National News

MTC appeals to corporate Namibia for internship support

Staff Writer Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) is calling on companies and institutions to create more internship opportunities for young Namibians through the Namibia National Internship Programme. The appeal follows a call made by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah during the University of Namibia (Unam) graduation ceremony last week, where she urged government institutions and the private sector to convert training budgets into internship and apprenticeship opportunities. MTC contributes N$2 million every year to the programme, which helps graduates and tertiary students gain workplace experience through paid internships. The Namibia National Internship Programme was launched in 2019 to address challenges graduates face when…
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NHP admits to delayed claim payments

Patience Makwele The Namibia Health Plan (NHP) has admitted that healthcare providers experienced failed claims processing and delayed payments. NHP said the disruptions followed the fund’s transition to a new managed care service system, which started on 1 April. NHP said the process caused operational disruptions that did not meet the fund’s expected standards. Last week, reports emerged that dentists under the Namibia Dental Association (NDA) stopped treating NHP members from 25 April because of delayed claim payments. NHP principal officer Dantago Garosas said the transition forms part of a plan to strengthen the fund’s long-term sustainability and improve healthcare…
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Venaani defends President’s right to hire and fire

Allexer Namundjembo Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader and member of parliament McHenry Venaani says President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has the constitutional authority to hire and dismiss senior officials without necessarily giving public explanations. Venaani made the remarks while responding to questions from the Windhoek Observer on Wednesday following the suspension of Joseph Shikongo as inspector general of the Namibian Police Force. “The President has the prerogative to fire and to hire at will without explaining herself,” Venaani said. He said critics calling for explanations may not fully understand the sensitive information available to the head of state. “A leader takes key…
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State House intruder case hinges on mental fitness

State House intruder case hinges on mental fitness

Patience Makwele The case of the naked State House intruder with a mental health condition does not automatically remove criminal responsibility, says legal expert advocate Paulus Nambili. Nambili said the court must first determine whether the accused is fit to stand trial. “The court first has to determine whether the accused understands the proceedings and can participate in his defence. That is why a mental evaluation has been ordered,” Nambili said. He said the outcome of the case will depend on that assessment. “Mental illness does not automatically remove criminal responsibility. The court will look at the extent to which…
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Debt swap opens land for 6 000 houses 

Debt swap opens land for 6 000 houses 

Renthia Kaimbi A debt swap agreement between the City of Windhoek and the government will unlock more than 6 000 residential erven in the Khomas region. The deal, approved by Cabinet, converts N$357.8 million of the city's historical debt into 423 hectares of land. This opens up land for development in Windhoek and surrounding areas. Khomas governor Sam Nujoma Jr welcomed the agreement on Thursday, saying it will help address the shortage of serviced land. The arrangement allows the city to settle its debt through land transfers to the state. This reduces its financial burden and restores its ability to…
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Opposition calls for balance at commemoration events

Opposition calls for balance at commemoration events

Allexer Namundjembo Opposition leaders say national events such as Cassinga Day and Workers’ Day are being treated as political party platforms instead of state occasions. The concern follows the presence of the Ndilimani Cultural Troupe at Workers’ Day in Opuwo and the Cassinga commemoration in Outapi. Although both days are public holidays and state events, the use of a group linked to Swapo has raised concerns. Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader McHenry Venaan said the days have become political mobilisation events. “Cassinga Day and Worker's Day are observed as Swapo mobilisation days to garner support. There is nothing national in…
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Governor tells youth to lead farming in Oshana

Governor tells youth to lead farming in Oshana

Patience Makwele  Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge has urged young people in the region to take the lead in agriculture and reduce dependence on food from other areas. Speaking at a youth agricultural engagement in Oshakati, he said rising food prices and unemployment make it urgent for the region to produce its own food. “We cannot continue depending on others to feed us,” he said. “That must change now.” Iipinge said young people must use available land and opportunities to produce food to improve food security and create jobs. Iipinge urged young people to openly discuss their challenges and advocated for…
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‘Health ministry wrong about crash victims’ …as sources allege eight were hitchhikers, not patients

‘Health ministry wrong about crash victims’ …as sources allege eight were hitchhikers, not patients

Renthia Kaimbi A road accident between Okahandja and Otjiwarongo on Friday has claimed eleven lives, including two nurses and a driver employed by the Ministry of Health and Social Services, but sources have disputed the ministry’s claim that the other victims were patients, saying they were hitchhikers. In a statement issued on Saturday, the ministry said the two nurses and driver were transporting eight patients from Khorixas District Hospital to Katutura Intermediate Hospital for follow-up care in a fourteen-seater minibus. The vehicle reportedly swerved to avoid a kudu and crashed into a truck. “As a result of this horrific accident,…
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Nandi-Ndaitwah stresses unity on Cassinga Day

Nandi-Ndaitwah stresses unity on Cassinga Day

Allexer Namundjembo  President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on Namibians to uphold unity and protect the country’s independence.  Speaking at the 48th commemoration of the Cassinga massacre in Outapi on Monday, Nandi-Ndaitwah said the attack exposed the brutality of apartheid South Africa and strengthened Namibia’s fight for freedom. “Hundreds of innocent Namibians, mostly women and children, were killed in cold blood,” she said. She said the commemoration, held under the theme “48 years of Honour and Sacrifice Inspiring the Future", reminds the country of its duty to defend independence and ensure national resources benefit future generations. Nandi-Ndaitwah paid tribute to founding…
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Workers told to take charge of their skills 

Workers told to take charge of their skills 

Justicia Shipena  President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged Namibian workers to take initiative in improving their skills.  This she said includes developing their own training programmes. She said workers must use available learning opportunities, especially online. “In the world of technology, workers can also arrange their own training programmes; more particularly, there are a number of courses that can be followed online,” she said during International Workers’ Day commemorations in Opuwo on Friday.  Nandi-Ndaitwah said the 2026 theme, which focuses on continuous in-service training, highlights the need for a skilled workforce. “This theme is calling for a skill-driven labour force if…
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