varies across regions, age groups, education levels, and ethnic backgrounds. Nationally, the nation remains divided on the issue. The public was asked whether adults using marijuana can "always be justified," "sometimes be justified," or "never be justified." Among ethnic groups, people who wanted to be identified as Caprivians scored 82%, followed by Nama…

28 Apr

2025 SONA: BOTTOM-UP ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION FOR SHARED PROSPERITY

info_e12wt4csOpinions

Josef Kefas Sheehama On the 24 April 2025, President H.E. Dr. Netumbo Ndemupelila Nandi-Ndaitwah of the Republic of Namibia delivered her first State of the Nation Address (SONA), emphasizing "Unity in Diversity, Natural Resources Beneficiation, and Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development." She outlined the administration's goals and strategies for an array of the economy. In the SONA, the president outlines the targets for the year, the current state and achievements of the economy, and plans for implementation. In addition to highlighting important challenges and transformative initiatives, her 2025 State of the Nation Address outlined eight key economic enablers and seven…

28 Apr

Outapi water treatment plant expansion is progressing well

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) has announced steady progress on the N$141.8 million expansion and upgrade of the Outapi Water Treatment Plant (WTP). The project aims to meet the increasing water needs of Outapi Town and surrounding communities in the Omusati Region. NamWater’s spokesperson, Lot Ndamanomhata, said in a statement on Monday that work has already started and is moving forward. “We are pleased to share that progress is moving steadily and visible work is taking shape,” he said. He added that the project was launched to meet the growing water needs of the region. The existing plant,…

28 Apr

Construction of an inclusive resource school in Kamanjab set to begin

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché Construction of a special school for differently abled children in Kamanjab will soon begin, following a groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday. Speaking at the event on behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare described the Kunene Region Resource School project as a milestone in Namibia’s education infrastructure. He said the government has made access to inclusive, quality education a priority, with a commitment to ensure that no child is left behind, regardless of ability, location, or circumstance. The school will cater specifically to learners with hearing, visual, and intellectual impairments. It will include adapted classrooms, hostel blocks,…

28 Apr

Namibia set to roll out digital IDs

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché Namibia is preparing to transition to a digital identity system aimed at improving service delivery, unlocking opportunities, and tackling corruption. Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Lucia Iipumbu addressed the media at the Ministry’s headquarters in Windhoek on Monday. She praised the ministry and its partners for their efforts in planning the transition to Digital Legal Identity. She called the shift a timely and necessary move for a world that is becoming increasingly digital. “Let us become champions of Digital Legal Identity in Africa, so others can learn from us,” she said. Iipumbu urged all stakeholders…

28 Apr

Namibia strengthens cybersecurity networks as threats multiply

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Namibia’s cybersecurity resilience continues to rely on international threat intelligence systems as the country develops its own regulatory and incident response frameworks, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has said. Responding to questions from the Windhoek Observer regarding the possible impact of global disruptions, such as the uncertainty surrounding MITRE’s CVE program in the United States, CRAN said Namibia’s approach to managing cybersecurity threats is supported by systems like the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) database. "CRAN, through the Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response Team (NAM-CSIRT), enforces regulations to ensure cybersecurity resilience and consumer protection and encourages…

28 Apr

Researchers propose turning locusts into animal feed

info_e12wt4csNational News

Allexer Namundjembo Farmers in the northern parts of the country facing outbreaks of destructive insects like locusts and armoured crickets could benefit by using these insects as animal feed. Hiskia Asino, a doctorate candidate in aquaculture and nutrition at the University of Namibia (Unam), proposed turning pests such as locusts, armyworms, and armoured crickets into protein-rich feed for poultry, pigs, and fish. His idea aims to reduce crop damage and lower feed costs. "Instead of viewing these pests only as a threat, we should begin to see them as a resource. Locusts, for example, are high in protein and can…

27 Apr

Hengari’s fall casts a shadow over NNN’s start

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Allexer Namundjembo Political analysts say the arrest of former agriculture minister Mac-Albert Hengari has exposed weaknesses early on in President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership. Political analyst Henning Melber said the situation reflects poor judgement in Cabinet appointments. “This is a bad omen for NNN’s first weeks in office. It indicates that there was no proper vetting process done for the Cabinet appointments. Given the evidence already existing, Hengari should never have become a minister,” he said. Melber added that "innocent until proven guilty has a different meaning". He said Nandi-Ndaitwah’s image of moral leadership had been damaged and questioned how her…