National News

Niël Terblanché Namibia has taken a significant step forward in addressing its critical water infrastructure and challenges with informal settlement challenges, thanks to a N$383 million grant from the German government. Signed on Monday, the new agreements are a continuation of decades-long bilateral cooperation between the two nations. Namibia continues to face challenges presented by climate change and rapid urbanization and the new agreements are set to play a key role in the country’s development trajectory. “This partnership emphasises our shared commitment to addressing Namibia’s pressing developmental needs,” said Obeth Kandjoze, Namibia’s Director General of the National Planning Commission, during…

Niël Terblanché Namibia made the world aware of its pressing need to safeguard ecosystems, ensure sustainable livelihoods, and protect future generations from the harsh impacts of climate change. The minister of environment, forestry and tourism, Pohamba Shifeta while speaking at the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, appealed for international cooperation and decisive action to address the escalating challenges of drought, land degradation, and desertification. “In Namibia, drought is no longer an emergency but a recurring event,” Shifeta said during the COP16 opening session. The minister painted…

Niël Terblanché The festive season has officially arrived in Swakopmund with the lighting of the town’s iconic Christmas tree. The tradition that brings residents and visitors together in celebration was held on Monday evening during a special ceremony led by the town’s outgoing mayor, Dina Namubes, who said that the Christmas lighting ceremony is a moment everyone looks forward to. “It marks the beginning of a festive period filled with warmth, hope, and unity,” she said. The mayor expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts that made the event possible. “This tree is more than just a festive decoration—it is a…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has declared its intent to challenge the results of Namibia’s recent Presidential and National Assembly elections, citing a series of irregularities. Christine Aochamus, the party’s secretary general, confirmed the decision during an interview on South Africa’s Newsroom Africa channel on Sunday. According to Aochamus, the IPC plans to file a legal challenge aimed at nullifying the entire election process, regardless of the outcome. "The decision stands. We are aiming for the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) to completely announce the full results of this poll. Once done, we will approach the courts…

Allexer Namundjembo President Nangolo Mbumba has expanded the communal land area in the Khomas Region by incorporating over 8 000 hectares of unalienated state land. In a government gazette of 29 November, Mbumba emphasised the importance of equitable land distribution in fostering rural development. The National Assembly approved the addition and executed it under section 16(1) of the Communal Land Reform Act, of 2002. The newly designated communal land consists of two significant portions of the Farm Groot Korasieplaats No. 440, situated in Registration Division “K” of the Khomas Region. The first portion measures 4,321.4135 hectares, while the second measures…

Mallex Shipanga  The Windhoek-born Cora Herma-Schulz works in the import industry. In her free time, she does dot art and upcycling. When she started doing art, Schulz did her own research before falling in love with dot art. “I ⁠watched online articles and got interested in dot art,” she said. Over time, Schulz sharpened her skills in the art form. “I taught myself. It took almost two years to get where I am,” she said. Now, Schulz jokes that she will ‘dot’ anything that doesn't move. After beginning her journey as a dot artist, Schulz also began upcycling. Upcycling is…

Allexer Namundjembo The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development has approved significant zoning amendments in towns across Namibia, including Gobabis, Rehoboth, Tsumeb, Swakopmund, and Windhoek. The announcement was made by Minister Erastus Uutoni through Government Gazette No. 366 of 2024, under the Urban and Regional Planning Act, 2018 (Act No. 5 of 2018). Uutoni emphasized the importance of these changes in enhancing urban planning and addressing the development needs of the affected communities. “These amendments reflect our government’s commitment to structured urban growth, ensuring that towns and cities develop in a way that meets the needs of residents while fostering…

Martin Endjala The City of Windhoek's mayoral position will remain vacant until the next election of office-bearers, the municipal council has confirmed. The City of Windhoek’s spokesperson, Lydia Amutenya confirmed this to the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday. “The mayoral position will remain vacant until the next election,” she said. The election meeting, held on Monday, was adjourned after councillors walked out of the chamber. This followed the presiding magistrate, Immanuel Udjombala, denying their request for a short adjournment. A follow-up meeting scheduled for Tuesday was called off due to a lack of quorum. The election is now rescheduled for 9…

Allexer Namundjembo The Affirmative Repositioning’s (AR) leader, Job Amupanda has accused both the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) and President Nangolo Mbumba of violating the Electoral Act by failing to decree additional public holidays for extended voting days. He made these remarks during a media briefing on Monday. “The President decreed 27 November as a public holiday, which is in accordance with the electoral act. But what is not right is when he extended the voting days, and he did not decree the 29th as a public holiday as per the act. This alone tells us that something is not…

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Judiciary bid farewell to Justice Dave Smuts upon his retirement from the Supreme Court on Monday. Chief Justice Peter Shivute described Smuts as a "towering figure in the legal profession," retiring after decades of service marked by intellect, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Born on 17 November 1954, Smuts began his academic journey in South Africa, later earning his Master of Laws degree from Harvard Law School in 1983 through scholarships. He also served as the Orville Schell, Jr. Fellow at Yale Law School in 1990, demonstrating his relentless pursuit of excellence in the…