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Allexer Namundjebo  Policy analysts say stricter qualification requirements introduced by the Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) could limit the pool of eligible experts.  They raise concerns about how effective the reforms will be in improving procurement processes. The CPBN recently introduced new measures for appointing Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC) members.  These include mandatory qualifications recognised by the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA), police clearance certificates, structured training, and competency assessments. According to CPBN spokesperson Johanna Kambala, the aim is to improve how public bids are evaluated.  Kambala said the strengthened procedures are aimed at promoting integrity, fair dealing, transparency and…

Patience Makwele Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa has approved the suspension of Katima Mulilo Raphael Liswaniso with full pay. A ministerial letter confirms the approval was granted under the Local Authorities Act and takes immediate effect. The decision comes after the Labour Court of Namibia ordered Liswaniso’s reinstatement last Friday in a separate matter linked to his suspension. That earlier suspension, effected on 28 October last year, was challenged through arbitration. The ruling found it was procedurally unfair. It said Liswaniso was not notified, was not warned and was not informed of the charges. The arbitrator ordered his…

Patience Makwele  President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has announced a policy shift that will stop municipalities from allocating serviced land to private developers and instead prioritise individuals. Speaking in parliament during her recent state of the nation address (Sona), she said the government will redirect serviced land to ordinary Namibians. “What we have decided now, and what will be in our policy, is that we should no longer allow municipalities to give serviced land to the private sector,” she said. “The private sector should be given virgin land, and the land that we are servicing as a government must be given directly…

Justicia Shipena  The government has spent over N$13 million on early-stage commuter rail plans linking Windhoek to Katutura and Rehoboth.  Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi said feasibility studies for the two routes are underway. He said the study so far stands at 30%. “The consultancy services project for the feasibility study on commuter rail for two sections – Windhoek–Rehoboth and Windhoek–Katutura – within the Khomas and Hardap Regions is progressing well at 30%. A total of N$13 million has been spent so far,” Nekundi said. The commuter rail project was first presented to investors at the Invest in Namibia…

Justicia Shipena and Patience Makwele President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah still sings the song of jobs, promising opportunities even as pressure mounts over unemployment. During her second state of the nation address (SONA) on Wednesday, she said a total of 24 195 jobs are expected to be created once major investment projects currently underway reach full operation.  Nandi-Ndaitwah said 13 operational investment projects valued at N$4.3 billion have already created 1 503 jobs, while 15 additional projects worth N$63.5 billion are in progress, with 1 934 jobs created so far. The projected job creation forms part of the sixth National Development Plan…

Justicia Shipena  All eyes are on President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as she delivers her second State of the Nation Address (Sona) in the National Assembly today at 14h30. The address comes as the public looks for clear progress since her first Sona and answers on whether government programmes are producing results. Sona is a constitutional address that outlines government priorities and performance. Political analyst Sam Kauapirura said Nandi-Ndaitwah is expected to focus on the seven priority areas announced at the start of her administration. “The president is very performance- and output-driven in terms of her approach. She wants to see the…

Patience Makwele The death of Swapo member of parliament James Uerikua and his son in a car crash has shaken Namibia.  James (43) and his 14-year-old son, Venturo Uerikua, died on Friday over the Easter weekend in a crash on the C22 road between Otjiwarongo and Okakarara. According to the police report from the weekend, the accident occurred around 12h55 when a white Toyota Land Cruiser allegedly lost control after a rear tyre burst and overturned. “It is alleged that the driver lost control over the vehicle after the rear tyre bust and it overturned,” the report states. Police said…

Patience Makwele  The Upstream Petroleum Unit under the office of the President has been allocated N$20 million in the 2026/27 budget.  The unit was established after President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah took office last year. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah then appointed Kornelia Shilunga as head of the unit with Carlo McLeod as deputy.  But the allocated budget to the unit has drawn criticism from opposition lawmakers who say the unit is not yet grounded in law. Debate in the National Assembly on Tuesday had the members of parliament questioning why parliament is being asked to fund an entity before its legal framework is finalised.…

Allexer Namundjembo Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse has ordered fuel wholesalers to stop withholding supply and to account for any delays in deliveries.  The directive comes after fuel stations experienced long queues and shortages hours before prices went up. Amutse said the ministry launched an investigation after reports of delayed deliveries. Amuste also directed retailers to serve customers without discrimination and not to limit fuel sales to benefit from price increases. He warned that withholding fuel to sell later at higher prices undermines supply and must stop. Wholesalers must now provide written explanations for any reduced supply…

Renthia Kaimbi The Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) has directed the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) to issue an immediate notice to vacate PIS Security Services.  CPBN said the company is occupying the campus without a valid contract. In a letter dated 24 March 2026 to acting vice-chancellor Andrew Niikondo, CPBN chief executive officer Idi Itope said the company has no legal basis to remain on site. “There is no procurement contract between the Board and PIS for the rendering of security services to Nust,” Itope wrote.  He said the continued occupation of the premises by PIS…