National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Namibia’s small-scale farmers are calling for greater utilisation of local produce as a way to address food waste, boost their income, and create more job opportunities in the agro-processing sector. A challenge facing local farmers is limited access to markets, where size and aesthetic standards often prevent non-standard produce from reaching consumers. Ben Shernick, director of the Nutrition and Food Security Alliance of Namibia (NAFSAN), stressed supporting small-scale farmers through local markets. "Farmers need more opportunities to sell their produce locally. If we can create demand for local products, whether processed or fresh, it will be easier for…

Stefanus Nashama Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) lawmaker, Elma Dienda on Wednesday submitted a notice to question health and social services minister, Kalumbi Shangula, about the official policy regarding mobile phone use by healthcare workers in hospitals. This follows a memorandum issued to staff at Oshakati Intermediate Hospital restricting mobile phone use during working hours.  The policy has sparked debate, with some questioning its necessity and whether it applies to all healthcare facilities. Dienda acknowledged the restriction but questioned its limited application. "While this is a commendable restriction, other healthcare facilities in Namibia must also implement the same restriction," she said. …

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  Swapo regional councillors in ||Kharas, along with their party, have filed an urgent application in the High Court to enforce a Supreme Court ruling that reinstated three councillors after their dismissal in January 2024. The application seeks compliance with a court order issued on 9 February 2024 following a settlement agreement between the Swapo councillors and the ||Kharas Regional Council. The applicants Oranjemund Constituency councillor, Lazarus Nangolo, ǃNamiǂNûs Constituency councillor, Suzan Ndjaleka and Karasburg West constituency councillor, Taimi Amakali, along with SWAPO, argue that the council has failed to comply with the Supreme Court ruling that ordered their…

Stefanus Nashama  Oshana regional governor, Elia Irimari has on Tuesday downplayed the severity of the armyworm outbreak in the region.  “The worms are not in large areas, only a few that were spotted,” said the governor. The presence of the worms was detected by farmers in the region last week.  Irimari also expressed confidence that natural predators, such as chickens and birds, might help control the population.  “These worms may be dealt with by nature itself since they are not a lot to destroy crops,” he said. Irimari added that he had not received complaints from residents but suggested that…

Niël Terblanché The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) of Namibia announced the appointment of several acting judges to the Supreme Court and High Court, ensuring the courts continue to manage their caseloads efficiently. According to Elias Shikongo, the secretary of the Judicial Service Commission, these appointments, made by President Nangolo Mbumba upon the recommendation of the JSC, came into effect on 1 January and will continue until the end of 2025. Among the distinguished legal minds appointed to the Supreme Court in an acting capacity are Justice Shafimana Ueitele, who will serve from January to December. He is joined by Justices…

Niël Terblanché While the Africa Millimetre Telescope (AMT) Mobile Planetarium continues to expand its reach across the country, the project has already established itself as a beacon of inspiration for the next generation of scientists and innovators. The AMT Mobile Planetarium recently celebrated a successful first year of operations, having hosted 63 events and reaching more than 9 000 students across the country in 2024. The inflatable, interactive planetarium is a collaboration between the University of Namibia, the AMT Project, Radboud University in the Netherlands, and the Dutch School for Astronomy (NOVA). Its mission is to inspire young minds and…

Ester Mbathera  Namibia’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, has provided evidence detailing a series of tourism promotional events facilitated by the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) in partnership with the Ghanaian company Hype.UP Limited. In a letter dated 31 January, addressed to the executive director of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, Ambassador Penda Naanda, Ashipala-Musavyi contradicted NTB’s claims that no valid contracts existed or that no services were delivered. According to her, the High Commission actively participated in and facilitated tourism promotional activities through NTB and Hype.UP Limited in Accra, Ghana. The first event was a destination presentation…

 Niël Terblanché NamWater, in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, has approved the Hardap Farmers Association's request to restore irrigation supply at the Hardap Irrigation Scheme to 100%. According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Lot Ndamanomhata, NamWater’s spokesperson, the decision follows a comprehensive dry-run analysis and recent inflows into the Hardap Dam, improving its capacity to 22.1%. “The restored supply promises a significant boost to the local economy and agricultural productivity in Mariental and surrounding areas,” he said. He added that the restored water allocation is effective immediately, with a total supply volume set…

Allexer Namundjembo Nepando Amupanda, who served as the bodyguard of Namibia’s Founding President, Sam Nujoma, from 1982 until 2005, has reflected on the weight of his responsibility in ensuring the former head of state’s safety during a critical period in the country’s history. Amupanda discussed his experiences in an interview with NBC on Wednesday, saying Nujoma entrusted him with more than just her physical protection.  He was responsible for keeping Nujoma's belongings organised and meeting his daily needs. “I was trusted to make sure that all his belongings were well organised and that he remained safe. I was also tasked…

Mallex Shipanga  UNAM has introduced flexible payment options to assist students who face financial difficulties during registration.  The new measures were announced in a notice issued on 10 February. Under the new arrangement, students can register with reduced upfront payments.  The minimum amount required for registration has been lowered from N$2 975 to N$1 500.  For those unable to afford even the reduced amount, UNAM has introduced a N$0 upfront payment option. Students benefiting from these flexible payment options must sign a payment agreement, which outlines the terms for settling their outstanding balance by the end of November. Those who…