National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Okahao State Hospital in the Omusati Region has been grappling with a critical shortage of essential medical supplies. Patients seeking medical care have been left stranded without critical items such as health passports, tonsil medication, and amoxicillin syrup, sparking growing concerns over the deteriorating state of healthcare services in the area. The Windhoek Observer visited the hospital on Sunday and witnessed that the essential items were indeed out of stock. Due to a lack of medical passports, patients received handwritten documents to record their medical information. “This is frustrating. I came here for my child’s medication, and…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Netball Namibia’s president, Rebekka Goagoses has called on local authorities to prioritise the construction of proper sports facilities or repurpose warehouses and community spaces into sports venues, particularly those that can accommodate netball. Goagoses made the appeal during the closing ceremony of the Africa Netball Cup 2024, held at the Dome in Swakopmund from 9 to 14 December. “For this, I call on our local authorities to prioritise the construction of proper sports facilities. Let us turn our warehouses and community spaces into venues that nurture our athletes and prepare them for international competition,” she said. The tournament…

Niël Terblanché Swakopmund is gearing up for a festive season filled with joy, safety and security. A special detachment of the Namibian Police’s Special Reserve Force arrived in the holiday town on Sunday and their mission is to enforce law and order throughout the bustling festive period, ensuring a safe and tranquil environment for both residents and visitors. Linda Mupupa, the spokesperson of the municipality, reiterated the council's support for the endeavour. “As part of its commitment to a safe and secure environment, the town council sponsored N$147 027 to accommodate and provide meals for the Special Reserve Force members,”…

Martin Endjala The Namibian United Party (UNP) has described the just-concluded 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections as illegitimate. In a statement issued recently, UNP chief servant, Amos Likuwa criticised the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), saying it had no valid reason to create a chaotic voting process given the time and resources at its disposal. “Fellow Namibians, the ECN’s actions are undeniable, unbelievable, indescribable and unacceptable,” he said. Likuwa claimed that the ECN was acting against the interests of many Namibians, denying and grossly violating citizens' rights throughout the nation. “The only question that lingers in my mind is…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Rundu Rural Constituency Councillor Paulus Mbangu has criticised the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare for excluding unemployed rural residents from benefiting from the Basic Income Grant (BIG). The grant, introduced to alleviate poverty among struggling families, targets Namibians aged between 18 and 59. Its implementation has largely been concentrated in urban areas, angering rural communities. Mbangu likened the ministry’s urban-focused approach to apartheid-era policies, arguing that it discriminates against rural residents and fosters negative perceptions of the government. “The ministry’s urban-centric policies are no different from apartheid policies, as they ignore the unique challenges…

Martin Endjala The Namibia Security Labour Forum (NSLF) and the Security Association of Namibia (SAN) have implemented a resolution aimed at bringing fairness and sustainability to the security industry. The wage order, which comes into effect on 1 January 2025, introduces critical changes designed to uplift the standard of living for security company employees. Dhiginina Uutaapama, president of SAN, said on Friday that the revised minimum wages ensure fair remuneration aligned with the cost of living and respect. “It also emphasises the vital role security officers play in safeguarding our communities,” he said. Uutaapama added that the changes will improve…

Martin Endjala On average, 436 deaths have been recorded each year on Namibian roads over the past three years This is according to Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, John Haufiku, who made the revelation on 13 December during a road safety campaign sponsorship acknowledgement event in Windhoek. The campaign, launched last month in the Oshikoto region, is a collaborative effort between the National Road Safety Council, Roads Authority, the Namibian Police, and the Road Fund Administration. From 1 January to 7 December, 2 925 crashes have been recorded, resulting in 5 297 injuries and 385 fatalities.…

Allexer Namundjembo Suspended members of the National Youth Council (NYC) board issued an ultimatum to youth minister Agnes Tjongarero, demanding their immediate reinstatement after what they describe as an unjust suspension. Former chairperson Eva Awases, along with Simon Taapopi, Josef Petrus, Melinda Mogotsi, Rozaline Joseph, and Viviane De Koe, were suspended on Friday over allegations of fund mismanagement and other irregularities. In a letter addressed to Awases, the minister cited several reasons for the suspension, including disregard for ministry directives, failure to adhere to procurement procedures, non-disclosure of conflicts of interest, and misuse of council funds. The suspended board members…

Niël Terblanché On Friday, the Electoral Court of Namibia ruled in favour of the Independent Patriots of Change (IPC) and the Landless People’s Movement (LPM), granting them conditional access to inspect electoral materials from the National Assembly elections. The ruling, handed down by a panel of High Court judges Nate Ndauendapo, Orben Sibeya, and Beatrix de Jager, permits the parties to review specific electoral information on 18 and 19 December. The court order ensures that while the IPC and LPM can access election data, any sealed electoral material, as specified under the Electoral Act, remains strictly off-limits. In their ruling,…