National News – Page 20 – Windhoek Observer

28 Jul

Relocated flood victims receive basic services

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The City of Windhoek ( CoW) has extended essential services to Farm 508, where over 300 households were relocated earlier this year following floods that destroyed homes in parts of Otjomuise. The relocation aimed to provide a safer environment after flash floods damaged residents' previous homes. In an update issued on Friday, the city stated , "The emergency relocation was a necessary intervention to safeguard the lives and dignity of displaced residents." Since the relocation, the municipality, working with the Khomas Regional Council and other partners, has made progress in bringing infrastructure and services to the area. Two…

25 Jul

Infant’s death in Berseba under investigation

National NewsMinistry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS)

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The ministry of health and social services (MoHSS) has confirmed the sudden death of a two-month-old baby from Kainachas village in the Berseba Constituency, ||Kharas region, and says a post-mortem is underway to determine the cause. In a media statement issued on Thursday, the ministry acknowledged becoming aware of the incident through social media on 22 July 2025, and confirmed that the infant had died at home on 21 July. According to the ministry, no signs of illness were noted before or immediately after the child's immunisations. "It is important to note that no signs of illness were…

25 Jul

PAN boss accused of bullying staff

National NewsAnnette Retheman, Payments Association of Namibia (PAN)

Allexer Namundjembo Allegations of workplace misconduct have been levelled against the chief executive officer of the Payments Association of Namibia (PAN), Annette Retheman, with claims she mistreats staff and that she fosters a hostile work environment. PAN, a self-regulatory body for Namibia’s payment industry, is meant to foster collaboration across the sector. In April 2023, the Namibia Financial Institutions Union (NAFINU) raised concerns in a letter to PAN board chairperson Adrianus Vugs. The letter, which remains unanswered, outlined complaints from staff about the CEO’s behaviour. Union general secretary Asnath Zemuee said PAN previously spent around N$250,000 on a life coaching…

25 Jul

Student Leaders clash with Nust over rushed registration

National NewsNamibia University of Science and Technology (NUST)

Allexer Namundjembo The Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) is facing backlash from student bodies after it reopened registration for self-funding students but gave them only two days to register. In a directive issued through the Student Representative Council (SRC) on Wednesday, 23 July 2025, Nust allowed students with tuition debts below N$7,500 to register without payment. Those owing less than N$10,500 could register by paying N$2,500. The directive expires today. Student groups say the window is too short to help the very students the relief aims to support. The Student Union of Namibia (SUN) welcomed the initiative but…

25 Jul

New APOC chapter to empower Namibian patients

National NewsAfrican Patient Organisation Connect (APOC)

Allexer Namundjembo The African Patient Organisation Connect (APOC) launched its Namibian chapter in Windhoek on Wednesday, aiming to strengthen patient advocacy and influence inclusive healthcare policies across southern Africa. The launch forms part of APOC's 2025 regional training programme. The first session was held in Zambia on 5-6 June, with the next set for Mauritius on 7- 8 August. Roche supports APOC, which equips patient-led organisations with the tools, skills, and networks to drive healthcare reform and amplify community voices in policy spaces. Executive director of the ministry of health and social services,Penda Ithindi, said patient empowerment is key to…

25 Jul

Shihomeka appointed as new media Ombudsman

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Editors’ Forum of Namibia (EFN) has appointed Sadrag Panduleni Shihomeka as the new Media Ombudsman. His term runs from 23 July 2025 to 22 July 2028. EFN secretary general Selma Ikela announced the appointment on Thursday, following an extraordinary general meeting held on 18 July 2025. Shihomeka takes over from John Nakuta, whose term ended on 30 June 2025 after serving for seven years and 10 months. “Dr Shihomeka is currently a senior lecturer in Journalism and Media Technology at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), where he teaches modules including Corporate Public Relations,” said…

24 Jul

Fuelgate: ‘Fuel supply deal meant to benefit both parties’- Mulunga

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Former Namcor managing director Immanuel Mulunga testified in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday that the ten-year fuel supply agreement between Namcor Petroleum Trading and Distribution Pty Ltd and Enercon Namibia was a commercially motivated deal intended to generate profits for both companies. Mulunga, who is seeking bail following his arrest two weeks ago on charges related to corruption and money laundering, said the contract required Namcor Trading to supply Enercon Namibia PTY Ltd with a minimum of 700 000 litres of fuel per month. “The investment would be paid back in four years, and the next six…

24 Jul

Teacher suicides prompt ministry action

National Newsmental health and psychosocial well-being assessment

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The ministry of education, arts, and culture will conduct a mental health and psychosocial well-being assessment among teachers following the recent suicides of three educators in the Ohangwena region. Education minister Sanet Steenkamp on Wednesday confirmed that Titus Nuuyi from Enyana Combined School, Nestory Namhindo of Eenhana Secondary School, and Lukas Kalwenya of Ohehonge Combined School had died by suicide. She said their deaths have left a painful mark on both the education sector and the country. "The alleged reported suicides of these teachers reflect a heart-wrenching and urgent need for comprehensive mental health support and financial literacy…

24 Jul

EIF secures access to N$370m for climate financing

National NewsEIF secures access to N$370m for climate financing

Justicia Shipena Namibia can now access up to US$20 million (approximately N$370 million) in international climate finance through the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF). This follows EIF's accreditation as a National Implementing Entity (NIE) of the Adaptation Fund, which was announced on Wednesday. The decision was made by the Adaptation Fund Board during the intersessional period between its 44th and 45th meetings. It recognises EIF's compliance with the fund's fiduciary standards, environmental and social safeguards, and ability to deliver impactful climate adaptation projects. "This accreditation is a testament to EIF's strong governance and commitment to impactful climate solutions," said EIF chief…

24 Jul

Kavango council fails to return unused funds

National NewsKavango West Regional Council

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Kavango West Regional Council failed to properly record and return funds received for delegated functions from the ministry of gender equality and child welfare, a public hearing held in October 2024 has revealed. According to questions posed at a public hearing in October 2024, the council did not record transactions amounting to N$819 500 in its general ledger. The payments were made during the 2019 financial year on behalf of the ministry of gender equality and child welfare to Edu-careers for the months of July to September 2018, October and December 2018, as well as January and…