National News

Niël Terblanché Custos Energy has announced the completion of Chevron Namibia Exploration II Limited's farm-in into Petroleum Exploration License 82 (PEL 82), marking a. expansion of Chevron's offshore exploration activities in Namibia. According to Knowledge Katti, chairman and chief executive officer of Custos, Chevron now holds an 80% participating interest and operatorship in PEL 82, with Custos Energy and the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) each retaining 10% interests. "Completion of Chevron's entry into PEL 82 is another indicator of the quality and opportunity associated with our offshore portfolio. We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Chevron, positioning…

Allexer Namundjembo The construction of the 54-kilometre gravel road between Omuthiya and Elambo has begun with a completion timeline of two years. This road project, which will improve access to essential services such as schools and health facilities in the surrounding areas, is being developed through a partnership between the Oshikoto Regional Council and the Roads Authority. Although the groundbreaking ceremony, initially set for 18 February, was postponed due to the passing of founding father President Sam Nujoma, Oshikoto Regional Council’s project manager, Priscilla Lyakwata, confirmed that the project is progressing as planned. "As we speak, the project is ongoing.…

His Excellency Dr Sam Nujoma, Founding President of the Republic of Namibia was born on 12 May 1929 at the Etunda village, Omusati Region in the North-Western part of Namibia to Mr Daniel Uutoni Nujoma and Mrs Helvi Mpingana Kondombolo. He is the firstborn in a family of 11. Like all boys of those days, he looked after his parent’s cattle and assisted with home chores including cultivation of land. He received his primary education from the Okahao Finnish Mission School from 1937 to 1945. In 1946 he moved to the coastal town of Walvisbay to live with his aunt…

Allexer Namundjembo The world has reacted with an outpouring of condolences following the passing of Namibia’s founding president, Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, a key figure in the country’s liberation struggle. Nujoma, who passed away on Saturday evening at the age of 95, was revered not only in Namibia but across the African continent.  His leadership in the fight for Namibia’s independence from South African apartheid and his role in shaping a free Namibia left a lasting impact on history. World leaders paid tribute to his legacy. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa described Nujoma as an "extraordinary freedom fighter" and acknowledged his…

1929: Born in Ongandjera, Namibia 1935 left school at age 16 to become a railway dining-car steward.  1950s: Helped found the Ovamboland People's Organization, the precursor to the South-West African People's Organization (SWAPO) 1959: Founded SWAPO and became its president 1960: He went into exile in 1960 and was named president of SWAPO after it was founded on April 19 of that year. 1966: After several years of fruitlessly petitioning the United Nations to compel South Africa to release control of South West Africa, commanded the PLAN to on an armed struggle in 1966.  1973: The UN General Assembly recognized…

Niël Terblanché Namibia has committed to deepening its trade relations with Nigeria, focusing on niche markets and products that offer mutual benefits. This intent was reaffirmed by Ambassador Penda Naanda, Executive Director of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, during the opening of the Senior Officials Meeting of the Fifth Session of the Namibia-Nigeria Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation (JPCC) in Windhoek last week. “This Fifth Session of the JPCC is of great significance, as this is the first time in 14 years that Namibia and Nigeria are hosting the JPCC. The last session was held in 2010—an injustice…

Niël Terblanché A newly established catering company SolFood is taking its business beyond the kitchen by integrating social responsibility into its core operations to address food insecurity in Walvis Bay. During a courtesy visit last week, the founder of SolFood, Anya Kovaleva, met with Walvis Bay mayor Trevino Forbes to discuss the company’s ongoing efforts to provide nutritious meals to children in need. Kovaleva shared the origins of the initiative, explaining how a simple act of giving away surplus food evolved into a full-fledged project to support the community. “We gave the surplus of our catered food away to children…

Niël Terblanché Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has called on Executive Directors (EDs) in the public service to step up their efforts in implementing government priorities for the upcoming financial year. During a meeting held in Windhoek on Friday with all EDs, the Prime Minister outlined key focus areas, stressing accountability, timely execution of Cabinet decisions, and effective resource management. Kuugongelwa-Amadhila also reiterated the importance of timely evaluation and implementation of Cabinet decisions, highlighting the need for measurable outcomes and value for money. "It is important that Cabinet decisions are implemented timely and that their impacts are evaluated to ensure that…

 Niël Terblanché The country is grappling with a significant challenge where young people face increasing vulnerability to human trafficking. Desperation for employment opportunities, domestically and abroad, often leads individuals into precarious situations. Traffickers exploit this desperation, luring victims with promises of legitimate work, only to subject them to forced labour, sexual exploitation, or other forms of abuse. The recently released 2023 Labour Force Survey compiled by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) revealed an unemployment rate of 36.9%, the highest within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). This statistic translates to approximately 320 450  people without employment, with young people disproportionately…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  Employees of Project Hope Namibia, Society for Family Health (SFH), TCE, and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that receive funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) have been left in uncertainty following the implementation of a 90-day Stop Work Order issued. Despite the immediate order to cease operations, workers at these NGOs are still required to report for duty without performing any tasks. Speaking on condition of anonymity, a Project Hope employee claimed that a WhatsApp message informed workers of the directive. “They only communicated with us through WhatsApp, saying we must adhere to the order that…