National News

Niël Terblanché A regional workshop hosted in Windhoek has brought together African heritage professionals to explore how digital technologies can transform the preservation and management of World Heritage sites. The event, which started on Tuesday, is organised by UNESCO in partnership with the Namibian government and supported by the Government of Flanders in Belgium. Eunice Smith, UNESCO Head of Office and Representative to Namibia, described the workshop as a response to the increasing threats faced by heritage sites across Africa, including climate change, urbanisation and conflict. “Our repeated periods of prolonged drought followed by devastating floods over the past few…

Niël Terblanché The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China will donate 174 books to the National Library of Namibia to promote cultural and educational exchange between the two countries. The official handover ceremony will take place at the Ministry of Education Resource Centre in Windhoek. The Chinese ambassador to Namibia, Zhao Weiping, will present the books to Erastus Haitengela, the executive director of the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Arts, and Culture. According to the ministry, the donation aims to strengthen cultural ties, promote knowledge sharing, and build mutual understanding between China and Namibia. The donated books cover topics…

Allexer Namundjebo Unemployed teachers in Kavango West have questioned the educator registration for record keeping.  The teachers say they are frustrated by the lack of jobs despite numerous registration call outs.  This comes after the Regional Council called on all qualified but jobless educators to register with the Directorate of Education, Arts, Culture, Innovation, Youth, and Sport. Teachers are asked to register by subject specialisation before 6 June 2025.  Many say the call offers nothing but empty promises. Philipus Kamwi, a qualified teacher unemployed for four years, says the process is misleading. “They give us false hopes. I don’t know…

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Health and Social Services has commissioned 36 new ambulances to improve emergency medical care across Namibia. The vehicles were officially put into service on Monday in Windhoek. Health Minister Dr Esperance Luvindao said the new fleet is part of efforts to strengthen the country’s public healthcare system. “These vehicles symbolise our resolute commitment to saving lives and strengthening our healthcare system,” she said at the commissioning ceremony. The ambulances will be sent to health facilities in both urban areas and rural communities. Luvindao stressed the importance of a quick response in medical emergencies. “These ambulances…

Niël Terblanché Namibia is hosting a regional workshop in Windhoek today focused on using digital technologies to protect and manage World Heritage sites in Africa. The event, held under the theme Digital Technologies to Empower World Heritage in Africa, is organised by the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, in collaboration with the National Heritage Council and UNESCO. The ministry said the workshop is a response to ongoing threats to African heritage sites, such as poor documentation, climate change, urban growth, illegal activities, conflict, and trafficking. “Africa is home to a wealth of natural and cultural heritage…

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Defence Force (NDF) celebrated its 35th anniversary with a national parade in Grootfontein on Monday.  President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, in her role as commander in chief, led the event and reflected on the force’s development since independence in 1990. She recalled the debate at the time about whether an independent Namibia needed a defence force.  “Thankfully, in the final analysis and as a result of visionary political leaders and the leadership of our Founding President, Dr Sam Nujoma, a decision was made to establish a Namibian Defence Force,” she said. Nandi-Ndaitwah acknowledged the role of early leaders,…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The finance ministry is reviewing the list of zero-rated and exempt goods and services under the Value-Added Tax (VAT) Act, including healthcare items.  This comes as calls grow from health advocates and the public for the removal of VAT and import duties on life-saving medication, especially for those who rely on private pharmacies due to stockouts in public hospitals. “The Ministry is currently reviewing the list of zero-rated and exempt goods and services under the VAT Act, including those related to healthcare. Any policy changes resulting from this review will be announced in accordance with the Fiscal Calendar,…

Niël Terblaché Namibia has reaffirmed its dedication to sustainable and inclusive tourism development during the 123rd Session of the Executive Council of UN Tourism, held in Segovia, Spain, from 29 to 30 May 2025. The two-day council meeting brought together ministers and senior tourism officials from across the globe to deliberate on strategies to promote innovation, resilience and inclusive recovery in the sector. Delivering Namibia’s statement at the session, the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Indileni Daniel, said the country is steadfast in its advocacy for sustainable tourism across Africa. She also expressed appreciation to the Kingdom of Spain…

Niël Terblanché The Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Lucia Iipumbu has called for the elevation of the Oshakati Totem Expo to a national and international platform, saying the annual event holds the potential to drive economic growth and preserve cultural heritage. Speaking at the official opening of the 2025 Oshakati Totem Expo on Saturday at the Oshakati Independence Stadium, Iipumbu described the event as more than just a celebration of tradition. She referred to the tenth edition of the expo as a platform for economic activity, cultural exchange, and social unity. Iipumbu commended the Oshakati Town Council…

Niël Terblanché Stakeholders in Namibia’s water sector have agreed on measures to guide water supply planning for the Central Area of Namibia (CAN) following a workshop hosted by NamWater. Participants were briefed on the current status of the region’s primary water sources, including the Swakoppoort, Von Bach, and Omatako dams, as well as the operations of the Windhoek Goreangab Operating Company (WINGOC). The workshop concluded with an agreement to maintain potable water reclamation from WINGOC at 5.84 million cubic metres per year and continue abstraction of groundwater from the City of Windhoek at 0.5 million cubic metres annually. A Managed…