National News

Stefanus Nashama  Urban gardeners in informal settlements face an uphill battle with no direct support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform. The ministry’s spokesperson, Jennifer Paulus, told the Windhoek Observer last week when responding to calls for assistance from residents struggling to sustain their backyard gardens.  “We do not have a hand in supporting gardening in the informal settlement. I think that is the responsibility of the Windhoek municipality,” she said. Wilhelmina Iikela, a resident of the Goreangab informal settlement, has brought attention to the challenges faced by urban gardeners in Namibia who make a living from…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja President Nangolo Mbumba assumed office on 4 February 2024, following the passing of President Hage Geingob.  At the time, he was the vice president of the country.  On the same day that Geingob died, he was sworn in as Namibia’s fourth President.   Mbumba reflected on that day during a remembrance service for Geingob at the statehouse on Tuesday. “Exactly 365 days ago, with tears in my eyes, I had to take the oath of office as the president of Namibia. After that, I told security and protocol the office of the president should remain closed and his cars…

Niël Terblanché Swakopmund residents are outraged after a beloved pet dog was stolen, brutally killed, and its carcass allegedly sold to a kapana trader. The incident, which took place on Saturday, has sparked an outcry, with community members calling for justice and urging people to attend the upcoming court proceedings to oppose bail for the accused. According to Chrane Wasserfall from the Civilian Animal Protection Unit (CAPU), the dog, named Ragnir, was stolen from its owner’s yard in the Matutura residential area on Saturday. The devastated owner spent hours searching for her two missing dogs, eventually recovering one. However, Ragnir…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  Advocate Richard Metcalfe has criticised his former client, Reinhold Shipwikineni, following his withdrawal as his legal representative in the case against Swapo and its presidential candidate, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Metcalfe stated that his professional relationship with Shipwikineni had broken down irretrievably, making it impossible for him to continue representing him. “Shipwikineni misrepresents himself as an attorney and refuses to accept cogent legal advice. He appears, with the utmost respect, to be addicted to prevarication and deception in order to advance his nefarious ego,” Metcalfe said. Metcalfe refuted claims that he had been threatened by the deputy chief justice, Petrus…

Niël Terblanché With the Environmental Crimes Court (ECC) now officially operational, environmental advocates and law enforcement agencies hope that swift and firm justice will deter criminals involved in poaching and other wildlife crimes to reinforce Namibia’s reputation as a leader in conservation efforts. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has welcomed the establishment and progress of Namibia’s first-ever specialised ECC in Otjiwarongo, which is set to play a crucial role in tackling wildlife-related offences. According to the ministry’s spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda, the court represents an important milestone in the country’s fight against environmental and wildlife crimes. In a statement…

Mallex Shipanga  The Namibia Breast Milk Bank (NBMB) is in need of breast milk donors in Windhoek. Paediatrician, Gerald Morkel explained that the donations support babies who do not have access to their mother's milk, especially those weighing 1.5 kg or less, who may need supplemental feeding. “Breast milk donations save babies' lives by providing essential nutrition and immune protection that is crucial for their development, especially for premature or sick infants. By receiving donor breast milk, these infants have a better chance of survival, reduced complications, and healthier growth outcomes, ultimately leading to a significant decrease in infant mortality…

Niël Terblanché Keetmanshoop is hosting the second Namibia Regional Water Symposium (NRWS), a critical platform bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and community representatives to address the country’s pressing water security challenges. The three-day event, convened by the Department of Water Affairs under the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, on Tuesday, will focus on the theme, “Water Security: A Generational Human Right for Sustainable Economic Development.” The governor of the Omaheke region, Pijoo Nganate, opened the symposium by stressing the urgent need for collaboration and commitment in securing Namibia’s water future. “Water is the single most powerful resource that…

Allexer Namundjembo The Swapo Party has no plans to host a remembrance ceremony for its former president, Hage Geingob, who passed away on 4 February last year. This was confirmed by Swapo Youth League Secretary, Ephraim Nekongo to the Windhoek Observer on Monday.  “No formal communication was issued, but those who will be hosting remembrance ceremonies are welcome to do so,” Nekongo said. Swapo’s spokesperson, Hilma Nikanor, also confirmed that she does not know about any planned events. “All I am aware of is the wreath-laying ceremony at Heroes Acre, where the gates are open to the public,” Nikanor said.…

Niël Terblanché The Mondesa Clinic in Swakopmund has been temporarily closed after a fire broke out in the early hours of Monday morning. According to Chief Inspector Ileni Shapumba, head of the Namibian Police’s Community Affairs Division in the Erongo region, the cause of the fire remains unknown and an investigation has been launched to determine what started the blaze. Shapumba said that a security guard from Six Thousand Security Company, who was on duty at the clinic, reported hearing multiple explosions before a resident alerted her that the clinic was on fire. He added that it is suspected that…