‘Remove taxation from chronic medication’ – patients tell GRN

‘Remove taxation from chronic medication’ – patients tell GRN

Hertta-Maria Amutenja A group of Namibians living with chronic conditions is calling on the government to remove Value Added Tax (VAT) and import duties on essential medication. Group spokesperson Stephen Bellesini said the appeal comes from personal experience of paying out of pocket for chronic medication not available in public hospitals. “State pharmacies only stock items listed on the Namibia Essential Medicines List (NEMLIST), which excludes many specialised or newer treatments required for chronic conditions. That leaves responsible citizens no choice but to turn to private pharmacies, where they face not just the full price of the medicine but layers…
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Coetzee and Greeff Win Big at Nedbank Power Pedal Series Finale

Coetzee and Greeff Win Big at Nedbank Power Pedal Series Finale

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Drikus Coetzee and Anri Greeff were crowned champions of the Nedbank Windhoek Power Pedal (WPP) Race Series on Sunday after winning the men’s and women’s categories on the Heroes Acre bridge in Windhoek. Coetzee scored 970 points to win the men’s overall title. Roger Suren came second with 745 points, while Jacques Hanekom of Team Hollard placed third with 720 points. Hanekom was followed by teammate Martin Freyer, who finished in 02:34:39. Nicolaas Swart of Hollard Ambassadors crossed the line just behind him in 02:34:40. In the elite women’s category, Greeff defended her title with a time of…
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GH2 projects seek support from the Green Climate Fund

GH2 projects seek support from the Green Climate Fund

Niël Terblanché The Environmental Investment Fund (EIF) of Namibia, in collaboration with the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2P), has developed three green hydrogen-based project proposals with the aim of securing funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The draft concept notes, which focus on energy production and agricultural development in the Kharas region, were the subject of recent stakeholder engagement sessions in Lüderitz and Keetmanshoop. The proposed initiatives include the establishment of a green hydrogen production plant within the Southern Corridor Development Initiative (SCDI), a fertiliser and irrigation plant linked to the Neckartal Green Scheme, and an offshore wind project…
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UNAM students awarded bursaries by Rosh Pinah Zinc

UNAM students awarded bursaries by Rosh Pinah Zinc

Justicia Shipena  Two students from the University of Namibia (Unam) recently received bursaries from Rosh Pinah Zinc (RPZ).  Each year, RPZ awards one bursary to a student from the //Kharas Region and another to a student from another region.  While previous bursaries were limited to mining-related fields, this year the RPZ opened the opportunity to all fields of study.  It marks the second bursary cycle since Appian Capital Advisory took over the mine. The 2025 recipients are Paulina Shakumu, a second-year Chartered Accounting student from Oshakati, and Secilia Kalimwe, an Economics student from Rundu who was raised in Rosh Pinah. …
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Foundation aims to revive Nujoma’s unfinished projects

Foundation aims to revive Nujoma’s unfinished projects

Niël Terblanché The Sam Nujoma Foundation will pursue additional ways to honour the legacy of the late founding president.  Former prime minister and the foundation’s chairperson, Nahas Angula, disclosed these plans during a remembrance ceremony on Monday at Heroes’ Acre.  The ceremony was to mark what would have been Sam Nujoma’s 96th birthday. It was the first time the day was commemorated since his passing in February this year. According to Angula, the initiatives include reviving unfinished initiatives such as the Etunda Farm Primary School, which he intended to donate to the government to serve children of farm labourers. “His…
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Young Africans aim to seal Debmarine Premiership final match

Young Africans aim to seal Debmarine Premiership final match

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Young African Football Club owner and coach Mali Ngarizemo says his team will fight for the Debmarine Premiership title until the final day, when they face African Stars Football Club in Gobabis. Ngarizemo spoke over the weekend in Windhoek after Young African beat title contenders Khomas Nampol Football Club 2-1. “We are still in the chase; we want to take it down to the wire, because we are not even done with African Stars yet, and we won’t make it easy for them. Our last game will be against them (African Stars) in Gobabis, and we hope to…
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Luvindao promises better conditions for nurses

Luvindao promises better conditions for nurses

Niël Terblanché The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Esperance Luvindao, paid tribute to Namibian nurses and acknowledged their vital role in the country's healthcare system during International Nurses Day on Monday by paying tribute.  Speaking at the Windhoek Central Hospital, the minister pledged improvements to nurses’ working conditions and professional opportunities. “Nurses are the backbone of Namibia’s healthcare system,” Luvindao said.  She recognised their tireless service in both urban and rural areas, from national referral hospitals to remote clinics.  “It is our nurses who stand at the frontline,” she added. The event, which coincided with the birthday of…
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New measures to ease congestion at Katima Mulilo

New measures to ease congestion at Katima Mulilo

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) has introduced a new requirement to ease traffic congestion and improve the flow of goods at the Katima Mulilo Border Post. From 26 May 2025, all clearing agents must submit goods declarations and supporting documents at least two days before the consignments reach the border. NamRA's chief of strategic communications and support engagements, Yarukeekuro Ndorokaze, said the new measure follows a cabinet decision and a resolution from a stakeholder meeting held on 28 April. “This approach aims to improve traffic flow and expedite clearance at the Katima Mulilo Border Post, allowing NamRA sufficient…
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Mbangu calls for more balanced road infrastructure funding

Mbangu calls for more balanced road infrastructure funding

Allexer Namundjebo National Council Member for the Rundu Rural Constituency, Paulus Mbangu, has called for a fairer approach to road infrastructure development during the ongoing discussions on the Roads Bill.  The bill, which aims to improve the management and distribution of Namibia's road network, is being debated in the National Council to address issues of accessibility, economic connectivity, and infrastructure equity across the country. In his speech, Mbangu responded to statements made by Minister of Works and Transport, Veikko Nekundi, who suggested that road equity should be assessed based solely on the length of roads in each region.  While acknowledging…
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BoN to conduct currency review in the next three months

BoN to conduct currency review in the next three months

Allexer Namundjembo The Bank of Namibia (BoN) will embark on a comprehensive national currency review within the next three months.  The review is aiming to assess and improve the materials, design, and production processes of the country’s banknotes and coins. This was announced by BoN Governor Johannes !Gawaxab during the launch of the upgraded N$50 banknote in Windhoek on Monday.  The review, he said, is intended to enhance cost-efficiency and durability across all denominations in circulation. “As a final note, we call on all Namibians to handle their money responsibly. Defacing or mutilating banknotes contributes to unnecessary replacement costs and…
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