Blog

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The University of Namibia (UNAM) and the Namibian University of Science and Technology (NUST) have dismissed claims that they are holding back the qualifications of graduates with outstanding tuition fees, despite a Cabinet directive that it should be released. Last year, the Cabinet directed these universities to release degrees, diplomas, and transcripts of students who graduated in April 2024 to help them find jobs. This was meant to ease unemployment among graduates. The directive stated that once graduates signed repayment agreements with the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF), the universities must release their qualifications. NSFAF would then…

Allexer Namundjembo Despite several major dams under its management reaching full capacity following recent rains, NamWater has kept water tariffs for consumers unchanged. NamWater’s spokesperson Lot Ndamanhomata confirmed the news in response to questions from the Windhoek Observer.  He said the company has not increased tariffs for about five years, despite rising input costs, particularly electricity used for pumping and the chemicals required for water treatment. “Given these rising operational costs, there are currently no plans to reduce water tariffs,” he said. NamWater maintains that current rates are necessary to sustain operations, maintain infrastructure, and ensure long-term water security, regardless…

Allexer Namundjembo President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged investors to follow the example set by the HyIron Oshivela Plant, which was officially inaugurated in Arandis on Saturday.  The plant, one of the world’s first industrial facilities dedicated to zero-emission iron production, represents a major step in the country’s commitment to sustainable industrialisation and economic transformation. The construction of the facility began in April 2024 through a collaboration between international partners and local expertise. The President said the project aligns with national development goals focused on value addition and resource beneficiation. With an investment of approximately N$600 million, the plant has created…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Fresh allegations have surfaced against Auas Primary School principal Toini Nauyoma and Groot Aub Junior Primary School principal Natangwe Shingenge, with community members accusing them of cultural insensitivity, unfair recruitment, and administrative misconduct. The complaints were submitted in a formal letter dated 10 April, addressed to the education minister, Sanet Steenkamp, Public Service Commission (PSC) Commissioner Habate Doeses, and Ombudsman Basilius Dyakugha. All three offices acknowledged receipt, with stamped copies seen by the Windhoek Observer. This publication saw an email from the PSC confirming that Paulus Nghikembua, the regional education director, had received the letter.  Community activist Shaun…

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Defence Force (NDF) has launched a coordinated humanitarian relief operation to assist communities affected by severe flooding across the northern regions of the country. The operation, which began on 31 March, covers the Ohangwena, Oshana, Omusati and Kunene regions, where torrential rains have left several areas inaccessible by road. The campaign involves the deployment of NDF helicopters, vehicles and personnel to transport healthcare workers, distribute food parcels, and relocate flood victims to higher ground. Wing Commander Eliaser Ambambi, who heads the operation, said that providing such support to civil authorities and communities falls within the NDF’s…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  The Roads Authority (RA) awarded the contract to repair and improve the damaged gravel road between Okahao and Onemanya in the Omusati Region to Kambwa Trading. This is after pressure from the residents and civil society. Omusati governor Erginus Endjala confirmed the move to address the issue. “The master plan shows when the road will be tarred, but the immediate concern is accessibility. Most roads in the region were damaged or washed away by the rains. Some roads are critical and under consideration for upgrading to bitumen standard, but the challenge is the budget,” Endjala told the Windhoek…

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Environment and Tourism has improved conservation operations in the Etosha National Park with the handover of two new trucks, valued at just over N$7.1 million. The vehicles—a Mercedes-Benz 33 Series dropside truck and a Powerstar water tank truck—were officially delivered during a brief ceremony at Okaukuejo on Saturday. The trucks were procured through funds from the Game Products Trust Fund, which channels revenue from the sustainable use of wildlife resources back into conservation efforts. The fund has enabled the ministry to invest in essential infrastructure and equipment aimed at strengthening park management across Namibia. Environment…

Niël Terblanché President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged the mining industry to deepen its contribution to national development by investing more in local communities, youth empowerment, and value addition. During her visit to Rössing Uranium Mine in Arandis on Saturday, she stressed the need for mining operations to align with the government’s goals of economic transformation and sustainable development. “Mining contributes immensely to our fiscus. I am convinced that we have not yet exploited the full potential of our mining sector,” she said. She reiterated the importance of transforming the livelihoods of the nation through industrial and manufacturing bases built on value…

Allexer Namundjembo Residents in the Okongo Village council in the Ohangwena region are paying off loans for houses they cannot live in because the properties have no sewer, water, or electricity services. The houses were constructed in Block 103, allocated under Council Resolution number OKVC/ORD-02-07/03/2023-05, but remain unoccupied due to the absence of basic services. Some homeowners, through their lawyers Elago and Partners, sent a demand letter to the Okongo Village Council on 16 July 2024, accusing the council of having failed to provide essential services, as required by the Local Authorities Act and the Town Planning Ordinance. “Our instructions…