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Shipwikineni and Metcalfe trade blows over Swapo candidacy court case

Shipwikineni and Metcalfe trade blows over Swapo candidacy court case

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  Advocate Richard Metcalfe has criticised his former client, Reinhold Shipwikineni, following his withdrawal as his legal representative in the case against Swapo and its presidential candidate, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Metcalfe stated that his professional relationship with Shipwikineni had broken down irretrievably, making it impossible for him to continue representing him. “Shipwikineni misrepresents himself as an attorney and refuses to accept cogent legal advice. He appears, with the utmost respect, to be addicted to prevarication and deception in order to advance his nefarious ego,” Metcalfe said. Metcalfe refuted claims that he had been threatened by the deputy chief justice, Petrus…
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Environmental crimes court now operational

Environmental crimes court now operational

Niël Terblanché With the Environmental Crimes Court (ECC) now officially operational, environmental advocates and law enforcement agencies hope that swift and firm justice will deter criminals involved in poaching and other wildlife crimes to reinforce Namibia’s reputation as a leader in conservation efforts. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has welcomed the establishment and progress of Namibia’s first-ever specialised ECC in Otjiwarongo, which is set to play a crucial role in tackling wildlife-related offences. According to the ministry’s spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda, the court represents an important milestone in the country’s fight against environmental and wildlife crimes. In a statement…
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Okongo youth clears road for community

Allexer Namundjembo Determined to improve access to their communities, young people in the Okongo Constituency have taken it upon themselves to clear and debush the Okongo-Oshiti Shaihanya road. Their efforts, driven by a sense of responsibility and community spirit, have brought renewed hope to residents who have long struggled with poor road conditions. Okongo Constituency Councillor Ephraim Shipindo confirmed the initiative to the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday. “They have volunteered themselves, even after the regional council gave them a token of appreciation. They are almost done, with less than two kilometres left,” he said. Shipindo said the initiative, which began…
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Breastfeeding mother urged to donate milk

Breastfeeding mother urged to donate milk

Mallex Shipanga  The Namibia Breast Milk Bank (NBMB) is in need of breast milk donors in Windhoek. Paediatrician, Gerald Morkel explained that the donations support babies who do not have access to their mother's milk, especially those weighing 1.5 kg or less, who may need supplemental feeding. “Breast milk donations save babies' lives by providing essential nutrition and immune protection that is crucial for their development, especially for premature or sick infants. By receiving donor breast milk, these infants have a better chance of survival, reduced complications, and healthier growth outcomes, ultimately leading to a significant decrease in infant mortality…
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Namibia Regional Water Symposium set to confront lack of water security

Namibia Regional Water Symposium set to confront lack of water security

Niël Terblanché Keetmanshoop is hosting the second Namibia Regional Water Symposium (NRWS), a critical platform bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and community representatives to address the country’s pressing water security challenges. The three-day event, convened by the Department of Water Affairs under the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, on Tuesday, will focus on the theme, “Water Security: A Generational Human Right for Sustainable Economic Development.” The governor of the Omaheke region, Pijoo Nganate, opened the symposium by stressing the urgent need for collaboration and commitment in securing Namibia’s water future. “Water is the single most powerful resource that…
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Export earnings reach N$12.6 billion in December 2024

Export earnings reach N$12.6 billion in December 2024

Stefanus Nashama  The country’s export earnings in December 2024 rose to N$12.6 billion, marking a 3.4% increase from the previous month. This is according to the latest Merchandise Trade Statistics Bulletin released by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) on Tuesday. The bulletin highlighted that the country's import bill for the same month was N$12.7 billion, which reflects a notable decrease of 28% from the N$17.6 billion recorded in November 2024.  This shift contributed to a significant reduction in the country’s trade deficit, which stood at N$119 million in December 2024, compared to a trade deficit of N$5.5 billion the previous…
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Namibia’s first Bloomberg Finance Lab launched

Namibia’s first Bloomberg Finance Lab launched

Mallex Shipanga  The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) has launched the country’s first Bloomberg Finance Lab in collaboration with Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) and the Namibia Investment and Finance Academy (NIFA). Set to open in February at NUST’s High-Tech Transfer Plaza Select, the lab will be equipped with 12 Bloomberg Terminals—computer software systems that provide real-time analytics, data, and news. It will offer both undergraduate and graduate students the skills necessary for a career in finance. Through this lab, students will have the opportunity to earn globally recognised certifications, enhancing their competitiveness in the job market. “The Bloomberg…
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MTC launch Runners Connect Marathon to serve as Two Oceans qualifier

MTC launch Runners Connect Marathon to serve as Two Oceans qualifier

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Mobile Telecommunication (MTC) launched the MTC Runners Connect Marathon on Tuesday, which will serve as a qualifier for the Two Oceans Marathon in South Africa. MTC announced that all the proceeds from the marathon event will be donated to the Namibia National Children's Hearts Trust. MTC’s Corporate Affairs Manager, John Ekongo, said a healthy lifestyle is vital to productivity, whether at a personal or corporate level. “Wellness is very important, whether in a company or an individual’s life; it is key to productivity. There is no business continuity when the health of employees is compromised. Hence, we call…
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The paradoxical effect of trumponomics: Lesson for African leaders

The paradoxical effect of trumponomics: Lesson for African leaders

Josef Kefas Sheehama President Trump's executive orders serve as a wake-up call for African leaders, demanding that they put public service and economic development ahead of foreign aid and begging. The time has come for them to learn from these directives. To make sure that everyone feels appreciated and respected, every sovereign country should put in place an inclusive and equitable system. Trumponomics and Double-Edged Sword President Trump must be credible and relevant in his actions against world leaders. It is true that America has been feeding African nations for a long time despite the fact that they have rich…
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No value chain for crocodile products

No value chain for crocodile products

Allexer Namundjembo The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism is struggling to find markets for crocodile by-products due to the absence of a well-established value chain.  This was confirmed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda in an interview with the Windhoek Observer last week. “What do you do with them?” he asked. Several communities, particularly along the Okavango River, have on several occasions requested quotas for crocodile consumption.  Muyunda explained that the ministry is only interested in working with those who intend to farm crocodiles, not those seeking to consume them. Regarding crocodile population management, he said that continuous monitoring…
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