National News

Niël Terblanché President Nicolás Maduro Moros was sworn in for his third term as the leader of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on Friday The inauguration ceremony, held in Caracas, was attended by various international dignitaries, including a Namibian delegation led by Jenelly Matundu, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. Matundu served as the special envoy of President Nangolo Mbumba during the visit. According to international media reports, the event took place amid significant international controversy. The 2024 Venezuelan presidential election faced widespread allegations of fraud and irregularities. Opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia claimed victory after stating that the…

Niël Terblanché The implementation of the CAADP Strategy and Action Plan for 2026-2035 is poised to play a transformative role in achieving a healthy and prosperous Africa. In this regard, the African Union (AU) convened an Extraordinary Summit in Kampala, Uganda, under the theme "Sustainable and Resilient Agrifood Systems for a Healthy and Prosperous Africa." Peya Mushelenga, the minister of international relations and cooperation led the delegation which actively participated in these vital discussions from Thursday to Saturday. The summit focused on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan for 2026-2035. The Ministry of International Relations…

Martin Endjala The Namibia Local Business Association (NALOBA) and the Construction Industries Federation of Namibia (CIF) have strongly criticised the African Development Bank (AfDB) report on infrastructure development in Namibia. The AfDB report claims that Namibian companies lack the capacity to manage infrastructure development projects and are unable to compete against international firms for major contracts. NALOBA’s vice president, Peter Amadhila condemned the report, questioning the role of the AfDB in developing the capacity of Namibian enterprises. “All they do is set the requirements so high in order to intentionally award these projects to international companies, where directly or indirectly…

Ester Mbathera Meatco has reported an operational profit of N$111 million for the financial year ending January 2025, marking its first profit in ten years. This figure excludes government grants, which would have increased the total to over N$250 million. On Friday, outgoing chief executive officer, Mwilima Mushokabanji, whose contract ends on 31 January 2025, attributed the achievement to strategic interventions and stakeholder engagement. “We arrived there because we are managing our stakeholders abroad where we are exporting this product (meat),” he said. He explained that the profitability was driven by the 1200 tonnes of beef exported to Norway, a…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja No decision has been made yet on whether President Nangolo Mbumba will attend the inauguration of Mozambique’s president-elect, Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo party, on 15 January. Presidential spokesperson Alfredo Hengari informed the Windhoek Observer that once a decision is made, it will be made public. “The decision regarding President Mbumba’s attendance at the inauguration has not yet been made. Once a decision is reached, it will be communicated,” Hengari said. Chapo will be sworn in even though there are still opposition protests going on in the country. Dozens of people have died in these protests since…

Martin Endjala Trade experts have dismissed reports suggesting that the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) is engaged in a trade war. Last year, Botswana and Namibia banned the import of vegetables and fruits such as tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, cabbage, lettuce, garlic, onions, ginger, fresh herbs and citrus from South Africa until 2025. The introduction of import restrictions is seen as contrary to the union's principles. At the time of the ban, the president of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi, said it was intended to bolster the production of local farmers and the economy by promoting self-sufficiency. A trade expert in the Ministry…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Many children are excited to return to their studies, but for some, the new school term brings the fear of being bullied. Head of the Human Rights Desk of the Landless People’s Movement (LPM), Joyce Muzengua, shared her concerns over the issue, revealing how her child had been a victim of bullying due to his intelligence. “Looking back, I realise that there were signs I failed to recognize. My son is usually such a vibrant and curious child, always asking endless questions. But for a period, he became unusually quiet and reserved,” she said. Despite the emotional toll,…

Allexer Namundjembo The executive director of education, Sannet Steenkamp, called on parents to report any school principals or teachers who deny learners access to classrooms due to incomplete school uniforms. Speaking to the Windhoek Observer recently, Steenkamp said such actions are unconstitutional and violate the Education Act of 2020. “It is unconstitutional to deny a learner access to education because of a uniform. I want every parent to report specific principals or teachers who deny learners access to education because of incomplete school uniforms to the education directors in their regions. We will take necessary action,” Steenkamp said. She referenced…

Martin Endjala Local authorities that have failed to elect office bearers are causing hardship for residents. This is according to public policy analyst Marius Kudumo. “The lack of a functioning council delays much-needed decisions that will positively impact the livelihoods of the residents,” said Kudumo. The Omuthiya Town Council and the City of Windhoek are among the local authorities currently without mayors and management committees. These municipalities have yet to elect their respective officebearers. “Failure to elect office bearers is a dereliction of legal duties and responsibilities and leads to paralysis and dysfunctionality, as no substantive decision can be made,”…

Allexer Namundjembo The printing of the ballot papers for the Guinas Constituency by-election is complete, with the final batch ready for transport to Tsumeb on Monday. This follows a rigorous process led by the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) and observed by representatives from the two contesting political parties, the SWAPO and the Landless People’s Movement (LPM). Local printing company Solitaire Press printed the ballots on 10 January. Solitaire Press was awarded a tender valued at N$332 793.90 for the design, printing, and delivery of 4,600 ballots. The price of N$72.34 per ballot paper has faced criticism from activist Michael…