Windhoek Observer

The Globe and Mail Sickness has been common for years in Tsumeb, where Dundee Precious Metals (DPM) was the biggest employer for more than a decade. Tests have now found the soil is contaminated with arsenic and other heavy metals In the citrus orchards above the Namibian town, workers often fall sick. They say they feel a burning sensation in their eyes and throats and a metallic taste in their mouths as the wind blows across from the copper smelter a few kilometres away. “When the gas is coming from that side, we get headaches and dizziness, and sometimes you…

Ester Mbathera The country’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) system faces accusations of failing both communities and the environment, according to a report released by the Namibian Environment and Wildlife Society recently. Authored by John Pallett and Ndelimona Iipinge, the report highlights deficiencies in the EIA system. “The whole process appears to be a box-checking exercise that serves a wealthy and well-connected few at the expense of the majority of Namibians and our environment,” reads the report. One example cited involves an Exclusive Prospecting License (EPL) near the //Huab Conservancy in the Khorixas area, which is home to a number of…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture has dismissed claims that some of Namibia's top-performing Grade 11 and 12 learners had prior access to examination question papers because their parents hold high-ranking positions within the ministry. Clementine Tsumis-Garises, Director of National Examinations and Assessment, addressed the allegations, which stemmed from a WhatsApp message circulating in a group named “The Africa We Want.” The message accused the ministry of corruption and favouritism, particularly after Minister Anna Nghipondoka publicly congratulated her nieces, Twapewa and Twahafa Negumbo, during the announcement of the results. The message also alleged that Jolisa Garises and…

Allexer Namundjembo High Court Judge Orben Sibeya has emphasised the importance of ensuring the judicial system remains accessible to everyone, irrespective of financial means. He said this during the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) legal challenge against the results of the 2024 National Assembly elections on Wednesday. Judge Sibeya voiced his concerns after respondents in the case demanded substantial security costs from the IPC, with amounts ranging from N$500 000 to N$750 000. The judge warned that such exorbitant demands risked barring access to the courts for applicants with limited resources, undermining the principles of justice. Anton Katz, representing the…

Martin Endjala The European Union (EU) has disbursed a N$42 million grant to four civil society organisations (CSOs) to advance the country’s development agenda. The funding is part of a strategic partnership aimed at fostering inclusive green growth, strengthening civil society participation, and addressing the country's economic, environmental, and social sustainability. The grants, awarded to the Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation, Namibia Development Trust, Namibia Nature Foundation, and Deutsche Welle Academy, were the result of a competitive call for proposals launched by the EU delegation in 2024. “These promising projects will be funded under our bilateral programme with Namibia,…