Page 7 – News Stand

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

info_e12wt4csSports

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

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Opinions

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…

24 Apr

No tuition, no registration fees from 2026

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Allexer Namundjembo From 2026, students enrolling at public universities and technical and vocational education centres will no longer have to pay tuition or registration fees. This was announced by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Thursday when she delivered her maiden state of the nation address (SONA) in the National Assembly. “We have heard your cries, ‘the fees have fallen’,” she said. She said this will be a gradual, phased-in approach and added that students’ contributions will be towards accommodation and other related costs only. This move, Nandi-Ndaitwah said, is a “specific message to our youth”. “That is the golden opportunity accorded…

24 Apr

Swapo playing both referee and player in parliament’ – IPC

info_e12wt4csNational News

Allexer Namundjembo The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has accused the ruling party of undermining parliamentary oversight by monopolising leadership positions in National Assembly committees. The IPC is calling the move a threat to democracy and a “deepening constitutional crisis.” The IPC’s Chief Whip, Imms Nashinge, said the current setup undermines Parliament’s oversight role. “Let’s call it what it is: Committee capture. When the referee wears the same jersey as the player, the game is rigged,” he said. The accusations come after parliament confirmed appointments to its standing committees. Swapo secured chairmanship over eight out of nine committees. Only the…

24 Apr

No action on Club Pamodzi building

info_e12wt4csNational News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Eight months after the Windhoek City Police pledged to trace the new owner of the abandoned Pamodzi building and to increase patrols, residents say criminal activity at the site remains a concern. The building, located in Rykmans Dorp, has been a hotspot for criminal activity since its closure in 2015. Last year, a woman and her two sons were robbed at knifepoint in front of the structure, prompting fresh calls from the community and leaders for urgent action. Residents of the nearby Pamodzi Village flats continue to express concern. “Nothing has changed. We still hear people screaming at…