National News

Niël Terblanché On the sidelines of COP29, the Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, urged global leaders to intensify their efforts towards addressing climate change, highlighting the disproportionate impact on vulnerable countries like Namibia. Speaking at the High-Level Ministerial Roundtable on pre-2030 Ambition, Shifeta outlined Namibia’s climate challenges, commitments, and the critical need for international collaboration to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. He said Namibia is a nation highly dependent on natural resources. “The country faces significant vulnerabilities due to variable climatic patterns. The impacts of climate change, including severe droughts and floods, have left the…

Niël Terbalnché The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) has denied allegations circulating on social media, which claim that the agency permitted a political party to import election campaign materials without paying the requisite duties and taxes. The accusations are made by Nghipudilo ya Shiindi, an Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) councillor for the Omuthiya town council on her Facebook page. She claims to have in her possession a letter written by Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa related to the party’s campaign material that entered the country for free. The letter according to her was addressed to Namra’s commissioner Sem Shivute. “Those…

Allexer Namundjembo The leader of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), McHenry Venaani has called for a N$150 million investment to upgrade Opuwo’s oxidation ponds and establish a modern water treatment plant. Speaking at a rally in Opuwo on Friday, Venaani highlighted the town’s ongoing water crisis, describing access to clean water as a fundamental human right enshrined in Namibia’s Constitution. “This is a fundamental issue. Clean, drinkable water is not a luxury; it is a human right. One that is enshrined in the supreme law of the land, our constitution, he said. He added that the water issue is not…

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) hosted its annual Port Users’ Dinner, which also coincided with the 30 years of the reintegration of Walvis Bay into Namibia and the establishment of Namport. The event at the Walvis Bay Civic Centre on Friday evening was attended by key stakeholders, maritime professionals, and government officials, celebrating the pivotal role the port plays in the nation’s economy. Delivering the keynote address, Erongo regional governor Neville Andre highlighted the profound transformation of Namport over the last three decades. He reflected on Walvis Bay’s historical significance as a cornerstone of Namibia’s maritime identity, transitioning…

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Judiciary is set to enhance its commitment to justice with the migration of the Katima Mulilo Magistrate’s Court to its newly constructed premises on Soweto Street. According to a statement by the Office of the Judiciary, the transition, set to commence on 18 November, is a key development in the administration of justice in the region. The state-of-the-art courthouse was officially inaugurated on 17 September and has since been prepared to host its first court session. The migration process, which began on 11 November, concluded on 15 November, ensuring a seamless transfer of judicial operations. According…

Niël Terblanché Combined efforts from government authorities, stakeholders, and residents are crucial in overcoming the challenges posed by the severe drought to ensure a reliable water supply. In this regard, the Erongo Regional Council on Friday announced the implementation of water rationing measures in the settlements of Uis and Otjimbingwe. The settlements, located within the Dâures and Karibib constituencies, will henceforth only have water supplied to residents at predetermined times of the day. According to a statement, the regional council decided to introduce rationing in response to an ongoing drought that has significantly reduced the output of boreholes supplying communities…

Mallex Shipanga As the National Assembly and Presidential elections of 2024 approach, Generation Z (Gen Z) youth voters are expressing a strong desire for change. On 27 November, Namibians will exercise their democratic rights for the eighth time. This marks a pivotal time in the country, as each possible outcome would be the first of its kind. If Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Swapo wins, the country will have its first female president. Provided that Panduleni Itula of Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) wins, the government will be led by a non-Swapo president for the first time since independence. Should Job Amupanda…

Stefanus Nashama and Allexer Namundjembo Unofficial results of votes cast by Namibians in the diaspora on Wednesday show Swapo leading with 61% of the presidential and 61% of the parliamentary votes. The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) received 33% of the presidential vote and 27% for parliament. The AR party performed well compared to other parties, securing 12% of the parliamentary votes and 6% of the presidential votes. Other parties, such as the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) and the Landless People’s Movement (LPM), received fewer votes. In the United Kingdom, where the IPC is believed to have a stronghold, it…