National News

NGO fights to keep girls in school with sanitary pad donations

NGO fights to keep girls in school with sanitary pad donations

Allexer Namundjembo Tim Martins, founder and CEO of the I Got Your Back, My Sisters (IGYBMS) project, has reaffirmed the initiative’s commitment to ensuring that no learner misses school due to lack of access to sanitary pads. Despite challenges in securing partnerships with government agencies, Martins expressed pride in the donations the project has received so far, which have already made a significant impact in various regions of Namibia. “‘We are more dedicated to keeping the girl child in school. We are facing challenges such as partnering with government agencies, but we appreciate the donations we are getting particularly the…
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Namibia, South Africa eyes final resolution on Orange River border

Namibia, South Africa eyes final resolution on Orange River border

Niël Terblanché The Orange River, which forms part of the border between Namibia and South Africa, has been a point of contention for decades but renewed efforts to resolve the matter and to find a lasting resolution have been launched. In this regard, Namibia and South Africa convened the Political, Diplomatic, and Legal Committee of their Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Swakopmund over the past two days. The meeting, co-chaired by Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Peya Mushelenga, and South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, focused on the critical report of the Namibia-South Africa…
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UDF vows to customise education and vocational training

Allexer Namundjembo The United Democratic Front has pledged to revolutionise the education sector if it gains power in the November elections. According to the party's manifesto, the party aims to provide every Namibian with equal access to education, thereby ensuring job opportunities, entrepreneurship, and a better future for them. The party further indicated that it would address the shortage of teachers. This will be done by providing attractive packages as remuneration to teachers to enhance and increase their number countrywide, while at the same time increasing the standard of our education in Namibia. “To effectively address the technical and vocational…
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Former ECN chief electoral officer still unemployed

Former ECN chief electoral officer still unemployed

Stefanus Nashama Theo Mujoro, the former Chief Electoral and Referenda Officer of the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), has been unemployed since his term at the commission ended in June 2023. Mujoro expressed optimism that he will find employment again in the future to the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday. “At the moment, I am unemployed, but I think I can still make it,” said Mujoro. He said he is currently preparing to secure gainful employment next year. “Due to my experience, skills, and knowledge, I believe I can get a job next year,” he said. Mujoro’s comments come after some…
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Youth dance talent shines at Otjomuise Live Arts Festival

Youth dance talent shines at Otjomuise Live Arts Festival

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Otjomuise Live Arts Festival (OLAF) brought Windhoek to life as it showcased the city’s emerging dance talent, with young performers dominating the spotlight. The festival, which kicked off on 9 October and concluded on 12 October, celebrated its fourth edition under the theme “MOVE!” and featured performances at key locations across the city, including Zoo Park, Sifu Arena in Katutura and the College of the Arts. The festival’s dance battle finale saw Rhythm in Motion secure the top prize of N$10 000, demonstrating the growing platform OLAF provides for young talent. One of the festival’s key goals,…
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Namibia and South Africa edge closer to resolve Orange River border dispute

Namibia and South Africa edge closer to resolve Orange River border dispute

Niël Terblanché Namibia and South Africa are edging closer to resolving the more than three-decade-long dispute over the Orange River boundary. During the official start of the Namibia-South Africa Bi-National Commission meeting held in Swakopmund on Monday, this vital geographical and economic feature for both countries was the main point on the agenda. Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Peya Mushelenga, pointed to the importance of the joint efforts in concluding negotiations over the boundary. Mushelenga said that the Orange River, which forms part of the natural boundary between Namibia and South Africa, is a lifeline for communities…
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Shipwikineni loses case against Nandi-Ndaitwah’s candidacy

Shipwikineni loses case against Nandi-Ndaitwah’s candidacy

Hertta-Maria Amutenja High Court Judge Eileen Rakow dismissed an urgent application from Swapo member Reinhold Shipwikineni and four others. The applicants sought to overturn the central committee's decision to postpone the party's extraordinary congress until next year. Rakow ruled on Monday that the application was not properly constituted and lacked the return of service documents. Shipwikineni and the other applicants sought to nullify the candidacy of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as the SWAPO candidate for the upcoming presidential election. They also requested that the court compel SWAPO to hold an extraordinary congress, as required by the party’s constitution. The court ordered Shipwikineni…
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Courts lacking new presidential portraits due to procurement delays

Courts lacking new presidential portraits due to procurement delays

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Namibian courts and several ministries are yet to display the official portrait of President Nangolo Mbumba. The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology’s (MICT) spokesperson, Shoki Kandjimi confirmed the situation. “None of the courts have the new presidential portraits; this is because of procurement. However, I have advised them to at least put a ribbon on the late president’s picture. All offices, ministries and agencies were given the directive,” he said. In July, the ministry issued a directive following the death of President Hage Geingob, announcing the availability of President Mbumba’s official portrait for display in public and…
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Namibia seeks Nigeria’s help in training anti-graft officers to tackle corruption

Namibia seeks Nigeria’s help in training anti-graft officers to tackle corruption

OLUMAYOWA SAMUEL The Namibian government has appealed to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to train its country’s anti-graft agency to fight corruption. Making the appeal during a visit to the ICPC headquarters on Friday, the country’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Humphrey Geiseb, said that the Anti-Corruption Commission of Namibia needed the ICPC’s expertise in recovering stolen assets. Geiseb said, “The fight against corruption is taking a new dimension on the continent and we believe Nigeria should lead in sharing its expertise in the fight against corruption and we hope it will open its doors to other…
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Think tank member hails Swapo record

Think tank member hails Swapo record

Ester Mbathera The ruling party has made significant strides in the development of Namibia and should be given another mandate to govern, a Swapo think tank member said over the past weekend. According to Toini Sam, who was addressing the ruling party faithful of the Moses ǁGaroëb part of the Windhoek East constituency, Swapo’s record in education, health, and infrastructure development should be hailed by all and sundry. “Education has been the cornerstone of national development and even more critical as we look towards the future attainment of Vision 2030 and Agenda 2063 to have a knowledge-based society and the…
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