National News

Allexer Namundjembo The Affirmative Repositioning’s (AR) leader, Job Amupanda has accused both the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) and President Nangolo Mbumba of violating the Electoral Act by failing to decree additional public holidays for extended voting days. He made these remarks during a media briefing on Monday. “The President decreed 27 November as a public holiday, which is in accordance with the electoral act. But what is not right is when he extended the voting days, and he did not decree the 29th as a public holiday as per the act. This alone tells us that something is not…

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Judiciary bid farewell to Justice Dave Smuts upon his retirement from the Supreme Court on Monday. Chief Justice Peter Shivute described Smuts as a "towering figure in the legal profession," retiring after decades of service marked by intellect, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Born on 17 November 1954, Smuts began his academic journey in South Africa, later earning his Master of Laws degree from Harvard Law School in 1983 through scholarships. He also served as the Orville Schell, Jr. Fellow at Yale Law School in 1990, demonstrating his relentless pursuit of excellence in the…

Niël Terblanché In an effort to strengthen Namibia's efforts towards achieving zero hunger, the government of Brazil has donated N$2.16 million to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). On Monday the WFP announced that the funding aims to support integrated community-based food systems programmes across five regions in towns like Tsumkwe, Gobabis, Stampriet, Opuwo, and Olukula. Since 2020, the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC) has collaborated with WFP to enhance productivity and combat hunger in these areas, directly benefiting over 300 smallholder farmers. The programmes focus on improving household food and nutrition security, transforming the livelihoods of people in rural…

Martin Endjala The election of new office bearers for the City of Windhoek’s municipal council on Monday ended in disarray after councillors walked out. As a result, presiding magistrate Immanuel Ndjombala adjourned the election meeting. The disruption began when councillor Ilse Keister-Elago of the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) requested a brief adjournment, which was denied. She and several other councillors, including Job Amupanda (AR), Ivan Skrywer, Sade Gawanas (LPM), the IPC’s Jürgen Hecht, and outgoing deputy mayor Joseph Uapingene, exited the chamber in protest. The only agenda item addressed before the adjournment was outgoing mayor Queen Kamati’s tabling of the 2024…

Mallex Shipanga In the heart of Kangongo village, 155 kilometres east of Rundu in the Kavango East region, lies Karovo Fish Farm, a modest fishing business owned by Djami Kafuro. Although Kafuro is a teacher by profession, he ventured into the freshwater aquaculture fishing sector in 2022. Freshwater aquaculture, primarily a government-driven initiative, focuses on species like African catfish and tilapia and aims to enhance food security in rural areas. Kafuro explained that he was inspired by others to start his own business. “I saw other places where people were doing business with fish and I had the desire to…

Mallex Shipanga Learners of the Ponhofi Secondary School in the Ohangwena region recently participated in an interactive session on sex education. The event last week brought together both male and female learners to discuss important topics affecting their growth and future aspirations. The session was led by motivational speaker and youth advisor, Andreas Robert. “Our session, open to both boys and girls, was full of meaningful conversations and inspiring energy,” Robert said. He warned the learners about the dangers of teenage pregnancy. “You have a bright future. You getting pregnant is just another distraction that is going to take you…

Martin Endjala The Outjo Municipal Town Council has restored water supply to residents after weeks of shortages and rationing caused by the failure of an electrical pump during a thunderstorm. The Outjo municipality’s spokesperson, Rivonia Roman confirmed this to the Windhoek Observer last week. During the water crisis, the council mobilised water supply trucks to assist residents. Roman said that three trucks were deployed, two were provided by NEXUS and one by the municipality. “Groundwater levels are low. New boreholes are required to provide enough water to residents, and since the booster pumps burned, the council had to order new…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Election observer missions from Southern Africa, African Union and civic organisations that oversaw the presidential and National Assembly elections have criticised operational failures that have undermined confidence in the electoral process. Observer missions have urged reforms to address logistical shortcomings, enhance inclusivity, and ensure transparency. Voters are also calling for the nullification of the election. The elections were marked by operational lapses, including a shortage of ballot papers at polling stations, the heating of tablets, the running out of batteries for the ultraviolet light torches, and the departure of mobile polling stations before some voters had cast their…

Niël Terblanché Namibians received welcome news on Friday when the Ministry of Mines and Energy announced that fuel prices will remain unchanged for December, offering relief to consumers during the festive season. This is the third consecutive month of stable fuel pricing, providing much-needed consistency in the face of global economic uncertainties. In a statement released on Friday, the ministry confirmed that petrol prices at Walvis Bay will remain at N$20.25 per litre, while diesel 50ppm and 10ppm will stay at N$19.72 and N$19.82 per litre, respectively. The announcement of stable fuel prices is aimed at mitigating the impact of…

Niël Terblanché Namwater has entered into a contract with institutions that have the capacity to perform water monitoring on a national level on Friday. The contract has been awarded to a Joint Venture (JV) between German-based GKW Consult GmbH and Namibian firm Burmeister & Partners (Pty) Ltd Consulting Engineers. NamWater’s chief executive officer, Abraham Nehemia, said that the six-year monitoring consultancy under the Water Sector Support Programme 1 (WSSP 1) project is aimed at strengthening the country’s water infrastructure and ensuring sustainable access to water services. “The Water Sector Support Programme 1 (WSSP 1) is a critical initiative to address…