National News

Allexer Namundjembo The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) has dismissed claims of media freedom violations and interference in the internal affairs of Network Media Hub (NMH) as baseless and illogical. In a media statement issued on Tuesday, the NIPDB’s senior communications manager, Catherine Shipushu emphasised the board’s commitment to upholding media freedom as guaranteed by the Namibian Constitution.  "However, accountability is a two-way principle. Journalists also bear the professional responsibility to report accurately, fairly, and without bias,” she stated. The statement follows a disciplinary hearing held by NMH last week against staff member Jemimah Beukes, who is alleged…

Niël Terblanché Residents of the Zambezi Region, especially those in flood-prone areas and islands, will have better access to healthcare following the donation of an ambulance boat by the United States government. The vessel, which will aid in the transportation of healthcare workers and patients along the Zambezi River, was officially inaugurated by the minister of health and social services, Dr Kalumbi Shangula over the weekend. While inaugurating the new boat, Shangula stressed the vital role the boat will play in bridging the gap between healthcare services and communities that have struggled with accessibility due to seasonal flooding for years.…

Allexer Namundjembo The National Youth Council (NYC) leadership crisis has resurfaced after the suspended director, Calista Schwartz-Goagoses, through her lawyers, demanded reinstatement. Schwartz-Goagoses was suspended earlier this year by the organization’s board, which was also suspended shortly after that, has asked the interim board to return her to her position. Agnes Tjongarero, the minister of youth and sport, suspended the board earlier this year. In a letter served to the interim board chairperson, to which Windhoek Observer had access, her lawyers from Shipindo and Associates argued that the suspension was unlawful. “It is evident from this opinion that our client’s…

Niël Terblanché The country’s long-standing reliance on funding from the United States of America for its HIV response has been thrown into turmoil following the decision by the Trump administration to freeze and cut foreign assistance. According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the funding restrictions, which have disrupted the flow of resources from the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), have placed vital programmes supporting HIV treatment, prevention, and socio-economic empowerment at risk, particularly for adolescent girls and marginalized communities. UNAIDS said that while an emergency humanitarian waiver was issued to allow some…

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) is committed to strengthening risk management within the country's digital landscape through a comprehensive training session. The training on Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) was officially launched by the deputy minister of information and communication technology, Modestus Amutse, who reiterated the government’s determination to fortify ICT infrastructure while mitigating emerging risks. “The MICT is the backbone of our nation’s digital infrastructure, playing a central role in shaping the future of Namibia’s digital landscape,” he said. He added that while technological advancements bring immense opportunities, they also expose the sector to risks…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Former Namibian Football Association (NFA) General Secretary, Charles Siyauya was laid to rest on Tuesday at his home village of Bukalo in the Zambezi region.  Siyauya passed away on 3 March after a short illness at a local hospital in Windhoek. He had begun feeling unwell during a meeting with the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA)  officials and the NFA Executive Council on 2 March. Despite receiving permission to seek medical treatment, he passed away the next morning. During the first memorial service, NFA President Robert Shimooshili paid tribute to Siyauya’s significant contributions to Namibian football.…

Ester Mbathera  The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) has agreed to reallocate fishing quotas from Iyaloo Women Investment, Merlus Comerins, Hangana, and Novanam to Blue Chromis Fishing (Pty) Ltd following demands by a group of former Namsov and Icelandic subsidiary, Heinaste Fishing employees.  The fishermen, currently employed under the Government Employment Redress Programme (GERP), petitioned Fisheries Minister Derek Klazen in Windhoek on Monday. In the petition, they demand better salaries and improved working conditions. The fishermen who petitioned the ministry through the Mining, Metal, Maritime, and Construction Union (MMMC), general secretary Joseph ||Garoëb proposed that the quota be…

Allexer Namundjembo The Namibia Water Corporation Ltd. (NamWater) is grappling with a mounting financial crisis as its outstanding debt surged to N$2.4 billion in February 2025, a 16% increase from the N$2.1 billion recorded in June 2024. This growing debt threatens the long-term sustainability of the country’s water supply, particularly as municipalities and local authorities contribute the largest portion of the debt. Lot Ndamanomhata, NamWater's Head of Public Relations and Corporate Communications, confirmed that the debt burden is distributed across various consumer categories, with local authorities owing the largest share. Ndamanomhata said as of February 2025, local authorities have accumulated…