National News – Windhoek Observer

28 Apr

NNN puts more cash in politicians’ pockets …Govt to pay utilities for PM and deputy

Main, National News

Justicia Shipena President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has approved new salaries and benefits for ministers, governors and members of parliament. The public office bearers (remuneration and benefits) commission recommended adjustments, which Nandi-Ndaitwah implemented through a presidential proclamation dated 27 April 2026. The proclamation amends the 2017 framework. The salary adjustment takes effect as of 1 April 2026. According to the proclamation seen by the Windhoek Observer, under the new structure, the prime minister earns a basic salary of N$1.3 million, with water and electricity covered, official transport and a housing allowance of N$351 175, bringing total remuneration to N$1.65 million. The deputy…

28 Apr

CoW contract workers left in the cold

National News

Patience Makwele More than 500 contract workers cleaning Windhoek’s streets face continued uncertainty after the High Court overturned a ruling that would have made them permanent employees. High Court judge Thomas Masuku on Monday set aside the arbitration award, stopping the immediate absorption of the workers into the City of Windhoek’s (CoW) permanent workforce. Masuku in his ruling brought attention to the municipality’s financial position and use of long-term contracts. Initially, the workers won at arbitration, where the court found that CoW's use of fixed-term contracts constituted unfair discrimination. Many have worked for years on rolling contracts without pension, medical…

28 Apr

Pressure builds over police pay and new intakes

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Police officers are expressing frustration over ongoing recruitment drives while salary and promotion concerns remain unresolved. A police officer who spoke to the Windhoek Observer on condition of anonymity said officers are often disappointed when new intakes are announced. “The government can never say it does not have money to increase our salaries. How do you explain hiring 1 500 new police officers while saying there is no money for salary adjustments?” the officer said. The officer said many junior officers struggle with living conditions and cannot afford housing. “We do not have proper houses. We cannot even…

28 Apr

Floating bridges criticised as president stresses delivery

National News

Patience Makwele Zambezi-based development analyst, Lipuwo Kathrine Nyambe, says floating bridges are not a long-term solution to recurring floods in the region. The Zambezi and Ohangwena regions continue to deal with the effects of recent floods. Water levels at Katima Mulilo reached about 6.7 metres, leading to flooding in low-lying areas. At the peak, some villages and schools were only accessible by boat. “Floating bridges are a practical emergency response, but they are not a long-term solution. Flooding in this region is seasonal and predictable, which means there should be more investment in permanent, climate-resilient infrastructure such as raised roads…

28 Apr

New aviation levies could raise ticket prices — Kalangula

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Independence Patriots for Change (IPC) member of parliament and works and transport shadow minister Nelson Kalangula says the introduction of a per-passenger aviation levy will likely lead to higher ticket prices for Namibians and international travellers. Kalangula said passenger-based charges are usually passed directly to consumers. “The introduction of a per-passenger levy will almost certainly lead to an immediate increase in ticket prices for ordinary Namibians and international visitors,” he told the Windhoek Observer on Monday. He explained that unlike fixed administrative fees, which airlines may absorb, passenger charges are added to the taxes and fees on a…

27 Apr

Swapo’s HQ swells to N$900m

Main, National News

Justicia Shipena Delays in the construction of the Swapo's new headquarters have pushed the project cost beyond initial estimates, ballooning to over N$900 million. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah confirmed the revised figure during the party’s 66th anniversary celebrations, which coincided with the official opening of the building. “As it stands now, it is over N$900,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said, adding that the project was delayed by two years, moving it beyond the earlier estimate of between N$600 million and N$700 million. The headquarters project has faced scrutiny over the years, especially on financing the project. In 2023, contractor Unik Construction Engineering halted work…

27 Apr

‘We can’t police away unemployment’ …youth question police recruitment

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Youth leaders and activists have warned that large-scale recruitment in the security sector does not address unemployment. This comes as the Namibian Police Force (Nampol) is recruiting 1 750 cadet constables for the 2026/2027 financial year. Applications close on 13 May 2026. Affirmative Repositioning (AR) member of parliament Tuhafeni Kalola said youth unemployment remains a major challenge. According to data from the Namibia Statistics Agency, young people aged 15 to 35 make up 71% of the country's three million population. “Most of our young people try by all means to acquire degrees in different sectors; therefore, they are…

27 Apr

NNN sounds alarm on Swapo misinformation

National News

Patience Makwele President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has warned of what she described as a wave of misinformation targeting Swapo and called on party members to remain united. She made the remarks on Saturday during the 11th meeting of the party’s central committee at the Gateway Centre. The meeting included members of the central committee, politburo and senior leadership, including former president Nangolo Mbumba. Nandi-Ndaitwah said false information is being used to create division within the party. “There are those who present falsehoods as facts to sow confusion, mistrust and disunity among our rank and file,” she said. She urged members to…

27 Apr

New science hub to open in Katutura

National News

Patience Makwele The City of Windhoek has signed an agreement with the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) to establish a science, technology and innovation centre in Katutura. The agreement was signed on Friday and sets out plans to build the centre at the UN Plaza Community Complex. Windhoek Mayor Sakarias Uunona said the project aims to link science with community needs. “This is not merely about signing a document. It is about forging a future where science and society intersect and where young people are empowered to innovate solutions to real challenges facing their communities," Uunona said. …

27 Apr

Legal platform to strengthen wildlife laws

National News

Staff Writer The newly launched Sustainable Wildlife Management Legal Hub will help identify gaps in laws and strengthen natural resource governance. Justice and labour relations minister Fillemon Wise Immanuel said this while launching the hub on Friday. “This Legal Hub will serve as a dedicated platform to display laws and policies that protect our biodiversity and the people who live alongside it,” he said. Immanuel said the platform is designed to go beyond storing laws and will help link policy with implementation. “It is not merely a library of statutes but a dynamic platform designed to bridge the gap between…