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July 2026
Namibian Sun
Oshana governor Hofni Iipingeannouncedall 12 health centres in the region will introduce round-the-clock services seven days a week during the current financial year
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“Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge has announced that all 12 health centres in the region will introduce round-the-clock services seven days a week during the current financial year, al...”
Oshana governor Hofni Iipingesaidtertiary and vocational institutions produced 3,010 graduates during reporting period
Source
“Presenting the State of the Region Address (SORA) on Monday, Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge said tertiary and vocational institutions operating in the region produced a total of 3 010 graduates during the reporting period.”
Oshana governor Hofni Iipingesaidthe upgraded facility would empower young people with skills needed for modern economy
Source
“Meanwhile, Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge said the upgraded facility would empower young people with the skills, confidence and opportunities needed to participate meaningfully in the modern economy.”
Hofni Iipingeannounced13% reduction in overall reported crime and 12% reduction in rape, domestic violence, and sexual violence cases
Source
“This was announced by the Oshana Regional Governor, Hofni Iipinge, who revealed that overall reported crime decreased from 11,804 cases in 2024/2025 to 10,267 cases in 2025/2026.”
Hofni Iipingestatedgender-based violence continues to pose a challenge to community safety
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“"While progress has been recorded in offences such as housebreaking at residential and business premises, assault with grievous bodily harm, robbery, theft, and gender-based violence continues to pose a challenge to community safety," he said.”
Oshana governor Hofni Iipingeannouncedthe Ondangwa project will become a district hospital instead of referral hospital
Source
“Speaking during his state of the region address at Oshakati, Iipinge said significant progress has been made towards the establishment of a long-awaited Ondangwa district hospital, with key preparations completed.”
Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge has announced that all 12 health centres in the region will introduce round-the-clock services seven days a week during the current financial year.
Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge has announced that all 12 health centres in the region will introduce round-the-clock services seven days a week during the current financial year.
Namibians including Tonateni Moses were assaulted and robbed during violence targeting foreign nationals in Vredendal, a farming town in South Africa's Western Cape province. Seventy-two Namibians were repatriated this past weekend following the unrest.
Oshana region produced 3,010 graduates during the 2025/26 financial year from tertiary and vocational institutions including UNAM, IUM, and Welwitschia Health Training Centre. Young people in the region are calling for more jobs and business opportunities following this milestone in skills development.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah inaugurated the upgraded Rössing Foundation Ondangwa Centre, transformed into the Ondangwa Digital Technology Hub and Conferencing Centre through a N$37.2 million project funded by Rössing Uranium. The opening also included the handover of 73 interactive science exhibition models valued at N$6.05 million from the China Foundation for Development of Science and Technology.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia must shift from consuming technologies developed elsewhere to becoming a creator and producer of innovation, science and digital solutions. She was speaking at the inauguration of the Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Science Exhibition Hall and the upgraded Rössing Foundation Ondangwa Digital Technology Hub.
Oshana Region reported a 13% reduction in overall crime and 12% reduction in rape, domestic violence and sexual violence cases between 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 financial years, with overall reported crime decreasing from 11,804 to 10,267 cases and sexual violence cases declining from 759 to 670, though delayed reporting remains a challenge to accessing justice.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah officially inaugurated the upgraded Rössing Foundation Ondangwa Centre, now the Ondangwa Digital Technology Hub and Conferencing Centre, featuring a multipurpose hall with 800-person seating capacity and 73 interactive science exhibition models. The facility, originally established in 1983, was upgraded over seven months with involvement of 179 employees and is intended to serve as a hub for digital learning, research, conferences and community engagement.
The government has scaled down its plans to build an Ondangwa referral hospital, with Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge announcing the project will instead become a 700-bed district hospital. The feasibility study and environmental assessments have been completed, with the AfDB providing financing in collaboration with the ministries of finance and health and social services.
Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge has called for urgent development of a dual carriageway between Oshakati and Ondangwa, citing mounting pressure on existing road infrastructure from urbanisation, population growth, and expanding economic activities in the corridor.
Oshana region Governor Hofni Iipinge has called on government institutions to move from planning to delivery, citing residents' demands for completed roads, hospitals, water access and job creation. The region faces youth unemployment, infrastructure backlogs and project delays, though 120 permanent and 1,681 temporary jobs were created during the reporting period.
Since last year, more than 1.2 million hectares of land have been destroyed by wildfires across Namibia from 1,300 reported cases. The ministry of forestry is hosting a national workshop in Oshakati to develop protocols and frameworks for national wildfire management and prevention.
Governors of Ohangwena and Kunene regions have raised alarm about ongoing medicine shortages at public health facilities, with hospitals in Opuwo, Khorixas and elsewhere running low on medication for about three months. The shortages particularly affect chronic illness treatments including diabetes, hypertension, ARVs and tuberculosis medication, forcing patients to queue for long periods only to find prescribed drugs unavailable.
The Ongoma Music Awards, launched in early 2026 by Namibian musician Ndawana Ndume, aims to support emerging artists with recognition and industry experience. The awards have attracted 87 nominees including four international artists from Zambia and Angola, positioning the initiative as a regional platform for African musicians.
Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge has warned Swapo members against tribalism and factionalism during an internal party conference, urging delegates to prioritise unity above personal ambitions and to avoid divisive political competition driven by insults and character assassination.
Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge has called on young people in the region to take the lead in agriculture and reduce dependence on food imports, citing rising food prices and unemployment. Deputy minister of agriculture Ruthy Masake urged youth to move beyond subsistence farming, adopt modern methods, and explore opportunities in fish farming and improved mahangu and legume production.
A new water pipeline has been inaugurated in Oshilunga Shonkoski and surrounding villages, ending decades of reliance on muddy earth dams. The project aims to improve health, reduce the burden on women and children who previously travelled long distances for clean water, and support agriculture and local economic development.
Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge defended relocating a planned sports facility without following a regional council resolution, saying he exercised his discretion in the decision. Councillor Andreas Amundjindi had criticized the move, arguing it overrode council agreement and was tribally motivated.
Governor Hofni Alugodhi Iipinge, appointed eight months ago, is pursuing action-oriented leadership in Oshana focused on agriculture, education, and youth employment through grassroots engagement and consultation with communities and traditional leaders. His priorities include a 10-hectare agricultural project to employ young people, improving school infrastructure and performance, and implementing government programmes through ongoing decentralisation efforts.
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare praised government investments in rural electrification, water supply, roads and health facilities in Oshana region during the 36th Independence Day celebrations, and stressed that capital projects must benefit local companies and support local economic empowerment.
Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge said Independence Day is not a past event but an ongoing responsibility requiring continuous effort from all citizens toward nation-building, economic growth, and social progress. He emphasized the region's commitment to accelerating development and improving service delivery across key sectors.
Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge announced the programme for the region's Independence Day celebrations on 21 March at Independence Stadium in Oshakati, featuring a military parade, multi-cultural entertainment, and attendance from residents across the 11 constituencies with transport and meals provided.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced the renaming of the NFA Presidential Cup in honour of the late Dr Hage Geingob, recognising his legacy as a passionate supporter of Namibian football. The president outlined ambitious targets to develop sports infrastructure across all 121 constituencies and establish centres of excellence by 2030, emphasising sport's role in youth development, national unity and economic growth.
Ondangwa regional control prosecutor Justine Shiweda has died in hospital after suffering injuries from a brutal attack on 17 October 2025 in which she was shot and had corrosive substances poured over her body. Her death has prompted calls from government and judicial leaders for urgent action against violent crime and protection for law enforcement officials.
Justine Shiweda, an Ondangwa control prosecutor, died on Saturday at age 31 from injuries sustained in a retaliatory acid and gun attack in October allegedly carried out by associates of a suspect whose bail she had refused. Suspects including former police officer Abner Mateus have been charged with murder, and legal officials have called for swift justice and heightened security for prosecutors.
Oshana Region Governor Hofni Iipinge addressed newly elected regional and local authority councillors, urging ethical leadership, faster service delivery, and inclusive development that prioritises women, youth, and persons with disabilities. He emphasised that public office is a platform for service, highlighted youth unemployment and food security as key challenges, and called for stronger project implementation and coordinated governance across all spheres.
Oshana Governor Hofni Iipinge held a consultative meeting with regional and local authorities to align leadership around a shared vision and renew commitment to ethical governance and development that improves people's lives.