National News

Namibia set to roll out digital IDs

Namibia set to roll out digital IDs

 Niël Terblanché Namibia is preparing to transition to a digital identity system aimed at improving service delivery, unlocking opportunities, and tackling corruption.  Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Lucia Iipumbu addressed the media at the Ministry’s headquarters in Windhoek on Monday.  She praised the ministry and its partners for their efforts in planning the transition to Digital Legal Identity. She called the shift a timely and necessary move for a world that is becoming increasingly digital.  “Let us become champions of Digital Legal Identity in Africa, so others can learn from us,” she said. Iipumbu urged all stakeholders…
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Researchers propose turning locusts into animal feed

Researchers propose turning locusts into animal feed

Allexer Namundjembo Farmers in the northern parts of the country facing outbreaks of destructive insects like locusts and armoured crickets could benefit by using these insects as animal feed. Hiskia Asino, a doctorate candidate in aquaculture and nutrition at the University of Namibia (Unam), proposed turning pests such as locusts, armyworms, and armoured crickets into protein-rich feed for poultry, pigs, and fish.  His idea aims to reduce crop damage and lower feed costs. "Instead of viewing these pests only as a threat, we should begin to see them as a resource. Locusts, for example, are high in protein and can…
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UNAM, NUST await formal details on free tertiary education rollout

UNAM, NUST await formal details on free tertiary education rollout

Ester Mbathera  The University of Namibia (UNAM) says it has not yet received formal, detailed communication on how the government's new subsidy for tertiary education will be implemented. This follows President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s announcement during her State of the Nation Address last week that tertiary education at public institutions will be fully subsidised from the 2026 academic year. UNAM’s spokesperson, Simon Namesho, said the university welcomes the announcement as a positive and progressive step for the future of higher education. “As a key stakeholder in the national education system, UNAM remains available for engagement at the appropriate policy levels to…
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Okahandja community demands action amid murder spree

Okahandja community demands action amid murder spree

Allexer Namundjembo “Okahandja, once known as Namibia’s Garden Town, has now become a place where people live in fear,” said Reinold #Goseb, capturing the growing anxiety of residents after a spate of brutal murders targeting young girls. Community members are calling for urgent action: military patrols, curfews, and enhanced school security. One resident, Richwell Tjitenda, whose children attend school in Okahandja, said he now fears every school pickup. “When you don’t find your child at school, your first thought is that they’ve become a victim,” Tjitenda said. Tjitenda also pointed to drug abuse as a contributing factor and urged the…
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Shetu’s burial in DRC leaves family in limbo

Shetu’s burial in DRC leaves family in limbo

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  The family of Apostle Paulus Shiwoomwenyo Shetu is grappling with the shock of his burial in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) without their prior knowledge. Shetu (50) passed away on 22 April 2025 in Lubumbashi, DRC. Speaking to the Windhoek Observer, family spokesperson Petrus Sheya said they only found out about Shetu’s death and burial after receiving a message from an unknown number. “We just received a message after he was buried already. In fact, someone texted me from the DRC and then sent an SMS in French. Then I responded in English, asking who the person…
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Masake calls for urgent reforms of the fishing industry

Masake calls for urgent reforms of the fishing industry

Niël Terblanché Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources, Ruth Masake, urged the fishing industry to join forces with the government in building a more inclusive, science-based regulatory system. Speaking at the annual fishing industry address held in Walvis Bay on Friday, Masake outlined a vision of sustainable practices, equitable resource allocation, and stronger collaboration to ensure the long-term viability of the sector. Delivering her first formal address to stakeholders since her appointment, Masake stressed the importance of partnership between government and industry to achieve broader development objectives. "Our President, Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has made it clear that the…
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Swapo playing both referee and player in parliament’ – IPC

Swapo playing both referee and player in parliament’ – IPC

Allexer Namundjembo The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has accused the ruling party of undermining parliamentary oversight by monopolising leadership positions in National Assembly committees. The IPC is calling the move a threat to democracy and a “deepening constitutional crisis.” The IPC’s Chief Whip, Imms Nashinge, said the current setup undermines Parliament’s oversight role. “Let’s call it what it is: Committee capture. When the referee wears the same jersey as the player, the game is rigged,” he said. The accusations come after parliament confirmed appointments to its standing committees. Swapo secured chairmanship over eight out of nine committees.  Only the…
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No action on Club Pamodzi building

No action on Club Pamodzi building

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Eight months after the Windhoek City Police pledged to trace the new owner of the abandoned Pamodzi building and to increase patrols, residents say criminal activity at the site remains a concern. The building, located in Rykmans Dorp, has been a hotspot for criminal activity since its closure in 2015.  Last year, a woman and her two sons were robbed at knifepoint in front of the structure, prompting fresh calls from the community and leaders for urgent action. Residents of the nearby Pamodzi Village flats continue to express concern. “Nothing has changed. We still hear people screaming at…
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IPC’s Forbes recovering after car accident

IPC’s Forbes recovering after car accident

Niël Terblanché The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) says its vice president, Trevino Forbes, is recovering well after being involved in a car accident on Wednesday evening.   Christine !Auchamus, the IPC’s National General Secretary, confirmed to the Windhoek Observer that Forbes, who also serves as the mayor of Walvis Bay, sustained a broken collarbone in the incident. She added that the news sent shockwaves through the party’s membership. “News about any motor vehicle accident is always shocking. It is so much worse when people know the person or persons involved,” she said. She added that the incident, which took place…
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BIPA forgives N$219 million in fines for over 28 000 businesses

BIPA forgives N$219 million in fines for over 28 000 businesses

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  Since the beginning of its yearly duty penalty waiver program in November 2023, the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) has forgiven fines totalling N$219 million for 28 203 businesses. This follows the extension of the waiver deadline to 30 September 2025, aimed at helping thousands of non-compliant businesses avoid deregistration and regain good standing. The waiver applies to all registered entities with outstanding annual duty payments and late fees from 2012 to 2022. BIPA confirmed that, as of 31 March this year, around 177 000 entities had not yet participated in the campaign. According to BIPA’s spokesperson,…
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