Blog – News Stand

22 Jan

Poor performance of local contractors forces NamWater to seek alternatives

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Martin Endjala Namwater has identified poor performance by some local contractors as a key challenge in awarding capital projects, forcing the national water utility to consider alternatives. The head of corporate communications, Lot Ndamanomhata in a statement on Wednesday said NamWater awarded numerous projects to Namibian companies in line with its mandate to promote local participation and development. “Local contractors are given preference wherever they meet the required technical and financial criteria for project execution,” he said. Ndamanomhata was responding to claims by the Namibia Local Business Association (NALOBA) that local companies are being sidelined in tenders by Namwater. NALOBA…

22 Jan

NTB denies Ghana fraud claims

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Ester Mbathera The Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) has dismissed fraud claims and allegations of unpaid contracts made by Hype.UP Limited, a Ghanaian tourism service provider company, labelling them as baseless. The NTB is facing allegations of fraud of over US$51 123.92 (N$957 909.91) in unpaid contracts with a Ghanaian firm. Hype.UP in December filed a criminal charge with the Ghana Police Service, alleging fraudulent breach of trust by current and former NTB officials, including the current acting chief executive officer, Charmaine Mattheus, former acting chief executive officer Bornventure Mbidzo, another former chief executive officer, Digu //Naobeb, board secretary Amanda Bruyns,…

22 Jan

Danger lurks for guards protecting CoW land

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Stefanus Nashama Security guards deployed to protect municipal land from being illegally occupied in Windhoek’s informal settlement areas have put their safety at risk. These officers are tasked with preventing illegal land grabs and ensuring lawful land use. They often face risks because many of them live within the same communities they are employed to oversee. Last October, security officer Natangwe Abed was attacked while trying to stop a man from illegally extending his shack without municipal approval. “I was on duty when I heard the sounds of zinc and hummers. I went to the place and peacefully asked if…

22 Jan

Divundu residents alarmed over dangling power lines

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Martin Endjala Residents of Divundu town in the Mukwe Constituency have raised concerns over precariously low-hanging power lines across Kasoma Street in the Divundu proper area. A resident recently took to social media, urging the Divundu Village Council to address the situation, which poses a significant danger to the community. The power lines have also been erected alarmingly close to houses, raising further concerns, as regulations discourage the installation of power lines near residential properties. Attempts to reach the Divundu Village Council chief executive officer, Ndjamba Maghumbo for comment were unsuccessful. Martin Maghano, a resident of the Ndongo area in…

22 Jan

Measuring mishap blamed for train accident

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Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs has dismissed speculations that the train involved in the Swakop River railway bridge earlier this week was transporting military helicopters. Colonel Petrus Shilumbu, the spokesperson for the Namibian Defence Force clarified the nature of the cargo on Wednesday. “I cannot comment on such claims. All I can confirm is that the cargo belongs to the ministry and that it reached its intended destination on Wednesday,” Shilumbu said. The incident, which occurred on Sunday night, has prompted an investigation by TransNamib officials. The collision caused one container to get stuck in the…

22 Jan

GRN reviews regional and local economic policies to unlock development

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Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development has begun a comprehensive review of its policies aimed at strengthening regional and local economic development. A three-day Regional and Local Economic Development (RLED) policy review workshop started on Wednesday in Windhoek under the theme “Inspiring LED in Namibia.” The minister of urban and rural development (MURD), Erastus Uutoni who officially opened the workshop expressed optimism about the revised policy’s potential to transform local economies. “Our local economies are real to us every day. We all have a deeply vested interest in making them better, whether that’s seeing our young people…

22 Jan

Sports ministry warns young job seekers against internship scam

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Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Ministry of Sport, Youth, and National Services has warned young people to be cautious of scammers promising job opportunities in the ministry’s name. In a statement issued this week, the ministry explained that scammers are targeting young people by sharing a link containing false information about an internship programme allegedly offered by the ministry. “The Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Services has noted with concern the targeting of young people on social media platforms by scammers using fraudulently claiming to represent this ministry,” said the ministry. According to the ministry, the scammers are posting claims of…

22 Jan

Constant and consistent development in 2025 and beyond for growth

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John Steytler The President of the Republic of Namibia, His Excellency Dr. Nangolo Mbumba's New Year message to the nation emphasized that 2025 will be the year the country should cement its developmental interventions to become stronger and better for current and future generations. This foresight and clarion call to grow the country socio-economically resonated with me and is in line with the strategic business objectives of the Development Bank of Namibia. Fortunately, after three and half decades of well-thought-out targeted policies, systems, and sound institutions that were developed, Namibia is now positioned to be better after weathering major storms…

22 Jan

Start saving now for 2026 back-to-school to avoid financial Stress

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Julia Mukusuka Education is one of the most valuable investments you can make in your child’s future. Yet, year after year, many parents find themselves overwhelmed by back-to-school expenses, sometimes resorting to last-minute loans. But what if you could take control now and avoid the financial strain for the next back-to-school? Like any successful growth strategy, financial security begins with intention. Opening a dedicated back-to-school savings account today can set you on the path to a stress-free start in 2026. The key is to start small and remain consistent. Assess your current financialsituation, identify areas where adjustments can be made,…

21 Jan

Women lead the way at CoW

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Martin Endjala The City of Windhoek is in the hands of women after the election of Ndeshihafela Laranja of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) as the mayor, while PDM councillor Clemencia Hanases was chosen as the deputy mayor. Ilse Keister, an Affirmative Repositioning (AR) councillor, was elected as the chairperson of the management committee. Laranja secured nine out of 12 votes during the elections held on Tuesday, defeating Swapo councillor Austin Kwenani, who received three votes. Laranja, in her acceptance speech, pledged to serve with integrity and work collaboratively with all councillors to prioritise essential services like water supply…