National News

Allexer Namundjembo Walvis Bay residents and holidaymakers have expressed growing concerns over the neglect of Independence Beach, particularly the unusable toilets, which they say pose an environmental hazard. Simon Paulus, a resident, voiced his frustration, urging the Walvis Bay Municipality to take immediate action. “The existing toilets are extremely dirty and now completely unused. This was supposed to be one of the best leisure spots, but it's disgusting to use the facilities here. We've even had to drive to Swakopmund to find cleaner options," Paulus said. Paulus pointed out that Independence Beach is becoming a hotspot for criminal activity. “For…

Allexer Namundjembo Walvis Bay residents and holidaymakers have expressed growing concerns over the neglect of Independence Beach, particularly the unusable toilets, which they say pose an environmental hazard. Simon Paulus, a resident, voiced his frustration, urging the Walvis Bay Municipality to take immediate action. “The existing toilets are extremely dirty and now completely unused. This was supposed to be one of the best leisure spots, but it's disgusting to use the facilities here. We've even had to drive to Swakopmund to find cleaner options," Paulus said. Paulus pointed out that Independence Beach is becoming a hotspot for criminal activity. “For…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The minister of agriculture, water, and land reform, Calle Schlettwein, inaugurated the Namibia Council for Property Valuers Profession on Thursday.  The new council will regulate property valuers and ensure registered practitioners adhere to high ethical standards.  Schlettwein highlighted the rise in malpractices within unregulated valuation services and emphasised the government’s commitment to protecting the public and restoring the profession’s reputation. This was achieved by amending the Property Valuers Profession Act and establishing the council to oversee the regulation of valuers. ‘’There was a need to close some of the loopholes in the principal Act, and the required amendments…

Niël Terblanché Entrepreneurs and innovators face significant challenges in commercialising their ideas and expanding beyond local markets, with limited commercialisation platforms, restricted access to funding, and a lack of structured support for startups. Recognising these challenges, the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST), the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), and other stakeholders have launched ScaleUp Namibia (SUN), an initiative designed to accelerate startup growth and establish the country as a leader in innovation. The initiative was officially launched in Windhoek last week. The initiative takes Namibia in the direction of a knowledge-based economy.  ScaleUp Namibia is…

Allexer Namundjembo The leader of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), McHenry Venaani, accused the government of avoiding accountability in the Namdia diamond heist that took place on 18 January by hiding behind the fact that the matter is “sub judice”. During the parliament session on Tuesday, Venaani demanded answers from Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila on the matter. “Government must come forward and tell us what is happening with the case. The government must tell us how far along the case is because they cannot be hiding behind “sub judice" when the resources of our country are being stolen in broad…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Tsumeb Municipality announced the donation of 21 residential plots to selected individuals in the town through private transactions. This was revealed in a public notice issued under the Local Authorities Act. According to the notice placed in newspapers, the plots, each measuring 300 square meters, are located in Extension 8 and Extension 10 of Tsumeb. The properties are zoned for residential use and remain unimproved. The town’s mayor, Mathew Hangula, explained that the recipients of the houses are members of the Build Together Programme who had houses built at the old municipal dump site.  “It seems that…

Niël Terblanché Walvis Bay residents are growing increasingly frustrated as waste piles up in the streets due to the near-collapse of the municipality’s refuse removal services. With only one operational refuse truck and four aging vehicles frequently out of service, the town's waste management division is struggling to cope, prompting calls for urgent intervention. Kaleinasho Maxuilili wrote a letter this week to the municipality expressing her concern about the environmental and sanitary conditions at the town.  “It is disheartening to see the increasing litter and sewage issues, which not only tarnish our town's beauty but also pose serious health risks.…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Namibian Police have reported no new information regarding the disappearance of Joliane Kabwe (17), a Grade 11 learner from St. George’s Diocesan School in Windhoek, who has been missing since Monday. Deputy Commissioner Chrispin Mubebo on Wednesday confirmed that a missing person file has been opened and that patrols are ongoing. “The search is ongoing; however, we have no clues yet. We are doing patrols, but there are no concrete leads as to where she might have gone,’ said Mubebo. Mubebo has urged members of the public to be vigilant and report any sightings or information that…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Pohamba Shifeta announced that starting 1 April 2025, the government will compensate farmers N$8 000 for cattle lost due to wildlife conflicts.  Shifeta made the announcement on Wednesday in the National Assembly while introducing the “Human Wildlife Conflict Self Reliance Scheme (HWC).”  The scheme aims to directly offset losses suffered by farmers due to wildlife damage to livestock and crops. Shifeta explained that although the compensation was previously increased from N$ 3000 to N$ 5000, it will now rise to N$8 000.  This adjustment aims to promote fair benefit distribution and ensure…

Niël Terblanché Concerns have again been raised over the potential threat to underground water supply, as key discussions on the proposed in situ leach uranium mining in the Stampriet Artesian Basin (SAB) were removed from the agenda at the recent Namibia Regional Water Symposium in Keetmanshoop. The SAB is a water source for towns such as Leonardville, Aranos, Aminuis, Stampriet, Gochas, and Koës in the Hardap region. It also serves as a water supply for farming communities and large-scale irrigation projects that contribute to national food security. Recognising its importance, the government has designated the SAB as a legislated Water…