National News

Justicia Shipena  Hollard Insurance Company of Namibia has taken Windhoek-based restaurant The Wolfshack CC to the High Court, demanding repayment of N$180 000 it says was paid in error. According to court documents, Hollard made the payment on 16 February 2023,  mistakenly believing it was due under an insurance policy.  The insurer says the payout was either made in bona fide error or sine causa — without valid cause.  Hollard maintains that The Wolfshack acknowledged receipt of the money, despite it not being due or payable, and has since refused to return it. In its summons, Hollard claims the Wolfshack…

Hertta Amutenja The rejection of a motion by Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) member of parliament John Louw-Mouton to extend parliament’s session has raised concerns about the efficiency of the National Assembly. Last week, Louw-Mouton submitted the motion without notice, asking that Parliament extend its session to address a backlog of questions from members of parliament (MPs). The motion was rejected after Swapo MPs voted against it.  “So today I move the motion without notice that we extend today’s session so that we can finally make some progress on these questions that were asked. There was an objection by Swapo,…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The ministry of urban and rural development is revising municipal bylaws to ensure street vendors in Windhoek and other towns are legally recognised and protected.  According to urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa, the move follows ongoing conflicts with law enforcement authorities. Sankwasa was responding in Parliament to questions from Rosa Mbinge-Tjeundo of the Popular Democratic Movement, last week, about tensions between municipal police and street vendors.  Mbinge-Tjeundo asked what steps the government is taking to harmonise municipal bylaws with the constitutional rights of informal traders and whether urban regulations unjustly criminalise poverty. “All decisions and actions…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The newly launched Nanso Veterans Association (NVA) has pledged to promote the welfare of its members and contribute to building a just and inclusive Namibian society. The association was launched over the week at Döbra, on the outskirts of Windhoek. NVA’s president George Mayumbelo said the association would also focus on improving the lives of former student activists.  “The NVA will promote the welfare of the veterans and contribute positively to the realisation of a just and inclusive Namibian society,” he said. The association brings together former members of the Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso), recognising their role…

Justicia Shipena President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged partners and investors to support Namibia’s efforts to empower young people through sport, skills development, and innovation.  She made the call on Sunday at a luncheon consultation on the revitalisation of national youth centres in New York, United States.  The event was held as a side event ahead of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly high-level week, where Nandi-Ndaitwah is leading the Namibian delegation. Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia is committed to holistic youth development as a pathway to inclusive prosperity.  “I wish to invite our partners to support our government initiatives…

Renthia Kaimbi Vice president Lucia Witbooi has warned that gender-based violence and rising suicide cases are rooted in unhealthy power dynamics and harmful cultural norms.  Speaking at the opening of the 8th session of the Rural Women Parliament with Men as Partners, Witbooi called for men and women to work together to challenge traditions that promote dominance and violence.  The session, which brings together 42 delegates from all 14 regions of Namibia, is being held under the theme “Breaking Barriers: Advancing Sustainable Support and Services for Rural Women and Men.” “Together, as men and women, let us analyse, challenge and…

Justicia Shipena  President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for fair trade rules and a balanced international financial system that do not put Africa “at the bottom of the ladder”. Speaking on Sunday in New York on a panel at the Unstoppable Africa 2025 conference, she said global trade must benefit all citizens of the world, including Africans. “What is required is that we need a fair and balanced international financial system that should not discriminate between Africa and the other continents in the globe. And then also, we need fair trade rules. There should not be rules which are meant to…

Allexer Namundjembo  The recent appointment of ambassadors by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has sparked debate about tribalism, inclusivity, and merit in public service.  While the presidency's claim that the move aims to strengthen Namibia's diplomatic presence, critics argue that the appointments perpetuate old figures and lack ethnic balance. Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader and member of parliament McHenry Venaani said he plans to re-table a motion on tribalism.  “After my return from New York I will table a reflection on our nation’s status,” Venaani said on Sunday. He criticised the recycling of ambassadors, describing it as uncalled for.  "We can't recycle…

Renthia Kaimbi The High Court has dismissed an urgent application brought by the Doro !Nawas Conservancy, Uibasen Twyfelfontein Conservancy, #Aodaman Traditional Authority and Ultimate Safaris to stop mining activities at the Goantagab tin mine. Judge Boas Usiku delivered the ruling on Friday, striking the case from the roll for lack of urgency.  The court ordered the applicants to pay the costs of the first respondent, Timoteus Mashuna, including fees for “one instructing and two instructed legal practitioners.”  The urgent application, filed on Thursday, sought to block scheduled blasting on Mashuna’s mining claims. The applicants argued that the activities violated a…

Allexer Namundjembo  Student bodies have welcomed the government’s decision to officially recognise Ndama East Primary School in Kavango East. On Friday, prime minister Elijah Ngurare and minister of education Sanet Steenkamp visited the school, where it was formally declared legal.  The government also announced an infrastructure development project that will include 25 new classrooms, an administration block, two ablution facilities, and a perimeter fence.  Temporary shelters will be provided before construction begins next yetar. Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) spokesperson Jessy Abraham said the announcement validates what communities have long fought for.  “Nanso has always maintained that community-established schools are…