National News

Niël Terblanché The long-awaited Baynes hydro-electric plant, a cross-border project on the Kunene River, was part of the agenda discussed by the Namibian and Angolan heads of state last week. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Angolan President João Lourenço met in Luanda during a working visit on 9 May, where they discussed joint initiatives, including the long-discussed Baynes hydropower project. During the meeting, both leaders stressed the urgency of the project, describing it as a driver of economic growth and improved access to energy in both countries. Both heads of state reiterated their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, with energy and…

Niël Terblanché Prime Minister Dr Elijah Ngurare called on Namibians at home and abroad, alongside the private sector and development partners, to support local exhibitions such as the Oshakati Totem Expo. Speaking at a fundraising gala dinner for the event in Oshakati on Saturday evening, he described these platforms as vital to cultural identity, entrepreneurship, and national unity. Ngurare stressed the role of expos in driving both social cohesion and economic transformation. “Let us remember that investing in culture is investing in sustainability. Investing in SMEs is investing in resilience. Investing in expos is investing in unity, visibility and local…

Allexer Namundjembo Shoprite reiterated that the company is committed to fair labour practices as Freshmark Namibia drivers continue to accuse the company of unfair treatment and lack of union recognition. Responding to questions from the Windhoek Observer, Shoprite stated: “The Group holds a long-standing view that all employees are entitled to reasonable and decent working conditions. The company guides its dealings with employees with the principles of fairness, transparency, and respect, adhering to prevailing labour legislation.” Drivers recently raised concerns over the company’s refusal to recognise the Namibian Revolutionary Transport Union (NARETU).  They said this violates their right to freedom…

Niël Terblanché The Sam Nujoma Foundation has proposed that 12 May, the birthday of Namibia’s Founding President, be declared National Tree Planting Day to honour his legacy as an environmentalist and advocate for sustainable development. In a statement issued by former prime minister and chairperson of the foundation, Nahas Angula, said the late Dr Sam Nujoma is remembered not only as a liberation icon and statesman, but also as a strong voice for Namibia’s environment. “His unwavering commitment to Namibia’s natural heritage was reflected in his lifelong advocacy for tree planting and environmental conservation,” Angula said. He added that Nujoma’s…

Niël Terblanché The arrest and subsequent appearance of two men linked to a fraudulent weighbridge deal involving the Roads Authority and a private company last week has cleared Etango Petroleum Services (Pty) Ltd from any involvement in the matter. Investigators of the Anti-Corruption Commission arrested Richard Milinga, Divisional Manager of the Transport Inspectorate at the Roads Authority, and Grant Cloete, Managing Director of SA Scales Company, on charges relating to the corrupt rental of a weighbridge that belongs to the Roads Authority by the private company. During their appearance in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court last Wednesday, Milinga and Cloete were…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah has cautioned that Inge Zaamwani’s strong administrative background may not be enough to manage the complex political and social issues within her new ministry. Zaamwani was sworn in as a non-voting member of the National Assembly on Wednesday. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah appointed her as the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, replacing Mac Hengari. “She has the background from the Ministry of Mines, and also when she was Namdeb’s Chief Executive Officer, it shows that she is experienced in terms of administration and technocratic matters,” Kamwanyah said.  “But the ministry that she…

CHAMWE KAIRA Nictus Holdings Limited, which is listed on the Namibian Stock Exchange under the code NHL, has announced a number of transactions on the Namibian Stock Exchange, each pointing to calculated portfolio reshuffling among family trusts associated with two key figures on the company’s board. Directors Gerald R de V Tromp and Philippus J de W Tromp, long-time trustees and beneficiaries of several family trusts, oversaw significant movements of Nictus shares through these entities. The Nico Tromp Trust, registered under T9/88, offloaded 1 000 000 ordinary shares at N$2.50 per share, bringing in a total of N$2.5 million. In…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Landless People's Movement (LPM) member of parliament Aina Kodi urged the Minister of Health and Social Services, Esperance Luvindao, to prioritise fixing medicine shortages, staff gaps, and failing infrastructure before rolling out electronic health platforms. Kodi raised these concerns in Parliament during the debate on the Ministry of Health and Social Services’ N$12.3 billion budget for the 2024/25 financial year. This follows the ministry’s plan to place digital systems at the centre of its budget allocation for 2025/26.  Presenting the health vote this week in the National Assembly, Luvindao said the goal is to modernise healthcare and improve…

Allexer Namundjembo The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) is set to allocate a portion of its resources this financial year towards revitalising state-owned media institutions.  This announcement follows ICT minister Emma Theofelus's presentation of a N$898 million budget allocation for the 2025/2026 financial year, an increase from the N$759 million allocated last year.  Theofelus provided justification for the ministry’s budget in Parliament on Wednesday, stating that the funds would facilitate digital transformation, enhance access to credible information, and strengthen public media houses.  Of the total budget, N$529 million is earmarked for the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), New Era…