National News

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) paid homage to the late Founding President, Sam Nujoma, in a solemn memorial ceremony held in Walvis Bay on Friday. Speaking at the event, Namport’s chief executive officer, Andrew Kanime, reflected on Nujoma’s enduring legacy, describing him as a visionary leader whose sacrifices paved the way for Namibia’s independence and economic growth. Kanime opened his tribute by acknowledging Nujoma’s profound impact on Namibia and said that the gathering was a testament to the influence Nujoma had on all Namibians, regardless of whether they were born before or after independence. Reflecting on Nujoma’s journey…

Niël Terblanché The streets of Walvis Bay were lined with spectators on Saturday morning as the community united in a warm tribute to the late Founding President Sam Nujoma. A motorcade procession travelled through Kuisebmond, the central business district, and Narraville, honouring the legacy of the revolutionary leader who played a fundamental role in Namibia’s eventual independence. The tribute began with a briefing of police officers to ensure that the event proceeded smoothly and in an orderly manner. Residents and officials alike adhered to directives, allowing the motorcade to pass seamlessly through the town. The atmosphere was one of deep…

Mallex Shipanga  The City of Windhoek (CoW) has donated 200 food parcels worth N$100 000 to support flood-affected families relocated from Otjomuise, Farm 508 in Goreangab area. Each household received two litres of cooking oil, 410 grams of canned fish, 500 grams of macaroni, five kilograms of maize meal, five kilograms of rice, and five kilograms of white sugar. The donations were made through the Windhoek Resident Mayoral Trust. The chairperson of the Windhoek Resident Mayoral Trust, Toucy Tjijombo, explained why the Trust decided to assist flood victims specifically. “Unfortunately, there happen to be flood victims from Otjomuise relocated here…

Ester Mbathera  IT specialists are now calling for immediate action to strengthen cybersecurity measures across organisations following the recent cyber attack on Paratus Namibia. They took to social media to share their advice with businesses and individuals. Eugene Haingura, an IT expert, said cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue—it’s a critical part of every organisation’s safety.  “Hackers are always evolving, and they don’t rest. Whether their goal is to disrupt, steal, or ransom data, their intentions are unpredictable and dangerous,” he said. Haingura emphasised the importance of employee awareness, urging companies to provide regular training on recognising phishing…

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security has dismissed reports suggesting that European tourists are cancelling their trips to Namibia due to a malfunctioning e-visa portal. In a statement issued on Thursday, the ministry’s executive director, Etienne Maritz expressed concern over what he described as misleading information published by The Namibian. “The Ministry would like to refute this claim, as the e-visa for visa-on-arrival has not yet been launched,” Maritz said. He stated that a comprehensive communication regarding the new visa regime was shared well in advance with all affected countries, giving stakeholders, including tourists and…

Moses Magadza  As the motorcade bearing the casket of the late Founding Father of the Namibian Nation, Sam Nujoma, rolled down Sam Nujoma Drive early morning on Thursday, 20 February, a poignant moment unfolded. Nine-year-old Gcina Gaeyo Masuku, a young Motswana born and living in Namibia, stood with his fist clenched in silent reverence, then raised his hand in a solemn wave—a child’s pure and heartfelt tribute to a towering figure in history. Watching the hearse disappear into the distance, he turned to his mother and asked with innocent longing, “Mom, I waved at Dr. Nujoma. Did he wave back…

Stefanus Nashama  Journalists from different media houses in the Oshana region were initially barred from entering Andimba Toivo ya Toivo Airport in Ondangwa on Thursday while covering the arrival of the late founding president Sam Nujoma’s body. They claimed Police officers and members of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) only allowed reporters from the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) on the tarmac. Hellen Andreas, a reporter from Shipi FM, described a heated exchange with the police. "I had to push hard to go into the airport. I did not surrender because I was doing it for the listeners and followers of…

Hetta-Maria Amutenja Former health ministers have credited Founding President Sam Nujoma for shaping Namibia’s healthcare system.  They said he played a key role in strengthening healthcare services across the country. Former health minister Richard Kamwi said Nujoma played a role in expanding access to healthcare, especially in rural areas.  “At the time I was working with Dr Libertina Amathila. President Nojoma educated us to be with the people out there in the rural areas, not here in the city. We must go out and see the challenges that ordinary Namibians like my grandmother, my uneducated aunt, and so many of…

Niël Terblanché Namibia has taken a courageous step in reforming its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector with the inauguration of a task force dedicated to transforming state-owned Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) into fully-fledged TVET colleges. The initiative, launched on Thursday by Itah Kandjii-Murangi, the minister of higher education, technology and innovation, aims to bridge the qualification gap in the country’s vocational education system and align training programmes with evolving labour market demands. Kandjii-Murangi stressed the significance of this transformation in tackling structural unemployment and fostering economic growth. “Transformation and classification of TVET in Namibia stand central in…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  Currently, 949 businesses in Windhoek are operating without a valid certificate of fitness or registration, according to the City of Windhoek Municipality (CoW). The City Police’s spokesperson, Marcelline Murapo said fines have been issued to bars, mechanic's workshops, and restaurants in Otjomuise, Wanaheda, Ausspannplatz, the city centre, Rocky Crest, and Olympia. “We identify them during routine inspections and when complaints are brought to our attention either by public members or the business registration section of the City of Windhoek,” she said. The fines were for offences including conducting a business without a certificate, operating a business without a…