National News

Allexer Namundjebo  The chief executive officer of the Roads Authority (RA), Hippy Tjivikua, has opposed an urgent High Court application by former executives Sidney Boois and Richard Milinga.  Tjivikua says the duo is trying to create urgency where there is none. An internal disciplinary process found the duo guilty of misconduct, leading to their dismissal in February 2026. In court papers filed before the High Court, Tjivikua said their appeal is already underway within the institution. “The applicants are attempting to bypass established labour processes, despite the fact that an appeal is already underway,” Tjivikua said. He said an appeal…

Patience Makwele  Namdeb has signed an agreement that allows its employees to invest directly from their salaries.  The agreement was signed with Namitvest Investment Holdings (Namitvest) and the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) on Tuesday.  It introduces a payroll deduction system that allows workers to voluntarily invest part of their income into shares. The scheme allows employees to invest through automatic deductions, making it easier to access investment products that often require higher capital and administrative steps. MUN acting president Poco-Key Mberiuana said the agreement marks a shift from wage demands to long-term financial planning. “For years we have fought…

Justicia Shipena  The Ministry of Education Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts, and Culture will revise 31 Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Advanced Subsidiary (NSSCAS) syllabuses.  This is as part of its curriculum review cycle, with changes set to take effect in 2029. The minister of education innovation, youth, sports, arts, and culture, Sanet Steenkamp announced the plan while presenting the 2026/2027 budget. “Curriculum revision is critical to ensure the relevance and currency of syllabuses. As society, technology and knowledge evolve, syllabuses must be updated,” she said. The announcement comes as the education budget increases to N$28 billion for the 2026/2027 financial year,…

Allexer Namundjembo  The appointment of new deputy ministers has triggered debate over whether formal qualifications should carry more weight in senior government positions. The criticism has focused on the newly appointed deputy minister of justice and labour relations, Theresia Brandt.  Brandt also serves as the councillor for Daures Constituency and a member of the National Council.  Her profile on the National Council portal does not list any formal qualification, prompting questions from some members of the public about her suitability for the portfolio. Former Omuthiya councillor Nghipudilo ya Shiindi is among those who publicly questioned the appointment. “We are not…

Justicia Shipena  About 80% of sewer systems across the country's 59 local authorities cannot support new housing.  This was revealed by urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa while presenting his ministry’s 2026/2027 budget in parliament. “80% of our 59 local authorities' sewer infrastructure cannot accommodate new housing constructions because of the incapacity of the existing dilapidated sewer infrastructure,” he said. Sankwasa said ageing infrastructure has become a major barrier to housing delivery and the upgrading of informal settlements. He said towns such as Okahandja, Rundu, Ongwediva, Oshakati, Ondangwa, Katima Mulilo, Windhoek and Walvis Bay need urgent upgrades to bulk…

Patience Makwele Africa Provider Offshore Services (APOS) chief executive Veronique Hermans said Namibia stands at a “critical turning point”, as offshore discoveries in the Orange Basin attract global attention and investment. Her comments come as momentum builds around the development of major oil and gas discoveries. “Participation must occur on a level playing field,” Hermans said, stressing that both local and foreign companies must comply with Namibian tax and labour laws. She said enforcing these rules is key to ensuring oil revenues flow into state coffers and support priorities such as infrastructure, healthcare and education. The government has indicated it…

Staff Writer  More than 260 small business owners in Namibia have completed financial management training aimed at helping them grow and sustain their businesses. The training, supported by Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), focused on practical skills such as cash flow management, budgeting and record-keeping. According to the programme, 145 women, 96 youth and 26 people living with disabilities were among those trained. Coca-Cola's public affairs, communication and sustainability director in Namibia Ockert Jansen said the initiative is part of the company’s broader effort to support local communities and entrepreneurs. “At CCBA in Namibia, we focus on making a real impact…