National News

Allexer Namundjembo  Former President Nangolo Mbumba issued a proclamation to incorporate portions of unalienated state land into existing communal areas before leaving office. The decision, made under the powers granted by the Communal Land Reform Act of 2002 and approved by the National Assembly, aims to expand communal land areas in various regions. The proclamation was published in Government Gazette No. 8602 on 9 March 2025. It includes land allocations to communities such as Otjimbingwe, Ovitoto, and Aminuis. Otjimbingwe communal land will now include the remaining extent of Portion A of Farm Okongava, covering 15 160 hectares. Ovitoto communal land…

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Police (NamPol) has officially launched a Crime Intelligence Analytical Unit aimed at enhancing its capacity to combat transnational organised crime through data-driven policing strategies. The new investigative unit was officially established at the headquarters of NamPol in Windhoek, and it will form part of the broader ENACT (Enhancing Africa’s Response to Transnational Organised Crime) project, supported by INTERPOL and the European Union. The new unit in Namibia is the tenth to be launched under the initiative across Africa, joining countries such as Côte d'Ivoire, Congo, Togo, Nigeria, and Uganda. Major General Anne-Marie Nainda, deputy inspector general…

Ester Mbathera  The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) and the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) have renewed calls for urgent reforms to the cybercrime and data protection laws. This trend is following a rise in cyberattacks and data breaches affecting both the public and private sectors. The MICT’s spokesperson, Ngaevarue Heuva, said the Data Protection Bill has been finalised and submitted to the Cabinet committee on legislation for review. The Cybercrime Bill, though redrafted, still requires further refinement. “During the third Cabinet decision-making meeting for 2025, Cabinet directed the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology to urgently…

Allexer Namundjembo NamWater has received a positive response from local authorities as it works to recover the N$2.4 billion owed to the corporation. Lot Ndamanomhata, NamWater's spokesperson, on Monday, told the Windhoek Observer that most local authorities approached for payment have shown a willingness to settle their debts. “We are pleased with the overwhelmingly positive responses we've received from local authorities so far. We will continue to approach other local authorities with outstanding debts and encourage them to meet their financial commitments,” he said. This positive turn comes after a report earlier this month revealed that local authorities were responsible…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Municipality of Otjiwarongo has warned residents against obstructing stormwater drainage systems, saying such actions can lead to property damage and public safety risks. According to the municipality's chief executive officer, Mberipura Hifitikeko, some residents have built barriers or structures that block the natural flow of stormwater, increasing the risk of flooding, especially in low-lying areas. The notice comes amid rising concern about the impact of blocked drains on municipal infrastructure. “It has come to our attention that there have been instances where stormwater drainage systems have been obstructed, leading to potential risks of property damage and endangerment…

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Health and Social Services is hosting a week-long strategic planning workshop in Otjiwarongo.  The meeting started on Tuesday and is aimed at charting an enhanced course for public healthcare in Namibia over the next five years. The health ministry’s executive director, Ben Nangombe, said the task requires urgency and full participation from all attendees during the opening of the workshop. “We are here to plan, to analyse and to produce cogent documents that will guide our Ministry to deliver more, to deliver better, to deliver consistently, and to deliver effectively,” he said. The workshop comes…

Allexer Namundjembo Members of opposition parties have indicated their willingness to take up governor roles if appointed by the president. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is expected to appoint new regional governors in the coming weeks as their terms come to an end. The current governors were appointed by late President Hage Geingob in 2020. Regional governors are direct representatives of the president in the regions and are accountable to the president through the minister in the presidency, as per Article 1 of the Constitution. Their mandate is to ensure effective service delivery and adhere to strong, honest and principled leadership.  They…