National News

Niël Terblanché The essential role of education and technology in forging an inclusive and thriving continent was highlighted during the official celebration of Public Service Day in Namibia. In her address at the closing of the three-day-long event, the Minister of Education, Arts, and Culture, Anna Nghipondoka, said that African governments have made substantial investments and commitments to their educational systems, leading to significant achievements over the last few decades. "Primary school completion rates have increased from 52% in the year 2000 to 69% by 2022, and youth literacy rates in sub-Saharan Africa have improved remarkably from 66% in 2000…

Stefanus Nashama The leader of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), Pandulani Itula, has refuted allegations that the party has bought cars to run its political campaigns. According to Itula, who spoke during a radio interview, the party entered into an agreement with someone to rent cars for its campaign; however, he did not reveal details about the person. “It is not true. IPC has never bought or given any single car. I do not know where those who made such allegations find such a story. We found someone with cars and said that the cars should not be given…

Stefanus Nashama The Minister of Sport, Youth and National Service, Agnes Tjongarero has expressed disappointment with the delays in the process of renovating the Independence Stadium. She shared this with the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday in response to questions about the stadium's renovation and upgrades. “The ministry is disappointed that it is taking so long to start the renovation process,” said Tjongarero. Although the work should have started in September of last year, more than ten months have passed without any progress. The minister claims that the procurement process is to blame for the delay. “The delay is with the…

Martin Endjala The Electricity Control Board (ECB) has directed regional councils and local authorities to cease the practice of blocking prepaid electricity metres to recover arrears on other municipal services. Robert Kahimise, the ECB’s chief executive officer, gave this order during Thursday's announcement of tariffs for distribution licensees. He urged the various electricity distributors to explore alternative debt recovery methods that comply with the relevant legislation. This comes after the ECB received a customer complaint about a local authority blocking pre-paid meters for municipal accounts in arrears. “The ECB ruling on the matter is that this practice is not allowed…

Niël Terblanché Southern African Development Community (SADC) member countries have agreed to establish a regional public service commission. Salmaan Jacobs, the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission (PSC) in Namibia described the decision as an initiative that will be aimed at cultivating collaboration and enhancing public service across the region. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Africa Public Service Day commemorations in Windhoek on Thursday, Jacobs stressed the importance of this new forum. "The forum will provide a platform where information and lessons can be shared, and where the provisions of national constitutions and relevant laws can be safeguarded…

Martin Endjala Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says the government will not interfere with the more than one billion Euros in genocide funds from the German government intended for genocide-affected communities. She said the government's sole role is to facilitate and guarantee the money is used for its intended purpose. She said this during the meeting of the chiefs forum of the affected communities of the 1904–1908 genocide, held on Thursday at the Gateway Conference Centre in Khomasdal. “At this point, let me assure you once more that the government of the Republic of Namibia will not interfere with the endowment…

Ester Mbathera Lawyers representing Swapo in a legal dispute to invalidate the decision made by the party's central committee to postpone the extraordinary congress to 19 April 2025, have demanded security of costs from the applicants. The applicants, Joshua Vaino Martins, Petrus Ndeshipanda Shituula, Aina Kalimba Angula, Reinhold Nghihepavali Shipwikineni, and Erich Chrismann Shivute, filed a Notice of Motion with the High Court of Namibia on 13 June. Gilroy Kasper, representing MKK Incorporated law firm, expressed concern over the applicants' ability to satisfy potential cost orders issued by the High Court. “This is, amongst others, informed by past litigation involving…

Martin Endjala Veston Malango, the chief executive officer of the Chamber of Mines of Namibia believes good times are ahead for the country, given the resurging uranium market. According to Malango, the uranium market largely determines Namibia's mining sector's future. He made this statement on Wednesday at the announcement of the 2024 Mining Expo and Conference, set for August 7 and 8 at the Windhoek Showgrounds. “Langer Heinrich Mining is now back in operation. We are now talking about three uranium mines in operation. Rössing and Husab and now the restart of production at Langer Heinrich last year in November…

Niël Terblanché Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) and the Namibia Food and Allied Workers Union (NAFAU) have successfully concluded a wage agreement. The agreement, effective from 1 July 2024, includes a 2.5% wage increase for all bargaining unit employees from July to December 2024 and a 6% increase from January to December 2025. NAFAU’s Regional Coordinator, Lister Tawana, stressed that collective bargaining is a cornerstone of trade unionism, highlighting the importance of addressing economic challenges, particularly housing, through such agreements. He described the deal as a win-win situation for both parties, encouraging NAFAU members to enhance productivity. Peter Simons, the Managing…

Niël Terblanché During his visit to Namibia, Dr. Kevin Casas-Zamora, the secretary general of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), stressed the importance of voter registration to the country's youth. Casas-Zamora reminded young people that registering to vote is a crucial step in ensuring their voices are heard and in choosing their leaders. Casas-Zamora visited various registration points in Windhoek, noting that the process took about five to six minutes per individual. He applauded those who had already registered, stating they should be proud of their participation in Namibia's democratic process. While speaking at the "Global…