National News

Niël Terblanché Namibia is confronting an alarming surge in cyber threats, with over 1.1 million incidents recorded in 2024 alone. These attacks have targeted businesses, government entities, and individuals, leading to substantial financial losses and data breaches. Telecom Namibia suffered a major ransomware attack in December 2024, resulting in the exposure of sensitive customer data. The hackers, identified as the group Hunters International, leaked approximately 626 gigabytes of data after the company refused to pay the demanded ransom. In a related incident, scammers exploited the likeness of former First Lady Monica Geingos to perpetrate investment fraud. Using manipulated videos and…

Ester Mbathera  Young lawmaker, Fenny Tutjavi, has called for the creative industry to be recognised as a vital sector of the economy capable of creating jobs and generating revenue. According to her, the creative industry is not a side hustle but has the potential to create jobs and make money for the country. “It is high time we stop treating the creative industry as a hobby sector. Arts, music, and media are not side hustles. They are industries,” she said. She said this during her maiden speech in the National Assembly on Wednesday. She said these industries can employ thousands,…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  Residents of the Havana and Hakahana residential areas in Windhoek have raised alarm over open sewage trenches along the Hakahana-Havana Road and Peter Nanyemba (Monte Cristo) Road, calling the situation a serious public safety risk. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) Movement said more than five vehicles have fallen into the trenches recently, with criminal activity around the sites also on the rise. AR Khomas regional chairperson Sem David said the unfinished road and sewage works have left the area unsafe for motorists, pedestrians, and children. “Children are seen playing inside the trenches. These…

Niël Terblanché A group of young learners from Penombili Private Primary School in Walvis Bay took action for the environment by organising a beach clean-up at Independence Beach. The initiative, spearheaded by the school’s principal, Francina Hidengwa, encouraged pupils to take pride in their surroundings while learning about environmental care. “We want to set a strong example for environmental stewardship within our community,” she said. Hidengwa described the day as both purposeful and enjoyable. “The clean-up effort not only contributed to a cleaner coastline but also served as a fun and educational outdoor activity,” she added. Hidengwa said the learners…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Employees of Pretorius Plant Hire Trust in Windhoek have downed tools in a legal strike led by the Namibian Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union (NARETU), following a protracted wage dispute and what the union says is a breach of strike rules. NARETU’s commander-in-chief, Petersen Kambind, confirmed on Tuesday that the strike comes after wage talks between the workers and the company collapsed last year and were referred to the Office of the Labour Commissioner. Kambinda said the company has since attempted to use replacement drivers, a move he says violates the strike agreement signed by both parties. “This…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The City of Windhoek has recorded a rise in cable theft and vandalism targeting municipal streetlights, resulting in losses estimated at N$200 000 between January and March this year. City spokesperson Lydia Amutenya said on Tuesday that about 130 incidents were reported during the first quarter of 2025. According to her, the most common method used involves suspects forcing open the inspection boxes at the base of streetlight poles to remove electrical cables. “They sell the streetlight steel covers and cables to the unregulated market of scrap metal dealerships,” Amutenya said. She explained that many of the incidents…

Niël Terblanché Telecom Namibia (TN) has warned its customers to be alert following a noticeable rise in cyber scam attempts that appear to be targeting unsuspecting users through impersonation and deceit. According to the warning issued on Monday by the company’s management, the scammers have been contacting individuals while posing as TN representatives. “In many instances, they claim to offer assistance with internet upgrades or connectivity problems, but their real intention is to gain access to customers’ personal devices or financial details,” the warning reads. TN’s management stressed that it will never request access to customers’ phones, bank accounts or…

Niël Terblanché The minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform, Mac Hengari, has laid out a broad agenda for the ministry’s direction over the next five years, calling for committed teamwork and focused implementation to realise national development goals. Speaking during a meet-and-greet with officials and staff in Windhoek on Wednesday, Hengari described his appointment by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as an immense, yet exciting responsibility. He added that he was delighted to have been granted the opportunity to serve the nation through a portfolio that touches the core of rural development, food security and economic sustainability. According to Hengari,…

Ester Mbathera  Swapo lawmaker Tobie Aupindi has called for substantial and gradual change to the veterinary cordon fence, commonly known as the “red line”.  Aupindi argued that it perpetuates economic inequality in the country. Speaking during a budget debate in the National Assembly on Tuesday, Aupindi said the red line effectively creates two separate economies within the same country. “We are literally maintaining two economic systems in one republic. One for the commercial rich, and the other one for the communal poor,” he said. The Swapo member of parliament said the National Assembly also recommended the removal because the ministry…