National News

Niël Terblanché Iran has announced new investment plans in Namibia, including the possibility of establishing an oil refinery and oil storage facilities in Walvis Bay. Iran's ambassador to Namibia, Seyed Ali Sharifi, made this announcement at a business event for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The event, hosted in collaboration with the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), sought to foster business networks and future investment opportunities. Ambassador Sharifi emphasised Iran's intention to expand bilateral relations with Namibia across various sectors, particularly focusing on the oil market. He emphasised Iran's ability to help Namibia achieve self-sufficiency in fuel production.…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Namibian Office of the Judiciary has described the late Lady Justice Jennifer Mokgoro, a former South African judge, as a true legal giant who made immense legal contributions to the southern African region, including Namibia. The executive director of the Office of the Judiciary, Benhardt Kukuri, said on Tuesday that Mokgoro, a retired judge, died on 9 May in Johannesburg, South Africa. She said that the legal community held Justice Mokgoro in high regard, not just in her native South Africa but also in the Southern African Development Community and globally. Justice Mokgoro was one of the…

Stefanus Nashama The Windhoek Magistrate's Court dismissed the case against social activist Michael Amushelelo and three City of Windhoek cleaners for allegedly inciting public violence after demanding salary increases. This was confirmed on Wednesday by lawyer Kadhila Amoomo, who represented Amushelelo and the workers. “The criminal political case of Michael Amushelelo was thrown out of court today,” he said. Amushelelo represented contract cleaners in the City of Windhoek in February 2023, which led to his arrest and the arrests of three others: Immanuel Mbonda, Alfred Kashimbi Sabas, and Padelia Hamukwaya. Workers, among other things, demanded fixed employment, improved wages, and…

Niël Terblanché In a strategic move to combat the ongoing water scarcity in Namibia's coastal and central regions, the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform has announced plans to start the construction of a second desalination plant in early 2025. This project, set to enhance the country's water infrastructure, will soon be submitted to the Cabinet for approval. Agriculture Minister Calle Schlettwein confirmed that NamWater will collaborate with the Swakop Uranium on this initiative. The new plant intends to significantly boost the Erongo Region's water supply capacity by converting seawater into potable water. This is in response to escalating…

Ester Mbathera Swakopmund municipality prefers to handle its clients' debts in-house. This is despite the fact that residents, businesses, NGOs, ministries, and other property owners collectively owe the municipality a total of N$132 million. Linda Mupupa, the municipality’s spokesperson, told the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday that they are merely sticking to their mandate to operate as a self-sustaining entity as per the Local Authority Act of 1992, as amended. “Self-sufficiency in this regard means the council is to collect rates and taxes from residents, business owners, and property owners in return for services rendered. The council's current stance is to…

Martin Endjala In response to Namibia's persistently high unemployment rate among young people, the Capricorn Foundation has pledged to invest N$1 million in Bank Windhoek’s Young Talent Programme. The Capricorn Academy for School Leavers, a new initiative under Bank Windhoek's overarching Young Talent Programme, will receive the funds. Marlize Horn, the executive communications officer of the Capricorn Foundation, made this announcement last week. She said the Capricorn Academy for School Leavers aims to address the pressing issue of youth unemployment by providing training and employment opportunities for promising young Namibians. “Recognising the urgency of this national challenge, the Capricorn Foundation…

Niël Terblanché President Nangolo Mbumba and Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, outlined Namibia's ambitious plans to harness green hydrogen as a catalyst for economic transformation and sustainable development at the World Hydrogen Summit in the Netherlands. In his address, President Mbumba stated that Namibia views the 21st century as a transformative era for Africa, with green technologies playing a key role in industrialization and economic growth. "Green hydrogen is the brainchild of my predecessor, the late President Hage Geingob, who recognised its potential in early 2021," Mbumba said while adding that Namibia is currently developing nine hydrogen projects…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Amidst an ongoing leadership upheaval, the Mine Workers Union of Namibia’s (MUN) Executive Committee (NEC) has lifted the suspension of 11 members. At the same time, the union has also appointed former Namdeb branch chairperson, Shavuka Mbidhi to the position of acting vice president. The decision comes after former president Ismael Kasuto and vice president Densley Somseb were suspended because of allegations of financial impropriety and a lack of leadership. According to MUN acting president, Mathew Mberiuana and secretary general George Ampweya, the NEC has opted to lift the suspension of the eleven members. “After due consideration of…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The construction of houses to accommodate members of the Namibian Police Force in the Khomas Region has commenced in Windhoek’s Otjomuise neighbourhood. The national spokesperson of the police, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, confirmed this to the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday. Without revealing how much is budgeted for the project, she said funds have been availed, and the feasibility study and documentation process of the project are completed, as is the construction of the boundary wall of the allocated land in the Otjomuise area. “Indeed, funds were budgeted and available for the project of the police village, hence, the…