Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
May 2026
New Era
Governor Sacky Kathindisaid the region needsapproximately N$22 million to address water challenges
Source
“Auleria Wakudumo Oshikoto governor Sacky Kathindi said the region needs approximately N$22 million to comprehensively address persistent water challenges affecting communities across the region.”
Governor Kathindihas engagedNamport, Jendev and Hangana for water infrastructure development support
Source
“The governor added that his office has also engaged several stakeholders and potential partners to mobilise additional support for water infrastructure development. Among the institutions approached are Namport, Jendev and Hangana.”
Sacky Kathindiunveiledinitiative to transform region's saline underground water into aquaculture resource
Source
“Oshikoto governor Sacky Kathindi has unveiled an initiative aimed at transforming the region's saline underground water into a resource for aquaculture development and improved food security.”
Oshikoto governor Sacky Kathindisaid allegations against arrested health workers weretroubling and could undermine public confidence in healthcare
Source
“In a brief interview with The Namibian last week, Oshikoto governor Sacky Kathindi said the allegations against the arrested health workers were troubling and could undermine public confidence in the healthcare system if proven true.”
Oshikoto governor Sacky Kathindisaidthe opening of the maternity ward is an important step in addressing healthcare challenges
Source
“Also speaking at the event, Oshikoto governor Sacky Kathindi said the opening of the maternity ward is an important step in addressing healthcare challenges.”
Oshikoto governor Sacky KathindiurgesMinistry of Environment and Tourism to adopt collaborative approach to regulating gaming, entertainment and lotteries
Source
“Oshikoto governor Sacky Kathindi urges the Ministry of Environment and Tourism to adopt a collaborative approach to regulating gaming, entertainment and lotteries.”
Governor Sacky Kathindiinspectedseveral boreholes in King Nehale LyaMpingana, Cham-Cham village and Oshivelo
Source
“Last week, Oshikoto Governor Sacky Kathindi, accompanied by officials from NamWater, the Oshikoto Regional Council and the KWF Foundation, inspected several boreholes in King Nehale LyaMpingana, Cham-Cham village and Oshivelo to assess the water situation.”
KathindisaidOshikoto's underground water is largely saline, necessitating desalination plants and reverse osmosis systems
Source
“Kathindi said Oshikoto's underground water is largely saline, necessitating the use of desalination plants and reverse osmosis systems to make it fit for human and agricultural use.”
Governor Sacky KathindisaidOshikoto Region's progress depends on unity and mutual respect among public servants
Source
“THE Oshikoto Region's progress depends on unity and mutual respect among public servants, said Regional Governor Sacky Kathindi on the occasion of the Chairperson's Staff Address meeting at Omuthiya on Tuesday.”
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said at the opening of the Omaludi Agricultural Festival in Ohangwena that development must not come at the expense of cultural identity. She noted the festival boosts the local economy through accommodation, transport, and informal trade, and announced the government will focus on improving existing agricultural schemes rather than establishing new ones.
Why it matters
President's emphasis on balancing development with cultural preservation addresses key national debate about economic growth and identity.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said at the opening of the Omaludi Agricultural Festival in Ohangwena that development must not come at the expense of cultural identity. She noted the festival boosts the local economy through accommodation, transport, and informal trade, and announced the government will focus on improving existing agricultural schemes rather than establishing new ones.
Oshikoto governor Sacky Kathindi said the region needs approximately N$22 million to comprehensively address water challenges affecting communities. The region recently secured N$6.4 million from the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia for the initial phase, with technical assessments underway to determine boreholes for drilling and rehabilitation.
Oshikoto governor Sacky Kathindi has announced an initiative to desalinate the region's saline underground water for drinking and irrigation, while using the brine by-product for fish farming. The region has secured N$6.4 million from the Environmental Investment Fund, with plans to diversify livelihoods in water-stressed constituencies through aquaculture training and development.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services will not take disciplinary action against four nurses, an intern doctor, and a doctor from Onandjokwe State Hospital accused of defrauding Sanlam of about N$1.9 million until police investigations are completed. The 12 arrested individuals are alleged to have helped members of the public claim insurance payouts using fake documents and fake death claims between 2020 and 2024.
A 120-bed maternity ward at Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital in Oshikoto has been inaugurated by Health Minister Dr Esperance Luvindao. The facility, costing N$57 million and described as the largest in the country, replaces a 1964-era maternity building and aims to address long-standing healthcare needs for expectant and new mothers.
Health Minister Esperance Luvindao officially opened Namibia's largest maternity unit at Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital in Oshikoto region, featuring a 120-bed capacity with 12 private rooms, two operating theatres, and comprehensive services for antenatal care, labour, delivery, and post-natal support. The facility, built at a cost of N$57 million, is expected to reduce pressure on existing facilities and improve maternal and child health outcomes in the region.
Oshikoto governor Sacky Kathindi has urged the Ministry of Environment and Tourism to regulate gaming, entertainment and lotteries through a collaborative approach that promotes economic growth and job creation while protecting communities from addiction and exploitation. The proposed amendments to the Gaming and Entertainment Control Act aim to modernise regulations, strengthen compliance, curb illegal operators and promote responsible gambling.
Desalination plants and reverse osmosis systems will be constructed in Oshikoto to tackle water shortages caused by the region's saline underground water. The projects are expected to take three to four months to complete, beginning after the rainy season and finishing before August, with pipelines linking boreholes to supply communities, livestock, and agriculture.
Regional Governor Sacky Kathindi stressed that Oshikoto Region's progress depends on unity and mutual respect among public servants, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, open communication, and cooperation between the Regional Council, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders for effective service delivery.
Oshikoto Regional Council chairperson Sacky Nangula has urged administrators and public servants to embrace innovation and collaboration to fulfil pledges made to voters, calling for a shift from routine practices under a "Business Unusual" approach. The governor echoed the call for commitment, integrity and teamwork, emphasizing that regional progress depends on unity, mutual respect and open communication among all staff and stakeholders.
Namibia's 36th Independence Day celebrations across all 14 regions carried a unified message from political and community leaders to preserve the liberation legacy, strengthen unity, and address youth unemployment and economic inequality. While acknowledging democratic achievements and progress in service delivery, leaders emphasised that political independence must now be matched by economic emancipation and that youth must drive future development.
Oshikoto Governor Sacky Kathindi denied that keynote speakers for regional Independence Day celebrations were chosen based on political affiliation, saying the selection was a collective decision focused on the region's challenges and service delivery rather than party considerations.
Nahas Angula and regional officials have defended the selection of 11 Swapo members as speakers for Oshikoto's 36th Independence Day event, saying the invitations were issued by the regional council and constituency leadership based on availability and status as leaders, not political affiliation. They acknowledge that Independence Day is a national event open to all Namibians and claim non-Swapo members were also invited, though specifics were not provided.
The Oshikoto Regional Governor's office has distributed tools and equipment to beneficiaries of its Micro Income-Generating Projects Programme, enabling retailers, gardeners, welders and other small entrepreneurs to reduce operating costs and expand their enterprises. The initiative aims to promote self-reliance, entrepreneurship and inclusive local economic development across five constituencies.
Namibia's Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare reported 3,319 cases of child neglect since 2023, with Oshikoto region recording the highest number at 661 cases. The ministry attributes the rise primarily to unemployment, substance abuse, and family instability, and warns that many more cases likely go unreported due to social stigma and fear.
Sem Pendapala Nepando, assistant headman of Iikokola village in Oshikoto region, was shot and killed on 2 January 2026 during a community meeting over a land dispute. Thousands of mourners attended his funeral at Onamutene cemetery on Saturday, with local leaders praising his commitment to peace and service; the accused remains in custody pending trial.