National News

Moses Magadza The Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) and the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) have concluded a joint planning meeting ahead of signing a Grant Agreement to launch a new project titled “Enhancing Accountability and Citizen Participation in Regional Integration through Regional Parliament.”  The three-year initiative, backed by €1.4 million in funding from the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and the European Union (EU), aims to bolster democratic governance, promote gender equality, and strengthen regional integration across SADC member states. Speaking after the two-day meeting held on January 30-31 in Windhoek, Sheuneni Kurasha, Manager of the Programme on…

Niël Terblanché Outraged residents of Swakopmund gathered in front of the Magistrate’s Court to protest against the granting of bail for three young men accused of killing a beloved pet dog and its sale for human consumption. Three of the four suspects made their first appearance before the court on Wednesday. The accused, Seth Skrywer (20), Lourens Nanub (18), and Mariando Bloedstaan (20), were released on bail of N$3 000 each, while a 12-year-old minor was placed under parental supervision. The case was postponed to 18 March. The accused persons were charged with theft, money laundering, and animal cruelty. The…

Niël Terblanché President Nangolo Mbumba has called on the Cabinet to make the most of the few remaining weeks before the inauguration of the new administration. Speaking at the official opening of the first Cabinet meeting of 2025 on Wednesday, Mbumba urged the members to uphold transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership in delivering on their constitutional duties. “The official opening of the first Cabinet meeting of the year is not merely ceremonial. It is an occasion where we are all reminded of our constitutional obligation as members of the executive,” he said. He also reflected on the challenges of the…

Stefanus Nashama  Urban gardeners in informal settlements face an uphill battle with no direct support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform. The ministry’s spokesperson, Jennifer Paulus, told the Windhoek Observer last week when responding to calls for assistance from residents struggling to sustain their backyard gardens.  “We do not have a hand in supporting gardening in the informal settlement. I think that is the responsibility of the Windhoek municipality,” she said. Wilhelmina Iikela, a resident of the Goreangab informal settlement, has brought attention to the challenges faced by urban gardeners in Namibia who make a living from…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja President Nangolo Mbumba assumed office on 4 February 2024, following the passing of President Hage Geingob.  At the time, he was the vice president of the country.  On the same day that Geingob died, he was sworn in as Namibia’s fourth President.   Mbumba reflected on that day during a remembrance service for Geingob at the statehouse on Tuesday. “Exactly 365 days ago, with tears in my eyes, I had to take the oath of office as the president of Namibia. After that, I told security and protocol the office of the president should remain closed and his cars…

Niël Terblanché Swakopmund residents are outraged after a beloved pet dog was stolen, brutally killed, and its carcass allegedly sold to a kapana trader. The incident, which took place on Saturday, has sparked an outcry, with community members calling for justice and urging people to attend the upcoming court proceedings to oppose bail for the accused. According to Chrane Wasserfall from the Civilian Animal Protection Unit (CAPU), the dog, named Ragnir, was stolen from its owner’s yard in the Matutura residential area on Saturday. The devastated owner spent hours searching for her two missing dogs, eventually recovering one. However, Ragnir…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  Advocate Richard Metcalfe has criticised his former client, Reinhold Shipwikineni, following his withdrawal as his legal representative in the case against Swapo and its presidential candidate, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Metcalfe stated that his professional relationship with Shipwikineni had broken down irretrievably, making it impossible for him to continue representing him. “Shipwikineni misrepresents himself as an attorney and refuses to accept cogent legal advice. He appears, with the utmost respect, to be addicted to prevarication and deception in order to advance his nefarious ego,” Metcalfe said. Metcalfe refuted claims that he had been threatened by the deputy chief justice, Petrus…

Niël Terblanché With the Environmental Crimes Court (ECC) now officially operational, environmental advocates and law enforcement agencies hope that swift and firm justice will deter criminals involved in poaching and other wildlife crimes to reinforce Namibia’s reputation as a leader in conservation efforts. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has welcomed the establishment and progress of Namibia’s first-ever specialised ECC in Otjiwarongo, which is set to play a crucial role in tackling wildlife-related offences. According to the ministry’s spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda, the court represents an important milestone in the country’s fight against environmental and wildlife crimes. In a statement…

Mallex Shipanga  The Namibia Breast Milk Bank (NBMB) is in need of breast milk donors in Windhoek. Paediatrician, Gerald Morkel explained that the donations support babies who do not have access to their mother's milk, especially those weighing 1.5 kg or less, who may need supplemental feeding. “Breast milk donations save babies' lives by providing essential nutrition and immune protection that is crucial for their development, especially for premature or sick infants. By receiving donor breast milk, these infants have a better chance of survival, reduced complications, and healthier growth outcomes, ultimately leading to a significant decrease in infant mortality…