Also known as: ||Kharas Regional Council · ||Kharas council · ǁKharas Regional Council · //Kharas Regional Council
A regional council in Namibia's south that has faced fraud allegations and leadership changes, involved in infrastructure, education, and youth development initiatives.
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Informanté
Kharas Regional Council led a two-day programme promoting unity, remembrance, and development
“The programme, led by ||Kharas Governor Hon. Dawid Gertze and Hardap Governor Hon. Riaan Charles McNab, forms part of preparatory activities ahead of the commemoration observed annually on 28 May.”
||Kharas and Hardap drive unity and development talks ahead of Genocide Remembrance DayThe Namibian
||Kharas Regional Council made payment of N$3.9 million in October 2024
“Fraud and corruption suspect Titus Iipumbu is being held in custody after appearing in the Windhoek Magistrate's Court on charges linked to a payment of N$3.9 million that was made by the ||Kharas Regional Council in October 2024.”
Fraud suspect in N$3.9m ||Kharas council case stays in custodyThe Namibian
Kharas Regional Council has appointed Megameno Shikongo as acting chief regional officer for three months
“The ||Kharas Regional Council has appointed Megameno Shikongo as its acting chief regional officer (CRO) for three months, pending the appointment of a substantive CRO.”
||Kharas council appoints Shikongo as interim chief regional officerThe Namibian
Kharas Regional Council stated that more than 25,000 people live in reed structures without sanitation
“This has left more than 25 000 people living in reed structures without sanitation and exposed to frequent fires, according to the ||Kharas Regional Council.”
Aussenkehr’s status traps 25 000 people in reed housesThe Namibian
ǁKharas Regional Council issued public notice inviting eligible students to apply for financial assistance for 2026 academic year
“The ǁKharas Regional Council on Monday issued a public notice inviting eligible students to apply for financial assistance for the 2026 academic year through constituency offices.”
ǁKharas commemorates International Day of Education with week-long pupil support campaignThe Namibian
||Kharas Regional Council had N$3.9 million paid to Tushiko Investment Technology in October 2024
“According to the statement, the money was paid in October 2024 to a close corporation called Tushiko Investment Technology, a company linked to businessman Titus Iipumbu.”
Alleged N$3.9 million fraud linked to Kharas Regional CouncilNew Era
Kharas Regional Council chairperson Gerrit Witbooi underscored the transformative potential of the fund
“Addressing the attendees, //Kharas Regional Council chairperson, Gerrit Witbooi, underscored the transformative potential of the fund.”
‘Drive economic growth via NYDF’The Namibian
Kharas Regional Council chairperson Gerrit Witbooi underscored the transformative potential of the National Youth Development Fund
“Addressing the attendees, ||Kharas Regional Council chairperson Gerrit Witbooi underscored the transformative potential of the fund.”
||Kharas youth urged to drive economic growth via NYDFThe Landless People's Movement withdrew Keetmanshoop mayor Melody Swartbooi from her position without disclosing a reason, prompting supporters to question their party loyalty and claim the removal violated legal procedures under the Local Authorities Act.
11 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The Landless People's Movement withdrew Keetmanshoop mayor Melody Swartbooi from her position without disclosing a reason, prompting supporters to question their party loyalty and claim the removal violated legal procedures under the Local Authorities Act.
11 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The ||Kharas and Hardap regions are holding a two-day programme in Lüderitz led by regional governors, bringing together government, traditional authorities, youth, and development partners to promote unity, remembrance, and development ahead of the annual Genocide Remembrance Day commemoration on 28 May. The programme includes a Heritage Meets Development Stakeholder Conference themed "From Genocide to Renaissance," focusing on youth participation, cultural preservation, sustainable development, and inclusive economic growth.
27 May 2026 · Informanté →
Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi ordered an investigation into alleged tribal bias in recruitment at the Roads Authority, finding it employs about 74 people from the Zambezi region compared to more than 300 from northern Namibia. The probe has revived broader allegations of tribalism in hiring practices across Namibian state-owned enterprises and government offices.
26 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Deputy Health Minister Suzan Ndjaleka, newly appointed by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, says she will prioritize Namibians' social well-being and healthcare, emphasizing decentralization and collective responsibility in service delivery at the grassroots level.
17 April 2026 · New Era →
Swapo's regional coordinator Matheus Mumbala addressed concerns in government institutions in //Kharas, calling for investigations and audits of the Keetmanshoop Electricity Business Unit and town councils from December 2020 to December 2025, and urging district leadership renewal and unity among councillors on development and service delivery.
11 March 2026 · New Era →
The //Kharas Regional Council chairperson announced the appointment of Megameno Shikongo as acting chief regional officer following the arrest of the previous CRO on corruption charges. The council said it would ensure service delivery continues uninterrupted during the transition.
20 February 2026 · New Era →
Titus Iipumbu was remanded in custody after appearing in Windhoek Magistrate's Court on fraud, forgery and corruption charges linked to an alleged N$3.9 million misdirected payment by the ||Kharas Regional Council to a company owned by Iipumbu in October 2024. The state argues he poses a flight risk and may interfere with investigations; his mother and co-accused Lucia Jakob were each granted N$50,000 bail.
18 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Titus Ipumbu and his mother Maria Iipumbu appeared in the Windhoek Magistrate's Court in relation to an alleged N$3.9 million fraud at //Karas Regional Council, wherein funds meant for August 26 Construction were redirected to third-party accounts. Former acting Chief Regional Officer Ralph Sachika is alleged to have authorised the misdirection, with some funds deposited into accounts including one opened in the name of Sachika's minor daughter.
18 February 2026 · Informanté →
The Keetmanshoop Vocational Training Center officially opened, enrolling 138 students in eight fields including water supply, mechanical engineering, solar installation, electrical engineering, ICT, welding, logistics, and occupational health and safety. The facility aims to serve qualifying trainees from //Kharas and Hardap regions and support skills development for the region's economic growth.
17 February 2026 · New Era →
The ||Kharas Regional Council has appointed Megameno Shikongo as acting chief regional officer for three months, following the arrest of former acting CRO Ralph Sachika on fraud, forgery, money laundering and corruption charges. The council is awaiting approval from the Public Service Commission to appoint a substantive CRO by 1 April.
13 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Two people, including the //Kharas Regional Council's acting chief regional officer Ralph Namiluko Sachika, have been arrested in connection with alleged corruption and money laundering involving N$3.9 million in payments to unauthorized bank accounts during construction of the //Kharas Regional Office Park.
12 February 2026 · New Era →
Ralph Sachika, the acting chief regional officer for ||Kharas Regional Council, and his girlfriend Lucia Jacob appeared in Windhoek Magistrate's Court charged with fraud, forgery, money laundering and corruption in connection with an alleged N$2.9 million payment diverted from a council tender to a third-party company account. The charges stem from payments intended for a construction contract that were reportedly redirected, with portions traced to Jacob's account and then to the couple's daughter's bank account.
11 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Ralph Schachika, Acting Chief Regional Officer of //Kharas Regional Council, and Lucia Jakob face charges of embezzlement and money laundering after allegedly redirecting N$3.9 million from a government tender project meant for August 26 Construction to third-party accounts including one in his minor daughter's name.
11 February 2026 · Informanté →
Aussenkehr's status as a settlement prevents residents from obtaining title deeds, making it impossible to secure bank loans for housing and leaving more than 25,000 people living in reed structures without sanitation. The ||Kharas Regional Council is calling for government funding to repair infrastructure and has allocated land to companies to build employee housing, though leasehold agreements continue to hinder financing efforts.
28 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The ǁKharas region has marked the International Day of Education (24 January) with a week-long campaign in which newly elected regional councillors provided financial assistance to tertiary students, donated stationery and school uniforms, and made motivational school visits. The regional council also invited eligible students to apply for financial assistance for the 2026 academic year through constituency offices.
24 January 2026 · The Namibian →
A theological educator argues that families are fundamental to instilling values, character, and practical skills in Namibian children, warning that rapid socio-economic change, modern media, and the shift from traditional to formal education have undermined the family's traditional role and may lead to social problems including substance abuse and crime.
23 January 2026 · New Era →
Documents bearing the letterhead of state-owned August 26 Construction were allegedly used to facilitate the theft of N$3.9 million from ||Kharas Regional Council in October 2024. The money was paid to Tushiko Investment Technology, a company linked to businessman Titus Iipumbu, and the regional council's chief regional officer Ralph Sachika is alleged to have colluded in the scheme.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →
An opinion piece examining varying definitions of development — from GDP growth and infrastructure to broader social, political, and spiritual transformation. The author argues that integral development requires structural change across economic, social, political, and cultural dimensions, and calls on citizens to be active agents of change.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
At the //Kharas Regional Council's 2026 opening, chairperson Gerrit Witbooi urged the council to focus on present and future deliverables rather than past failures, while regional governor Dawid Gertze warned administrators against disrespect, absenteeism, and tardiness, and called for unified work under the Swapo manifesto and NDP6.
14 January 2026 · New Era →
The //Kharas Governor's Youth Desk held an awareness session in Keetmanshoop to educate local youth about the National Youth Development Fund, a government initiative supporting youth entrepreneurship and innovation. Participants received guidance on application procedures, business planning fundamentals, and financial literacy, with regional leaders urging youth to transition from job-seeking to job creation.
13 January 2026 · New Era →
The ||Kharas governor's office held an awareness session at Keetmanshoop to educate youth on the National Youth Development Fund, a government initiative supporting youth entrepreneurship. Participants received training on business planning, financial literacy, eligibility criteria and application procedures, with officials urging young people to become job-creators rather than job-seekers.
13 January 2026 · The Namibian →