National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The community of Gobabis is set to present a petition to the Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Erastus Uutoni, voicing their discontent over recent developments within the municipality. Led by community activist Veronia Mokaleng-Kuzeeko, residents are scheduled to gather at the Government Office Park today to deliver their petition. The petition follows dissatisfaction among the council's management and community members regarding recent decisions that include salary adjustments for municipality employees made by the Gobabis Municipal Council. Despite objections raised by residents, the municipality proceeded with salary adjustments for its employees without proper consultation or authorisation, sparking controversy…

Hertta-maria Amutenja The President of the United People's Movement (UPM), Jan Johannes van Wyk, has filed an urgent application at the Windhoek High Court, challenging his abrupt withdrawal from the National Assembly (NA) earlier this month. According to the founding affidavit, Van Wyk seeks redress for what he claims to be an unconstitutional and invalid decision by the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM). Van Wyk and Frans Bertolini were in Parliament on the ticket of the PDM. They were however removed after forming an alliance with Independent Presidential Candidate, Ally Angula. The two former members of Parliament were then replaced by…

Niël Terblanché In a significant move that emphasizes global concerns over the escalating conflict in Gaza, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2728, calling for an immediate ceasefire during Ramadan and the release of all hostages. Ambassador Penda Naanda, the Executive Director of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, said Namibia welcomed this development as a crucial step toward alleviating the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where relentless violence has claimed the lives of approximately 33,000 people, including over 13,000 children and about 8,400 women. The resolution's adoption was notably marked by the United States' decision to abstain…

Martin Endjala Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, says new evolving technology is proving to be a challenge in combatting corruption, hence her advocacy on enhanced monitoring mechanisms. “One of the most pressing challenges we face is the increasing use of technology in corruption schemes, cybercrime, and other digital threats that are becoming more sophisticated and complex to detect. Enhanced monitoring mechanisms are crucial to prevent and detect illicit financial activities through which large amounts of resources are siphoned out of mainly natural resources endowed countries,” said stressed. The premier made these remarks during a two-day Global Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum currently…

Niël Terblanché In a significant development for the Rehoboth community, the Rehoboth Town Council has officially acquired the Reho Spa facility The acquisition is a key moment in the town's history and its commitment to rejuvenating local tourism and leisure amenities. Mayor Amanda Groenewaldt, in a statement made at a public meeting in the Hermanus Van Wyk Memorial Hall, shared the successful transfer of the title deed from the Ministry of Works and Transport, concluding negotiations with Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR). She said that the transfer of the deed signifies a new chapter for the community as well as the…

Martin Endjala The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has announced the appointment of Mufaro Nesongano, as its new Executive Public Relations Officer. The appointment came into effect on 20 March 2024. CRAN’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Emilia Nghikembwa, announced that Nesongano assumed the role of Executive of Communication and Consumer Relations, a position previously held by Katrina Sikeni. Nesongano previously served as Marketing and Communications Manager at Old Mutual Namibia, and in his new role, he will lead CRAN's strategic initiatives, focusing on communication, international relations, and stakeholder and consumer engagement strategies. He will drive the development and execution…

Niël Terblanché Namibia showcased its ambitious strides towards becoming a green economy powerhouse, underpinned by innovative green hydrogen projects and significant educational initiatives at the Green Hydrogen Symposium currently underway at the Windhoek Country Club. Obeth Kandjoze, the Director General of the National Planning Commission and Chairperson of the Green Hydrogen Council, while officially opening the gathering celebrated Namibia's "first harvest" in its green economy transition. "Almost three years ago, Namibia planted its first seeds towards a green economy," Kandjoze remarked, referencing the country's Vision 2030 and the Harambee Prosperity Plan II. Today, we are privileged to witness the fruits…

Stefanus Nashama The ruling party of Namibia, Swapo, in its capacity as the steering body of the Namibian government, has in the strongest terms, condemned the killing of 139 unarmed civilians at a Moscow concert hall in Russia. Swapo Party Secretary-General, Sophia Shaningwa, condemned Friday’s attack on behalf of the party this week. “The collective leadership of the Swapo Party and its entire rank and file has condemned in the strongest possible terms, the killing of unarmed civilians of the Russian Federation, by terrorists and assailants who wish to threaten peace and stability of the Russian Federation by targeting innocent…

Niël Terblanché A Green Hydrogen Symposium that will take place in Windhoek over the next few days will further bolster Namibia’s ambitions to become a hub for green energy innovation. The gathering with the theme "Green Hydrogen in Practice: Pilot Projects and Y4GH2 Scholarships," aims to present a comprehensive mid-term status report on the significant strides made in the green hydrogen sector, particularly focusing on ongoing pilot projects and the progress of the Youth for Green Hydrogen (Y4GH2) Scholarships. Namibia's commitment to sustainable energy and climate action will take centre stage at the gathering, which will draw key stakeholders from…

Niël Terblanché Namibia has positioned itself as a leader in gender equality within its parliamentary ranks, achieving an impressive 50 percent female representation in the National Assembly which is a significant rise from 46 percent the previous year. This achievement was announced by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Professor Peter Katjavivi, who again stressed the nation's commitment to gender parity in politics. Despite this remarkable progress in the National Assembly, the National Council's female representation lags at just over 14 percent. Both Katjavivi and the Vice Chairperson of the National Council, Victoria Kauma, stressed the importance of sustaining gender…