National News

Stefanus Nashama A family in the Zambezi region is still waiting for the government to compensate them for the use of their ancestral land. The Namibia Development Corporation (NDC) and the Namibia Correctional Service (NCS) have been using the land for agricultural purposes for the past 11 years. The land belonged to the late William Bill Finaughty. His grandchildren, Patrick Kangulu, Mary Kangulu, and John Finaughty, are now fighting the government for compensation amounting to N$7 million for the use of their ancestral land located near the Wenela Border Post and Katima Farm. “We have proof of ownership of our…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has confirmed that its investigation into suspected fraudulent activities at the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) is nearing completion, with potential prosecution on the horizon. The case revolves around allegations of unauthorised amendments to the ownership structure of Orange River Exploration and Mining CC, owned by businessman, Peter Shifwaku. The investigation has identified some BIPA officials as suspects. The names of the suspects are known to the Windhoek Observer. "I confirm that the allegations are under investigation by ACC. Some officials at BIPA are suspects, and the docket is at an advanced stage…

Niël Terblanché The day after the conclusion of Namibia’s 8th Presidential and National Assembly Elections, President Nangolo Mbumba praised the nation’s commitment to democracy and pledged the government’s unwavering support for the rule of law. President-elect, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will serve as Namibia’s first female head of state in the aftermath of the elections that ran from 27 to 29 November. “The Namibian people have spoken. Namibians in their majority wrote a new chapter in the history of their constitutional democracy by electing the first female President of the Republic of Namibia. I do not doubt that under her capable and…

Niël Terblanché Namibia's healthcare sector achieved another milestone on Wednesday, with the inauguration of a Negative Pressure Mobile Isolation Facility at the Outapi District Hospital. The facility, a first for the Omusati region, was funded by the United States Government under its Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid Appropriation (OHDCACA) programme. The minister of health and social services, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, hailed the facilitate as a critical advancement in the country’s healthcare infrastructure. “This momentous occasion highlights not only a significant advancement in our healthcare infrastructure but also reaffirms our commitment to building a strong and resilient health system,” he…

Niël Terblanché Amid one of the most severe droughts, the Namibia Traditional Authority Trust (NTAT), with the support of its business arm, Oonani Investment Group, launched a nationwide Drought Relief Food Drive aimed at providing vital sustenance to more than 2 300 families across all 14 regions of the country. Oonani’s chief executive officer, Jamie-Lee Nels said in a statement on Wednesday, said the initiative, which centres on distributing essential food packages to the most vulnerable communities, seeks to mitigate the widespread food insecurity exacerbated by failing crops and dying livestock. “Namibia is grappling with the devastating effects of prolonged…

Niël Terblanché President Nangolo Mbumba has commended Namibia’s Defence Force (NDF) for its commitment to excellence in military training during the Graduation Parade of the 11th Regular Commissioning Course where 149 officer cadets received their presidential commission. The ceremony on Wednesday celebrated the graduation of officer cadets from across Namibia who are set to join the Officer Corps as leaders and commanders. President Mbumba stressed the significance of continuous training to ensure Namibia’s military readiness. He quoted World War II General Douglas MacArthur, who observed, “In no other profession are the penalties for employing untrained personnel so appalling or so…

Allexer Namundjembo The house of convicted pastor of the Mennonite Church, Pedro Marcelino Moussongela, in Eembidi village in the Ondobe constituency of the Ohangwena region has been put up for sale for N$500 000. Moussongela was convicted of three counts of fraud, forgery and uttering, and four counts of employing foreign nationals without work permits at his Mennonite community school at Omafo village. For each of the three fraud counts, he received a sentence of three years in prison, to serve those terms concurrently. The court sentenced him to either pay a fine of N$4 000 or serve 16 months…

Niël Terblanché Villagers of Otjinungua became part of a growing connected Namibia, where technology bridges distance and creates inclusion in even the most far-flung corners of the country. Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) has launched a new network site in Otjinungua village, providing 2G voice and 4G broadband services to one of the country’s most remote areas in line with Namibia’s digital inclusion efforts. Situated 370 kilometres from Opuwo, in the Marienfluss Conservancy near the Kunene River bordering Angola, Otjinungua is home to the Ovahimba people. MTC’s spokesperson, Erasmus Nekundi, highlighted the significance of the achievement and said that the newly…

- Emilia Ananias-Nantinda behind Ondangwa and Oniipa’s Lifesaving Pharmacies Mallex Shipanga Emilia Ananias-Nantinda, a pharmacist and entrepreneur, has carved a path from the small village of Okapya in the Omusati Region to owning two thriving pharmacies in Ondangwa and Oniipa. As a businesswoman, pharmacist, mother, and wife, she has become a beacon of hope and inspiration for her community and beyond. “My childhood was like any other child in the village those days. We played amagoes and uma, fetched water, collected firewood, pounded mahangu, and more. Despite the fact that I lost both parents at a very young age, I…

Mallex Shipanga Social media was abuzz with congratulatory messages to the leader of the National Democratic Party (NDP), Martin Lukato, who has secured a seat in the 2025–2029 National Assembly after decades of a solo journey. Messages came from Namibians from all walks of life, including politicians from other parties, businesspeople, and news editors. “AR Political Activism Award 2020. In 2024, Brave Lukato is headed to Parliament. The red star shall find its rightful place in the minds and hearts of Namibians,” said Affirmative Repositioning (AR)'s George Kambala, who is also headed to the National Assembly. “Never say never! For…