National News

Mallex Shipanga  UNAM has introduced flexible payment options to assist students who face financial difficulties during registration.  The new measures were announced in a notice issued on 10 February. Under the new arrangement, students can register with reduced upfront payments.  The minimum amount required for registration has been lowered from N$2 975 to N$1 500.  For those unable to afford even the reduced amount, UNAM has introduced a N$0 upfront payment option. Students benefiting from these flexible payment options must sign a payment agreement, which outlines the terms for settling their outstanding balance by the end of November. Those who…

Niël Terblanché The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) has initiated a collective bargaining process with Trigon Metals' Kombat Mine following the company’s plans to retrench 533 employees without prior union consultation. MUN general secretary George Ampweya said on Wednesday that the union intervened after the Canadian company announced the retrenchments following flooding at the mine. "We are pleased with Kombat Mine's willingness to engage in an orderly collective bargaining process,” he said. Ampweya said the negotiations will focus on severance packages, post-termination medical check-ups, and relocation benefits. "Such conditions are important for a fair process and would not have been…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The deaths of two paramedics in a road accident 20 kilometres from Otavi on the B1 road on Tuesday morning have renewed calls for stricter road safety measures, particularly for emergency responders. The Ministry of Health and Social Services executive director, Ben Nangombe, described the loss as tragic, emphasising that reckless driving continues to put lives at risk. “Emergency care practitioners are trained in defensive driving skills and how to handle difficult road conditions to minimise risks. We provide them with the necessary tools, but the behaviour of road users remains a major contributing factor to accidents,” he…

Ester Mbathera  The former Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) chief executive officer Digu //Naobeb has come forward with new evidence disputing NTB’s claims of fraud and contractual irregularities in its dealings with Ghanaian tourism service provider Hype.UP Limited. The allegations stem from NTB’s tourism promotion projects in Ghana in 2023, which included networking events and marketing activities aimed at boosting Namibia’s presence in the Ghanaian market. In a letter dated 6 February, seen by Windhoek Observer addressed to the board chairperson Olavia Hamwele, //Naobeb argues that NTB’s allegations are unfounded and an attempt to shift blame from the board’s failure to…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture has directed all educational institutions to observe specific protocols during the national mourning period following the passing of Namibia’s Founding President, Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma. According to a directive issued by executive director Sanet Steenkamp, schools, libraries, and resource centres were instructed to fly the national flag at half-mast and hold moments of silence at official gatherings. Schools must also display Nujoma’s portrait at main entrances, accompanied by a condolence book and candles where feasible. “As we mourn this great loss, we honour his unwavering and remarkable contribution to the education system,”…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Swakopmund, known for its German colonial architecture, is grappling with the balance between preserving its historical identity and embracing new developments.  This debate has become prominent as the town expands and modernises to cater to both locals and tourists. One resident, Ndapandula Matheus, expressed mixed feelings about the ongoing developments.  “I love the history of Swakopmund and its buildings, but I understand the need for progress,” she said.  While she acknowledges the importance of maintaining the town’s unique heritage, she hopes that new projects do not overshadow its charm. In contrast, another resident, John Kamati, argued that the…

Mallex Shipanga  Following the passing of founding president Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, young people have reflected on his legacy. They shared mixed views on his impact on their lives and the opportunities available to them today. Hope Muonde (19) said that Sam Nujoma has made an impact on the lives of young people. Muonde explained that Nujoma’s participation in the liberation struggle has had a lasting impact on young people. “Let us make sure that every child on the African continent, whether their parents have the money or not, must attend primary and secondary schools, as well as universities, to make…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  Regional and international organisations have expressed their condolences following the passing of the founding president, Sam Nujoma, describing him as a fearless liberation hero whose legacy shaped the country’s independence. The South African Students Union (SASU) described Nujoma as “a towering figure in Africa’s liberation struggle.”.  “He dedicated his life to the fight for Namibia’s freedom,” said the union.  It also highlighted his nearly three decades in exile as the leader of Swapo. The United Nations in Namibia also paid tribute, stating his dedication to freedom.  “His dedication to freedom, democracy, and unity shaped Namibia. Our thoughts are…

Niël Terblanché On Monday, Commander Klaudia Hainghumbi, the acting Commandant of the Namibian Naval Training School, welcomed members of the Namibian Air Force to a Basic Sea Survival course at Rooikop outside Walvis Bay. The commander informed course participants that the month-long programme aims to develop water confidence, impart sea survival techniques, and enhance physical fitness among the participants. In her opening address, Commander Hainghumbi stressed the critical importance of swimming as a lifesaving skill, particularly for Air Force personnel. "As a member of the Air Force, you are expected to operate in various challenging environments, including water, for search…