National News

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s new administration is committed to enforcing a zero-tolerance policy on corruption. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, while addressing the first general staff meeting at State House on Thursday, urged staff in the Office of the President to hold themselves to the highest ethical standards while they are in the service of the Namibian people. Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed that those entrusted with public service must act with integrity, transparency and humility, without expecting anything in return. “Let us hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards and expect nothing in return in our quest to provide timely and excellent services to all…

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Grape Company (NGC) has declared and paid its first dividend since inception. The NGC transferred N$10 million to its sole shareholder, the National Youth Service (NYS), during a ceremony held in Windhoek on Thursday. According to the NGC board chairperson, Richwell Lukonga, the inaugural dividend represents a major turning point for the company, which has been on a path of recovery and expansion since its partnership with Capespan was renewed in 2024. He said that the renewed agreement, which will now run until 2045, redefined the terms of engagement between the two parties, with NGC now…

Niël Terblanché Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has called on the executive directors (Eds) of the various Offices, Ministries and Agencies (OMAs) to create a workplace culture that motivates public servants to deliver quality services without favour or prejudice. While addressing a gathering of senior government officials in Windhoek on Thursday, he urged the top government managers to act with integrity, dispel negative perceptions of public institutions, and drive the public service agenda with purpose and discipline. Ngurare outlined the expectations of the new administration, reminding the EDs that they are not only the custodians of policy implementation but also central…

Herrta-Maria Aumtenya Affirmative Repositioning (AR) Member of Parliament, George Kambala, has urged the National Assembly to take decisive action on youth inclusion, stating that young people demand dignity and not handouts. Delivering his maiden speech on Thursday, Kambala reflected on his own difficult journey to parliament, marked by protest, expulsion from Swapo, and public ridicule.  Alongside AR leader Job Amupanda and current Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, Kambala was suspended from Swapo for their radical stance on land and justice. “It has been a journey of protest and pain, accusations, ridicule and resistance. I know what it means to be humiliated…

Niël Terblanché National security, institutional reform, and resource optimisation are among the key priorities set out by Frans Kapofi, the Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, when he welcomed the Ministry’s new leadership team on Monday. During a ceremony held at the ministry’s head office in Windhoek, Charles Mubita was officially introduced as the new deputy minister, alongside Annelly Haiphene, the ministry’s newly appointed executive director. Kapofi, who was reappointed to the ministerial post with effect from 1 April, used the occasion to outline his strategic direction under the 8th Administration, in line with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s emphasis on integrity,…

Niël Terblanché Namibia is confronting an alarming surge in cyber threats, with over 1.1 million incidents recorded in 2024 alone. These attacks have targeted businesses, government entities, and individuals, leading to substantial financial losses and data breaches. Telecom Namibia suffered a major ransomware attack in December 2024, resulting in the exposure of sensitive customer data. The hackers, identified as the group Hunters International, leaked approximately 626 gigabytes of data after the company refused to pay the demanded ransom. In a related incident, scammers exploited the likeness of former First Lady Monica Geingos to perpetrate investment fraud. Using manipulated videos and…

Ester Mbathera  Young lawmaker, Fenny Tutjavi, has called for the creative industry to be recognised as a vital sector of the economy capable of creating jobs and generating revenue. According to her, the creative industry is not a side hustle but has the potential to create jobs and make money for the country. “It is high time we stop treating the creative industry as a hobby sector. Arts, music, and media are not side hustles. They are industries,” she said. She said this during her maiden speech in the National Assembly on Wednesday. She said these industries can employ thousands,…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  Residents of the Havana and Hakahana residential areas in Windhoek have raised alarm over open sewage trenches along the Hakahana-Havana Road and Peter Nanyemba (Monte Cristo) Road, calling the situation a serious public safety risk. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) Movement said more than five vehicles have fallen into the trenches recently, with criminal activity around the sites also on the rise. AR Khomas regional chairperson Sem David said the unfinished road and sewage works have left the area unsafe for motorists, pedestrians, and children. “Children are seen playing inside the trenches. These…

Niël Terblanché A group of young learners from Penombili Private Primary School in Walvis Bay took action for the environment by organising a beach clean-up at Independence Beach. The initiative, spearheaded by the school’s principal, Francina Hidengwa, encouraged pupils to take pride in their surroundings while learning about environmental care. “We want to set a strong example for environmental stewardship within our community,” she said. Hidengwa described the day as both purposeful and enjoyable. “The clean-up effort not only contributed to a cleaner coastline but also served as a fun and educational outdoor activity,” she added. Hidengwa said the learners…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Employees of Pretorius Plant Hire Trust in Windhoek have downed tools in a legal strike led by the Namibian Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union (NARETU), following a protracted wage dispute and what the union says is a breach of strike rules. NARETU’s commander-in-chief, Petersen Kambind, confirmed on Tuesday that the strike comes after wage talks between the workers and the company collapsed last year and were referred to the Office of the Labour Commissioner. Kambinda said the company has since attempted to use replacement drivers, a move he says violates the strike agreement signed by both parties. “This…