National News

Allexer Namundjembo The former members of the Engineering Council of Namibia (ECN) are challenging the authority of works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi over his decision to dissolve the Council. In a letter addressed to Nekundi over the weekend, the former board called the dismissal “unlawful”, “humiliating”, and “a threat to the country’s regulatory integrity”.  They said the decision was procedurally flawed and carried out through irregular channels. “The Council appointed in August 2022 was constituted in accordance with the Engineering Profession Act, and no legal ground for our removal has been invoked,” said ECN’s former president, Sophia Belete-Tekie. According…

Niël Terblanché The ministry of agriculture’s directorate of veterinary services (DVS) has quietly lifted a long-standing restriction on livestock products entering Namibia’s foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) free zone. A public notice issued last week by acting chief veterinary officer Dr Johannes Shoopala stated that dried meat from cloven-hoofed animals can now cross the veterinary cordon fence, commonly known as the red line, without a permit.  This is allowed only if all portions of the meat are cooked and free of blood.  Shoopala said boiling the meat remains the safest method of preparation. “Raw meat that is not produced under Commodity-Based Trade…

Niël Terblanché Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has delivered on what he called a step towards rural economic independence by handing over four newly drilled boreholes that will supply safe drinking water to twenty-three villages in Epembe Constituency. Speaking at the Onamundindi installation on Saturday, Ngurare said the project reflects the 8th Administration’s commitment to extending essential services beyond urban areas. “Economic independence means that people in rural areas should have the same access to essential services as those in urban centres. That includes water, road infrastructure, and connectivity. We are witnessing progress toward that goal,” he said. He encouraged residents,…

Poco-Key Mberiuana Union membership is not just a legacy of Namibia’s past—it is a living force for jus:ce, dignity, and economic empowerment today. As Namibia continues to confront inequality, unemployment, and the pressures of a globalised economy, the role of trade unions remains as vital as ever. It can be argued that the founda:ons of the Namibian organised labour movements were the spark that ignited the flames of the libera:on movement in this country. The existence of labour movements, that were inclusive of black workers, can be traced back to as early as 1924, where the first recorded organised indigenous…

Justicia Shipena While tensions in the Middle East threaten global oil supply and price stability, Namibia’s fuel security is not under immediate threat.  This is according to Ben Nangombe, executive director of the ministry of industries, mines and energy, who said Namibia can still access petroleum products from alternative markets. “The Persian or Arab Gulf region is one of the most important sources of refined petroleum products,” Nangombe told the Windhoek Observer.  “However, other equally important markets for refined petroleum products exist elsewhere. The country remains able to source oil products from alternative international markets, although potentially at higher costs.”…

Allexer Namundjembo Works and transport minister Veiko Nekundi says renovations at the Karibib National Traffic Information System (NaTIS) centre are scheduled for completion by mid-August.  He told parliament on Thursday that the timeline is designed to reduce disruption while ensuring the upgraded facility meets national service standards. “In terms of alternative arrangements, the alternative arrangements have been implemented,” Nekundi said.  Nekundi stated that they have deployed a mobile Vehicle Testing Station since 19 May to conduct roadworthiness testing on specific days.  “The deployment schedule has been carefully coordinated between Karibib and Rehoboth to maximise service accessibility,” he said. Written learner’s…

Niël Terblanché Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare officially opened the 2025 Olufuko Annual Cultural Festival on Friday, pledging that the government will revitalise, preserve, and promote indigenous knowledge systems across Namibia. Speaking at the event in Outapi, Ngurare said Article 19 of the Constitution obliges the state to protect culture, and that commitment is now being reflected in national policy. “Through the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, and the National Heritage Council, we are documenting languages, guarding heritage sites, and empowering traditional leaders,” he said. Ngurare urged those in attendance to continue championing…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Namibian Police (Nampol) confiscated illegal drugs worth over N$106 million and arrested 3,264 suspects between January 2023 and December 2024. The figures were released as the country marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Thursday. In 2023, police recorded drug seizures valued at N$49.3 million.  This amount increased to N$56.6 million in 2024. The seized substances included cannabis, mandrax, cocaine, crack cocaine, MDMA, LSD, methcathinone, ecstasy, and crystal meth. Cannabis made up most of the confiscations. In 2023, police seized cannabis worth over N$40.3 million (4,031,556.87 kg), and in 2024, cannabis worth N$44.2…

Allexer Namundjembo The High Court has ordered Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) member Petrina Nghipudilo yaShiindi to pay N$10,000 towards the legal costs of air marshal Martin Pinehas, within 24 months. The payment forms part of a settlement agreement in a defamation lawsuit filed by Pinehas after yaShiindi claimed on social media that he was plotting to assassinate IPC leader Panduleni Itula.  The allegations were made in a TikTok video posted on 27 November 2024, during the presidential and National Assembly elections. Pinehas denied the claims, calling them false, dangerous, and damaging to his reputation as a senior military officer. …

Hertta-Maria Amutenja TransNamib has been ordered by the Labour Commissioner to pay full salary and benefits to one of two employees dismissed after the 2018 illegal strike.  The payment will cover the period from the date of dismissal until his retirement in October 2019. The ruling follows a lengthy arbitration process that found the dismissals of Johannes Uwanga and Asser Birisamub to be substantively and procedurally unfair.  Arbitrator Matheo Rudath delivered the award this week, declaring that their dismissal violated the Labour Act. Uwanga, a senior train operator, was awarded compensation from the dismissal date until his retirement on 30…