National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja An open letter from social justice activists has sparked a backlash over the government’s recent handover of 8 132 hectares of land to the |Khomanin Traditional Authority. The handover, which took place in November 2024, involved the transfer of Farm Groot Korasieplaats and Portion 1 of the farm, purchased by the government for N$33.9 million. In his open letter, Shaun Gariseb accuses the minister of agriculture, water and land reform, Calle Schlettwein, of deceiving the |Khomanin community regarding the suitability of the land. Gariseb, in his letter, highlights the farm's severe water shortage, noting that the farm has…

Stefanus Nashama The City of Windhoek (CoW) plans to relocate people of approximately 100 households affected by flash floods that destroyed many shacks in the capital to Farm 508 in the Goreangab area over the past weekend. City councillor Ivan Skrywer confirmed this on Monday. “The city will host up to 100 households on farm 508 behind Okapale,” he said. One of the affected residents, Lukas Ihuhwa, welcomed the news of the relocation but expressed deep concern about the irreparable losses caused by the flood. “We are not just concerned about shelter, mattresses, or food. We are deeply distressed by…

Ester Mbathera After retiring in 2023, Heroldt Murangi was appointed as the executive director of the Namibia Institute of Public Administration and Management (Nipam) for the next three years. Murangi went from retirement in November 2023 to newly employed on 01 January this year. He is taking up the role after his predecessor Maria Nangolo’s term ended in 2023 and no substantive head was appointed since. Murangi, who is over 60 years old, retired from his position as chief executive officer of the Namibian College of Open Learning (Namcol) after he took up the role in 2007. In a press…

Niël Terblanché Namibia and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), following an official visit by Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China and Member of the Political Bureau of the Chinese CPC Central Committee, to Namibia on a two-day mission. A statement issued by the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation said that during a courtesy call at the old State House in Windhoek on Monday with Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Vice President and President-Elect of Namibia, discussions with the Chinese foreign affairs minister focused on enhancing…

Stefanus Nashama Political commentator, Ben Mulongeni said the expectation of the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) leader, Epafras Mukwiilongo, for the party not to receive one seat from the 2024 general elections is realistic. The party currently has two seats in parliament. Mulongeni shared these sentiments with the Windhoek Observer on Sunday. “His expectation is objective. Where did the two seats come from and how did the party only get that one seat at the time of its popularity growing,” he questioned. However, Mulongeni said Mukwiilongo is not the only disappointed one. Other political parties, such as Nudo, the All…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Hardap dam that went to its lowest water level ever at 5.5 %, forcing NamWater to order irrigation farming activities in the areas to stop taking water from the dam, has increased its water level to 14.8 % after a good rainfall recently. Namwater spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata announced on Monday that the recent favourable rainfall has collectively added 49.605 million cubic meters of water in major dams across the country, marking a significant step towards improved water availability and boosting water security for households, agriculture, and industries. He said notable water level increases were recorded at Swakoppoort…

Niël Terblanché Hundreds of Belgian, Dutch, and German tourists have been stranded at Namibia's Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) for four days due to repeated flight cancellations by Eurowings Discover, a subsidiary of Germany’s national airline, Lufthansa. The ordeal started when a defective part grounded the scheduled Airbus A330-300 operating flight 4Y139 to Frankfurt last Thursday. Since then, passengers were informed of a new departure time, only to face further delays. This cycle has left many travellers in a state of frustration and uncertainty, particularly during the peak travel season when rebooking options are limited. According to Bisey Uirab, the…

Martin Endjala The chairperson of the Council of Traditional Authorities, Chief Immanuel ǂNu-Axa |Gaseb, has called for urgent intervention in the ongoing debacle in the Dâure Daman Traditional Authority. On Saturday, the traditional authorities forcibly removed several community members from the offices where they had been camping since 18 November 2024. This also led to the arrest of community activists Jimmy ||Araseb and Ringo |Huseb. According to Gâseb, what unfolded in Uis is painting a bad image of the Dâure Daman people. “I am very disappointed in how this matter is being handled. As the chairperson of traditional authority, I…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Medical doctor and former minister of health Dr Bernhard Haufiku has called for a ban on all commercial advertisements in the health domain, citing concerns about misinformation and ethical violations. Haufiku made the remarks in response to an advertisement for supplements made in WhatsApp groups claiming to treat and heal diseases and chronic medical conditions, such as ulcers, diabetes, cholesterol, and many others. "This is part of medical misinformation that needs to be restricted. Actually, all forms of commercial ads in the health domain should be banned. They are highly misleading and confuse the public,” he said. NeoLife,…

Stefanus Nashama Flooding after heavy rains on Friday left many Windhoek residents in informal settlements homeless, as their shacks and properties were washed away. Areas most affected include Otjomuise in the Khomasdal constituency, as well as Goreangab and Havana in the Samora Machel constituency. City of Windhoek spokesperson Harold Akwenye said plans for the relocation of victims and at-risk residents are being considered. “We intend to prioritize their safety and well-being. Plans for relocation will depend on several factors, including the availability of resources, suitable alternative housing, and input from the affected communities,” Akwenye explained. Akwenye said the city will…