National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  Environment minister Indileni Daniel has declared a national war on waste, warning that pollution is harming public health, food security, tourism, and the economy. Speaking at the National Clean-Up Campaign in Nkurenkuru, Kavango West Region, on Saturday, Daniel said Namibia must act now to protect its environment.  “A clean environment is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It is the bedrock of public health, food security, tourism, and national dignity. Waste undermines our health, our food security, our economy, and even our national pride,” she said. Daniel announced that the government will push for stronger penalties against…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Family homes will no longer be auctioned below market value following the enforcement of the High Court Amendment Act of 2024, which came into effect on 22 August. Justice and labour relations minister Filimon Wise Immanuel told parliament that the reform closes constitutional gaps in the sale of immovable properties to recover debts.  He said no property can now be sold in execution without approval from a High Court judge, who must first confirm that a debtor has no sufficient movable assets to cover the debt. “The Amendment Act steps in to restore fairness. It ensures that selling…

Allexer Namundjembo Premium Namibian beef will soon feature on the menus of Block House restaurants across Germany.  The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) announced the development yesterday, describing it as a milestone for the country’s agricultural exports and its growing role in international beef markets. Namibian beef is known for being free-range, grass-fed, and sustainably produced on the country’s farmlands.  Namibia remains the only African country approved to export beef to both the United States and the European Union.  After two and a half years of preparation, Namibian rump steak will be served as a monthly special at…

Justicia Shipena  Cleanergy Solutions Namibia will establish an ammonia jetty and storage facility at Walvis Bay before scaling up hydrogen and ammonia production for export to South Africa and the European Union (EU), an investment estimated at €3 billion (approximately N$65 billion).  On Thursday Cleanergy opened the country's first large-scale solar-powered green hydrogen plant.  The project is a joint venture between Belgium’s CMB.Tech and Namibia’s Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group.  It will begin by producing ammonia for maritime shipping and supplying a hydrogen refuelling station at Walvis Bay.  The station will serve trucks, port equipment, railway applications, and small vessels. …

Justicia Shipena  Companies will be monitored to ensure local content promises translate into real benefits, according to the Presidency’s Upstream Petroleum Unit.  The deputy head of the unit, Carlo McLeod, said all commitments must give Namibians a fair chance to participate. This commitment comes as the government concluded nationwide consultations on the draft National Upstream Petroleum Local Content Policy.  The consultations, held from 1 to 17 September, engaged leaders and communities across all 14 regions.  Governors, councillors, traditional leaders, entrepreneurs, elders, and youth shared views in meetings from Lüderitz to Katima Mulilo. Communities called for the petroleum industry to empower…

Justicia Shipena  Political analyst Henning Melber says Namibia has little to offer as a follow-up to the Pact for the Future in the wake of the post-government transition.  Last year, Namibia, together with Germany, co-hosted the United Nations (UN) Summit of the Future, which led to the adoption of the Pact for the Future during the 79th UN General Assembly.  The pact seeks to build a safer, more peaceful, and sustainable world. The summit also adopted the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations. Melber noted that Namibia’s focus at this year's assembly may shift toward its unique…

Allexer Namundjembo Two community representatives from South Africa, Jakob Makai of the !Kung people and Lukas Poemuru of the Khwe community, took part in the Indigenous People’s Knowledge Fair hosted by the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust).  Their participation was supported by the organisation Palms For Life. The fair ran from 5 to 18 September at Nhoma village, Epupa village and Khorixas.  It brought together 12 indigenous communities from different countries for 12 days of cultural exchange, dialogue and learning. Vice President Lucia Witbooi welcomed the participants at Naankuse on Thursday.  “Indigenous people bring ecological and economic contributions,…

Renthia Kaimbi Nearly five years after Walvis Bay became the epicentre of the country's Covid-19 pandemic, the Narraville cemetery is finally being secured.  The site holds the grave of the first Namibian to die from the virus and has long remained unprotected. The project, led by the Walvis Bay Municipality, includes building a perimeter wall and a formal gated entrance.  The grave of a 45-year-old man who died in July 2020, was buried under strict health protocols. Over the years, its exposed state caused distress for residents and the victim’s family. His sister, Suoma Kashava, told the Windhoek Observer that…

Renthia Kaimbi President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is expected to announce new ambassadorial appointments before Friday.  Presidential press secretary Jonas Mbambo confirmed the timeline to the Windhoek Observer.  “The news is coming out soon. Definitely before Friday,” he said.  Sources say as many as 23 new diplomatic appointments are planned.  The Windhoek Observer has also learnt that the ministry of international relations and trade has reportedly already sent 23 requests for agrément, the official approval from host countries, to those being considered.  The sources said so far, 15 have accepted the offers, while responses from the remaining eight are still pending.  The…