National News – Page 2 – Windhoek Observer

29 Apr

Thousands of cases stall in Magistrates’ Courts

National News

Patience Makwele Thousands of criminal cases continue to stall in magistrates’ courts, with backlogs raising concern about delays and public confidence in the justice system. The office of the judiciary on Tuesday said magistrates’ courts recorded 11 892 postponed cases in March. Many were linked to incomplete police investigations, while others were caused by missing dockets, administrative delays and limited resources. Judiciary spokesperson Vikitoria Hango said delays occur at different stages of the process. “The time it takes to finalise a case depends on its complexity and seriousness. Some matters are resolved quickly, particularly where there are guilty pleas while…

29 Apr

Zurich–Windhoek route expands to three weekly flights

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Swiss leisure airline Edelweiss Air will increase its non-stop service between Zurich Airport and Hosea Kutako International Airport from two to three weekly flights. The route is scheduled to launch on 1 June with two weekly flights and will expand to three weekly frequencies from 15 July. The service will be operated using an Airbus A350-900. Namibia Airports Company chief executive officer and Air Connect Namibia chairperson Bisey /Uirab said the increase follows engagement with airline partners. “The Edelweiss announcement is a strong vote of confidence in both our country and the long-term potential of the Zürich–Windhoek service,”…

29 Apr

Local goods missing from global shelves

National News

Staff Writer International relations and trade minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi has questioned why Namibian products are not widely available beyond the country’s borders. “If I can buy West African Shea Butter in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, why can't I buy products from the Oshana Region beyond the borders of Namibia?” she said. Ashipala-Musavyi made the remarks at the opening of the Ondangwa Trade and Industrial Exhibition (OTIE) 2026 on Tuesday. She said Namibia must position its products competitively in regional and global markets and improve access for local businesses. “The success of every country’s economy increasingly depends on how effectively…

29 Apr

Hamata: Court delays costing ordinary Namibians

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Ordinary Namibians are carrying the burden of delays in the High Court, former member of parliament Hidipo Hamata has said. Hamata said prolonged court cases are placing financial and emotional pressure on citizens. “In practical terms, ordinary Namibians are the ones carrying the burden of delays in our courts. Litigation is already expensive, and when matters take too long to be finalised, justice becomes financially and emotionally out of reach," he said. He said families in inheritance disputes, workers in labour cases and individuals in civil matters are among those affected. “This situation is inconsistent with the constitutional…

28 Apr

NNN puts more cash in politicians’ pockets …Govt to pay utilities for PM and deputy

Main, National News

Justicia Shipena President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has approved new salaries and benefits for ministers, governors and members of parliament. The public office bearers (remuneration and benefits) commission recommended adjustments, which Nandi-Ndaitwah implemented through a presidential proclamation dated 27 April 2026. The proclamation amends the 2017 framework. The salary adjustment takes effect as of 1 April 2026. According to the proclamation seen by the Windhoek Observer, under the new structure, the prime minister earns a basic salary of N$1.3 million, with water and electricity covered, official transport and a housing allowance of N$351 175, bringing total remuneration to N$1.65 million. The deputy…

28 Apr

CoW contract workers left in the cold

National News

Patience Makwele More than 500 contract workers cleaning Windhoek’s streets face continued uncertainty after the High Court overturned a ruling that would have made them permanent employees. High Court judge Thomas Masuku on Monday set aside the arbitration award, stopping the immediate absorption of the workers into the City of Windhoek’s (CoW) permanent workforce. Masuku in his ruling brought attention to the municipality’s financial position and use of long-term contracts. Initially, the workers won at arbitration, where the court found that CoW's use of fixed-term contracts constituted unfair discrimination. Many have worked for years on rolling contracts without pension, medical…

28 Apr

Pressure builds over police pay and new intakes

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Police officers are expressing frustration over ongoing recruitment drives while salary and promotion concerns remain unresolved. A police officer who spoke to the Windhoek Observer on condition of anonymity said officers are often disappointed when new intakes are announced. “The government can never say it does not have money to increase our salaries. How do you explain hiring 1 500 new police officers while saying there is no money for salary adjustments?” the officer said. The officer said many junior officers struggle with living conditions and cannot afford housing. “We do not have proper houses. We cannot even…

28 Apr

Floating bridges criticised as president stresses delivery

National News

Patience Makwele Zambezi-based development analyst, Lipuwo Kathrine Nyambe, says floating bridges are not a long-term solution to recurring floods in the region. The Zambezi and Ohangwena regions continue to deal with the effects of recent floods. Water levels at Katima Mulilo reached about 6.7 metres, leading to flooding in low-lying areas. At the peak, some villages and schools were only accessible by boat. “Floating bridges are a practical emergency response, but they are not a long-term solution. Flooding in this region is seasonal and predictable, which means there should be more investment in permanent, climate-resilient infrastructure such as raised roads…

28 Apr

New aviation levies could raise ticket prices — Kalangula

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Independence Patriots for Change (IPC) member of parliament and works and transport shadow minister Nelson Kalangula says the introduction of a per-passenger aviation levy will likely lead to higher ticket prices for Namibians and international travellers. Kalangula said passenger-based charges are usually passed directly to consumers. “The introduction of a per-passenger levy will almost certainly lead to an immediate increase in ticket prices for ordinary Namibians and international visitors,” he told the Windhoek Observer on Monday. He explained that unlike fixed administrative fees, which airlines may absorb, passenger charges are added to the taxes and fees on a…

27 Apr

Swapo’s HQ swells to N$900m

Main, National News

Justicia Shipena Delays in the construction of the Swapo's new headquarters have pushed the project cost beyond initial estimates, ballooning to over N$900 million. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah confirmed the revised figure during the party’s 66th anniversary celebrations, which coincided with the official opening of the building. “As it stands now, it is over N$900,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said, adding that the project was delayed by two years, moving it beyond the earlier estimate of between N$600 million and N$700 million. The headquarters project has faced scrutiny over the years, especially on financing the project. In 2023, contractor Unik Construction Engineering halted work…