National News

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism expressed serious concern over the increasing disregard for laws and regulations in Namibia’s national parks. According to a statement on Wednesday, the ministry’s spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said that officials have observed widespread violations of park rules, prompting urgent calls for visitors and tour operators to adhere to the established guidelines. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ministry’s spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda said that several serious transgressions have been identified, despite clear regulations being in place. “We have observed a significant number of visitors attempting to enter and fly drones in our…

Niël Terblanché NamWater has issued a warning to the public, financial institutions, and stakeholders about fraudulent activities involving fake NamWater payslips used to obtain loans under false pretenses. On Wednesday, NamWater’s spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata, urged businesses, particularly those in the short-term loan sector, to exercise caution and verify all employment claims before processing transactions. He also confirmed that a recent incident exposed the use of a counterfeit payslip to fraudulently secure a loan. "We can confirm that the attached sample document, which has been circulating, does not belong to NamWater and lacks the unique security features of genuine NamWater payslips,"…

Niël Terblanché Leadership of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) recently met with Swakopmund Mayor Blassius Goraseb to discuss economic development initiatives and ways to foster business growth in the region. The meeting with mayor Goraseb follows his election as the new mayor of Swakopmund in November last year. Goraseb took the helm with a set vision to serve the town and its residents with dedication. During the meeting, Goraseb reiterated the need for inclusive economic growth and announced the formation of the Swakopmund Economic Forum to gather data for informed policy-making. He expressed commitment to collaborating with…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Ministry of Health and Social Services has committed to repairing infrastructure at Tsumeb State Hospital after the facility flooded twice, first on 8 February and again last week, disrupting healthcare services. The health ministry’s executive director, Ben Nangombe, confirmed that the ministry is working with the Tsumeb Municipality to address the underlying issues that led to the flooding. Nangombe has indicated that improving drainage around the hospital and nearby areas is being prioritised to avoid further disruptions. "The situation is under control, and we are working with the municipality to resolve the problem. We are addressing the…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  Residents of Gobabis in the Omaheke region have expressed anger over the decision to hold the regional memorial service for the late founding president Sam Nujoma at Buitepos, a border post between Namibia and Botswana, instead of in Gobabis. The event was on Tuesday, with buses transporting attendees from Gobabis to Buitepos. Sike Kandjimi, a resident of Gobabis, questioned why the service isn't held in a place where the majority can attend easily. “People want to be free to walk to a venue nearby, not travel over 100 kilometres. The requirement to register with councillors for transport is…

Ester Mbathera  Former Ghanaian President John Agyekum Kufuor described the late Founding President of Namibia, Sam Nujoma, as a visionary leader and freedom fighter who left a lasting impact on Namibia and Africa. Kufuor made the remarks during a memorial held in honour of Nujoma in Accra, Ghana, on Friday.  “Dr Nujoma was more than just a political leader. He was a towering figure of strength and resilience, whose unwavering commitment to the liberation of his people epitomised the essence of African unity and self-determination,’ he said. According to Kufuor, Namibia emerged as a symbol of hope and stability in…

Allexer Namundjembo Opposition regional councillors in the Erongo region have accused the office of the governor of failing to consult them on the drafting of the programme for the state memorial service for the Founding President Sam Nujoma.  The memorial service will take place on Tuesday in Walvis Bay at the Kuisebmond stadium.  Walvis Bay Rural constituency councillor Donatus Tegako, a member of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), said that he was not invited to discuss the programme.  “The program was not discussed with regional councillors. It is the governor’s thing. They probably drafted it with the Swapo regional…

Allexer Namundjembo The 4th General Assembly of the African Seismological Commission (AfSC) is taking place in Namibia for the first time.  The three-day event, currently underway, has brought together seismologists from across Africa to discuss, collaborate, and improve regional seismic monitoring. Key topics include Namibia’s seismological network and a review of earthquake events in various African countries. Penda Ithindi, the executive director of Namibia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy, spoke at the opening of the Assembly yesterday at Avani.  He highlighted the growth of the AfSC since its launch in 2014. Ithindi emphasised the importance of seismology in addressing regional…

Niël Terblanché Farmers’ frustration over escalating stock theft and an inefficient criminal justice system took centre stage at a public hearing convened by the National Assembly’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs on 13 February. The four leading agricultural unions joined forces to voice their concerns in parliament, urging authorities to take decisive action to address the growing crisis that threatens the sector’s sustainability. The Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), Namibia National Farmers’ Union (NNFU), Namibia Emerging Commercial Farmers’ Union (NECFU), and the Previously Disadvantaged Commercial Farmers’ Union (PDCFU) presented a unified front in their submission to the committee.…