National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Opposition leader McHenry Venaani has called on President Nangolo Mbumba to declare drought a state of emergency. Venaani wrote to Mbumba on Thursday saying the adverse effects of climate change have brought the country to an alarming state where the imminent threat of meteorological calamity overshadows human daily existence. “The relentless El Niño climatic phenomenon exacerbates this already precarious situation, causing severe rainfall shortages. This is indicative of not merely a seasonal irregularity but a dreadful spectre of our changing climate - a matter that deserves our undivided attention and swift action,” he said. NamWater's recent disclosure that…

Martin Endjala According to the Namibian Chamber of Mines (CoM) 2023 annual review report released on Wednesday, the mining industry recorded a turnover of N$51.572 billion in 2023. The 2023 turnover represents a 36 percent increase compared to the N$37.976 billion recorded in 2022. The report highlighted that several factors contributed to this growth, including a weaker exchange rate, higher prices for gold and uranium, and increased production of gold, uranium and diamonds. The report further highlighted that the sector achieved an impressive improvement in overall profitability. In 2023, it recorded a collective profit of N$2.731 billion, a stark contrast…

Lüderitz is currently in full preparation to open the long-awaited maritime museum that will bear witness to Namibia's commitment to preserving and showcasing its maritime heritage. The museum will also serve as a starting point for educational and economic opportunities for the community and visitors alike. The maritime museum is the brainchild of fisheries industry veteran, Angel Tordesillas and the Lüderitz Waterfront Development Company (LWDC). LWDC Chief Executive Officer, Fluksman Samuehl, announced the planned grand opening of the museum. “The museum will cover 2,000 square metres and will feature ancient water craft, fossils, maps, and a library,” he said. Samuehl…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Those contesting for the National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO) presidency at the party’s upcoming elective congress, are not allowed to campaign individually but will have to do so with other candidates to avoid divisions within the party. The party’s secretary general, Joseph Kauandenge, announced this during a media conference at Parliament on Wednesday. “As a strategic decision to avert disunity among party members, slate politics is completely obliterated. Hence, no aspirant leaders will be allowed to organise individual or solo formal public campaigns; however, aspirants can campaign freely on a small scale internally,” he said. He said this…

Martin Endjala The Walvis Bay Municipal Council, during an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday, passed an unopposed motion to terminate its contract with RedForce Debt Management with immediate effect. The motion comes after the Walvis Bay community marched to the streets, demanding the termination of the debt collector’s contract. The motion titled ‘Termination of the contract to render debt collection and management services to the Municipality of Walvis Bay’ seeks and requests a firm decision, which will be made by council members, to act in good faith and the public interest when carrying out responsibilities trusted upon them. Ryan Gordon, the…

Niël Terblanché Rundu Town Council is under significant pressure to improve its infrastructure while addressing substantial financial liabilities to its residents and utility companies due to escalating debt. The council currently owes NamWater an eye-watering N$229 million, with residents contributing to a debt of N$350 million in unpaid municipal charges. Bernadus Swartbooi, leader of the Landless People's Movement (LPM), voiced concerns at a recent campaign rally in Rundu. He stressed the necessity of constructing a new town council building to replace the current deteriorated facilities. Despite these infrastructure challenges, Swartbooi also highlighted pressing issues like food insecurity, underperforming agricultural schemes…

Martin Endjala Through its corporate social responsibility, Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) donated equipment worth N$65 000 over the weekend to the Otjiwarongo police and Motor Vehicle Funds (MVA). According to MTC’s spokesperson, John Ekongo, the donation made on Tuesday, aims to aid the police in the region to effectively execute its duty of enforcing law and order and to maintain traffic laws. The donated items include reflective jackets, a power generator, extension reels, road cones, foldable chairs and tables, and rubber touches amongst others. Ekongo said that despite having the world's best road network, Namibia is still one of the…

Stefanus Nashama The Minister of Education, Arts, and Culture, Anna Nghipondoka, says the recruitment process for the Namibia College Of Open Learning (Namcol) chief executive officer is nearing a conclusion. The minister also revealed that a formal submission has been made to the ministry by the board. Nghipondoka announced this in the National Assembly last week. “The said recruitment is at an advanced stage, with a submission from Namcol’s board having been made to my office via our executive director requesting the approval of the remuneration package for the new CEO of Namcol,” Nghipondoka said. The position became vacant in…