Blog

Lung sickness outbreak strikes cattle in Kunene Region

Lung sickness outbreak strikes cattle in Kunene Region

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Directorate of Veterinary Services under the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform has issued an urgent notification to farmers regarding an outbreak of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), commonly known as lungsickness, in Okapundja village, located in the Opuwo Urban Constituency of the Kunene Region. Dr Johannes Shoopala, the Acting Chief Veterinary Officer, said in the statement on Tuesday that the disease was detected at the beginning of July and that it is currently affecting only one herd of 30 cattle Shoopala stated that so far eight animals from the herd tested positive for lungsickness and that…
Read More
American Corners celebrates decades of partnership

American Corners celebrates decades of partnership

Niël Terblanché This year marks the 10th and 20th anniversaries of the creation of American Corners in public facilities in Ongwediva and Walvis Bay. These anniversaries demonstrate the enduring collaboration between the United States of America’s Embassy in Windhoek and the local authorities of Ongwedivaand and Walvis Bay. According to Tifanny Miller, the public affairs officer at the U.S. Embassy in Namibia, the establishment of the various American Corners has been promoting learning, creativity, and community development in Namibia. Since its establishment in 2004, the American Corner in Walvis Bay has served as a cornerstone of knowledge and a catalyst…
Read More
Voting as a Rite of Passage: Encouraging First-Time Voters in Namibia.

Voting as a Rite of Passage: Encouraging First-Time Voters in Namibia.

Thomas Nashongo The anatomy of Namibian democracy is dependent on the commitment of all those eligible to vote. While youth engagement is often highlighted, participation by all eligible age groups is as important.It is also critical to understand that first-time voters come from a variety of ages and backgrounds. Whether they are young or old while casting a ballot, newly registered first-time voters' voices are vital to delegate a democratic type of government. Namibian citizens should embrace voting as a civic duty and a rite of passage especially for first time voters. As a citizen of a vibrant democratic one…
Read More

Hanse-Himarwa to receive official funeral

President Nangolo Mbumba has conferred an official funeral on the late Katrina Magdalena Hanse-Himarwa.The decision was announced on Monday.Mbumba said the date and place of the burial will be determined in consultation with her family.Hanse-Himarwa, born on 22 January 1967, died on 14 July 2024 at the age of 57.She served as the minister of education, arts and culture. She was also the first female governor of Hardap Region, holding the position from 2004 to 2015.Mbumba described Hanse-Himarwa as a dedicated teacher and educationalist."Her achievements are highly commendable," he said in a statement. Report: Hertta-Maria Amutenja
Read More

END OF AN ERA:

The Ohlthaver & List Group (O&L) has announced that it has notified Pick n Pay South Africa that it will terminate the existing franchise agreement between the two entities by 30 June 2025.This means that as of 1 July 2025, O&L will no longer trade as Pick n Pay.This was confirmed by group's spokesperson, Roux-che Locke on Tuesday.Pick n Pay has been in operation in Namibia since 1997. There are 19 Pick n Pay retail stores across Namibia."O&L is committed to retail, and we are exploring the best way forward to create a consistent value-added retail experience, ultimately benefiting all…
Read More
7 schools in Oshikoto closed due to low enrollment numbers

7 schools in Oshikoto closed due to low enrollment numbers

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Between 2012 and 2021, seven schools in the Oshikoto region closed due to uneconomical operations. The infrastructure of these schools has been repurposed for kindergarten use. The closed schools are Oshikomba Primary School, Okweya Primary School, Shanamutango Primary School, Okayekenonga Primary School, Ekaha Primary School, Mandjolo Primary School, and Oshigwedha Junior Primary School. “The school had a low number of learners enrolled. We moved the learners to other schools and transferred the teachers to different schools as well,” Aletha Eises, the Oshikoto Regional Education Director, explained and added that the move is aimed at ensuring education remains unaffected…
Read More
No Namibian arrested for military training in Zimbabwe

No Namibian arrested for military training in Zimbabwe

Erasmus Shalihaxwe No Namibian has been detained in Zimbabwe following reports that 50 men were arrested inside a military camp in that country. An online publication going by the name GhanaWeb last week reported that the 50 men were undergoing military training and were recruited by the Independent Patriots for Change’s Zambezi regional chairperson, Elvis Lizazi. According to the news report the men were being prepared for the November election outcome. Lizazi on Monday told the Windhoek Observer that the article is worrisome and cheap propaganda because he has nothing to do with the alleged recruitment. “I visited the Katima…
Read More
Namibia welcomes ICJ ruling on Israeli occupation

Namibia welcomes ICJ ruling on Israeli occupation

Niël Terblanché Namibia has welcomed the landmark advisory opinion delivered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 19 July in which the court addresses the legal consequences of Israel’s policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem. The ICJ confirmed that Israel’s occupation and related policies are illegal, discriminatory, and violate the Palestinian people's right to self-determination. Peya Mushelenga, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, in a statement on Monday, stressed Namibia’s unique perspective on this issue, driven by its own history of racial discrimination and apartheid. He said that Namibia’s involvement in the case…
Read More
Swapo gathering voter statistics for election readiness

Swapo gathering voter statistics for election readiness

Stefanus Nashama Swapo’s leadership in the Moses Garoeb constituency is gathering voter statistics to verify the party members' readiness for elections. This was said by the party's constituency district coordinator, Eliser Tangi, in an interview with the Windhoek Observer on Monday. “Swapo is surveying its members to determine how many have registered for voter cards,” he said. Tangi further explained that registering the party members' voting card details is a requirement for the organisation’s statistics. “We have three types of members: those with membership cards, followers, and sympathizers. The program aims to educate our members about the importance of registering…
Read More
NamPol top brass convened to tackle challenges

NamPol top brass convened to tackle challenges

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Police's top command structure has gathered in Ongwediva to review the implementation of the 2022 conference resolutions, identify new challenges, and strategise on improving policing services. The workshop is timely given the upcoming national elections, which stress the need for enhanced measures to guarantee public order and safety. Dr. Albert Kawana, the minister of home affairs, immigration, safety, and security, opened the workshop by highlighting the importance of planning in ensuring organisational efficiency. According to Kawana, failure to plan is equivalent to planning to fail. "This workshop is a prime opportunity for the Senior Commanders to…
Read More