National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Simon Iyambo credits blood donations for saving his life after a car accident last year left him critically injured. “I needed an emergency blood transfusion after losing so much blood in the accident. If it weren’t for those who donated blood, I wouldn’t be here today. They don’t just give blood; they give life,” Iyambo said. His testimony comes as public debates intensify over compensating blood donors, with the Ministry of Health and Social Services spending an average of N$160 million annually on blood and blood products. Despite this, some Namibians argue that the voluntary system should be…

Mallex Shipanga Seventeen-year-old Julia Shaama from Ongha village in the Ohangwena region is seeking assistance to publish her debut novel, Behind Me. Shaama, a learner at Dr Abraham Iyambo Secondary School, has completed her manuscript but faces challenges in getting it published. “The book is complete, but I still have not published the book. I do not know where to publish the book. I have got no sponsors,” she said. She expressed her pride in completing the novel and her eagerness to see it published. “With happiness and a smile on my face, I will be proud to see that…

Mallex Shipanga At just 24 years old, Ruan Potgieter has quickly made a name for himself in Namibia’s fashion industry. Born in Swakopmund and raised in Windhoek, Potgieter began his modelling journey in 2019, just a year after finishing secondary school. Now, as he approaches his 25th birthday, he reflects on a journey that has transformed him into a local supermodel. “I was inspired by friends to start modelling, and I also really enjoy fashion. So when the first opportunity knocked, doing a small shoot for an acquaintance, my love for the posing arts had quite the jumpstart. I was…

Martin Endjala Internal divisions within the National Democratic Unity Organisation (Nudo) are expected to escalate this year as the party prepares for local authority elections scheduled for November. The ongoing factional battles have already delayed key processes, including the party's congress and the selection of a presidential candidate in last year’s presidential elections. The party obtained one seat in the National Assembly. It currently has two seats occupied by the party president, Esther Muinjangue and secretary general, Joseph Kauandenge. Infighting prevented the party from holding its elective congress last year, leading to its postponement to May this year. A faction…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Windhoek High Court has summoned Vice-President and President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, along with former justice minister Sacky Shanghala, to testify in a constitutional case brought by activist Job Amupanda. The case challenges the constitutionality of the veterinary cordon fence, commonly known as the Red Line. The hearing is set to run from 20 January to 31 January. In the summons dated 16 January, Nandi-Ndaitwah, in her capacity as former minister of international relations, is expected to address the government's claims regarding international agreements that could be affected if the red line is removed. Shanghala, currently in jail awaiting…

Allexer Namundjembo Students and youth leaders are urging the government to prioritise funding for technical and vocational education and training institutions (TVET) to attract more applicants and reduce the stigma associated with vocational training. The Landless People’s Movement (LPM) Youth Command leader, Duminga Ndala, in an interview with the Windhoek Observer on Thursday, said she would like to urge the government, through the education ministry, to encourage students to study at TVETs. She said students need to understand that TVETs are not only for those who did not meet university requirements but are also another form of higher learning, offering…

The Globe and Mail Sickness has been common for years in Tsumeb, where Dundee Precious Metals (DPM) was the biggest employer for more than a decade. Tests have now found the soil is contaminated with arsenic and other heavy metals In the citrus orchards above the Namibian town, workers often fall sick. They say they feel a burning sensation in their eyes and throats and a metallic taste in their mouths as the wind blows across from the copper smelter a few kilometres away. “When the gas is coming from that side, we get headaches and dizziness, and sometimes you…

Ester Mbathera The country’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) system faces accusations of failing both communities and the environment, according to a report released by the Namibian Environment and Wildlife Society recently. Authored by John Pallett and Ndelimona Iipinge, the report highlights deficiencies in the EIA system. “The whole process appears to be a box-checking exercise that serves a wealthy and well-connected few at the expense of the majority of Namibians and our environment,” reads the report. One example cited involves an Exclusive Prospecting License (EPL) near the //Huab Conservancy in the Khorixas area, which is home to a number of…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture has dismissed claims that some of Namibia's top-performing Grade 11 and 12 learners had prior access to examination question papers because their parents hold high-ranking positions within the ministry. Clementine Tsumis-Garises, Director of National Examinations and Assessment, addressed the allegations, which stemmed from a WhatsApp message circulating in a group named “The Africa We Want.” The message accused the ministry of corruption and favouritism, particularly after Minister Anna Nghipondoka publicly congratulated her nieces, Twapewa and Twahafa Negumbo, during the announcement of the results. The message also alleged that Jolisa Garises and…

Allexer Namundjembo High Court Judge Orben Sibeya has emphasised the importance of ensuring the judicial system remains accessible to everyone, irrespective of financial means. He said this during the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) legal challenge against the results of the 2024 National Assembly elections on Wednesday. Judge Sibeya voiced his concerns after respondents in the case demanded substantial security costs from the IPC, with amounts ranging from N$500 000 to N$750 000. The judge warned that such exorbitant demands risked barring access to the courts for applicants with limited resources, undermining the principles of justice. Anton Katz, representing the…