National News

Niël Terblanché NamWater is besieged by water supply challenges across the northern regions following heavy rains that have disrupted operations at key treatment and supply facilities. Since the weekend, according to NamWater spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata, the Oshakati Water Treatment Plant has been battling both water quality and quantity issues caused by runoff from the oshanas in Ogongo and Oshikuku entering the Calueque–Oshakati Canal. He said the raw water quality has deteriorated, prompting changes to the plant’s usual treatment process. “Our conventional treatment process is now using extra coagulants and more frequent desludging of sedimentation tanks,” Ndamanomhata said. These necessary adjustments…

Niël Terblanché A locust outbreak in the Zambezi region has prompted the intervention from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform, with the deputy minister, Ruth Maseka, visiting affected areas to assess the situation and coordinate a response. The visit formed part of a regional familiarisation tour, during which Maseka met with local leaders and officials to discuss the challenges facing the region’s agricultural sector. At a courtesy meeting with the Zambezi regional governor, Lawrence Sampofu, Maseka was briefed on the locust infestation and other pressing issues, including water supply concerns. The locust outbreak has affected crops and…

Ester Mbathera  The country experienced a wave of violent incidents over the weekend, with reports of gender-based violence (GBV), murder, rape, fatal road accidents, and drownings recorded across multiple regions. In Usakos, six people were allegedly murdered by an 18-year-old boy at the Hakhaseb location. Nampol reported that the suspect entered the house and allegedly first killed an elderly woman and five children with an axe and knob kierrie. He subsequently set their bodies on fire. “Victims are: Elisabeth Naruses (90) female, Fenny Naruses (18) female, Ibra Naruses (6) female, Raunisha Boer (6) female, Rachel Boer (3) female, and Emi…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  Namibia’s northern regions are experiencing widespread power outages, with residents in parts of the Omusati and Oshikoto regions reporting prolonged blackouts that have disrupted daily life and essential services. The entire Onemanya area, along with neighbouring villages such as Uukuvu, Ilambo, and Onadjila, has been without electricity since Wednesday. The outage has affected households, small businesses, and schools, with many residents raising concerns over the lack of communication and response. Getrud Simeon from Onemanya village said the continued blackout was causing mounting frustration. "The power is still off, and it’s becoming frustrating. We depend on electricity for everything.…

Allexer Namundjembo The acting chief executive officer of the Gibeon Village Council (GVC), Pederius Tjihireko, defended the recent termination of staff contracts, saying the decisions were made in line with internal procedures and legal frameworks. Two employees, a debtors’ clerk and an administrative staff member, had their contracts terminated earlier this week. Their departures have raised questions among residents and community activists about what may be causing the wave of staff exits. Tjihireko said the terminations followed provisions set out in the Labour Act and the Local Authorities Act. “Any affected individuals who feel the termination was unjust have the…

Allexer Namundjembo Political analysts have raised concerns about the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC)’s decision not to designate a leader of the official opposition in Parliament. The analysts warned that the move may weaken the party’s coordination and effectiveness in the National Assembly. Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah said the absence of a clear leader in Parliament could leave IPC Members of Parliament without guidance. “The party leader usually helps set the direction, and without that leadership, MPs may struggle to stay united or focused on the party's goals. They could also feel lost or unsure about how to act in…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Some regional governors are reportedly eyeing diplomatic posts as their terms of office are nearing an end. While no official announcements have been made, sources indicate that these governors, whose terms were extended until 20 June, are lobbying for ambassadorial appointments. The governors are said to be leveraging their political and regional leadership experience in lobbying for postings abroad. Diplomatic appointments are usually timed with the international school calendar, starting in August or September, to allow diplomats with school-going children to secure placements. About 25 diplomatic positions are expected to be filled, with new appointees serving five-year terms.…

Niël Terblanché The minister of international relations and trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, has set out her vision for the ministry’s expanded role, calling on staff to embrace the integration of trade and diplomacy as a strategic tool to reposition the country on the African continent and globally. Speaking during a general staff meeting in Windhoek on Wednesday, Ashipala-Musavyi acknowledged the trust placed in her by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and expressed her gratitude to her predecessors, including Dr. Theo-Ben Gurirab, Namibia’s first Foreign Minister, and former Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, President Nandi-Ndaitwah herself. “It is a responsibility that I have…