info_e12wt4cs – Page 9

08 Jun

Govt risks losing N$110 million in AfDB loan

info_e12wt4csMain

Justicia Shipena Namibia has yet to fully use a N$2 billion loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB) for massive transport infrastructure. With only six months left before the loan disbursement deadline on 31 December 2025, more than N$110 million remains undisbursed. The latest Implementation Progress and Results Report from the AfDB shows that Namibia has used just over 94% of the approved loan amount as of April 2025. This implies that the government can only access the remaining funds prior to the loan's expiration. The government must fast-track activities to avoid losing the remaining money. The remaining work needs…

08 Jun

Power costs could rise by 3% in Windhoek

info_e12wt4csNational News

Justicia Shipena Residents in Windhoek may face up to a 3% increase in electricity costs this year if the Electricity Control Board (ECB) approves the City of Windhoek’s proposed tariff adjustment. The municipality proposed the increase during a public consultation held on Friday at the Khomas Regional Council Hall. The session was organised by the ECB. The City, which supplies electricity in the Khomas Region, wants a 4% weighted average increase for the 2025/2026 financial year. It says this aligns with NamPower’s approved average bulk tariff increase of 3.8%. Last month, the ECB approved NamPower’s 3.8% tariff increase, which takes…

08 Jun

MUN seeks Ithete’s help to save Sinomine jobs

info_e12wt4csNational News

Allexer Namundjebo The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) has rejected planned retrenchments at the Sinomine Tsumeb Smelter, calling the move unjustified and procedurally flawed. In a letter to the minister of industry, mines and energy, Natangue Ithete, MUN secretary general George Ampweya accused the company of bypassing due process and undermining Namibia’s commitment to job creation. “We see these developments as a deliberate attempt to undermine the role of the union, promote precarious work, and perpetuate outsourcing practices that have already harmed job security,” said Ampweya. He said the company’s human resources division has excluded the union from proper negotiations…

08 Jun

Unam faces backlash over hostel evictions

info_e12wt4csNational News

Allexer Namundjebo Student leaders are unhappy about hostel evictions at the University of Namibia (Unam). The Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) and the National African Students Association (Nasa) have objected to Unam's reported plan to evict students from hostels during exams. The move reportedly aims to create space for renovations ahead of the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games. Namibia is set to host the 11th edition of the AUSC Youth Games in Windhoek and Swakopmund from 4 to 13 July. The games were initially scheduled to be held in Mozambique, but after their withdrawal, Namibia stepped…

08 Jun

Education ministry submits evidence in WHS case

info_e12wt4csNational News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The government has submitted documents detailing how it appointed a new principal for Windhoek High School. This follows claims by the school board that the ministry of education ignored proper procedures and left the board out of key parts of the hiring process. In court papers filed at the Windhoek High Court, the school board, led by chairperson Tertius Stears, is asking the court to set aside the appointment of Teofilus Nuugulu. His appointment was set to begin on 6 May 2025. The board argues the process was not transparent and failed to follow the Basic Education Act…

08 Jun

Nujoma Foundation commits to Olufuko festival continuity

info_e12wt4csNational News

Allexer Namundjebo The Sam Nujoma Foundation has confirmed its support for the annual Olufuko Cultural Festival, pledging to continue the legacy of its late patron, founding president Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma. At a fundraising gala dinner for the festival’s 11th edition on Saturday, the Foundation’s deputy chairperson, Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana, said the Foundation will keep backing the cultural heritage and values promoted by the late president. “This year’s edition marks the first Olufuko Festival held without its most ardent patron, but the Foundation will steadfastly support the cultural objectives he tirelessly advocated,” Iivula-Ithana said. She highlighted Dr Nujoma’s belief that cultural…

08 Jun

First e-ID cards to launch in July next year

info_e12wt4csNational News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Starting from July 2026, Namibians will be able to use electronic identity cards (e-ID). This comes as the ministry of home affairs recently announced plans to launch the first e-ID system in July 2026. In April of this year, the home affairs minister, Lucia Iipumbu first unveiled the plan that the country is transitioning to a digital identity system. The ministry’s executive director, Etienne Maritz, said the e-ID will transform identity management and improve access to public and private services in Namibia. According to the ministry, this initiative aligns with the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) model governance…

08 Jun

‘Days of underperforming employees are numbered’ – Luvindao

info_e12wt4csFeatured, National News

Niël Terblanché The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Esperance Luvindao, warned underperforming employees that their days are numbered. She said the health ministry will no longer tolerate individuals who fail to meet their responsibilities while continuing to draw salaries. Speaking during a recent courtesy meeting with the Public Service Commission (PSC), Luvindao said, “We are hired with terms of reference, and these must be clearly understood to hold people accountable.” The meeting allowed the health minister to engage with PSC officials led by chairperson Salmaan Jacobs. She received a briefing on the commission’s mandate and functions, especially in…

08 Jun

Local businesses urged to invest in manufacturing

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché Nearly N$750,000 was raised during a fundraising gala dinner on Saturday at the Ondangwa Trade Fair Centre. The event aimed to support the 12th Ondangwa Trade and Industrial Exhibition, scheduled from 27 June to 5 July 2025. The theme for this year’s exhibition is “Building Resilient Industries Through Innovation and Smart Partnerships”. Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare opened the pledge with a N$5 000 donation. Contributions followed from corporate entities, government institutions, and private individuals, bringing the total to N$740 600. Ngurare told attendees that exhibitions like the one in Ondangwa play a key role in national development. “The…

08 Jun

Inmate telephone system launched

info_e12wt4csFeatured, National News

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Correctional Service officially launched the Telio Inmate Telephone System at the Walvis Bay and Swakopmund correctional facilities on Friday. This system is part of the country’s wider reform of the justice and correctional systems. The Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Lucia Iipumbu, spoke at the launch. She said the initiative supports the government's digital transformation and institutional modernisation. “This is not merely a communication tool. It is a platform for empowerment, reform, and reintegration. It enables inmates to maintain monitored contact with their families, a connection proven to reduce recidivism and promote successful…