Page 18 – News Stand

15 Apr

NRU confirms warm-up matches for Africa Cup preparation

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Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) has announced a series of high-profile warm-up matches for the national team, the Welwitschias, as part of their preparation for the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup and a bid to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. NRU Chief Executive Officer John Heynes confirmed on Tuesday that the matches will begin in June. He said that these games are expected to play a crucial role in building team cohesion and fitness ahead of the continental tournament scheduled for 6–20 July in Uganda. “These matches offer vital preparation and a chance for fans to enjoy…

14 Apr

Opposition demands answers about N$100 million Angolan petroleum deal

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Allexer Namundjembo Opposition political parties are demanding full public disclosure and accountability over the unexplained disappearance of N$100 million linked to a controversial oil and gas project, known as "the Transaction", in Angola Block 15/06. The project involves the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) and other partners. More than a year after the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) launched an investigation, no official report has been made public. The Landless People’s Movement (LPM), through its spokesperson, Lifalaza Simataa, describes the situation as a pattern of state-owned entities mishandling public funds without consequences. “Large sums of money suspiciously not being recovered, going…

14 Apr

Tjombe, Masua urge overhaul of land compensation model

info_e12wt4csNational News

Ester Mbathera Human rights lawyer Norman Tjombe and former Member of Parliament and lawyer Patience Masua have called for urgent reform of Namibia’s land reform framework, criticising the current willing buyer, willing seller approach as ineffective and unjust. The two made the remarks during a high-level panel discussion hosted by Open Society Foundations (OSF) and Action Coalition-Namibia in Windhoek on Monday. The discussion formed part of the OSF Africa Tour under the Namibia chapter, titled “The Land of the Brave”. Tjombe dismissed the willing buyer, willing seller model as a policy with no basis in the Namibian Constitution. “I've gone…

14 Apr

Ngurare calls for a shift in mindset from public servants

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has called on staff members in his office to reflect deeply on their role as public servants and recommit themselves to efficient service delivery. Speaking during a staff engagement in Windhoek on Monday, Ngurare described the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) personnel as the most valuable asset in the country’s administrative machinery. “It has been three weeks since I was appointed Prime Minister, and I have been looking forward to this opportunity to engage with you. You, the staff members of this office, are the most valuable assets in our asset register. Without…

14 Apr

Namutoni education centre receives equipment for enhance education

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Niël Terblanché The Namutoni Environmental Education Centre (NEEC), situated within the Etosha National Park, has received a consignment of office, accommodation, and kitchen equipment aimed at enhancing educational services. The Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Indileni Daniel handed the equipment to the management of the centre on Sunday. Daniel said the new equipment include a projector, desktop computers, laptops, and various kitchen utensils and that it was procured through the Game Products Trust Fund at a cost of N$151 129. "This centre is an integral part of our country’s education sector, and today’s handover marks a step forward in…

14 Apr

Sulphur upwelling prompts water rationing in Swakopmund and Arandis

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Niél Terblanché A sudden sulphur upwelling in the Atlantic Ocean has disrupted operations at the Orano Desalination Plant, leading to a reduced supply of potable water at Arandis. The spokesperson of the Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater), Lot Ndamanomhata, reported that the phenomenon, which began on Tuesday, 8 April 2025, has caused water reservoir levels to fall below 50% in Swakopmund and under 30% in Arandis. “In response, NamWater has advised the Arandis Town Council to implement water rationing measures from 14 to 18 April,” he said. According to Ndamanomhata, residents will experience nightly water supply interruptions between 22:00 and 04:00.…

14 Apr

NAM-CSIRT launched to enhance National Cybersecurity Response

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Niël Terblanché Namibia has officially launched its national Cyber Security Incident Response Team (NAM-CSIRT), a dedicated unit aimed at bolstering the country’s digital defences amid a rising tide of cyber threats. The minister of information and communication technology, Emma Theofelus, officiated at the launch in Windhoek on Monday. Theofelus described the launch of NAM-CSIRT as not just a unit, but as national defence against cyber threats. She added that the initiative embodies our commitment to safeguarding Namibia’s critical information infrastructure and ensuring the protection of our citizens' personal data, businesses’ intellectual property, and the integrity of our public and private…

14 Apr

Outjo councillor urges football coaches to dream bigger

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Erasmus Shalihaxwe Outjo Constituency councillor Johnny Asino has urged local football coaches to aim high and pursue opportunities beyond Namibia’s borders, encouraging them to dream of leading major international clubs. Asino delivered his message on Monday during the opening of the Namibia Football Association (NFA) Introductory Coaching Course currently taking place in Outjo. The week-long course has attracted 25 aspiring coaches. He said football is a global sport that connects people across continents and cultures, with players and coaches moving between clubs around the world. He encouraged Namibian coaches to adopt the same global mindset. “You don’t have to confine…

14 Apr

NFA mourns referees killed in car crash

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Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Namibia Football Association (NFA) is mourning the death of two match officials, Helmut Andreas and Hans Petrus, who died in a car accident on Friday while en route to Windhoek to officiate at Premier League matches. NFA Director of Marketing and Communications, Isack Hamata, confirmed the tragic loss and described it as a significant blow to refereeing development in Namibia. Andreas, aged 55 and widely known in football circles as "Germany", was a seasoned referee with a long-standing commitment to the game. He held former FIFA accreditation and served as a local referee instructor, assessor, and chairperson…

13 Apr

Lüderitz port dispute sparks heritage concerns

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Allexer Namundjembo The proposed expansion of the Lüderitz port has reignited deep-rooted tensions over Namibia’s colonial past, with traditional leaders raising concerns about potential disruption to sacred heritage sites around Shark Island. Shark Island, located near the port, was used as a concentration camp during the 1904–1908 genocide under German colonial rule. Thousands of Nama and Ovaherero people were imprisoned and died there under brutal conditions. Today, the site is seen by many as a national symbol of trauma and remembrance. Some traditional leaders from the affected communities have warned that the planned construction could desecrate unmarked graves and disturb…