National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe  The construction of the maternity ward at the Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital is nearing completion.  The ward will open its doors on 20 October 2025.  The 120-bed facility, the first of its kind in the country, includes dedicated first and second stage rooms, doctors’ on-call rooms, a nurses’ lounge, reception areas, private rooms, gynaecology outpatient rooms, procedure rooms, and a specialised obstetrics and gynaecology theatre. Construction started in 2016 at a cost of N$60 million to address the shortage of maternity wards in the country, especially in the northern regions.  The project faced delays after the initial contractor failed…

Allexer Namundjembo The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) says it has not received a formal complaint regarding allegations of corruption at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust). This follows claims of corruption, nepotism, and financial mismanagement at the university.  A 40-page dossier allegedly addressed to ACC director general Paulus Noa, accuses Nust vice-chancellor Erold Naomab and several senior officials of orchestrating schemes that syphoned millions of dollars from the institution through irregular procurement, abuse of authority, and reckless spending. According to the document,  Naomab surrounded himself with allies strategically placed in key positions, including Klemens /Awarab, special adviser; Browny Mutrifa,…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa has defended his decision to dissolve the Katima Mulilo Town Council, saying councillors failed to carry out their functions and engaged in an unlawful land-for-vehicles transaction. Speaking in Katima Mulilo on Wednesday, Sankwasa said the deal was invalid because land gains value while vehicles lose value.  In May, Sankwasa accused councillors of selling land without approval and ordered the return of vehicles acquired in the land-for-vehicles deal.  Councillors, including mayor John Ntemwa, denied wrongdoing and accused the minister of tribalism and interference.  Last month, more than 1 000 residents protested against…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The minister of information and communication technology Emma Theofelus, has urged the youth of Etayi Constituency in the Omusati region to see network connectivity as a gateway to the world. Speaking at Oikoka village on Thursday during the launch of 25 new network towers by PowerCom, Theofelus told the young people to use connectivity to innovate, learn, create, and engage globally.  “The future of Namibia rests in your ability to take the tools and transform them into opportunities,” she said. She stressed that connectivity should also serve farmers and traders. "To every resident of Oikokola, Omusati Region, and…

Allexer Namundjembo Political analyst Sackaria Johannes has described the Outapi Constituency by-election as a “research pilot study”.  He believes that the contest, scheduled just weeks before the national polls, will serve as an early test of voter sentiment in Omusati, a region long regu as a Swapo stronghold.  Only two political parties, the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) and Swapo, will contest the by-election set for 29 September 2025.  The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) this week announced Selma Asino, the current mayor of Outapi, as Swapo's candidate, while IPC fielded Fillemon Shikwambi. “The results will determine how those specific…

Renthia Kaimbi The ministry of gender equality and child welfare (MGECW) has reintegrated 472 children into formal education as part of efforts to address the plight of street kids.  About 425 of them have remained in school, reflecting a 90% retention rate. Control social worker Enjouline Kole and the children's home superintendent Maggy Katimba speaking  at the after-school centre, said the programme goes beyond enrolment.  They described it as a “continuum of support” designed to help children not only return to school but succeed long-term. Children receive bridging classes to close learning gaps and are given uniforms and stationery.  “This…

Renthia Kaimbi Appointing ambassador Albertus !Aochamub as the new chief executive officer of the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) will be a disaster for business, analysts have warned.  They argue that while his diplomatic and political skills are undisputed, they do not align with the urgent business acumen required to rescue the cash-strapped corporation. Corporate governance expert Johan Coetzee said !Aochamub may be a politically suitable choice but lacks the financial and operational background needed to turn Meatco around. On Monday, the Meatco board endorsed !Aochamub as the company’s interim chief executive officer (CEO), a move confirmed by the board’s…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Chief justice Peter Shivute says the High Court is facing a  shortage of judges due to the retirement of experienced members and a growing caseload. He noted that although there has been interest from prospective candidates, recruiting suitably qualified judges remains difficult,  particularly in the civil stream.  He explained that many potential candidates lack exposure to High Court civil practice and procedure. Shivute’s remarks were delivered on Wednesday by deputy chief justice Petrus Damaseb at the opening of the 2025 High Court aspirant judges training programme in Windhoek. The two-week training programme was introduced to bridge this gap.…

Allexer Namundjembo Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi says his ministry is developing policies to ensure government vehicles are used properly. He explained that technology will play a role in enforcing accountability.  “We are planning on how technology can be of assistance. We also aim to implement a technological system that can detect reckless brake application. We are on it, and this will be implemented soon,” he said. Nekundi said there is that tendency of officials misusing government vehicles.  "Just look at how people misuse their relative’s cars when left in their care. There are those government officials who do…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe A family of eight in Windhoek’s Havana informal settlement is appealing for assitance after losing everything in a shack fire in the early hours of Monday morning. Stercianna Yoleni, speaking on behalf of her family, said the blaze destroyed three shacks built close to each other. While neighbouring families were also affected, her family lost almost all their belongings. Among the items destroyed were a fridge, a television, a laptop, two beds, school uniforms, and other valuables. Yoleni said the shack belonged to her aunt, who shared it with her children and extended family.  Among the eight people…