National News

Niël Terblanché As Namibia joined the global commemoration of World Environment Day, the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF) reaffirmed its commitment to advancing environmental protection through strategic financing and community-driven initiatives. The EIF has mobilised more than N$4 billion in environmental and climate funding to support resilience, clean technologies, and biodiversity conservation across the country. In a statement for the occasion, the EIF highlighted its role in introducing environmental levies under the Customs and Excise Act No. 20 of 1998, working with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism.   These levies generate about N$90 million annually and are reinvested in sustainability…

Allexer Namundjebo The education ministry plans to address overcrowded classrooms, mainly in urban schools.  The ministry's executive director, Mbumba Haitengela, said the ministry identified schools with teacher-to-learner ratios above the norm.  The ministry is conducting a provision norm audit to develop a three-year regional decongestion plan.  “Schools identified will be addressed in the envisaged plan. This means all schools identified will be addressed,” he said. The ministry’s formal education circular four outlines the steps towards decongestion, including short, medium, and long-term actions, with overcrowded classrooms a priority.  Haitengela explained that the platoon system currently operates two schools on one premises. …

Niël Terblanché A new campaign to stop gender-based violence in the country, the #EndGBVNamibia campaign, was launched in Windhoek on Wednesday.  The initiative aims to tackle gender-based violence through prevention, support, and public education. At the launch, the minister of gender equality and child welfare, Emma Kantema, reaffirmed the government’s stance on the issue.  “The Namibian government has taken a zero-tolerance stance against gender-based violence,” she said.  The zero-tolerance position, first declared by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah during her State of the Nation Address in April, forms the foundation of the campaign.  “We gather not just to launch a campaign, but…

Niël Terblanché Efforts to reshape mineral export routes in Southern Africa have advanced with the Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG) developing a new logistics corridor linking the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the port of Walvis Bay.  The North-Western Corridor will connect Kolwezi, a major copper mining area in the DRC, with Walvis Bay. The corridor will run through Solwezi and Mongu in Zambia, then continue southwest to Katima Mulilo before reaching Walvis Bay.  WBCG chief executive officer Mbahupu Hippy Tjivikua said the project will include new roads and a border crossing between the DRC and Zambia. A concession…

Niël Terblanché Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has called on newly graduated Namibia Correctional Service (NCS) officers to uphold the values of humanity, dignity, and national service. Delivering a message on behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at the 31st basic training graduation ceremony in Omaruru on Wednesday, Ngurare urged the graduates to treat inmates with respect. “Treat all inmates with humanity and dignity, in accordance with international protocols and standards. Your legal duty is to guide and support inmates in recognising and accepting their past mistakes, thereby aiding their reform and enabling them to become productive and law-abiding citizens,” he said.…

Justicia Shipena  Telecom Namibia and the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) are working toward a national broadband standard of at least 25 Mbps for both download and upload speeds.  This goal is part of a shared push to expand fast and equal internet access across the country and boost digital capacity. This was one of the key focus areas during a recent visit by Audrin Mathe, MICT's executive director, to Telecom Namibia’s head office.  Mathe led a high-level delegation that was received by Telecom CEO Stanley Shanapinda and his executive team. The meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to…

Niël Terblanché Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has urged civil servants across the country to take an active role in implementing the eighth administration’s development agenda. In a letter addressed to public servants this week, Ngurare said their work is central to achieving President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s vision of better service delivery and job creation. He referred to the “Service Delivery Compass” announced by the President during her inauguration and first State of the Nation Address.  Ngurare said the directive brings new hope to the nation and outlines a clear path to improving living standards and creating jobs, especially for unemployed youth.…

Allexer Namundjebo A pictorial book capturing the life of founding president Sam Nujoma was launched on Tuesday evening at the Hilton Hotel in Windhoek. The publication is a joint effort by New Era Publication Corporation, the Sam Nujoma Foundation, and businesswoman Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun. Former president Nangolo Mbumba officiated the event. It was attended by former government officials, family members, and guests. Sam Nujoma died earlier this year at the age of 95. He passed away in a Windhoek hospital after being hospitalised for three weeks, and he was buried at Heroes’ Acre. Former prime minister and chairperson of the Sam…

Allexer Namundjembo The ongoing case involving former agriculture minister Mac-Albert Hengari has raised concerns about Prosecutor General Martha Imalwa's conduct.  Defence lawyers accused her of interfering with the judicial process through public comments about the case. During Tuesday's court session, lawyers for Hengari and co-accused Simon Hango said Imalwa’s remarks to the media affected the fairness of the trial. Lawyer Kadhila Amoomo said Imalwa overstepped by commenting on the alleged victim’s condition in a media interview.  “There is one hand in the court and one hand in the media,” he said.  Amoomo argued that such actions move the case from…

Justicia Shipena The City of Windhoek and PowerCom Namibia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support the city’s goal of becoming a smart city by 2027. The agreement signed on Tuesday follows the Municipal Council of Windhoek’s approval last month of a project to upgrade streetlights in the Central Business District as part of urban renewal efforts. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Windhoek Mayor Ndeshihafela Larandja said the city is committed to leading technological transformation in Namibia.  She said the partnership with PowerCom will help improve service delivery, infrastructure, and economic opportunities. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision…