National News

CoW and PowerCom partner to install CCTV cameras

CoW and PowerCom partner to install CCTV cameras

Justicia Shipena The City of Windhoek and PowerCom Namibia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support the city’s goal of becoming a smart city by 2027. The agreement signed on Tuesday follows the Municipal Council of Windhoek’s approval last month of a project to upgrade streetlights in the Central Business District as part of urban renewal efforts. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Windhoek Mayor Ndeshihafela Larandja said the city is committed to leading technological transformation in Namibia.  She said the partnership with PowerCom will help improve service delivery, infrastructure, and economic opportunities. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision…
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Namibia and Uganda sign judicial cooperation pact

Namibia and Uganda sign judicial cooperation pact

Niël Terblanché Namibia and Uganda have strengthened judicial cooperation with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between their judiciaries.  The agreement was signed on Tuesday during the official visit of Uganda’s Chief Justice, Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo, to Namibia. At the Supreme Court in Windhoek, Namibia’s Chief Justice, Peter Shivute, called the MoU a milestone reflecting a shared vision.  “This is a vision of judiciaries that learn from one another, that innovate together, and that strive continuously to improve the quality of justice for the people we serve,” he said. The visit followed a series of exchanges between the…
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MTC reroutes internet traffic during WACS fix

MTC reroutes internet traffic during WACS fix

Allexer Namundjebo Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) has confirmed that three of its internet links through the West African Cable System (WACS) will be affected by ongoing maintenance. To keep services running smoothly, MTC has rerouted internet traffic through backup channels.  The WACS maintenance, set to run from June 1 to 16, includes repairs, upgrades, and technical checks on the 14,000-kilometre undersea fibre-optic cable that connects several African countries to Europe. WACS is a key part of Namibia’s international internet connection. Although such maintenance is routine, it may lead to slower internet or brief disruptions in areas that rely on the…
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Report reveals language marginalisation at Auas Primary

Report reveals language marginalisation at Auas Primary

Hertta-Maria Amutenja A report on Auas Primary School has raised concerns about the sidelining of Khoekhoegowab, even though most learners at the school speak the language. The report, compiled by a group of teachers, says leadership and staffing choices have weakened the presence of Khoekhoegowab in the school.  It highlights that the Head of Department (HOD) post for Khoekhoegowab in the junior primary phase has been vacant for nearly three years.  In the senior primary phase, the position has not been filled for over ten years. “This has left a critical leadership vacuum in curriculum implementation, teacher guidance, and pedagogical…
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Tech to boost African heritage conservation

Tech to boost African heritage conservation

Niël Terblanché A regional workshop hosted in Windhoek has brought together African heritage professionals to explore how digital technologies can transform the preservation and management of World Heritage sites. The event, which started on Tuesday, is organised by UNESCO in partnership with the Namibian government and supported by the Government of Flanders in Belgium. Eunice Smith, UNESCO Head of Office and Representative to Namibia, described the workshop as a response to the increasing threats faced by heritage sites across Africa, including climate change, urbanisation and conflict. “Our repeated periods of prolonged drought followed by devastating floods over the past few…
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Chinese book donation deepens cultural ties

Chinese book donation deepens cultural ties

Niël Terblanché The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China will donate 174 books to the National Library of Namibia to promote cultural and educational exchange between the two countries. The official handover ceremony will take place at the Ministry of Education Resource Centre in Windhoek. The Chinese ambassador to Namibia, Zhao Weiping, will present the books to Erastus Haitengela, the executive director of the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Arts, and Culture. According to the ministry, the donation aims to strengthen cultural ties, promote knowledge sharing, and build mutual understanding between China and Namibia. The donated books cover topics…
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Teachers question jobless registration

Teachers question jobless registration

Allexer Namundjebo Unemployed teachers in Kavango West have questioned the educator registration for record keeping.  The teachers say they are frustrated by the lack of jobs despite numerous registration call outs.  This comes after the Regional Council called on all qualified but jobless educators to register with the Directorate of Education, Arts, Culture, Innovation, Youth, and Sport. Teachers are asked to register by subject specialisation before 6 June 2025.  Many say the call offers nothing but empty promises. Philipus Kamwi, a qualified teacher unemployed for four years, says the process is misleading. “They give us false hopes. I don’t know…
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Health ministry deploys 36 new ambulances nationwide

Health ministry deploys 36 new ambulances nationwide

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Health and Social Services has commissioned 36 new ambulances to improve emergency medical care across Namibia. The vehicles were officially put into service on Monday in Windhoek. Health Minister Dr Esperance Luvindao said the new fleet is part of efforts to strengthen the country’s public healthcare system. “These vehicles symbolise our resolute commitment to saving lives and strengthening our healthcare system,” she said at the commissioning ceremony. The ambulances will be sent to health facilities in both urban areas and rural communities. Luvindao stressed the importance of a quick response in medical emergencies. “These ambulances…
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World heritage protection set to go high-tech

World heritage protection set to go high-tech

Niël Terblanché Namibia is hosting a regional workshop in Windhoek today focused on using digital technologies to protect and manage World Heritage sites in Africa. The event, held under the theme Digital Technologies to Empower World Heritage in Africa, is organised by the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, in collaboration with the National Heritage Council and UNESCO. The ministry said the workshop is a response to ongoing threats to African heritage sites, such as poor documentation, climate change, urban growth, illegal activities, conflict, and trafficking. “Africa is home to a wealth of natural and cultural heritage…
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NNN calls for unity, readiness and modernisation of NDF

NNN calls for unity, readiness and modernisation of NDF

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Defence Force (NDF) celebrated its 35th anniversary with a national parade in Grootfontein on Monday.  President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, in her role as commander in chief, led the event and reflected on the force’s development since independence in 1990. She recalled the debate at the time about whether an independent Namibia needed a defence force.  “Thankfully, in the final analysis and as a result of visionary political leaders and the leadership of our Founding President, Dr Sam Nujoma, a decision was made to establish a Namibian Defence Force,” she said. Nandi-Ndaitwah acknowledged the role of early leaders,…
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