National News

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…

Niël Terblanché The Namutoni Environmental Education Centre (NEEC), situated within the Etosha National Park, has received a consignment of office, accommodation, and kitchen equipment aimed at enhancing educational services. The Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Indileni Daniel handed the equipment to the management of the centre on Sunday. Daniel said the new equipment include a projector, desktop computers, laptops, and various kitchen utensils and that it was procured through the Game Products Trust Fund at a cost of N$151 129. "This centre is an integral part of our country’s education sector, and today’s handover marks a step forward in…

Niél Terblanché A sudden sulphur upwelling in the Atlantic Ocean has disrupted operations at the Orano Desalination Plant, leading to a reduced supply of potable water at Arandis. The spokesperson of the Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater), Lot Ndamanomhata, reported that the phenomenon, which began on Tuesday, 8 April 2025, has caused water reservoir levels to fall below 50% in Swakopmund and under 30% in Arandis.​ “In response, NamWater has advised the Arandis Town Council to implement water rationing measures from 14 to 18 April,” he said. According to Ndamanomhata, residents will experience nightly water supply interruptions between 22:00 and 04:00.…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The University of Namibia (UNAM) and the Namibian University of Science and Technology (NUST) have dismissed claims that they are holding back the qualifications of graduates with outstanding tuition fees, despite a Cabinet directive that it should be released. Last year, the Cabinet directed these universities to release degrees, diplomas, and transcripts of students who graduated in April 2024 to help them find jobs. This was meant to ease unemployment among graduates. The directive stated that once graduates signed repayment agreements with the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF), the universities must release their qualifications. NSFAF would then…

Allexer Namundjembo Despite several major dams under its management reaching full capacity following recent rains, NamWater has kept water tariffs for consumers unchanged. NamWater’s spokesperson Lot Ndamanhomata confirmed the news in response to questions from the Windhoek Observer.  He said the company has not increased tariffs for about five years, despite rising input costs, particularly electricity used for pumping and the chemicals required for water treatment. “Given these rising operational costs, there are currently no plans to reduce water tariffs,” he said. NamWater maintains that current rates are necessary to sustain operations, maintain infrastructure, and ensure long-term water security, regardless…

Allexer Namundjembo President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged investors to follow the example set by the HyIron Oshivela Plant, which was officially inaugurated in Arandis on Saturday.  The plant, one of the world’s first industrial facilities dedicated to zero-emission iron production, represents a major step in the country’s commitment to sustainable industrialisation and economic transformation. The construction of the facility began in April 2024 through a collaboration between international partners and local expertise. The President said the project aligns with national development goals focused on value addition and resource beneficiation. With an investment of approximately N$600 million, the plant has created…