Raphael Mbalaurgedfarmers to continue ploughing despite locust outbreak
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“Former Kabbe constituency councillor Raphael Mbala yesterday urged farmers not to lose hope, saying the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has already deployed teams to spray and contain the outbreak.”
Justice and labour relations minister Wise Immanuel questioned the practice of mothers naming their children during a cultural event at the University of Namibia's Ogongo campus, asking what culture permits mothers rather than fathers to name children. Immanuel suggested such changes contribute to father–child disconnection and described them as "cultural imperialism."
Justice and labour relations minister Wise Immanuel questioned the practice of mothers naming their children during a cultural event at the University of Namibia's Ogongo campus, asking what culture permits mothers rather than fathers to name children. Immanuel suggested such changes contribute to father–child disconnection and described them as "cultural imperialism."
A decades-long land dispute involving four families in the Zambezi region has reignited, with the Masubia tribal court warning that renewed confrontations could result in injuries or death. The traditional authority, saying the matter has moved beyond its jurisdiction, summoned the families with police and security present in September 2026, but the meeting became confrontational.
Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa has rejected allegations that he received preferential treatment in purchasing four business plots in Bukalo Extension 2 for N$45,000 combined. Former Bukalo Village Council CEO Martin Limbo questioned whether the transaction complied with legal requirements and whether the price represented a discount, claiming the properties were individually valued at approximately N$23,500 each.
The Ngambela of the Masubia Traditional Authority held a media briefing to deny rumours of Chief Munitenge Moraliswani III's death, presenting the chief to media to demonstrate he is well. The Ngambela attributed the false reports to the chief's recent trip to Windhoek for routine medical check-ups.
The Erongo Widows' Association has called for a government social grant for widows, particularly young widows and those caring for children alone. Traditional leaders are divided: some argue the government has too many responsibilities and question whether all widows are vulnerable, while others support the grant as a means to improve child welfare and support primary breadwinners.
Farmers around Lake Liambezi are rushing to harvest maize, sorghum and other crops weeks early as floodwaters advance from Angola through the Zambezi Region. The premature harvesting follows earlier locust damage, and officials warn more severe flooding is expected in coming weeks, with water levels potentially rising above seven metres and affecting multiple constituencies including Kabbe South, Sibbinda and Katima Rural.
Communities in Kabbe South and North have been isolated by swiftly rising floodwaters in early March, with the Zambezi River reaching seven metres and overflowing into surrounding plains. Residents are now reliant on costly and dangerous canoe transport, while access to healthcare, education, and food supplies has been severely disrupted, prompting calls for improved transport systems and elevated infrastructure.
Masubia Ngambela Raphael Mbala has warned of collapsing fish stocks in the Zambezi River due to destructive and illegal fishing methods, calling for urgent coordinated intervention by government and traditional authorities. He said depleted stocks threaten food security and livelihoods for communities dependent on fishing, while the Ministry of Fisheries has implemented seasonal bans, illegal gear confiscations, and joint patrols to protect breeding cycles.
Raphael Mbala, newly inaugurated Ngambela of Masubia Traditional Authority, says the authority faces poor financial status and deep community divisions after nearly four years without a substantive chief. He plans to restore financial transparency, strengthen governance systems, and rebuild unity through improved communication and adherence to cultural succession principles.