National News

Allexer Namundjebo The Public Service Union of Namibia (PSUN) and the Namibia Security Labour Forum (NSLF) have called on the Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) and other public entities to stop awarding tenders to security companies that violate the newly gazetted wage laws. Their call was made during the official launch of the collective agreement for the security industry, now law under government gazette 8562.  The agreement sets a phased national minimum wage for security guards starting at N$13.50 per hour from 15 January 2025, increasing to N$16.00 in 2026 and N$18.00 in 2027. “We are here to officially…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) has thrown its support behind the United Democratic Front's (UDF) candidate in the upcoming Kamanjab constituency by-election in the Kunene region.  PDM, on Wednesday, in a media statement, called on its supporters in the Kamanjab constituency to vote for UDF candidate Jacobus Buruxa Namaseb in the upcoming by-election. PDM secretary general Manual Ngaringombe said the decision shows the party’s commitment to co-governing the Kunene region with the UDF. “I urge all PDM members in the Kamanjab constituency to support and vote for the United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate, Mr Jacobus Buruxa Namaseb. This…

Niël Terblancé Prime minister Elijah Tjitunga Ngurare has officially accepted a donation of 2 000 tonnes of grain from India to support Namibia’s drought relief efforts. The delayed handover ceremony took place in Windhoek. India donated 1 000 tonnes of yellow maize and 1 000 tonnes of rice last year in response to Namibia’s call for assistance during one of the worst droughts recently. “This generous donation in a time of need is a true reflection of solidarity and a demonstration of the long-standing good relationship between Namibia and India,” said Ngurare. The 2024/25 Livelihood Vulnerability Assessment showed that 1.26…

Niël Terblanché Namibia marked World Book and Copyright Day on Thursday with a call to promote reading and protect the work of local authors and artists. The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC), through the Directorate of Namibia Library and Archives Services (NLAS), hosted the event at the National Library and Archives building under the theme “Read Your Way”. M’kariko Amagulu, director of arts at MEIYSAC, delivered the keynote address on behalf of Executive Director Erastus Haitengela.  She highlighted the role of books in shaping people and society. “World Book and Copyright Day serves as a…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The National Assembly is set to debate a motion on the regulation of the growing number of nursing schools and other health training institutions in the country. The motion was tabled by Winnie Moongo, a member of parliament from the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) and a trained nurse, on Tuesday. Moongo said new nursing schools continue to emerge every year. She said Namibia is experiencing a rapid increase in health-related training institutions.  While this may seem like improved access to education, Moongo said the growth reveals deep problems in the system.  She warned that these problems are already…

Allexer Namundjebo  The director of the National Youth Council (NYC), Calista Schwartz-Gowases, has denied reports that she was placed on forced leave, calling the claims false and baseless. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Schwartz-Gowases said she continues to carry out her duties as director without disruption.  “I remain in full service, report for duty daily and continue to execute my mandate as Director of the National Youth Council,” she said. She asserted that there was no formal directive or legal foundation for placing her on involuntary leave.  “These fabrications serve no purpose other than to spread politically motivated misinformation,”…

Niël Terblanché The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) on Wednesday donated laptops and sanitary pads to schools in the Kavango East and Omaheke regions.  The donation is part of Cran’s effort to promote digital inclusion, youth empowerment, and gender equality. The deputy minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture, Dino Ballotti, said the handover represented more than just material support. “This handover is not merely about physical items, but it symbolises hope, opportunity, and the unwavering belief that every young person deserves access to quality education, dignity, and the tools to thrive,” he said. Laptops were handed…

Niël Terblanché The executive director of the ministry of information and communication technology,  Audrin Mathe, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a digitally inclusive, secure, and connected Namibia. Speaking at the 2025 Tech Huddle in Windhoek, Mathe said digital literacy, universal connectivity, and innovation must guide the country’s path toward global digital participation. “We gather today to create a vision for a digitally transformed Namibia. Our vision extends beyond mere technological adoption. We envision a Namibia where digital literacy becomes as fundamental as reading and writing, where high-speed connectivity is recognised as a right rather than a privilege,” he said.…

Allexer Namundjebo Landless People’s Movement (LPM) member of parliament Eneas Emvula has raised concerns over the administration of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, claiming it has already been distributed to certain schools without proper orientation or public education. Speaking in parliament on Tuesday, Emvula called on health minister Dr Esperance Luvindao to assure the public that parents can still decide whether their children receive the vaccine.  “A lot has been said in the outside world, especially in regional countries like Uganda, about the dangers of this vaccine,” Emvula said.  He claimed the vaccine could lead to long-term health problems for…

Niël Terblanché Windhoek is set to host a weekend focused on health, wellness, and community care, as the Well of Hope Organisation rolls out a two-day event offering free services to residents. The event is a collaboration between the Well of Hope Organisation and partners, including the AFM Restoration Centre, Khomas Medical Centre, Precision Emergency Training, Virgin Active, and several local health professionals.  They aim to improve access to healthcare and promote healthier living in the Khomas region. “This sounds like the perfect mission of Khomas Medical Centre,” said Sister Chrisma, one of the planning coordinators. The weekend begins on…