National News

Ester Mbathera Kavihuha Mahongora, the secretary general of the Trade Union Congress of Namibia (TUCNA), said that they should constitute the majority of board members in institutions where workers' resources are directly involved. Mahongora referred to entities such as the Social Security Commission, pension funds, and the National Training Authority (NTA). He was responding to questions from the Windhoek Observer about the importance of trade union representation on the plethora of boards of directors. “The workers must control the board, which determines their fate, look after the resources of the workers, and determine their future. But those boards that are…

Martin Endjala The Swakop Uranium Mine is working on initiatives to address the mine's water demands in order to relieve pressure on the country's bulk water supplier, Namwater. During a recent media visit to the Husab Mine, Swakop Uranium's operational arm, Patrick Chizabulyo, the company's vice president and human resources officer, revealed the [plans to improve the supply of water to the mine. “We have the ideas and initiatives, but those initiatives have not matured yet, and therefore, we cannot make any announcements now,” he said. Chizabulyo was responding to concerns about the mine's high water usage volumes amidst a…

Martin Endjala The Swakop Uranium Mine is working on initiatives to address the mine's water demands in order to relieve pressure on the country's bulk water supplier, Namwater. During a recent media visit to the Husab Mine, Swakop Uranium's operational arm, Patrick Chizabulyo, the company's vice president and human resources officer, revealed the [plans to improve the supply of water to the mine. “We have the ideas and initiatives, but those initiatives have not matured yet, and therefore, we cannot make any announcements now,” he said. Chizabulyo was responding to concerns about the mine's high water usage volumes amidst a…

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) has achieved a new milestone by handling a record-breaking 8 million tonnes of cargo during the financial year ending 31 March. This volume represents a 4% increase from the previous year's total of 7.7 million tonnes, indicating robust growth and operational efficiency at Namport. In a statement on Monday, Elias Mwenyo, Namport's executive of commercial services, said the significant growth in the exportation of various goods was the primary driver of the increase. “Notable increases were seen across several categories: bulk salt grew by 10%, copper concentrate by 12%, while frozen fish surged…

Festus Nakatana On 4 May 2024, while Namibians paused to commemorate the selfless acts of sacrifice in remembrance of Cassinga Day, a soldier of the liberation struggle, a combatant and gallant fighter Elikana Iishuna Shoombe took his last breath in a northern hospital. Affectionately known by his combat name Windhoek, Shoombe was not an ordinary PLAN combatant. Born in 1962 at Onatshiku on the outskirts of Oshakati in the Oshana Region, Shoombe attended school in the surrounding areas before joining Swapo in exile with some of his siblings in 1980. He ended up in Tobias Hainyeko Training Centre in 1981…

Niël Terblanché At the celebration of the International Day of the Midwife, stakeholders underscored the critical role of midwives in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. The day was celebrated in Windhoek on Saturday. According to Loide Amkongo, a representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Namibia, the need for improved training and support for midwives is recognised by international health authorities and the Namibian government, which views midwifery as a cornerstone of maternal and child health. Amkongo said that enhancing the capabilities of midwives is the key to reaching Namibia’s Sustainable Development Goals related to health…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana, the former minister of Home Affairs and Immigration, and Swapo stalwart, says she wishes those in charge of the ruling Swapo party and the government could revive the 12 May Movement. Iivula-Ithana said this during an interview with the Windhoek Observer on Monday, a day after founding President Sam Nujoma celebrated his 95th birthday. She said she doesn't understand why the 12 May Movement has been discontinued or why it has not taken place for the past few years. ‘’I didn’t hear any reason why it has stopped, when I was Swapo’s Secretary General, it used…

Niël Terblanché Synergistic efforts of local and national governments, backed by international support, hail a promising future for transformative growth of the Kunene Region. During a visit to the Kunene region, Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was briefed by Governor Marius Sheya on various developmental initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for local residents. The regional proposals include significant road upgrades, drought relief, and the transformation of communities like Sesfontein into recognized village councils. In tandem with local developments, Nandi-Ndaitwah inaugurated the Harambe-Oyetu community garden in Outjo. This 20-hectare project, supported by funding from the Chinese embassy, focuses on…

Niël Terblanché Residents of the Kap-en-Bou informal settlement in Grootfontein are pressing the local municipality to expedite the provision of essential services like water and electricity. The settlement, which sprang up following a land grab incident in 2017, has seen its population swell, intensifying the demand for basic amenities. Currently, residents have to purchase water from the nearby Blikkiesdorp settlement, paying their neighbours up to N$20 per container. The origins of Kap-en-Bou trace back to 2017 when residents, led by activists, occupied municipal land, leading to significant community and political upheaval. The actions were part of broader land allocation protests…