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Allexer Namundjembo The Landless People’s Movement (LPM) says it will not retract comments made by its leader, Bernadus Swartbooi, about health minister Dr Esperance Luvindao. During a press briefing held on Tuesday in Windhoek, Swartbooi referred to the minister as a “Congolese” while criticising the use of artificial intelligence in the health sector. The Swapo Party Youth League responded in a statement on Wednesday, calling the remarks “xenophobic and defamatory”.  The statement, issued by Youth League secretary Ephraim Nekongo, said Swartbooi’s comments were “unjustified and inflammatory”, factually flawed, and dangerously divisive. “We acknowledge and fully uphold the democratic principle that…

Justicia Shipena A total of 476 pregnancy tests were conducted during a week-long outreach in the Kavango East region.  The outreach, held from 16 to 20 June 2025, was led by the #BeFree Cares Clinic in partnership with the ministry of health and social services. According to organisers, several young women who accessed services were already mothers, with some as young as 16 years old.  The outreach targeted five communities, Kamutjonga, Andara, Shamangorwa, Korokoko, and Likwaterera, focusing on sexual and reproductive health (SRH), particularly family planning and long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). “The outreach was prompted by the region’s alarming rates…

Niël Terblanché The Welwitschia Private Hospital in Walvis Bay has become the first medical facility in Namibia to earn ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 certification. Hospital manager Stephan Nel confirmed the achievement, which came after about a year and a half of hard work.  The global assurance firm DNV issued the endorsement, placing the hospital in a position to meet the standards required to serve the mining, marine, and growing oil and gas sectors in Namibia. Nel said the process began early last year when management decided to align all departments with the two ISO standards. “We were audited several…

Niël Terblanché The Public Enterprise CEO Forum will convene on 23 July in Walvis Bay, with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah set to attend for the first time.  Her presence underscores the importance of state-owned companies in the country’s economic agenda. Formed in 2017 and registered under Section 21 of the Companies Act, the forum brings together leaders of more than 80 public enterprises. It serves as a platform to review strategies, discuss governance, and exchange practical lessons. Deputy chairperson Toska Sem described the gathering as the biggest and most anticipated meeting of CEOs in the sector. “It’s a rare opportunity for…