National News

Hertta- Maria Amutenja  The ministry of information and communication technology (MICT) has confirmed that the data protection bill will be tabled in parliament in September. ICT minister Emma Theofelus announced the plan during the Standard Bank Anti-Financial Crime Conference in Windhoek on Thursday.  She said the bill will protect personal data, safeguard privacy, and provide a legal framework for secure digital transactions. “The data protection Bill will ensure that personal data is protected, privacy is respected, and digital transactions are secure. It will also strengthen public trust in digital platforms and support innovation by providing clear rules for the ethical…

Allexer Namundjembo Inspector general Joseph Shikongo has ordered all regional commanders to tighten security at police facilities nationwide after a series of inmate escapes.  The directive follows the breakout of seven inmates from Ngoma Police Station over the weekend. The escapees include Angolan national Xiaver Francisco (27), Namibian national Chester Yambwa (34), and Zambian nationals Muyokela Sinyinda (20), James Lisho (35), Monga Mubita (23), Nyambe Sililo (53), and Vincent Mwiya (38). They cut through the iron roof of the holding cells to get out. Namibian Police spokesperson, deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, confirmed the directive to the Windhoek Observer on Thursday. …

Allexer Namundjembo Affirmative Repositioning (AR) leader and member of parliament Job Amupanda has called on prime minister Elijah Ngurare to intervene in what he described as the “chaotic and disjointed” rollout of the National Youth Development Fund. In a letter dated 14 August, Amupanda criticised the use of different deadlines and processes across regions for a programme meant to operate uniformly in a unitary state.  In some regions, the application deadline is 18 August, in others 21 August, and in some 25 August.  The Erongo region has not set a deadline, opting instead for consultative meetings. “It cannot be correct…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  African parliaments were urged to act as catalysts for change in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) during a panel discussion at the 54th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Annual Regional Conference in The Gambia. The discussion, moderated by chairperson of Namibia’s National Council, Lukas Sinimbo Muha, highlighted healthcare as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of sustainable development. “Health is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of sustainable development. Yet, millions across our continent continue to face financial, geographic, and systemic barriers to accessing essential health services,” Muha said. He added that African parliaments have a constitutional…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  The Mine Workers Union of Namibia (MUN) has won a dispute with Sinomine Tsumeb Smelter over its voluntary separation programme (VSP). A recent ruling found the company must comply with section 34 of the Labour Act. The decision followed two days of conciliation talks on 12 and 13 August 2025. Section 34 requires companies to consult employees and unions and give proper notice before asking workers to leave for economic, technological, or operational reasons. The dispute began when MUN accused Sinomine of bypassing fair labour practices by pushing ahead with the VSP without engaging the union.  The union…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The president of the Association for Localised Interest (ASOLI) and former member of parliament Joseph Kauandenge has cautioned urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa against overreaching in his role. He said the functions of ministers are outlined in the constitution, while the roles of regional and local authorities are clearly stated in various acts. “The minister’s directives therefore must embody the spirit of separation of powers and, more importantly, recognise the aspect of decentralisation, where these entities must be allowed to make their own decisions, especially so on the side of councillors as elected leaders and representatives…

Allexer Namundjembo After nearly a decade of leadership uncertainty, Eugene Siwombe Kudumo has been officially appointed as the new chief of the Uukwangali Traditional Authority. Minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa confirmed the decision in a letter dated 12 August 2025, addressed to Sisindi Mbambero, a member of the Uukwangali Chiefs Council.  The Uukwangali community has been without a recognised chief since the passing of chief Daniel Sitentu Mpasi on 17 December 2014. Leadership succession was delayed due to disputes within the royal family and legal challenges, including a 2019 High Court ruling that set aside Siwombe’s initial…

Justicia Shipena Namibia has called on the international community not to stand by as a “humanitarian catastrophe of potentially monumental proportions” unfolds in Gaza City. This follows the Israeli Security Cabinet’s approval of a plan to take control of Gaza City.  Namibia says the move will worsen an already severe humanitarian crisis marked by hunger, deprivation, and the risk of forced starvation. The executive director in the ministry of international relations, Penda Naanda, said Namibia welcomes the condemnation of the plan by members of the international community.  He said Namibia is guided by its constitution, advocating for peaceful dispute resolution…