National News

Patience Makwele Presidential advisor and head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit Kornelia Shilunga says placing the upstream petroleum unit under the Presidency is meant to build public confidence that the oil and gas sector is managed with seriousness, integrity and transparency. Shilunga said the structure creates direct oversight and accountability. “By anchoring the unit in the presidency, there is a direct line of oversight and accountability. It is our hope that this measure enhances public confidence that the sector is being managed with the seriousness, integrity and transparency that it demands,” she said at a media training on the upstream…

Allexer Namundjebo  Mixed reactions have emerged over the government’s decision not to grant a state funeral to former member of parliament and former Otjozondjupa governor James Uerikua. Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah said the issue is sensitive and complex.  He said state and official funerals follow set rules and are not based only on positions held. “While the late James Uerikua served in important roles, including as governor and in a key parliamentary position, the final decision depends on set criteria and the discretion of the President,” he told the Windhoek Observer.  Kamwanyah said public opinion is likely to differ. “Some…

Allexer Namundjembo  Zambezi governor Dorothy Kabula has called on the Ministry of Works and Transport to prioritise the development of Mpacha Airport. Kabula stated that the budget had allocated funds for the airport, but work had yet to commence.  She said its location makes it suitable to be upgraded to an international airport. “This airport was budgeted, but up to now nothing has happened. This airport was supposed to cut the distance. Instead of one going to Windhoek to access the international airport, that can cut the distance,” she said during a debriefing on the government’s response to flooding in…

Renthia Kaimbi The minister of international relations and trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, has concluded a weeklong working visit to China. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen economic ties and promote Namibia as an investment destination. Ashipala-Musavyi held talks and business forums in Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Beijing. She met Chinese government officials, including ministers of commerce and foreign affairs, and engaged with potential investors. At roundtable events in Shenzhen and Guangzhou, Ashipala-Musavyi outlined trade and investment opportunities in Namibia. Chinese enterprises showed interest during the engagements. “Bilateral trade reached approximately 132.68 billion Chinese yuan (about N$342.3 billion) in 2025,” she…

Allexer Namundjembo A 41-year-old student financial aid officer at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) was denied bail when she appeared in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court on Thursday over an alleged fraud scheme involving more than N$2 million. Maria Hengari faces charges of fraud and contravening the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.  The charges relate to the alleged acquisition and use of proceeds from unlawful activities. State prosecutor Reinhard Kamatoto opposed bail. Kamatoto cited the seriousness of the case in denying bail and the strength of the state’s evidence as well as concerns that the accused could interfere…

Allexer Namundjembo A Tsumeb-based businessman has issued a final demand to the Tsumeb Municipality, seeking N$1.8 million in compensation.  He is also demanding his name be clear over what he says is the misuse of his company. Lukas Hashondili Shailemo, owner of Star Innovation Projects, said the matter, which dates back to 2025, remains unresolved.  He said delays in the investigation have affected his business and reputation. “I have exercised patience and fully cooperated; however, the continued delay and lack of a clear outcome is unacceptable and has caused significant damage to my name, reputation, and business interests,” he said.…

Allexer Namundjembo The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations has committed to improving accountability, transparency and service delivery under its new strategic plan for 2026 to 2030.  The plan was launched in Windhoek on Thursday and will guide the ministry’s work over the next five years. The ministry's executive director, Ben Nangombe, said the plan focuses on delivering accessible and efficient legal and labour services. “I implore you to hold us accountable for our service delivery by gauging our actual performance against the promises outlined in this Strategic Plan,” Nangombe said. He said the ministry aims to provide “quality, timely…

Staff Writer  The directorate of veterinary services says Namibia is making progress in the fight against rabies.  However, the directorate said vaccination levels remain below the target needed to fully control the disease. Chief veterinary officer Kenneth Kennedy Shoombe said vaccination campaigns have reached thousands of dogs across the country.  His remarks were delivered on his behalf by Magrecia Hausiku, a representative from his office, at the rabies project review and planning meeting held in Ondangwa this week.  Shoombe said the meeting reviewed progress and identified areas that need improvement. He said Namibia vaccinated more than 157 000 dogs in…