Windhoek Observer

Renthia Kaimbi The interim executive chairperson of the National Youth Council (NYC), Beverly Silas-!Garas has resigned, effective 19 August 2025.  Her resignation ends an eight-month interim leadership that began in December 2024, during which the NYC faded legal disputes, protests, frozen funding, and allegations of political interference. Silas-!Garas submitted her resignation letter on 11 August 2025.  She said the decision coincides with the end of her two-month extension, which she did not request.  “I have given my reasons to the minister [Sanet Steenkamp], and therefore will not disclose them publicly. It's a decision I made with a sober mind without…

Renthia Kaimbi Families of victims of the Lubango dungeons say the death of former Namibia Defence Force (NDF) chief Solomon “Jesus” Hawala marks a time for judgement on his actions. Some victims say they will not forgive him and believe he had much to answer for but took it to his grave. Hawala died on Monday. His legacy is tied to allegations from the liberation struggle era. As Swapo’s deputy army commander and chief of security in the 1980s, he oversaw detainee camps in Lubango, Angola, where thousands of Swapo members and civilians were imprisoned on suspicion of spying for…

Allexer Namundjembo  The Erongo Regional Council (ERC) has resolved to defy a Windhoek High Court order reinstate Benitha Imbamba as chairperson.  Councillors instead decided to retain current chairperson Florian Donatus. At a special council meeting on Tuesday, councillors voted 4–2 to retain Donatus and to appeal the 1 August judgement.  The court ruled  that Imbamba’s March removal through a vote of no confidence was  unlawful and ordered her immediate return to office. Donatus confirmed the council had passed two resolutions, to maintain the current leadership and to challenge the ruling.  He distanced his political party, the Independent Patriots for Change…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Union leaders have questioned the government's willingness to enforce labour laws. Trade Union Congress of Namibia (TUCNA) secretary general Mahongora Kavihuha said he does not believe the ministry of justice and labour relations is serious about labour law enforcement.  He was reacting to the ministry’s announcement that 13 employers have been summoned for violating the Labour Act. On Tuesday, the Employment Equity Commission (EEC) said the employers will appear before its review panel on 13 and 14 August 2025 for failing to comply with the Affirmative Action (Employment) Act, 1998. Members of the public may attend the hearings.…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Youth-led businesses across the country have welcomed the extension of the Youth Development Fund (YDF) application deadline to 25 August 2025, saying it allows them more time to prepare proposals. The Windhoek West Constituency Office announced the extension last week, urging eligible youth to take advantage of the new date.  Submissions must be made by 17h00. The office said the decision aims to increase youth participation in the fund.  “We encourage all eligible youth to use this opportunity to submit their proposals so they can be considered for funding,” it said. Some applicants have faced challenges accessing information,…

Allexer Namundjebo Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge has urged residents to cooperate with road contractors as construction projects begin in the region.  Speaking at a meeting in Oshakati on Tuesday, he said full collaboration is needed to avoid delays. “I am asking you all to cooperate. Please move your fences to give way to the contractors so they can do their jobs,” he said. Iipinge called on village headmen to help educate their communities about the project to prevent disruptions.  “We are in contact with the headmen. They must all educate their residents about the project. Failure to cooperate will result…