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Hertta-maria Amutenja  The Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations, and Employment Creation has assigned an inspector to investigate the death of Abel Ashiyana Kayembo, a Northern Regional Electricity Distributor (NORED) employee who was electrocuted while on duty at Yinsu Village in Kavango West Region on Monday.  The ministry also engaged NORED and the Electricity Control Board (ECB) to jointly conduct the investigation. NORED spokesperson, Simon Lukas confirmed the incident and expressed condolences to Kayembo’s family.  He said the company has appointed an external industry expert to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death. “This incident will remain a painful reminder of the…

 Allexer Namundjembo With just over a week left before a new government takes office under President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the outgoing National Assembly is pushing to amend Rule 2 on committee procedures, a move drawing criticism for its timing. On Tuesday, Swapo lawmaker Philipus Katamero introduced the proposal, which seeks to change the composition of the Selection Committee to include ten members, comprising the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Government Chief Whip, Opposition Chief Whip, and six other members determined by proportional representation. Swapo's Natangwe Ithete seconded the proposal, suggesting a change to Rule 2 to make the selection committee consist of ten…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Sources within the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) told the  Windhoek Observer that the bank’s former boss, John Steytler, was presented with an ultimatum to either resign or face suspension. The specific reasons for this decision remain undisclosed. Steytler resigned with immediate effect on Tuesday. Speculation has also emerged that there is potential that he may be appointed as a cabinet minister under president-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s incoming cabinet either as finance minister or director general of planning. Steytler has, however, denied these claims. ““You can quote me on this; I’m definitely not going to Cabinet,” he told the…

Allexer Namundjembo The Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) director, Paulus Noa, has called for transparency in the implementation of the Welwitshia Wealth Fund (WWF) to ensure its credibility in the country. The fund has drawn attention for its potential to drive sustainable economic growth, as it is designed to build long-term savings and provide a buffer against economic shocks. In an interview with the Windhoek Observer on Monday, Noa said the nation should be aware of the monitoring mechanisms in place and understand how the fund will benefit both current and future generations. “It is not the ACC that manages the fund.…

Ester Mbathera  The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) has yet to release its final report on Namibia's 2024 elections.  The preliminary report was issued two days after the elections, but the final report remains pending. SEOM member, Magabolle Mafiri on Saturday told the Windhoek Observer that the report is still to be submitted to the Namibian government. "In line with the SADC principles and guidelines, it will be copied to the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), following which it will be shared with electoral stakeholders after 90 days," said Mafiri. SEOM typically releases their preliminary statements,…

Ester Mbathera  Female members of Swapo have celebrated the election of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as the party’s president, calling it a milestone that demonstrates women’s capability to lead. Nandi-Ndaitwah was elected by acclamation at Swapo’s 6th extraordinary congress on Saturday, becoming the party’s first female president.  The central committee had endorsed her as the sole presidential candidate on 17 February. Election by acclamation allows an association or party to skip the final ballot process in an uncontested election. Party member, Sharonice Busch described her election as a “significant moment” for young women and women across the country. “We have demonstrated that…

Allexer Namundjembo The Oranjemund Town Council (OTC) is demanding N$21 million in unpaid rates and taxes from the government for two properties, including the land housing the Oranjemund Airport.  The Ministry of Works and Transport owns the land, but the council says it has not received payments since 2018. The land in question is Farm 166, where the airport is located, and an adjacent Farm 171, which is vacant. The council claims that the government owes N$15.7 million for Farm 166 and N$5.3 million for Farm 171, totalling N$21 million in unpaid rates and taxes.  Council chairperson for the management…

Allexer Namundjembo Former First Lady Monica Geingos has called on the nation to honour her husband, the late President Hage Geingob, by sharing the new banknote with others.  She made these remarks during the launch of the N$60 commemorative banknote in honour of Geingob by the Bank of Namibia on Wednesday. “Geingob didn’t have the habit of keeping money. He always gave money to people. If you want to honour Geingob, give the note to as many people as possible,’’ Geingos said. She explained Geingob’s dedication to the country, noting the sacrifices he made for the nation.  “He spent his…

Nyasha Nyaungwa and Ester Mbathera  U.S.-based marine scientist Dr. Vincent Pieribone has warned against the risks of pollution and overexploitation of Namibia’s offshore ecosystem due to oil and gas exploration, fishing, and diamond mining activities. Pieribone, who serves as the co-CEO and Chief Science Officer of OceanX, a global ocean exploration nonprofit that operates the OceanXplorer - a research and media vessel for multifaceted scientific missions -said in a recent interview that Namibia’s vast and largely inaccessible coastline, rich in marine resources, is at risk of severe environmental degradation. He cautioned against the potential damage caused by extractive industries such…

Hertta-maria Amutenja  The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) and the Namibian Revolutionary Transport Union (NARETU) have raised concerns over changes to employment conditions following the implementation of the national minimum wage (NMW) on 1 January. MUN general secretary, George Ampweya, said some employers have opted to adjust existing employee benefits instead of complying fully with the NMW. "Some employers would say, yes, let's look at existing benefits, for example, trying to cut allowances to compensate for wage increases. This is causing difficulty, as employees must choose between keeping their jobs or losing benefits," Ampweya said. He stated that the fuel…