National News

Ester Mbathera  The Namibia Film Commission (NFC) has registered a case of theft with the Namibian Police after executive producer Sonnyboy Amutenya failed to return equipment he borrowed from the commission.  The NFC has stated that it cannot provide details about the type of equipment or its value at this time. NFC executive secretary Florence Haifene confirmed that a case had been opened after repeated attempts to contact Amutenya proved unsuccessful. "He borrowed the equipment but did not return it on time. We tried to contact him and have not received any response. As per procedure, we have to open…

Allexer Namundjembo The Namibia Local Business Association, Naloba (NALOBA) cautioned local authorities to thoroughly evaluate the consequences of outsourcing debt collection services. The association’s president, Erastus Shapumba said in a statement released on Wednesday,  following Redforce Debt Management CC's court victory against the Henties Bay Municipality. “It is imperative that town councils and chief executive officers critically assess the implications of these investments,” Shapumba said.  He condemned the action of debt collection by local authorities through third parties, describing it as resembling "a new form of colonialism." "We, as an organization, refuse to allow such practices to take root in…

Niël Terblanché The body of the 63-year-old Simson Hishekwa, who was a member of the crew of the fishing vessel Therona, was discovered floating in the water next to the boat on Tuesday morning. At the time of the incident, the vessel was moored in the small craft harbour in the port of Walvis Bay.  According to Judith Shomongula, spokesperson for the Namibian Police in the Erongo region, the fisherman told his crewmates that he was going to his home in the Kuisebmond residential area late on Monday afternoon. “It is suspected that he fell overboard upon his return to…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe NamWater has announced that the Ohangwena, Oshana, and Oshikoto will experience water interruptions from 26 February until 02 March. NamWater’s spokesperson, Lot Ndamanomhata in a statement issued on Wednesday, cited technical difficulties caused by oshana water entering its canal, which is negatively affecting both water quality and production volumes. “To prevent a water supply crisis, water supply will be rationed,” said Ndamanomhata. He added that the disruption will mostly happen between 22h00 and 04h00, which are off-peak hours when the public is not really using water. “Essential services institutions such as hospitals, schools, police stations, and clinics that…

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism expressed serious concern over the increasing disregard for laws and regulations in Namibia’s national parks. According to a statement on Wednesday, the ministry’s spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said that officials have observed widespread violations of park rules, prompting urgent calls for visitors and tour operators to adhere to the established guidelines. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ministry’s spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda said that several serious transgressions have been identified, despite clear regulations being in place. “We have observed a significant number of visitors attempting to enter and fly drones in our…

Niël Terblanché NamWater has issued a warning to the public, financial institutions, and stakeholders about fraudulent activities involving fake NamWater payslips used to obtain loans under false pretenses. On Wednesday, NamWater’s spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata, urged businesses, particularly those in the short-term loan sector, to exercise caution and verify all employment claims before processing transactions. He also confirmed that a recent incident exposed the use of a counterfeit payslip to fraudulently secure a loan. "We can confirm that the attached sample document, which has been circulating, does not belong to NamWater and lacks the unique security features of genuine NamWater payslips,"…

Niël Terblanché Leadership of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) recently met with Swakopmund Mayor Blassius Goraseb to discuss economic development initiatives and ways to foster business growth in the region. The meeting with mayor Goraseb follows his election as the new mayor of Swakopmund in November last year. Goraseb took the helm with a set vision to serve the town and its residents with dedication. During the meeting, Goraseb reiterated the need for inclusive economic growth and announced the formation of the Swakopmund Economic Forum to gather data for informed policy-making. He expressed commitment to collaborating with…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Ministry of Health and Social Services has committed to repairing infrastructure at Tsumeb State Hospital after the facility flooded twice, first on 8 February and again last week, disrupting healthcare services. The health ministry’s executive director, Ben Nangombe, confirmed that the ministry is working with the Tsumeb Municipality to address the underlying issues that led to the flooding. Nangombe has indicated that improving drainage around the hospital and nearby areas is being prioritised to avoid further disruptions. "The situation is under control, and we are working with the municipality to resolve the problem. We are addressing the…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  Residents of Gobabis in the Omaheke region have expressed anger over the decision to hold the regional memorial service for the late founding president Sam Nujoma at Buitepos, a border post between Namibia and Botswana, instead of in Gobabis. The event was on Tuesday, with buses transporting attendees from Gobabis to Buitepos. Sike Kandjimi, a resident of Gobabis, questioned why the service isn't held in a place where the majority can attend easily. “People want to be free to walk to a venue nearby, not travel over 100 kilometres. The requirement to register with councillors for transport is…