National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Republican Party leader, Henk Mudge says Chinese nationals living in Namibia have no regard for the country’s law and have turned it into their playground. He said once he is voted into office, he will grant them three months to leave Namibia. Mudge was speaking at the presidential candidates’ discussion that took place last Thursday in Windhoek. ‘’They made our country a playground. They are selling fake goods, which puts our people out of business, and this is all because of the protection they are getting from Swapo. So the only way to protect Namibian people and protect…

Niël Terblanché Fears that the tourism industry will be affected by a decision by the Cabinet to introduce visa requirements for certain countries have been allayed. Last week, the Cabinet announced that the executive had approved the implementation of visa requirements for nationals from 31 countries that have not reciprocated Namibia's favourable treatment of their citizens. According to Margaret Kalo, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security’s, Chief Public Relations Officer, the strategic decision is aimed at promoting fair and balanced diplomatic relations with these countries. Kalo, however, stressed that this measure is not intended to hinder legitimate…

Niël Terblanché During a consultative meeting held in Walvis Bay, Derek Klazen, Namibia’s Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, addressed the concerns and grievances of fishermen re-employed under the Government Employment Redressing Programme (GERP) on Thursday at Walvis Bay. Klazen, clarified that GERP is not a continuation of the fishermen’s previous jobs at sea but a new employment offer within the fishing supply chain, encompassing catching, freezing, packaging, marketing, and sales of fish and related products. He acknowledged the challenges faced by GERP, including genuine concerns and others influenced by political opportunism and personal interests. He said that many grievances…

Niël Terblanché Namibia and Zimbabwe have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aiming to enhance cooperation and exchange between the two countries' judicial systems. The MoU, signed by Chief Justice Peter Shivute of Namibia and Chief Justice Luke Malaba of Zimbabwe, outlines comprehensive areas of collaboration, including training programmes for judges, court officials, and legal professionals, as well as advancements in court administration and judicial education. The signing ceremony in Windhoek was attended by senior judges, court officials, and legal professionals from both nations and marked a key moment in the judicial history of Namibia and Zimbabwe. Chief Justice Shivute…

Martin Endjala The Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) has been criticised for not consulting the leadership of the Kavango East and Kavango West regions on the planned N$7 billion Kavango link project. The project is viewed as a long-term solution to address water scarcity in the country's central regions. The Namibian Cabinet on 27 February gave the green light for the project to go ahead. The Rundu rural constituency councillor, Paulus Mbangu, told the Windhoek Observer this week that NamWater's move to launch a project that will see the Kavango River provide water to the central parts of Namibia is utterly…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The infightings between two factions of the Ovaherero Traditional Authority (OTA) have forced Joseph Kauandenge to withdraw from the National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO) internal presidential race. Kauandenge, who is currently the party’s secretary-general, announced his intention to run for the party's top job a few months ago. During a press conference at Parliament on Wednesday, the musician and politician made a U-turn, announcing that he would not run for any position at the party’s upcoming elective congress scheduled for 13 July in Windhoek. “The sad situation in my beloved party is that logic, common sense, and contribution…

Niël Terblanché Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) continue to pose significant public health challenges worldwide, causing 2.5 million deaths each year, according to a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO). The report, published earlier this week, indicates an alarming increase in sexually transmitted diseases, particularly in the Americas and African regions. Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, the WHO’s director-general said in the report that new data shows sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise in most regions, with the highest increases occurring in the Americas and the African regions. “This trend is particularly concerning as it stresses the need for intensified…