National News

Niël Terblanché As thousands are preparing to travel home or to a holiday destination over the Easter long weekend, the Namibian Police have called on motorists to exercise caution and adhere to safety measures on the roads. In a statement issued by the head of the police’s public relations division, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, urged motorists to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before setting off. This includes checking brakes, tyres, lights, and indicators. “Obey all traffic rules and regulations at all times. Avoid overloading both passengers and goods. Do not drink and drive,” she urged. Drivers were also reminded…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Beauty pageant licensing issues saw to it that Miss Namibia 2018, Selma Kamanya, will represent the country at this year’s Miss World Pageant, scheduled for 31 May in Hyderabad, India. The decision to appoint Kamanya seven years after her crowning as Miss Namibia follows the handover of the national licence by the Miss World Organisation to Miss NGO Namibia earlier this year. The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), which previously held the Miss World licence, has not publicly explained why it ceased its involvement. When contacted for comment, NBC spokesperson Beaulah Boois-Beukes said, “Miss Namibia CEO will respond.” The…

Niël Terblanché The Office of the Presidency has condemned what it described as a coordinated spread of false information intended to damage the country’s reputation and cause diplomatic embarrassment. This follows the circulation of social media posts and online content alleging that President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah ordered the deportation of over 500 American nationals in retaliation for visa restrictions. The claims, widely shared on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook by accounts including @african_historyandnews, @its_onsiteafrica, and @afrika.world, have been labelled by the Office of the President as “fabricated” and “intended to tarnish the image of the President and the Namibian Government.”…

Niël Terblanché Florian Donatus, the newly elected chairperson of the Erongo Regional Council (ERC), has vowed to pursue an agenda of accountability, inclusive growth and accelerated service delivery as he begins his tenure following a recent leadership transition. Speaking at a press conference in Swakopmund on Wednesday, Donatus acknowledged the turbulence of the past few weeks but affirmed that the council is now ready to move forward. “I’m humbled to be elected as the chairperson of the Erongo Regional Council,” he said while also expressing appreciation to his fellow councillors and staff for their confidence and professionalism during the transition.…

Niël Terblanché Residents of Omuthiya and neighbouring villages will soon no longer need to travel long distances for mobile network services, as MTC prepares to open its 37th Mobile Home in the country. For years, Omuthiya residents have been reliant on a mobile van that visits the town twice a week. With limited access to services, many were forced to make the 83-kilometre journey to Ondangwa or even further to Tsumeb, some 130 kilometres away, for assistance with SIM replacements, registrations, contract renewals, and other MTC-related services. MTC’s corporate communications practitioner, Erasmus Nekundi, confirmed that plans are well advanced to…

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP) is in the process of modernising its national diagnostic infrastructure as part of a long-term strategy to strengthen laboratory services across all regions of the country. The NIP’s chief executive officer, Kapena Tjombonde, said in a statement on Wednesday that through its Equipment Replacement Plan (ERP), the institute is replacing outdated diagnostic tools with newer, more efficient technology to reduce turnaround times and improve access to life-saving tests, particularly in underserved areas. “This initiative forms a key component of NIP’s Integrated Strategic Business Plan (ISBP) 2022–2027, aimed at enhancing the quality and…

Allexer Namundjembo A petition calling for justice for five-year-old Ingrid Maasdorp, who was raped and murdered in Okahandja last month, has reignited public anger over unresolved child murder cases in Namibia. The petition, launched by youth activist Kashivi Shingungu, has attracted over 4 000 signatures, reflecting growing frustration with what many see as a systemic failure by law enforcement to protect children and pursue justice in cases involving violence against minors. Maasdorp’s body was found under a bridge after she was reported missing in the early morning hours of Thursday, 22 March, and was discovered on Friday of the same…

Hertta-Maria Amuteja  The Landless People's Movement (LPM) has criticised President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah for failing to attend the annual Genocide Walk in Lüderitz on April 13. The party’s policy unit chairperson, Lazarus Kairabeb, in a statement issued on Monday, said the president’s last-minute no-show signals a lack of political will to engage with communities seeking justice and reparations for the 1904-1908 genocide.  “This was supposed to be an opportunity to engage directly with the community on an issue that is so close to our hearts. The president's absence is disappointing, but it will not deter us from continuing our fight for…

Allexer Namundjembo Applications from 52 972 young people inundated the Namibian Police Force (NAMPOL) for 2 000 positions advertised during a recent recruitment drive for the 2024/2025 financial year. The numbers were confirmed by Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the head of Nampol’s public relations division.. “The overall recruitment figure was 2 000, which includes a special recruitment category,” Shikwambi said. She explained that the additional candidates will be drawn from crime prevention groups such as the Women and Men Network Against Crime, NYS graduates, and reservists from across the country. This surge in applications comes at a time when the…

Niël Terblanché Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) councillor for Walvis Bay Rural Constituency, has been elected as the new chairperson of the Erongo Regional Council. Chief Regional Officer Mpenzeni Ntelamo confirmed the appointment on Tuesday and said in a statement that Florian Donatus' election follows the ousting of former chairperson Benitha Imbamba through a motion of no confidence. The motion that was tabled on 6 March by Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) councillor Deriou Benson cited leadership failures and a lack of unity under Imbamba’s leadership. Benson alleged that Imbamba operated unilaterally and failed to foster collaboration among councillors. At…