Windhoek Observer

Allexer Namundjembo Motorists who have fallen behind on vehicle licence payments now have a path to relief.  The Road Fund Administration amendment act, 2024, came into force with new regulations gazetted on 22 August 2025.  The law allows exemptions and waivers for license fees, penalties, and interest. Finance minister Ericah Shafudah said in the notice of the gazetted regulations that the aim is to ease financial strain while protecting the Road Fund’s sustainability.  “With this law now in effect, we are introducing a fair and transparent process through which vehicle owners can seek relief on certain fees and penalties. Our…

Allexer Namundjembo Urban  and rural development minister James Sankwasa’s recent comment about “married people running to unmarried social workers” has been described as ignorant and misleading.  Sankwasa made the remarks on Saturday during the official designation of chief Eugene Kudumo of the Uukwangali Traditional Authority in Nkurenkuru.  He said the best social workers did not graduate from the University of Namibia (Unam). "Our best social workers in this world were our grandparents and uncles, and not graduates from Unam," he said.  Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah criticised the statement, saying it undermined a profession central to Namibia’s social welfare system.  “There…

Justicia Shipena Preparations are underway for the next EU–Namibia Business Forum, scheduled for 24–25 March 2026.  The announcement was made during the 2025 EU–Namibia Partnership Dialogue held in Windhoek on Monday. The dialogue was co-chaired by Namibia’s minister of international relations and trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, and the European Union (EU) ambassador to Namibia, Ana Beatriz Martins.  It brought together senior Namibian government officials, EU representatives, and member states, including France, Finland, Germany, Portugal, and Spain. Talks focused on strengthening economic and trade ties, with emphasis on the EU–SADC Economic Partnership Agreement and the African Continental Free Trade Area.  The meeting…

Allexer Namundjembo After more than a decade of legal battles, Eugene Siwombe Kudumo has officially been designated as chief of the Vakwangali people, succeeding the late chief Sitentu Mpasi, who died 11 years ago. The ceremony drew traditional leaders from across the country and neighbouring Angola, including chief Sofia Mujembwe of Sambyu, chief Alfons Kaundu of Mbunza, and chief May Kasamane of Mangondo. The path to Kudumo’s recognition was long and contested. In February 2017, the Windhoek High Court set aside the minister of urban and rural development's decision to designate him, citing irregularities in the nomination process.  The challenge…