National News

Allexer Namundjembo NANSO spokesperson Junias Haufiku has identified students' reluctance to study key subjects as a major contributor to high failure rates. In an interview with the Windhoek Observer last week, Haufiku noted that this trend is particularly noticeable in languages like English and Afrikaans, where many learners believe they can pass without putting in the necessary effort to study. “The assumption that they can succeed without diligent study creates a gap between their expectations and the reality of the exam's challenges. As a result, the level of difficulty in the exams often comes as a shock to many students,…

Stefanus Nashama Victims of stormwater flooding in Windhoek two weeks ago and who were recently relocated to Farm 508, situated behind the Goreangab informal settlement, will soon have access to essential services, including schools, a clinic, and a police station. Samora Machel Constituency councillor, Nestor Kalola confirmed this in an interview with the Windhoek Observer over the weekend. "The construction of the clinic, police station, and schools is in progress," he said. He said the site for the new services was handed over to the contractor by the Khomas Regional Council on January 9, and work has begun. Kalola added…

FNB Namibia economist Helena Mboti speaks to Observer Money about Shell's recent announcement that it will write down approximately US$400 million related to an offshore oil discovery in Namibia, which was deemed commercially unviable. Observer Money asked Mboti how this announcement could impact Namibia’s GDP growth projections. Observer Money (OM): How does the recent announcement by Shell that it will write down around US$400 million over an oil discovery offshore Namibia that it deemed commercially unviable affect FNB's future GDP growth projections? Helena Mboti (HM): While a US$400 million write-off may seem significant relative to the size of the Namibian…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Simon Iyambo credits blood donations for saving his life after a car accident last year left him critically injured. “I needed an emergency blood transfusion after losing so much blood in the accident. If it weren’t for those who donated blood, I wouldn’t be here today. They don’t just give blood; they give life,” Iyambo said. His testimony comes as public debates intensify over compensating blood donors, with the Ministry of Health and Social Services spending an average of N$160 million annually on blood and blood products. Despite this, some Namibians argue that the voluntary system should be…

Mallex Shipanga Seventeen-year-old Julia Shaama from Ongha village in the Ohangwena region is seeking assistance to publish her debut novel, Behind Me. Shaama, a learner at Dr Abraham Iyambo Secondary School, has completed her manuscript but faces challenges in getting it published. “The book is complete, but I still have not published the book. I do not know where to publish the book. I have got no sponsors,” she said. She expressed her pride in completing the novel and her eagerness to see it published. “With happiness and a smile on my face, I will be proud to see that…

Mallex Shipanga At just 24 years old, Ruan Potgieter has quickly made a name for himself in Namibia’s fashion industry. Born in Swakopmund and raised in Windhoek, Potgieter began his modelling journey in 2019, just a year after finishing secondary school. Now, as he approaches his 25th birthday, he reflects on a journey that has transformed him into a local supermodel. “I was inspired by friends to start modelling, and I also really enjoy fashion. So when the first opportunity knocked, doing a small shoot for an acquaintance, my love for the posing arts had quite the jumpstart. I was…

Martin Endjala Internal divisions within the National Democratic Unity Organisation (Nudo) are expected to escalate this year as the party prepares for local authority elections scheduled for November. The ongoing factional battles have already delayed key processes, including the party's congress and the selection of a presidential candidate in last year’s presidential elections. The party obtained one seat in the National Assembly. It currently has two seats occupied by the party president, Esther Muinjangue and secretary general, Joseph Kauandenge. Infighting prevented the party from holding its elective congress last year, leading to its postponement to May this year. A faction…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Windhoek High Court has summoned Vice-President and President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, along with former justice minister Sacky Shanghala, to testify in a constitutional case brought by activist Job Amupanda. The case challenges the constitutionality of the veterinary cordon fence, commonly known as the Red Line. The hearing is set to run from 20 January to 31 January. In the summons dated 16 January, Nandi-Ndaitwah, in her capacity as former minister of international relations, is expected to address the government's claims regarding international agreements that could be affected if the red line is removed. Shanghala, currently in jail awaiting…

Allexer Namundjembo Students and youth leaders are urging the government to prioritise funding for technical and vocational education and training institutions (TVET) to attract more applicants and reduce the stigma associated with vocational training. The Landless People’s Movement (LPM) Youth Command leader, Duminga Ndala, in an interview with the Windhoek Observer on Thursday, said she would like to urge the government, through the education ministry, to encourage students to study at TVETs. She said students need to understand that TVETs are not only for those who did not meet university requirements but are also another form of higher learning, offering…

The Globe and Mail Sickness has been common for years in Tsumeb, where Dundee Precious Metals (DPM) was the biggest employer for more than a decade. Tests have now found the soil is contaminated with arsenic and other heavy metals In the citrus orchards above the Namibian town, workers often fall sick. They say they feel a burning sensation in their eyes and throats and a metallic taste in their mouths as the wind blows across from the copper smelter a few kilometres away. “When the gas is coming from that side, we get headaches and dizziness, and sometimes you…