National News

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism has reaffirmed its commitment to pangolin conservation. This initiative, created in collaboration with the Namibian Pangolin Working Group, is set for release in 2025. With the release of the National Species Management Plan on the horizon, Namibia aims to set an example in species conservation to the rest of the world, ensuring that its pangolin population is safeguarded for future generations. Romeo Muyunda, the ministry’s spokesperson said in a statement released on Saturday, World Pangolin Day, that since 2018, at least 570 pangolins have been poached in documented cases. Muyunda reiterated…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Namibian Cycling Federation has cautioned cyclists against using the newly constructed road from the Waldorf offramp in Klein Windhoek leading to Hosea Kutako International Airport. Federation President, Tauko Shilongo said contractors working on the road had instructed the federation to inform its members not to cycle on it until it is officially handed over to the Roads Authority. ‘’This is effective immediately, we kindly request that all cyclists refrain from training on this road until the Dr Hage Geingob Freeway is officially opened for public use,’’ said Shilongo. He said the restriction applies to all sections, including…

Staff reporter Kasi Magic emerged as the champions of the Afrocat Sports Club's inaugural beach netball tournament held over the weekend at A. Shipena secondary school.  This tournament saw ten teams competing in an exciting display of athleticism and skill, paving the way for the expansion of beach netball as a recognized discipline. Kasi Magic was closely followed by Goal Getters, who secured the runners-up position. On The Move claimed third place, while Dream Team finished in fourth. Dimitri Bittler, the Operations Officer for Afrocat, expressed pride in the achievement, emphasizing its significance not just for the club, but for…

Stefanus Nashama  Ivan Skrywer, chairperson of the Formalisation of Informal Settlements and Integration of Groot Aub Council Advisory Committee, has accused elites of grabbing land on the outskirts of Groot Aub. Skrywer, who is also a City of Windhoek (CoW) councillor, told the Windhoek Observer over the weekend that wealthy individuals acquire land, hire farm workers, and live in Windhoek’s affluent suburbs while the local population struggles. “They think they are untouchable, but through my office, I will deal with them,” Skrywer said. According to Skrywer, the issue of land grabbing has been exacerbated by the involvement of powerful figures.…

Stefanus Nashama  Regional councillors from Samora Machel and Moses Garoeb constituencies have raised concerns over poor communication from the City of Windhoek (CoW) regarding community services. Their concerns follow the municipality’s recent announcement of three new communal taps, costing N$177,503.59.  CoW spokesperson, Lydia Amutenya confirmed the installation of one tap in Otjomuise and two in the Goreangab informal settlement. “The construction of these three completed communal taps cost the City of Windhoek approximately N$177,503.59 (including VAT) and involved the installation of 270 meters of water pipelines,” she said. The taps were part of a broader initiative to improve water access…

Ester Mbathera  Women journalists in sub-Saharan Africa face persistent barriers that hinder their careers, a new report reveals.  The study, conducted by the Fojo Media Institute and African Women in Media (AWiM), identifies gender discrimination, unequal pay, sexual harassment, and limited career progression as key challenges in the industry. The primary researcher for the study, Yemisi Akinbobola, an award-winning journalist, academic, consultant, and co-founder of African Women in Media (AWiM), found that many female journalists are confined to roles deemed less significant, while their male counterparts dominate decision-making positions.  “I got an opportunity to replace my boss, who was transferred…

Stefanus Nashama  The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform urged farmers to stay alert and report any pest outbreaks following concerns over the spread of armyworms in the Oshikoto and Oshana regions. The ministry’s spokesperson, Regina Valombola told the Windhoek Observer on Thursday that early detection and reporting are critical in the process of managing pests. “After significant rainfall, many pests, including armyworms, are more likely to infest green vegetation, including cultivated crops. While this is a natural occurrence, it’s crucial for farmers to regularly monitor their fields and report any findings to the nearest ministry branch,” she explained.…

Hertta-Maria  Member of Parliament, Jerry Ekandjo has rejected calls for an apology regarding past remarks made by late Founding President Sam Nujoma against the LGBTQI+ community. Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Ekandjo dismissed any obligation to apologise, stating that neither he nor the party owed anything to the LGBTQI+ community. "The lesbians engaged in yesterday's newspaper say we must apologise. Nujoma never owed them anything. In Swapo, we don’t need their votes either. We don’t need them," Ekandjo said. He further added that the LGBTQI+ community should seek forgiveness from God rather than expecting an apology from political leaders. "They must…

Niël Terblanché The weighbridge at the Katima Mulilo border post will commence with 24-hour operations from 1 April. This decision was approved by the Cabinet to streamline the flow of heavy transport trucks between Namibia and Zambia and address the persistent congestion at the border post. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Transport, John Mutorwa, presented a proposal to the Cabinet that encompassed both immediate and long-term strategies to enhance efficiency at this port of entry.  Among the short-term interventions is the implementation of documentary pre-clearance procedures. According to the Mutorwa, this approach ensures that all necessary…

Stefanus Nashama Uukwiyuushona Constituency Councillor Andreas Amundjindi has called on residents to support the ongoing construction of a tarred road, emphasizing that cooperation is essential for timely completion. In an interview with The Windhoek Observer on Thursday, Amundjindi confirmed that progress is being made despite challenges that could cause delays. “The work is going well, however, there are a few challenges, such as vehicles driving on the work layout, causing extra work for the construction company.  This happens mostly after heavy rainfall, and it forces the company to redo work that was already completed,” he said. He suggested that the…