Page 69 – News Stand

28 Apr

Researchers propose turning locusts into animal feed

info_e12wt4csNational News

Allexer Namundjembo Farmers in the northern parts of the country facing outbreaks of destructive insects like locusts and armoured crickets could benefit by using these insects as animal feed. Hiskia Asino, a doctorate candidate in aquaculture and nutrition at the University of Namibia (Unam), proposed turning pests such as locusts, armyworms, and armoured crickets into protein-rich feed for poultry, pigs, and fish. His idea aims to reduce crop damage and lower feed costs. "Instead of viewing these pests only as a threat, we should begin to see them as a resource. Locusts, for example, are high in protein and can…

27 Apr

Hengari’s fall casts a shadow over NNN’s start

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Allexer Namundjembo Political analysts say the arrest of former agriculture minister Mac-Albert Hengari has exposed weaknesses early on in President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership. Political analyst Henning Melber said the situation reflects poor judgement in Cabinet appointments. “This is a bad omen for NNN’s first weeks in office. It indicates that there was no proper vetting process done for the Cabinet appointments. Given the evidence already existing, Hengari should never have become a minister,” he said. Melber added that "innocent until proven guilty has a different meaning". He said Nandi-Ndaitwah’s image of moral leadership had been damaged and questioned how her…

27 Apr

UNAM, NUST await formal details on free tertiary education rollout

info_e12wt4csNational News

Ester Mbathera The University of Namibia (UNAM) says it has not yet received formal, detailed communication on how the government's new subsidy for tertiary education will be implemented. This follows President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s announcement during her State of the Nation Address last week that tertiary education at public institutions will be fully subsidised from the 2026 academic year. UNAM’s spokesperson, Simon Namesho, said the university welcomes the announcement as a positive and progressive step for the future of higher education. “As a key stakeholder in the national education system, UNAM remains available for engagement at the appropriate policy levels to…

27 Apr

Okahandja community demands action amid murder spree

info_e12wt4csNational News

Allexer Namundjembo “Okahandja, once known as Namibia’s Garden Town, has now become a place where people live in fear,” said Reinold #Goseb, capturing the growing anxiety of residents after a spate of brutal murders targeting young girls. Community members are calling for urgent action: military patrols, curfews, and enhanced school security. One resident, Richwell Tjitenda, whose children attend school in Okahandja, said he now fears every school pickup. “When you don’t find your child at school, your first thought is that they’ve become a victim,” Tjitenda said. Tjitenda also pointed to drug abuse as a contributing factor and urged the…

27 Apr

Shetu’s burial in DRC leaves family in limbo

info_e12wt4csFeatured, National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The family of Apostle Paulus Shiwoomwenyo Shetu is grappling with the shock of his burial in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) without their prior knowledge. Shetu (50) passed away on 22 April 2025 in Lubumbashi, DRC. Speaking to the Windhoek Observer, family spokesperson Petrus Sheya said they only found out about Shetu’s death and burial after receiving a message from an unknown number. “We just received a message after he was buried already. In fact, someone texted me from the DRC and then sent an SMS in French. Then I responded in English, asking who the person…

27 Apr

Masake calls for urgent reforms of the fishing industry

info_e12wt4csFeatured, National News

Niël Terblanché Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources, Ruth Masake, urged the fishing industry to join forces with the government in building a more inclusive, science-based regulatory system. Speaking at the annual fishing industry address held in Walvis Bay on Friday, Masake outlined a vision of sustainable practices, equitable resource allocation, and stronger collaboration to ensure the long-term viability of the sector. Delivering her first formal address to stakeholders since her appointment, Masake stressed the importance of partnership between government and industry to achieve broader development objectives. "Our President, Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has made it clear that the…

27 Apr

Chamber of Mines pushes forward with new safety standards for mines

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

Staff Writer The Chamber of Mines of Namibia has reported progress on the Mine Health and Safety Regulations. This was announced by Zebra Kasete, President of the Chamber of Mines of Namibia, in his 2024 mining review report released recently. The review of these regulations is nearly complete, and the updated rules will replace the outdated Safety Ordinance No. 20 of 1968. These new regulations are set to be gazetted and enforced under the new Minerals Act in 2025. According to Kasete, the Chamber’s Health and Safety Committee, working in partnership with the Chief Inspector of Mines, has finalised all…

27 Apr

Fuel prices remain steady despite global market shifts

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

Niël Terblanché Fuel prices in Namibia will remain unchanged for the month of May. The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy announced that the decision to keep prices at the same level as April comes despite a recent decline in global oil prices, as a weaker Namibian Dollar offset potential savings for consumers. In a statement issued on Thursday, the ministry confirmed that domestic pump prices would hold steady following a review of global fuel market trends and input costs for April. Petrol 95 will remain at N$20.08 per litre, while 50ppm diesel will continue to retail at N$20.62 per…

27 Apr

Swimmers find it tough at SA Championships

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Erasmus Shalihaxwe A group of 15 young swimmers, aged between 14 and 19, are finding it tough at the ongoing SANJ 2025 swimming competition in Cape Town, South Africa, as they are yet to win a medal. Team Manager Zeta Van Wyk said on day two of the competition, the team was divided into boys' and girls' groups, with all swimmers progressing to the next round in their respective categories. One of the standout performers was Rodney Feris, who made it to the finals in the boys' 14-year age group 100 meters. He finished 10th with a time of 1:06.41,…

25 Apr

BETWEEN HONOR AND ACCOUNTABILITY: THE LEGAL AND ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS OF NAMIBIA’S ‘FOUNDING FATHER’ STATUS AND POST-PRESIDENTIAL BENEFITS

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PAUL T. SHIPALE (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) Abstract Former Leader of the Official Opposition of The Popular Democratic Movement’s (PDM), McHenry Venaani, on Wednesday submitted a series of questions to Prime Minister Dr. Elijah Ngurare, calling for cost cutting measures by repurposing state offices for former presidents instead of building or renting new ones. Venaani Proposed that the Office previously used by the late Founding President and Father of the Namibian Nation, H.E Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, be allocated to accommodate living former Heads of State such as Hifikepunye Pohamba and Nangolo Mbumba. “Can the government repurpose the…