National News – Windhoek Observer

21 Apr

Presidency, ACC, Health Ministry worst at customer service

Main, National News

Renthia Kaimbi A customer service charter audit has placed the Office of the President, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Ministry of Health and Social Services among the lowest-performing institutions in the 2024/2025 financial year. The audit, compiled by the Office of the Prime Minister, assessed 18 offices, ministries and agencies (OMAs) on customer service standards. According to the document seen by the Windhoek Observer, only six institutions scored above 50%. The Ministry of Health and Social Services ranked last at 18th with 22%. The Office of the President followed in 17th position with 25%. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries,…

21 Apr

Swapo at 66: Leaders warn of growing rifts

National News

Patience Makwele Swapo leaders say growing divisions could affect unity and preparations for the 2027 elective congress. The warning comes as the party marked its 66th anniversary on Sunday. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the party must focus on delivering results to meet public expectations. “The times have changed and so have the expectations of our people,” she said. She pointed to jobs, land, housing, healthcare and education as key priorities and urged the party to remain “alert, forward-looking and grounded in service delivery". Former president Hifikepunye Pohamba urged unity and discipline within the party. “You must work in harmony and…

21 Apr

APRM Council to focus on youth and reforms

National News

Justicia Shipena Ambassador Wilfried Emvula will continue as chairperson of the National Governing Council of the African Peer Review Mechanism following the appointment of a new council in Namibia. The third National Governing Council was inaugurated at State House on Monday by Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. The council will serve a four-year term from February 2026 to January 2030. The council includes ambassador Elia Kaiyamo, Dr Betty Schroder, Professor Esau Kaakunga, Dr Roseta Nawases, Naita Hishoono, Rosemary Nalisa, Uhuru Dempers, Hakusembe Hakusembe and Salomo Hei. It will oversee governance processes, monitor standards and coordinate national programmes under the APRM. It will also…

21 Apr

Telecom teams up with police to stop copper theft

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Telecom Namibia will work with the police to curb copper cable theft. Telecom said copper theft has disrupted services across the country. Telecom chief executive officer Stanley Shanapinda said on Monday the company has launched the Penduka Project to increase patrols in high-risk areas such as Dorado and Wanaheda in Windhoek. “We have received full commitment from the Office of the Inspector General in this regard. The root cause of copper theft is the scrap yards that are buying illegal copper and it must stop,” Shanapinda said. He said Telecom Namibia will support law enforcement efforts. “We know…

21 Apr

Lawyer questions if law benefits ordinary Namibians

National News

Staff Writer South African advocate and senior counsel Muzi Sikhakhane has questioned whether ordinary Namibians are benefiting from the country’s legal and economic systems. Speaking at a public lecture in Windhoek last week, Sikhakhane said law cannot be treated as neutral or separate from politics, history and society. He said justice must be understood within Africa’s history, especially the legacy of colonialism and apartheid. “A lawyer or judge emerges from a particular political history of the territory in which he or she practices,” Sikhakhane said. He said colonialism shaped legal systems across Africa and influenced how law is taught and…

21 Apr

Ministry dismisses ‘foreign truck driver’ recruitment claims

National News

Renthia Kaimbi The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has dismissed social media claims that it plans to recruit foreign truck drivers. On Friday, the ministry's executive director, Nghidinua Daniel, in a notice rejected a WhatsApp voice message claiming the ministry intended to hire 39 truck drivers from Zimbabwe and invite applications from Namibians. “The ministry categorically states that these allegations are entirely false, unfounded, and without any official basis,” said Daniel. “At no point now or in the future does the ministry intend to recruit foreign nationals as truck drivers.” Daniel said the message is misleading and…

21 Apr

Fossil fuels driving up costs worldwide

National News

Allexer Namundjembo United Nations (UN) climate change executive secretary Simon Stiell says global reliance on fossil fuels is driving rising costs and economic instability. He said dependence on oil and gas is exposing economies to repeated shocks. “Fossil fuels are driving a cost crisis for households, businesses and nations. Clean energy is the cure,” Stiell said on Monday. He pointed to conflict in the Middle East as an example of the risks, saying it is disrupting energy markets and pushing up prices. “War in the Middle East has exposed a brutal truth: fossil fuel dependency undermines countries’ sovereignty and security,…

20 Apr

NaCC probes Ultimate Safaris over exclusive tourism agreements

Main, National News

Renthia Kaimbi The Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC) has launched a formal investigation into alleged anti-competitive conduct involving Ultimate Safaris (Pty) Ltd and three conservancies in the Brandberg area. The probe follows a complaint lodged on 26 September 2024 by mining claim holder Timoteus Mashuna. In a letter dated 14 April 2026, signed by acting chief executive officer Johannes Ashipala, the commission confirmed it has started an investigation under section 33 of the Competition Act. The investigation targets Ultimate Safaris, Doro !Nawas Conservancy, Uibasen Twyfelfontein Conservancy and Sorris Sorris Conservancy. NaCC said it issued a cautionary notice on 18 December 2024.…

20 Apr

Shilunga says oil oversight under presidency builds trust

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…

20 Apr

Govt decision on James’ funeral sparks debate

National News

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…