National News

Niël Terblanché Residents of Omuthiya and neighbouring villages will soon no longer need to travel long distances for mobile network services, as MTC prepares to open its 37th Mobile Home in the country. For years, Omuthiya residents have been reliant on a mobile van that visits the town twice a week. With limited access to services, many were forced to make the 83-kilometre journey to Ondangwa or even further to Tsumeb, some 130 kilometres away, for assistance with SIM replacements, registrations, contract renewals, and other MTC-related services. MTC’s corporate communications practitioner, Erasmus Nekundi, confirmed that plans are well advanced to…

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP) is in the process of modernising its national diagnostic infrastructure as part of a long-term strategy to strengthen laboratory services across all regions of the country. The NIP’s chief executive officer, Kapena Tjombonde, said in a statement on Wednesday that through its Equipment Replacement Plan (ERP), the institute is replacing outdated diagnostic tools with newer, more efficient technology to reduce turnaround times and improve access to life-saving tests, particularly in underserved areas. “This initiative forms a key component of NIP’s Integrated Strategic Business Plan (ISBP) 2022–2027, aimed at enhancing the quality and…

Allexer Namundjembo A petition calling for justice for five-year-old Ingrid Maasdorp, who was raped and murdered in Okahandja last month, has reignited public anger over unresolved child murder cases in Namibia. The petition, launched by youth activist Kashivi Shingungu, has attracted over 4 000 signatures, reflecting growing frustration with what many see as a systemic failure by law enforcement to protect children and pursue justice in cases involving violence against minors. Maasdorp’s body was found under a bridge after she was reported missing in the early morning hours of Thursday, 22 March, and was discovered on Friday of the same…

Hertta-Maria Amuteja  The Landless People's Movement (LPM) has criticised President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah for failing to attend the annual Genocide Walk in Lüderitz on April 13. The party’s policy unit chairperson, Lazarus Kairabeb, in a statement issued on Monday, said the president’s last-minute no-show signals a lack of political will to engage with communities seeking justice and reparations for the 1904-1908 genocide.  “This was supposed to be an opportunity to engage directly with the community on an issue that is so close to our hearts. The president's absence is disappointing, but it will not deter us from continuing our fight for…

Allexer Namundjembo Applications from 52 972 young people inundated the Namibian Police Force (NAMPOL) for 2 000 positions advertised during a recent recruitment drive for the 2024/2025 financial year. The numbers were confirmed by Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the head of Nampol’s public relations division.. “The overall recruitment figure was 2 000, which includes a special recruitment category,” Shikwambi said. She explained that the additional candidates will be drawn from crime prevention groups such as the Women and Men Network Against Crime, NYS graduates, and reservists from across the country. This surge in applications comes at a time when the…

Niël Terblanché Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) councillor for Walvis Bay Rural Constituency, has been elected as the new chairperson of the Erongo Regional Council. Chief Regional Officer Mpenzeni Ntelamo confirmed the appointment on Tuesday and said in a statement that Florian Donatus' election follows the ousting of former chairperson Benitha Imbamba through a motion of no confidence. The motion that was tabled on 6 March by Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) councillor Deriou Benson cited leadership failures and a lack of unity under Imbamba’s leadership. Benson alleged that Imbamba operated unilaterally and failed to foster collaboration among councillors. At…

Niël Terblanché Advocate Lotta Ambunda was officially sworn in as an Acting Judge of the High Court on Tuesday during a ceremony held at the High Court in Windhoek. The oath of office was administered by Justice Shafimana Ueitele, Deputy Judge President of the High Court. Ambunda’s appointment, effective from 15 April to 31 July 2025, was made by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). According to the JSC, this will be Ambunda’s first time serving on the bench. The JSC confirmed that Ambunda’s appointment forms part of broader efforts to enhance the judiciary’s…

Niël Terblanché Namibia is committed to regional climate research and adaptation by hosting the latest Southern Africa Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL) Thematic Workshop in Windhoek. The workshop that started on Tuesday brought together scientists, students, farmers, and policy experts to exchange knowledge and shape practical responses to the region’s escalating climate challenges. The deputy minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform, Ruth Masake, officially opened the workshop and stressed the urgency of evidence-based, collaborative solutions. “Namibia continues to experience increasing climate variability, ranging from severe droughts to extreme rainfall, flash floods, and…

Ester Mbathera  Human rights lawyer Norman Tjombe and former Member of Parliament and lawyer Patience Masua have called for urgent reform of Namibia’s land reform framework, criticising the current willing buyer, willing seller approach as ineffective and unjust. The two made the remarks during a high-level panel discussion hosted by Open Society Foundations (OSF) and Action Coalition-Namibia in Windhoek on Monday. The discussion formed part of the OSF Africa Tour under the Namibia chapter, titled “The Land of the Brave”. Tjombe dismissed the willing buyer, willing seller model as a policy with no basis in the Namibian Constitution. “I've gone…

Niël Terblanché Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has called on staff members in his office to reflect deeply on their role as public servants and recommit themselves to efficient service delivery. Speaking during a staff engagement in Windhoek on Monday, Ngurare described the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) personnel as the most valuable asset in the country’s administrative machinery. “It has been three weeks since I was appointed Prime Minister, and I have been looking forward to this opportunity to engage with you. You, the staff members of this office, are the most valuable assets in our asset register. Without…