Blog

US Aid Freeze leaves NGO workers in limbo

US Aid Freeze leaves NGO workers in limbo

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  Employees of Project Hope Namibia, Society for Family Health (SFH), TCE, and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that receive funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) have been left in uncertainty following the implementation of a 90-day Stop Work Order issued. Despite the immediate order to cease operations, workers at these NGOs are still required to report for duty without performing any tasks. Speaking on condition of anonymity, a Project Hope employee claimed that a WhatsApp message informed workers of the directive. “They only communicated with us through WhatsApp, saying we must adhere to the order that…
Read More
City police, Amushelelo clash at service station

City police, Amushelelo clash at service station

Stefanus Nashama  The City Police confirmed that social activist Michael Amushelelo and a group of four men attempted to forcefully close down a shop at the B1 Service Station in Windhoek. City Police spokesperson Marcelline Murapo told the Windhoek Observer on Thursday that the incident occurred on Wednesday morning, leading to a commotion between the group and City Police officials. “On 5 February, a commotion unfolded at the B1 Service Station on Wednesday morning when activist Michael Amushelelo and a group of four men attempted to forcefully close down the shop at B1 Service Station,” Murapo stated. She explained that…
Read More
Namport and UNAM unite to preserve Walvis Bay Lagoon

Namport and UNAM unite to preserve Walvis Bay Lagoon

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) and the University of Namibia (UNAM) have entered into a three-year agreement valued at N$3.7 million to safeguard and preserve one of Namibia's most vital ecosystems. The agreement signed earlier this week forms a partnership which aims to conduct a comprehensive study on the health and biodiversity of the Walvis Bay Lagoon. The collaboration between Namport and UNAM is not new; the two entities previously had a Memorandum of Understanding from 2016 to 2021. The renewal of this agreement stresses a continued commitment to environmental stewardship. Namport's Chief Executive, Andrew Kanime, during the…
Read More
Omupembe village gets a kindergarten

Omupembe village gets a kindergarten

Allexer Namundjebo Community members of Omupembe Village in the Okongo Constituency received assistance from the Ohangwena Regional Council to complete a kindergarten. Okongo Regional Councillor, Lebeus Shipindo explained that after taking office, he visited local traditional leaders and residents to assess their needs. "My office conducted a feasibility study to determine what each village needs. I was informed that water and schools were their top priorities," he said. During his visit to Omupembe Village, he learnt that 50 children were not attending school due to the lack of a kindergarten. "The community was trying to establish one, and we found…
Read More
DRC conflict remains unresolved

DRC conflict remains unresolved

Stefanus Nashama Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, in his role as facilitator of the East African Community (EAC)-led Nairobi process, has expressed concerns over the ongoing instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Despite ongoing dialogue efforts, Kenyatta highlighted in a report on Thursday that both the political and security situations in eastern DRC remain precarious. Kenyatta, who was tasked by the EAC with leading peace efforts in the region, explained that, despite consultations between DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and the M23 rebel group, instability continues to plague the region. "The political and security landscape in the DRC became…
Read More
Zambian teen creates life-saving sunscreen for people with albinism

Zambian teen creates life-saving sunscreen for people with albinism

Moses Magadza In a groundbreaking innovation poised to transform lives, 15-year-old Mwape Chimpampa, a Grade 11 pupil from Naboye Secondary School in Kafue District in Zambia, has developed an organic sunscreen to address the dire need for sun protection among people with albinism.  Her invention, named The Organic Sunscreen, is incubated at the Zambia Research and Development Center (ZRDC), where efforts are underway to bring it to mass production. For Chimpampa, this innovation is deeply personal. Having lost her father to skin cancer  in the year 2017, she was determined to create a solution to prevent others from facing the…
Read More
African Stars face tough weekend without a coach

African Stars face tough weekend without a coach

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Reigning Debmarine Premier League champions African Stars will need to be at their best this weekend as they face two tough away matches in Oshakati—without their coach. Stars will take on Eeshoke Chula Chula Football Club on Saturday at 17h00 at the Oshakati Independence Stadium.  Their opponents are also desperate for points to improve their position in the log standings.  On Sunday, they will return to the same venue to face newly promoted and in-form King Kauluma Palace at 16h00. Their challenge is further complicated by the sudden resignation of head coach Fillemon Ronny Kanalelo, who stepped down…
Read More
UN agencies support women to cope with devastating drought

UN agencies support women to cope with devastating drought

Niël Terblanché The drought in Namibia has led to widespread food insecurity, environmental degradation, health threats, and rising unemployment, affecting more than half of the country’s people. According to the UN Resident Coordinator in Namibia, Hopolang Phororo, recognising the acute vulnerability of certain groups, particularly nursing mothers, women, and children, the United Nations in Namibia has mobilised resources through the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to address the crisis. "Even as women and girls disproportionately feel the impact of droughts, we have an opportunity to leverage their leadership and boost drought resilience in communities," she said. In the Mupuni…
Read More
Strategic planning needed to strengthen digital governance

Strategic planning needed to strengthen digital governance

Niël Terblanché Namibia is taking decisive steps to strengthen digital governance and enhance electronic information management with the Electronic Information Systems Management Advisory Council (EISMAC). During a strategic planning retreat held in Windhoek on Thursday, the minister of information and communication technology, Emma Theofelus, reiterated the critical role the Council plays in shaping Namibia’s digital landscape. She urged members to set realistic strategies that will guide Namibia in strengthening digital governance. “You have a mammoth task ahead of you, and I have no doubt in your individual and collective expertise,” she said. The minister added that the work of EISMAC…
Read More
Namibian women’s hockey team qualifies for World Cup quarter-finals

Namibian women’s hockey team qualifies for World Cup quarter-finals

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Namibian women's hockey team suffered its first defeat at the ongoing Indoor Hockey World Cup in Poreč, Croatia, after losing to Germany on Thursday afternoon. Despite the loss, Namibia secured a spot in the quarter-finals after winning their first two matches.  They defeated New Zealand 7-0 in their opening game and went on to beat Australia in their second match. Germany topped the group standings with nine points from three games, while Namibia finished second with six points.  Australia and New Zealand were eliminated after finishing third and fourth, respectively. This marks the first time in history…
Read More