National News

Ester Mbathera  Namibia’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, has provided evidence detailing a series of tourism promotional events facilitated by the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) in partnership with the Ghanaian company Hype.UP Limited. In a letter dated 31 January, addressed to the executive director of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, Ambassador Penda Naanda, Ashipala-Musavyi contradicted NTB’s claims that no valid contracts existed or that no services were delivered. According to her, the High Commission actively participated in and facilitated tourism promotional activities through NTB and Hype.UP Limited in Accra, Ghana. The first event was a destination presentation…

 Niël Terblanché NamWater, in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, has approved the Hardap Farmers Association's request to restore irrigation supply at the Hardap Irrigation Scheme to 100%. According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Lot Ndamanomhata, NamWater’s spokesperson, the decision follows a comprehensive dry-run analysis and recent inflows into the Hardap Dam, improving its capacity to 22.1%. “The restored supply promises a significant boost to the local economy and agricultural productivity in Mariental and surrounding areas,” he said. He added that the restored water allocation is effective immediately, with a total supply volume set…

Allexer Namundjembo Nepando Amupanda, who served as the bodyguard of Namibia’s Founding President, Sam Nujoma, from 1982 until 2005, has reflected on the weight of his responsibility in ensuring the former head of state’s safety during a critical period in the country’s history. Amupanda discussed his experiences in an interview with NBC on Wednesday, saying Nujoma entrusted him with more than just her physical protection.  He was responsible for keeping Nujoma's belongings organised and meeting his daily needs. “I was trusted to make sure that all his belongings were well organised and that he remained safe. I was also tasked…

Mallex Shipanga  UNAM has introduced flexible payment options to assist students who face financial difficulties during registration.  The new measures were announced in a notice issued on 10 February. Under the new arrangement, students can register with reduced upfront payments.  The minimum amount required for registration has been lowered from N$2 975 to N$1 500.  For those unable to afford even the reduced amount, UNAM has introduced a N$0 upfront payment option. Students benefiting from these flexible payment options must sign a payment agreement, which outlines the terms for settling their outstanding balance by the end of November. Those who…

Niël Terblanché The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) has initiated a collective bargaining process with Trigon Metals' Kombat Mine following the company’s plans to retrench 533 employees without prior union consultation. MUN general secretary George Ampweya said on Wednesday that the union intervened after the Canadian company announced the retrenchments following flooding at the mine. "We are pleased with Kombat Mine's willingness to engage in an orderly collective bargaining process,” he said. Ampweya said the negotiations will focus on severance packages, post-termination medical check-ups, and relocation benefits. "Such conditions are important for a fair process and would not have been…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The deaths of two paramedics in a road accident 20 kilometres from Otavi on the B1 road on Tuesday morning have renewed calls for stricter road safety measures, particularly for emergency responders. The Ministry of Health and Social Services executive director, Ben Nangombe, described the loss as tragic, emphasising that reckless driving continues to put lives at risk. “Emergency care practitioners are trained in defensive driving skills and how to handle difficult road conditions to minimise risks. We provide them with the necessary tools, but the behaviour of road users remains a major contributing factor to accidents,” he…

Ester Mbathera  The former Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) chief executive officer Digu //Naobeb has come forward with new evidence disputing NTB’s claims of fraud and contractual irregularities in its dealings with Ghanaian tourism service provider Hype.UP Limited. The allegations stem from NTB’s tourism promotion projects in Ghana in 2023, which included networking events and marketing activities aimed at boosting Namibia’s presence in the Ghanaian market. In a letter dated 6 February, seen by Windhoek Observer addressed to the board chairperson Olavia Hamwele, //Naobeb argues that NTB’s allegations are unfounded and an attempt to shift blame from the board’s failure to…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture has directed all educational institutions to observe specific protocols during the national mourning period following the passing of Namibia’s Founding President, Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma. According to a directive issued by executive director Sanet Steenkamp, schools, libraries, and resource centres were instructed to fly the national flag at half-mast and hold moments of silence at official gatherings. Schools must also display Nujoma’s portrait at main entrances, accompanied by a condolence book and candles where feasible. “As we mourn this great loss, we honour his unwavering and remarkable contribution to the education system,”…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Swakopmund, known for its German colonial architecture, is grappling with the balance between preserving its historical identity and embracing new developments.  This debate has become prominent as the town expands and modernises to cater to both locals and tourists. One resident, Ndapandula Matheus, expressed mixed feelings about the ongoing developments.  “I love the history of Swakopmund and its buildings, but I understand the need for progress,” she said.  While she acknowledges the importance of maintaining the town’s unique heritage, she hopes that new projects do not overshadow its charm. In contrast, another resident, John Kamati, argued that the…