National News

Stefanus Nashama The City of Windhoek was unable to locate the family of one of the nation's heroes, Jacob Marenga, better known as Jakob Marengo, to honour him during the recent street renaming and naming ceremony. In Otjiherero, "Marenga" means "kings." Seventeen streets were renamed, and others were named after notable individuals, including Marengo. Relatives and friends of those named after the street delivered mini-eulogies on their behalf. When it was Marengo’s time, no one was present to talk about him. The City of Windhoek's spokesperson, Harold Akwenye, confirmed Marengo's lack of representation. “Despite considerable efforts, we were unable to…

Niël Terblanché The body of Edison Sidney Geiseb, a 34-year-old man who drowned at Independence Beach on 18 May 2024, was recovered by divers from the Namibian Navy after an extensive search lasting 12 days. Geiseb went missing one afternoon in the middle of May while swimming with his 23-year-old girlfriend and another 27-year-old friend. His disappearance under the waves at the popular beach in Walvis Bay prompted a significant search effort along the coast. Chief Inspector Illeni Shapumba, head of the Namibian Police’s community affairs division in the Erongo Region, reported that Geiseb’s body was discovered on Wednesday by…

Moses Magadza The Republic of Angola through its National Assembly on Wednesday convened a workshop to review the country's HIV and AIDS law which was enacted in 2004. The workshop is part of ongoing efforts by the National Assembly of Angola to ensure that laws are fit for purpose and serve all citizens without discrimination. Law no. 8/04, of 1 November, also known as the Law on the Human Immunodeficiency Virus - HIV and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome – AIDS, sought to protect the integrity and health of people living with HIV, control and prevent HIV and AIDS as well as…

Niël Terblanché Windhoek is set to become the epicentre of the African hospitality industry as it welcomes more than 300 investors, business leaders, government officials, and expert advisors for the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF) 2024. The event, which will be held from 25 to 27 June, marks the first time AHIF is hosted in southern Africa, following Namibia’s successful bid facilitated by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB). The NIPDB, serving as the host partner, has already secured N$1 million in corporate sponsorship, underscoring the significance of this event. Sven Thieme, the executive chairman and managing director…

Niël Terblanché In a gesture of community support, prospective uranium miner Headspring Investment, a subsidiary of the Uranium One Group, has constructed a state-of-the-art kitchen at Noasanabis Primary School in Leonardville. This facility, developed under Headspring’s corporate social responsibility programme, aims to provide daily meals to more than 600 learners who attend the school every day. Pijoo Nganate, the Omaheke Regional Governor, lauded the project, noting the importance of stakeholders in local development. "Uranium One has done tremendous work in assisting the local school with this much-needed kitchen project," Nganate said. Headspring’s Executive Director, Kirill Egorov-Kirillov, emphasised the company's commitment…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on young people to participate in the agricultural sector and contribute to the overall economic transformation. She said this on Wednesday at the Omaludi Agricultural Festival, which is underway in Okongo, in the Ohangwena Region. Nandi-Ndaitwah, who is also the festival patron, said it is highly encouraging that, of late, more young people are interested in agriculture, as opposed to the past, when agriculture was seen as dirty work reserved for the elderly and the uneducated. “Agriculture will remain one of the important sectors of our economy, especially when more than 80…

Ester Mbathera The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development (MURD) has called on regional councils to identify new and ongoing regional projects to be funded through the One Region, One Initiative (OROI). This is because the ministry has set aside N$800 000 for the OROI projects this financial year. Minister Erastus Uutoni explained that the initiatives need to be innovative and geared towards addressing gaps and fostering economic growth and employment creation nationwide. “We are encouraging young people to inform other young people who have an idea or plans for unique initiatives or projects, to approach the regional council. The…

Niël Terblanché Approximately 690 fishermen are on the brink of fulfilling their dream of becoming homeowners as they prepare for a significant milestone in their journey. Thomas Mununga, a representative of the fishermen, explained that they formed the October 2015 United Land and Housing Federation to facilitate their goal of homeownership and have been proactive in their efforts to secure land at Farm 37, situated on the outskirts of Walvis Bay. “This initiative is more than just about building houses; it’s about creating a community and a better future for our fishermen and their families. Through our strategic endeavour, we…

Martin Endjala Namibia and Botswana on Wednesday signed a Civil-Military Cooperation Plan (CIMIC) to be launched on 11 June in Gaborone and 13 June in Katima Mulilo. The CIMIC launch is themed “Working together to ensure peaceful coexistence, security, and human development.” According to the joint statement, the two military defence forces will conduct a sensitization campaign for the general public of the two countries, with the first leg set for 9 to 12 July. “The two countries will hold community sensitisation in 19 villages in Namibia and 21 villages in Botswana. Discussions will focus on poaching, illicit products, illegal…

Niël Terblanché The governments of Namibia and Angola have successfully facilitated the return of 73 Angolan minor children and their mothers to their homeland. The repatriation process started on Tuesday with the transportation of the displaced people to the Santa Clara Border Post, which is viewed as a display of international cooperation and marked the beginning of their secure journey back to Angola. Ettienne Maritz, the executive director of Namibia’s Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security, said officials from the ministry played a pivotal role in this operation, ensuring the safety and well-being of the affected individuals. “The…