National News

Renthia Kaimbi A petition from the Sorris Sorris community calling for the coexistence of mining and tourism has been overshadowed by a new internal dispute within the conservancy.  Members of the Sorris Sorris Conservancy management committee have disowned a letter they say was unauthorised and falsely reversed the conservancy’s legal stance overnight. This comes as community members, under the Dâure Daman Traditional Authority, handed over a petition to the parliamentary standing committee on agriculture, environment and natural resources at Parliament in Windhoek on Thursday. The petition expressed the community’s “deep dismay” at outside entities using the courts without consultation and…

Justicia Shipena Namibian renewable energy startup Kaoko Green Energy Solutions Pty Ltd has been selected to join the pre-acceleration program at 500 Global, one of the world’s leading venture capital firms and startup accelerators. The programme, held in partnership with Timbuktoo Africa and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), brings together emerging entrepreneurs from across the continent.  The first Pre-Acceleration Academy supports founders at the earliest stage of their journey through an in-person programme that started on Monday and will conclude this weekend. Kaoko is represented by its co-founder, Gerson Hakey Nasau. 500 Global is known for backing more than…

Melisa Poulton has made history by becoming the first Namibian fashion designer to showcase her collection at Paris Fashion Week. Her appearance at the global fashion event marks a milestone for both her and the Namibian fashion industry. Poulton, founder of House of Poulton, began her career in 2011 at the Warehouse Theatre in Windhoek. Over the years, she has built a name for herself through designs that fuse Namibian heritage with modern style. Her latest achievement took her to the prestigious Westin Paris Vendôme, where she presented her collection titled La Dolce Vita. The collection drew inspiration from Namibia’s…

October is one month on the calendar that reminds. It is a reminder that breast cancer doesn’t take a break, and neither should we in raising awareness. Breast Cancer Awareness Month (which is October) is a global campaign that highlights the importance of education, early detection and ongoing support for those affected by the cancer. While the pink ribbons and campaigns serve as powerful symbols, the fight against breast cancer requires year-round commitment beyond a month of recognition. The global landscape Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer accounts…

In a world where our days begin and end with a glowing screen, digital detox has become more than a trendy buzzword and evolved into a survival strategy. We live in an age where our phones tell us when to wake up, social media tells us what to feel, and algorithms decide what we see, buy, or even believe. Technology connects us in ways once unimaginable; however, it’s also quietly rewiring how we think, relate and rest. The truth is, we are the most connected generation in history, yet at the same time, one of the most distracted and emotionally…

Renthia Kaimbi The Green Valley housing development project in Katima Mulilo is under investigation following claims that 76 hectares of land were acquired for free. The investigation also involves allegations of unpaid water use and unauthorised sand mining during construction. Sources within the Katima Mulilo Town Council allege that the developer, Kayunyi Investment CC, received the land at no cost and used town water worth about N$500 000 without payment.  They also claimed that the company mined sand valued between N$2 000 and N$10 000 per house during the construction of more than 100 homes without proper authorisation. These allegations…

Justicia Shipena Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) member of parliament Inna Hengari says the proposed Land Bill fails to address the deep-rooted bias that favours male heirs in communal land allocations and inheritance. She said current laws and traditional practices continue to disadvantage women in land ownership.  Hengari was contributing to the general debate on the land bill in Parliament on Tuesday. The bill was reintroduced in the National Assembly last week by minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Management, Inge Zaamwani-Kamwi. The bill aims to establish a comprehensive legal framework that will facilitate equitable land reform in Namibia. “Women,…

Allexer Namundjembo Finance minister Ericah Shafudah says there will come a time when her ministry, in collaboration with the Bank of Namibia (BoN), will seek public inputs on the newly launched coins and banknotes. The upgraded notes and redesigned coin series went into circulation at the end of September.  Shafudah responded to questions in parliament on Tuesday from Fredrick Shitana, a member of the Affirmative Repositioning (AR), by stating that the new currency is “safe and secure” for use. Shitana had questioned the removal of the third springbok from the new N$10 note, saying it symbolised the younger generation in…

Allexer Namundjembo Okahandja community activist Shatyohamba Haihambo has accused Rural and Urban Development Minister James Sankwasa of being politically biased and selectively critical.  He said Sankwasa ignored the town’s worsening sanitation problems during his recent visit. Haihambo said that while he appreciates Sankwasa’s “radical approach,” his comments often appear politically motivated and inconsistent.  According to him, Sankwasa met privately with the Okahandja Town Council before addressing a community meeting but made no mention of the town’s deteriorating conditions. “Okahandja is currently the dirtiest town in Namibia, under a Swapo mayor. Yet the same Sankwasa who never misses a chance to…