National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  Workers at non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Namibia that receive funding from the government of the United States of America for various programs, including HIV prevention, LGBTQ support, and climate change initiatives, have been ordered to cease operations immediately.  The Windhoek Observer understands that the workers are still required to report for duty but cannot execute any duties.  IntraHealth Namibia (IHN), a non-profit organisation working to curb new HIV infections among adolescent girls and young women under the DREAMS project, declined to comment on the matter.  Communications specialist, Selma Shiwaya, told Windhoek Observer that the organisation had no statement…

Allexer Namundjembo  Graham Hopwood, the director of the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), has warned that if an election rerun is ordered by the court, there will be insufficient time to organise new elections before the 21 March deadline for the new administration.  Hopwood made these remarks at the Election Fact Check Coalition review conference on Wednesday.  “We would be in uncharted territory. We have to be thinking about constitutional amendments to extend encumbrance offices until the election is organised. But I am not saying it would happen,” he said.  The Independent Patriots for Change have launched applications in…

Niël Terblanché In the aftermath of the tragic death of senior security officer Francis Eiseb during a robbery at Namibia Desert Diamonds (Namdia) on 18 January, the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) has issued a scornful assessment of the company's executive leadership and board of directors. In a statement released on Wednesday, the union’s general secretary, George Ampweya said the systemic governance failures and neglect of employee welfare contributed to the fatal shooting incident. Ampweya expressed deep disappointment over the leadership's persistent disregard for the union's concerns. "It is deeply disheartening to see these concerns neglected time and again, despite…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  The government of the United States of America has not officially informed Namibia about the deportation of 19 Namibian nationals, with officials only learning about the matter through social media and online sources. “There are mechanisms in place if there are people to be deported. The U.S. is a sovereign state like Namibia, so we do not interfere in their internal processes, and we also do not expect them to interfere in ours,” the executive director of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation (MIRCO), Ambassador Penda Naanda said. Naanda added that the Namibian government has verification measures…

Stefanus Nashama A donation valued at N$22.4 million to NamPol has sparked criticism, with concerns raised over government spending priorities amid pressing social and economic challenges. On Tuesday, the Ministry of Works and Transport donated six vehicles—including four double-cab pickups, and two minibuses—and twenty metal detectors to the police’s Explosives Control Division (ECD).  The vehicles and equipment are intended to enhance the police’s capacity to address the threat of unexploded ordnance and other explosive remnants of war, especially in remote and hazardous locations. While the police publicly welcomed the donation, critics argue that government funds should be directed toward more…

Martin Endjala The Keetmanshoop Town Council has announced an interest waiver amnesty initiative to assist residents settle outstanding municipal service account debts. The initiative was made public in a notice issued on 15 January 2024, seen by the Windhoek Observer. According to the notice, the amnesty will allow residents to settle their outstanding capital balances without accruing interest charges. The amnesty will run from 1 August 2024 to 31 May 2025. During this period, residents, who pay off their capital debt, will have the interest on their accounts waived by 100%. “This initiative aims to provide residents with an opportunity…

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service refuted claims that the government paid N$11 million in rent for unoccupied office space in Windhoek. The ministry’s executive director, Erastus Haitengela, in a statement on Wednesday, made it clear that the allegations, published by a daily newspaper, are baseless, misleading, and damaging. “We call on The Namibian to correct its misleading article. Failure to do so will necessitate further action,” he asserted. Haitengela also criticised the report, insisting that the claim was entirely false. “The government has not disbursed N$11 million in rental fees for an unoccupied building. The…

Stefanus Nashama Originally scheduled for last Wednesday, the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) has postponed the release of its long-awaited disability report citing an ongoing extensive review process.  This is the second time in recent months that the agency has delayed a major report, raising concerns about its ability to meet deadlines and the impact on timely data availability for the public. On Monday, Iipumbu Sakaria, spokesperson for NSA, said the delay is part of a rigorous quality assurance process aimed at ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the data.  “All thematic reports are going through an extensive review to ensure…

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Police’s Explosives Control Division has received a substantial upgrade to its operational capabilities, thanks to a N$22.4 million donation from the Ministry of Works and Transport. The donation on Tuesday, which includes vehicles and specialised equipment, aims to enhance the division's ability to respond effectively to incidents involving explosives. During the handover ceremony, the donated items were put on display. These include six vehicles—four double-cab pickups and two minibuses—as well as twenty metal detectors. Speaking at the event, Inspector General of the Namibian Police Force, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo said the new resources strengthen the division’s…