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Friday, 21 August 2026
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Friday, 21 August 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

Kharas Regional Council

Also known as: ||Kharas Regional Council · ||Kharas council · ǁKharas Regional Council · //Kharas Regional Council

Regional administrative body in southern Namibia conducting development initiatives and community engagement, facing fraud and embezzlement investigations.

2026-01-132026-08-21
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What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. August 2026

  2. Namibian Sun

    The ||Kharas Regional Council has launched a regional tour aimed at bringing government services closer to communities while monitoring development projects

    Source

    “The ||Kharas Regional Council has launched a regional tour aimed at bringing government services closer to communities while monitoring the implementation of development projects”

    Ariamsvlei gets N$4m development boost

  3. Windhoek Observer

    Kharas Regional Council allocated approximately N$4 million for projects and services in Ariamsvlei in 2026/2027

    Source

    “Residents were informed of the //Kharas Regional Council's 2026/2027 Procurement Plan, which will allocate approximately N$4 million for projects and services in Ariamsvlei.”

    //Kharas governor brings govt closer to communities

  4. New Era

    Kharas Regional Council is set to provide approximately N$4 million development interventions in Ariamsvlei

    Source

    “Ariamsvlei is set to receive approximately N$4 million worth of development interventions under the //Kharas Regional Council's 2026/2027 Procurement Plan.”

    Ariamsvlei gets N$4m for development projects

  5. Windhoek Observer

    Kharas Regional Council allocated approximately N$4 million for projects and services in Ariamsvlei

    Source

    “Residents were informed of the //Kharas Regional Council's 2026/2027 Procurement Plan, which will allocate approximately N$4 million for projects and services in Ariamsvlei.”

    //Kharas governor brings govt closer to communities
  6. July 2026

  7. Windhoek Observer

    Kharas Regional Council organised the event in partnership with Namdeb and the directorate of education

    Source

    “The initiative was organised in partnership with the //Kharas Regional Council and the directorate of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture, attracting participation from Oranjemund Private School, CambriLearn Tutor Centre, Ambrosius Amutenya Primary School, !Garibams Secondary School and Tsau //Khaeb Secondary School in Rosh Pinah.”

    Namdeb breaks career access barriers for //Kharas learners
  8. May 2026

  9. Informanté

    Kharas Regional Council led a two-day programme promoting unity, remembrance, and development

    Source

    “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 Day
  10. February 2026

  11. The Namibian

    ||Kharas Regional Council made payment of N$3.9 million in October 2024

    Source

    “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 custody

  12. The Namibian

    Kharas Regional Council has appointed Megameno Shikongo as acting chief regional officer for three months

    Source

    “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 officer
  13. January 2026

  14. The Namibian

    Kharas Regional Council stated that more than 25,000 people live in reed structures without sanitation

    Source

    “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 houses

  15. The Namibian

    ǁKharas Regional Council issued public notice inviting eligible students to apply for financial assistance for 2026 academic year

    Source

    “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 campaign
Politics

Kunene Regional Council budget frozen since March

The News

The Kunene Regional Council's 2026/27 budget has remained frozen since March due to a legal dispute over the reinstatement of chief regional officer George Kamseb, leaving the council unable to pay utilities and halting operational and capital projects. The council is only managing to pay staff salaries through a monthly arrangement involving two finance officials travelling to Windhoek, and is awaiting the Supreme Court's pronouncement on the matter.

18 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 18 August

  1. Kunene Regional Council budget frozen since March

    The Kunene Regional Council's 2026/27 budget has remained frozen since March due to a legal dispute over the reinstatement of chief regional officer George Kamseb, leaving the council unable to pay utilities and halting operational and capital projects. The council is only managing to pay staff salaries through a monthly arrangement involving two finance officials travelling to Windhoek, and is awaiting the Supreme Court's pronouncement on the matter.

    18 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. ||Kharas Regional Council launches tour to monitor development

    The ||Kharas Regional Council has launched a regional tour to bring government services closer to communities while monitoring the implementation of development projects.

    18 August 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Saturday 15 August

  1. //Kharas governor tours region to engage communities on service delivery

    Governor Eugenia Moche launched a regional tour beginning in Ariamsvlei on 10 August 2026 to strengthen government and community engagement, monitor development projects, and ensure accountability in service delivery. The delegation met with residents to address concerns including sewer networks, waste management, land allocation, and border issues, while also inspecting infrastructure and observing veterinary control measures for Foot-and-Mouth Disease.

    15 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 14 August

  1. Ariamsvlei to receive N$4 million in development projects

    Ariamsvlei is set to receive approximately N$4 million in development interventions under the //Kharas Regional Council's 2026/2027 Procurement Plan, announced during a regional tour by //Kharas Governor Dawid Gertze. The projects include machinery for road maintenance and fire brigade equipment to address infrastructure, service delivery, and emergency preparedness needs.

    14 August 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 13 August

  1. //Kharas governor tours region to strengthen government engagement

    Governor Eugenia Moche and officials launched a regional tour in //Kharas starting in Ariamsvlei on 10 August 2026 to strengthen government and community engagement, monitor development projects, and address community concerns ranging from sewer networks and waste management to land allocation. The delegation also visited the Ariamsvlei Border Post and Location 64, and observed veterinary services demonstrations on Foot-and-Mouth Disease control.

    13 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 31 July

  1. Namdeb hosts first career fair in remote //Kharas region

    Namdeb held a two-day career fair on 17–18 July in Oranjemund to expose //Kharas learners to career pathways and professionals, addressing limited access to career guidance in remote areas. The event, organised with the //Kharas Regional Council and five local schools, focused on STEAM fields.

    31 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 15 July

  1. Former PSC chief awaits sentencing after court postpones fourth time

    Salmaan Jacobs, former chairperson of the Public Service Commission, is expected to return to the Keetmanshoop Regional Court on 31 July for sentencing after the court postponed the matter for a fourth time, citing incomplete paperwork. Jacobs was convicted on a corruption charge last year after the state successfully appealed a 2014 not-guilty verdict.

    15 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 7 July

  1. Councillors appointed as deputies face scrutiny over local engagement

    Seven regional councillors have been appointed to deputy ministerial positions by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. While some constituents praise their councillors, others express concern about whether local leaders can balance their ministerial roles with regional council responsibilities, with critics citing limited community engagement.

    7 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 11 June

  1. LPM members question party after Keetmanshoop mayor removed

    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 →

Wednesday 27 May

  1. ||Kharas and Hardap regions host unity and development programme

    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 →

Sunday 26 April

  1. Minister orders inquiry into tribal bias at Roads Authority

    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 →

Friday 17 April

  1. Deputy health minister pledges focus on social well-being

    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 →

Wednesday 11 March

  1. Swapo //Kharas coordinator calls for audits and discipline

    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 →

Friday 20 February

  1. //Kharas council appoints acting chief officer after arrest

    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 →

Wednesday 18 February

  1. Fraud suspect in N$3.9m council tender case remanded in custody

    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 →

  2. Two arrested in //Karas Regional Council fraud case

    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 →

Tuesday 17 February

  1. Keetmanshoop Vocational Training Center opens with 138 students

    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 →

Friday 13 February

  1. ||Kharas council appoints interim chief regional officer

    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 →

Thursday 12 February

  1. //Kharas acting chief regional officer arrested in construction corruption

    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 →

Wednesday 11 February

  1. ||Kharas chief regional officer charged with fraud and money laundering

    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 →

  2. Acting //Kharas officer charged with embezzlement and fraud

    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 →

Wednesday 28 January

  1. Settlement status blocks bank-financed housing in Aussenkehr

    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 →

Saturday 24 January

  1. ǁKharas region launches education support campaign for pupils

    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 →

Friday 23 January

  1. Family role in shaping Namibian children's development examined

    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 →

Thursday 22 January

  1. N$3.9 million fraud alleged at ||Kharas Regional Council

    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 →

Friday 16 January

  1. Opinion: What development truly means in perspective

    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 →

Wednesday 14 January

  1. //Kharas leadership calls for unity, service delivery focus

    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 →

Tuesday 13 January

  1. Kharas launches youth entrepreneurship fund awareness campaign

    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 →

  2. Kharas youth trained on accessing government entrepreneurship fund

    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 →

Kharas Regional Council — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute