National News

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs has dismissed speculations that the train involved in the  Swakop River railway bridge earlier this week was transporting military helicopters.  Colonel Petrus Shilumbu, the spokesperson for the Namibian Defence Force clarified the nature of the cargo on Wednesday.  “I cannot comment on such claims. All I can confirm is that the cargo belongs to the ministry and that it reached its intended destination on Wednesday,” Shilumbu said. The incident, which occurred on Sunday night, has prompted an investigation by TransNamib officials. The collision caused one container to get stuck in the…

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development has begun a comprehensive review of its policies aimed at strengthening regional and local economic development. A three-day Regional and Local Economic Development (RLED) policy review workshop started on Wednesday in Windhoek under the theme “Inspiring LED in Namibia.”  The minister of urban and rural development (MURD), Erastus Uutoni who officially opened the workshop expressed optimism about the revised policy’s potential to transform local economies. “Our local economies are real to us every day. We all have a deeply vested interest in making them better, whether that’s seeing our young people…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Ministry of Sport, Youth, and National Services has warned young people to be cautious of scammers promising job opportunities in the ministry’s name. In a statement issued this week, the ministry explained that scammers are targeting young people by sharing a link containing false information about an internship programme allegedly offered by the ministry. “The Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Services has noted with concern the targeting of young people on social media platforms by scammers using fraudulently claiming to represent this ministry,” said the ministry. According to the ministry, the scammers are posting claims of…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Plans to construct vision schools, including the Ohangwena Vision School near Epembe village, have been abandoned due to high costs. Vision schools, introduced in 2013 during the inauguration of the Rukonga Vision School at Divundu, were designed to provide free education and full support to learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. At the time, former President Hifikepunye Pohamba had announced plans to establish six such schools across the country to address access, quality, and equity in education. Vision schools were to provide free education with the government covering all costs, including school uniforms, school fees, hostel fees, examination fees, toiletries,…

Martin Endjala The Lüderitz Town Council is facing challenges in service delivery due to ongoing staff shortages, with several key positions remaining vacant for years. The council announced various vacancies in November 2024, including posts for a chief executive officer, a chief procurement officer, a chief technician of infrastructure, a supervisor for roads and streets, and two electricians.  The deadline for applications is set for 14 February. Lüderitz Mayor Phillippus Balhao told the Windhoek Observer last week that, despite the staff shortages, council operations have continued without major disruptions. However, he acknowledged the added workload and pressure on acting personnel…

Niël Terblanché The Government of Namibia has expressed strong disapproval of President Donald Trump's recent decision to reinstate Cuba on the United States list of state sponsors of terrorism. According to the executive director of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, Ambassador Penda Naanda, this move reverses the action taken by former President Joe Biden on 14 January 2025, when he signed an executive order to remove Cuba from the list. In an official statement, Naanda described President Trump's decision as "not only disappointing but also running counter to the belated decision made by former US President Joe Biden."…

Niël Terblanché The upgrade and maintenance of healthcare infrastructure in the Erongo region received a boost following a N$1,25 million donation from uranium miner Rössing Uranium. Anna Jonas, Erongo Regional Director of Health, during the handover ceremony in Swakopmund on Tuesday, expressed gratitude for the intervention, noting the impact the improvements will have on the community. She said that the funds will be used to address critical infrastructure needs in hospitals across Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, and Usakos, enhancing the delivery of healthcare services in the region. “This means a lot to our community, our patients, and our dedicated staff members.…

Ester Mbathera There are still barriers keeping aspiring aquaculture start-ups from entering the market. According to fisheries and aquaculture expert Alushe Hitula, financing and bureaucracy are but some of the challenges in the way of prospective development. “Namibia has an excellent policy framework for aquaculture development. However, there are still barriers to entry, such as finance and severe bureaucracy, for example, the aquaculture application process for aspiring aqua start-ups,” she said. Hitula was appointed to the board of directors of the World Aquaculture Society-African Chapter (WAS-AC) last week.  Her new role involves overseeing regional memberships, programs, and initiatives while contributing…

Allexer Namundjembo The extradition of a Namibian woman arrested in Zambia in October 2024, has been delayed.  The extradition of Chante Coetzee (38) was initially scheduled for 20 January 20. Coetzee was apprehended in Zambia after fleeing Namibia in a stolen vehicle with a South African accomplice.  She is facing charges of theft and violations of Namibia's Prevention of Organised Crime Act. The pair is accused of crossing into Zambia between 24 June and 2 July 2024 using unofficial border entry points without the vehicle owner's consent. Zambian authorities confirmed Coetzee’s arrest on 18 October 2024, after an Interpol notice…

Niël Terblanché Structural engineers are assessing the damage to a railway bridge over the Swakop River after a cross bracing came loose and collided with a passing cargo train. The incident, which occurred on Sunday night near Swakopmund, involved a train transporting cargo from Walvis Bay. Initial evaluations suggest that the damage to the railway infrastructure is minor. Abigail Raubenheimer, spokesperson for TransNamib, confirmed the incident. She stressed that no derailments or spillage of hazardous substances occurred. “We are relieved that no harm came to our personnel, the public, or the environment. Safety remains our highest priority, and a full…