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Justicia Shipena  President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has conferred national hero status on the late Solomon “Jesus” Hawala and authorised a state funeral for him, despite a moratorium on such honours and opposition from survivors of the Lubango dungeons. The decision comes despite calls from Lubango dungeon survivors and activists who opposed granting Hawala a state funeral.  Some urged the Nandi-Ndaitwah to “refrain from granting him a state funeral.” Hawala will be buried in Ongwediva on 6 September 2025. He was born on 17 August 1935 and died on 11 August 2025 in a local hospital at the age of 89. Last…

Renthia Kaimbi The likeness of former first lady Monica Geingos, finance minister Ericah Shafudah, and President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah are being used in scams involving deepfakes and fake social media accounts.  Victims report receiving calls and messages from fraudsters posing as these leaders, including one case where a live WhatsApp video call used Geingos’ face to trick someone into handing over money.  NBC TV presenter Nina Katangana has also been targeted. Geingos said her office receives desperate messages from victims who have lost money. She has repeatedly distanced herself from fake accounts and numbers used to promote fraudulent forex schemes.  “Over…

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…