National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Political parties observing the printing of ballot papers for the November 2024 elections in Johannesburg have raised concerns over the transparency of the process. Imms Nashinge of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) expressed dissatisfaction, citing a lack of communication and briefing from the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN). According to Nashinge, the samples of the ballots were not yet approved, and the team didn’t get clarification on the logistical arrangements. “We are not satisfied with how they dealt with the whole process. There was no proper communication or briefing as to what was going to happen before…

Stefanus Nashama Political analyst Sakaria Johannes believes the release of the Labour Force Thematic Report next year, is politically motivated and election-based. The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) on Tuesday announced that it would only release the report on 29 January 2025. The last Labour Force Survey was done in 2018, which found the country’s unemployment rate stood at 32%. “In a nutshell, it's a politically motivated decision in general and an election-based decision, in particular,” he said. Johannes said that if the report is released before the elections, the current government will suffer at the ballot box. “Such information might…

Martin Endjala The Media Ombudsman has voiced concerns regarding the inadequate media coverage of the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) since August. According to the latest media monitoring project report covering the period from 21 August to 30 September, the NEFF has failed to maintain its media presence. The lead report consultant, Christie Keulder, explained that the NEFF averages three times a day of coverage during the period under review. “This data is very concerning. Although statement coverage per day stands at 69. As electorates, we want to see a political party having a media presence. If a party has…

Niël Terblanché While Africa continues to face escalating climate-induced disasters, governments find themselves on the frontlines of continuously managing the aftermath of disasters, the situation calls for concrete steps that safeguard the future of the continent and its people. Namibia’s Deputy Prime Minister, John Mutorwa, while launching the 9th Session of the Africa Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (AfRP-9) in Windhoek on Tuesday, said the event is aimed at addressing the continent’s growing need for disaster risk management strategies. He said the conference provides a platform for the continent's leaders and experts to evaluate progress made in disaster management,…

Allexer Namundjembo The rollout of native language education in schools is facing setbacks due to a shortage of qualified teachers in the Khomas and Erongo regions. This is especially for the Rukwangali and Khoekhoegowab, leaving many learners without the opportunity to study their mother tongues. Despite government policies to address these challenges, the implementation thereof has been slow, with little being done to employ educators from regions where native languages are spoken. Educational director Paulus Nghikembua on Monday told the Windhoek Observer that the situation is impacting the learners badly. “Currently the Rukwangali language is being offered at Dr. Frans…

Niël Terblanché TB incidence among mine workers is estimated to be ten times higher than in the general population. This is according to the health ministry’s executive director, Ben Nangombe. He said this during the signing of a new set of Mine Health and Safety Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on Monday in Windhoek. “Mining as a critical sector in Namibia’s economy, has long been associated with health risks such as TB due to the working conditions, including poor ventilation and exposure to hazardous dust,” he said. According to Nangombe the high prevalence of TB among miners is exacerbated by factors…

Suzie Shefeni Interesting developments have been taking place in the Namibian green hydrogen sector since the launch of the inaugural Green Hydrogen Monitor. Namibia’s Blueprint for Green Hydrogen was published in August and various global green hydrogen convenings saw the establishment of a myriad of partnerships all with the aim of turning Namibia’s ambition into reality. This article looks at 6 of the newer players that have been creating momentum and explores the postponement of the HyRail project. Zhero Green Hydrogen One of the newer players on the block is Zhero Molecules Walvis Bay. The company is partnered with Envision…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Republican Party (RP) leader, Henk Mudge, has pledged to impose an immediate embargo on all tenders awarded to Chinese companies and cancel existing contracts if he becomes Namibia's next president. The politician said this on Monday during a press conference in Windhoek while outlining his plans for a Namibian-first approach. “I will order an immediate investigation into the legality of the documentation of all the Chinese citizens, especially shop owners all over Namibia. I believe that the vast majority will be fond to either have achieved their documents in a corrupt manner that they have no right to…