National News

Niël Terblanché Efforts to reshape mineral export routes in Southern Africa have advanced with the Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG) developing a new logistics corridor linking the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the port of Walvis Bay.  The North-Western Corridor will connect Kolwezi, a major copper mining area in the DRC, with Walvis Bay. The corridor will run through Solwezi and Mongu in Zambia, then continue southwest to Katima Mulilo before reaching Walvis Bay.  WBCG chief executive officer Mbahupu Hippy Tjivikua said the project will include new roads and a border crossing between the DRC and Zambia. A concession…

Niël Terblanché Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has called on newly graduated Namibia Correctional Service (NCS) officers to uphold the values of humanity, dignity, and national service. Delivering a message on behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at the 31st basic training graduation ceremony in Omaruru on Wednesday, Ngurare urged the graduates to treat inmates with respect. “Treat all inmates with humanity and dignity, in accordance with international protocols and standards. Your legal duty is to guide and support inmates in recognising and accepting their past mistakes, thereby aiding their reform and enabling them to become productive and law-abiding citizens,” he said.…

Justicia Shipena  Telecom Namibia and the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) are working toward a national broadband standard of at least 25 Mbps for both download and upload speeds.  This goal is part of a shared push to expand fast and equal internet access across the country and boost digital capacity. This was one of the key focus areas during a recent visit by Audrin Mathe, MICT's executive director, to Telecom Namibia’s head office.  Mathe led a high-level delegation that was received by Telecom CEO Stanley Shanapinda and his executive team. The meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to…

Niël Terblanché Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has urged civil servants across the country to take an active role in implementing the eighth administration’s development agenda. In a letter addressed to public servants this week, Ngurare said their work is central to achieving President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s vision of better service delivery and job creation. He referred to the “Service Delivery Compass” announced by the President during her inauguration and first State of the Nation Address.  Ngurare said the directive brings new hope to the nation and outlines a clear path to improving living standards and creating jobs, especially for unemployed youth.…

Allexer Namundjebo A pictorial book capturing the life of founding president Sam Nujoma was launched on Tuesday evening at the Hilton Hotel in Windhoek. The publication is a joint effort by New Era Publication Corporation, the Sam Nujoma Foundation, and businesswoman Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun. Former president Nangolo Mbumba officiated the event. It was attended by former government officials, family members, and guests. Sam Nujoma died earlier this year at the age of 95. He passed away in a Windhoek hospital after being hospitalised for three weeks, and he was buried at Heroes’ Acre. Former prime minister and chairperson of the Sam…

Allexer Namundjembo The ongoing case involving former agriculture minister Mac-Albert Hengari has raised concerns about Prosecutor General Martha Imalwa's conduct.  Defence lawyers accused her of interfering with the judicial process through public comments about the case. During Tuesday's court session, lawyers for Hengari and co-accused Simon Hango said Imalwa’s remarks to the media affected the fairness of the trial. Lawyer Kadhila Amoomo said Imalwa overstepped by commenting on the alleged victim’s condition in a media interview.  “There is one hand in the court and one hand in the media,” he said.  Amoomo argued that such actions move the case from…

Justicia Shipena The City of Windhoek and PowerCom Namibia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support the city’s goal of becoming a smart city by 2027. The agreement signed on Tuesday follows the Municipal Council of Windhoek’s approval last month of a project to upgrade streetlights in the Central Business District as part of urban renewal efforts. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Windhoek Mayor Ndeshihafela Larandja said the city is committed to leading technological transformation in Namibia.  She said the partnership with PowerCom will help improve service delivery, infrastructure, and economic opportunities. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision…

Niël Terblanché Namibia and Uganda have strengthened judicial cooperation with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between their judiciaries.  The agreement was signed on Tuesday during the official visit of Uganda’s Chief Justice, Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo, to Namibia. At the Supreme Court in Windhoek, Namibia’s Chief Justice, Peter Shivute, called the MoU a milestone reflecting a shared vision.  “This is a vision of judiciaries that learn from one another, that innovate together, and that strive continuously to improve the quality of justice for the people we serve,” he said. The visit followed a series of exchanges between the…

Allexer Namundjebo Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) has confirmed that three of its internet links through the West African Cable System (WACS) will be affected by ongoing maintenance. To keep services running smoothly, MTC has rerouted internet traffic through backup channels.  The WACS maintenance, set to run from June 1 to 16, includes repairs, upgrades, and technical checks on the 14,000-kilometre undersea fibre-optic cable that connects several African countries to Europe. WACS is a key part of Namibia’s international internet connection. Although such maintenance is routine, it may lead to slower internet or brief disruptions in areas that rely on the…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja A report on Auas Primary School has raised concerns about the sidelining of Khoekhoegowab, even though most learners at the school speak the language. The report, compiled by a group of teachers, says leadership and staffing choices have weakened the presence of Khoekhoegowab in the school.  It highlights that the Head of Department (HOD) post for Khoekhoegowab in the junior primary phase has been vacant for nearly three years.  In the senior primary phase, the position has not been filled for over ten years. “This has left a critical leadership vacuum in curriculum implementation, teacher guidance, and pedagogical…