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

Windhoek Observer

Windhoek Observer — Namibian news publication covering governance, infrastructure, labor, and resource management issues.

2025-05-232026-08-21
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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. Windhoek Observer

    Windhoek Observer welcomes the decision by the Namibian Police Force and Ministry of Safety and Security to provide amnesty for illegal firearms

    Source

    “The Windhoek Observer welcomes the decision by the Namibian Police Force and the Ministry of Safety and Security to once again provide an amnesty for people in possession of illegal firearms, ammunition and related materials.”

    Namibia Must Silence the Guns Beyond September

  3. Windhoek Observer

    The Windhoek Observer believes this latest discovery deserves cautious optimism rather than unrestrained celebration

    Source

    “The Windhoek Observer believes this latest discovery deserves cautious optimism rather than unrestrained celebration.”

    Oil hope must be matched by national wisdom

  4. Windhoek Observer

    The Windhoek Observer believes the issue extends far beyond Katima Mulilo

    Source

    “The Windhoek Observer believes the issue extends far beyond Katima Mulilo.”

    Beneath our feet: Namibia’s silent infrastructure crisis cannot wait
  5. July 2026

  6. Windhoek Observer

    Windhoek Observer spoke to several community members about ID processing delays

    Source

    “During a visit to the region, the Windhoek Observer spoke to several community members who said the ministry of home affairs, immigration, safety and security's registration exercises have yielded little progress for them, with some waiting for years without receiving feedback on their applications.”

    Omusati residents frustrated over delayed ID processing

  7. Windhoek Observer

    Windhoek Observer submitted questions regarding complaints raised by customers

    Source

    “The company came under renewed scrutiny after Windhoek Observer submitted questions regarding complaints raised by customers, prompting a media briefing on Friday during which Yango Namibia country manager Alex Mungai acknowledged that "the system is not perfect" but maintained that safeguards are in place to detect fraud, verify driver identities and compensate customers who are wrongly charged.”

    Yango under scrutiny over ‘phantom’ trips, driver verification concerns

  8. Windhoek Observer

    Windhoek Observer saw internal memorandum dated 22 July 2026

    Source

    “In an internal memorandum dated 22 July 2026 and seen by the Windhoek Observer, the company announced a proposed increase to the basic guaranteed monthly salary of N$6,700 for 195 hours per month.”

    Gendev gives employees 24 hours to accept doubled salaries

  9. Windhoek Observer

    The Windhoek Observer established Hangula was in Zambezi region fulfilling National Council duties

    Source

    “The Windhoek Observer, however, established he was actually in the Zambezi region, fulfilling his duties as a member of the National Council Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Housing, which is engaging stakeholders in the Zambezi on the motion for urgent measures to combat Namibia's rising road accidents crisis.”

    Former Tsumeb mayor denies alleged arrest

  10. Windhoek Observer

    Windhoek Observer was told by Director Siphokazi Kangowa about referrals from multiple regions

    Source

    “Director Siphokazi Kangowa told the Windhoek Observer referrals do not come only from Erongo Region but from Oshikoto, Kavango, Karas and other distant parts of the country.”

    OBSERVER COASTAL | N$43 000 shortfall threatens Walvis Bay children’s home

  11. Windhoek Observer

    Windhoek Observer sought to establish which authorities had complied with minister's directive

    Source

    “Following the end of the annual financial years for councils on 30 June, the Windhoek Observer sought to establish which authorities had complied with the minister's directive.”

    Sankwasa maintains budget freeze for unaudited councils

  12. The Namibian

    Windhoek Observer reported that Nelumbu had resigned from the police

    Source

    “Windhoek Observer reported in May that Nelumbu had resigned from the police.”

    VIP protection chief removed after State House security breach
Society

Namibia must sustain anti-firearms campaign beyond amnesty

The News

The Windhoek Observer welcomes the Namibian Police Force's September amnesty for illegal firearms but warns that prevention efforts must extend beyond the month-long initiative. Between September 2025 and June 2026, the country recorded 20 firearm murders, 261 armed robberies, and hundreds of other weapons-related offences, underscoring the need for a sustained national campaign against firearms.

21 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

Yesterday

  1. Namibia must sustain anti-firearms campaign beyond amnesty

    The Windhoek Observer welcomes the Namibian Police Force's September amnesty for illegal firearms but warns that prevention efforts must extend beyond the month-long initiative. Between September 2025 and June 2026, the country recorded 20 firearm murders, 261 armed robberies, and hundreds of other weapons-related offences, underscoring the need for a sustained national campaign against firearms.

    21 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

  2. Minors hospitalised after consuming recovered vodka drinks

    Several minors were taken to Otavi Clinic after consuming vodka-based mixed alcoholic beverages recovered from a truck accident near Otavi on Tuesday. The Otavi Town Council warned residents against consuming, selling or distributing the products, citing concerns they were not intended for the Namibian market, contain high alcohol concentration, and may have been contaminated during the accident.

    21 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 17 August

  1. Security plan for 400 magistrates and prosecutors reaches Cabinet

    Chief Justice Peter Shivute convened a meeting to review a security assessment for over 400 prosecutors and judicial officers, following concerns heightened by the death of regional prosecutor Justine Shiweda. The report is expected to be submitted to Cabinet and the Office of the Prime Minister in the coming weeks for consideration and possible implementation.

    17 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 14 August

  1. Rundu council approves People's Assembly and Youth Advisory Council

    Rundu Town Council has unanimously adopted a motion to establish a Rundu People's Assembly and Rundu Youth Advisory Council to give residents and young people a more permanent role in municipal decision-making. The proposal, introduced by councillor Kufuna Patrick Masonde, addresses what he described as a gap between residents and municipal authorities, particularly affecting those in neglected neighbourhoods and informal settlements.

    14 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. Two medicines quarantined or recalled in Namibia

    The Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council quarantined two batches of Azithromycin Oral Suspension after complaints it failed to dissolve properly and contained lumps, while Cospharm Investments issued a voluntary recall of VCS Flumed Syrup after crystals were found in units.

    14 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 12 August

  1. Amnesty International seeks to join genocide reparations legal challenge

    Amnesty International has filed to participate as amicus curiae in a High Court review case challenging the Namibia-Germany Joint Declaration on the 1904-1908 genocide. The applicants, led by Bernadus Swartbooi, the Landless People's Movement, and the Ovaherero Traditional Authority, argue the declaration was improperly handled by Parliament and violates the Constitution and international law.

    12 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 10 August

  1. Triumphant College faces staff complaints over pay equity and nepotism

    An anonymous coalition of staff at Triumphant College has lodged complaints with the rector alleging pay inequities, arbitrary salary adjustments, and unclear recruitment practices. Administrative employees reportedly earn between N$7,000 and N$9,000 monthly without defined criteria, while a Level 8-qualified lecturer receives N$14,132.56 including benefits, with staff citing inadequate housing allowances and financial pressure in Windhoek.

    10 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 7 August

  1. Former NAC board members challenge minister's power to remove them

    Five members of the Namibia Airports Company Board of Directors, fired by Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi, have disputed the legality of their removal and defended their tenure, citing inherited financial and operational pressures including losses of N$111.7 million in 2020/2021 and N$93.7 million in 2022.

    7 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 6 August

  1. Minister Nekundi defends removal of five NAC board members

    Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi has defended his decision to remove five Namibia Airports Company board members on Tuesday, saying the intervention was necessary to strengthen governance, accountability and stability at the state-owned aviation company. Nekundi said he acted within his constitutional and legal mandate and appointed an interim board to oversee the company during a transitional period.

    6 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 5 August

  1. Shell fast-tracks appraisal drilling after Orange Basin oil discovery

    Shell has announced it will fast-track appraisal drilling following an offshore oil discovery in Namibia's Orange Basin, with reservoir quality and fluid characteristics described as the best seen so far within its licence area. The Windhoek Observer cautions that while the discovery is encouraging, Namibia should exercise restraint and national wisdom, as the path from exploration success to sustained prosperity is long and littered with examples of resource-rich nations that failed to convert natural resources into lasting development.

    5 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 4 August

  1. Namibia's ageing sewer systems need urgent upgrades

    An editorial in the Windhoek Observer argues that Namibia's sewerage infrastructure, built decades ago for much smaller populations, is reaching capacity limits across municipalities and town councils, as illustrated by Katima Mulilo's recurring sewage crisis.

    4 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. Aging sewer system exceeds capacity in Katima Mulilo

    Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa says Katima Mulilo's sewage crisis stems from an aging sewer system designed decades ago for 10,000–15,000 people that has not kept pace with the town's growth. The overflowing infrastructure threatens public health and the town's tourism ambitions ahead of the Zambezi Bream Festival.

    4 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 3 August

  1. Windhoek's N$381m road shows cracks before handover

    The 6.1-kilometre Eneas Peter Nanyemba Road in Windhoek, which cost N$381 million, has begun to deteriorate before being handed over to the City of Windhoek. The City said responsibility for repairs remains with the developer and project engineer, who are investigating the defects.

    3 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 28 July

  1. Omusati residents face years-long delays in identity document processing

    Residents of Omusati region report prolonged processing times for national identity documents from the ministry of home affairs, immigration, safety and security, with some waiting years without receiving feedback on applications and losing access to essential services and employment opportunities.

    28 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 27 July

  1. Yango defends safety systems amid phantom trips complaints

    Ride-hailing platform Yango Namibia has defended its safety, customer support and driver verification systems following complaints over alleged phantom trips, delayed complaint responses and drivers whose identities did not match their profiles. The company's country manager acknowledged the system is not perfect but said safeguards are in place to detect fraud and compensate wrongly charged customers, though he did not disclose complaint numbers or driver suspension figures.

    27 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 24 July

  1. NASAWU rejects Gendev Fishing's salary increase offer

    The Namibia Seamen and Allied Workers Union has rejected Gendev Fishing Group's proposal to raise the basic monthly salary from N$3,850.95 to N$6,800 for 195 hours per month, arguing it does not constitute a genuine increment but rather payment for standard working hours. The company issued a 24-hour ultimatum and framed the move as a 120% increase, while the union maintains that paying workers for hours actually worked is not a pay rise.

    24 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. AR student command opposes exclusion of Namcol learners from subsidies

    The Affirmative Repositioning student command has criticised the government's decision not to subsidise learners rewriting Grade 11 and 12 subjects at Namcol or other institutions, arguing that the move contradicts the constitutional right to education. The ministry has ruled out extending financial assistance to such learners, citing financial unsustainability and the measure's failure to improve academic outcomes during the Covid-19 pandemic.

    24 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 23 July

  1. Windhoek informal settlement residents demand water and basic services

    Residents of Baboon City, an informal settlement in Windhoek, say they have been neglected by political leaders after elections and lack access to clean water and basic services. The City of Windhoek maintains the area is not a recognised settlement and has no plans to formalise it or provide municipal services.

    23 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. Gendev gives employees 24 hours to accept doubled salary offer

    Gendev Fishing Group's management has given employees less than 24 hours to accept a new salary structure offering a 120% nominal increase in gross pay to N$6,700 per month for 195 hours, despite the union's rejection of the terms. Workers who decline face remaining on the current N$2,960 monthly rate after the deadline passes.

    23 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 22 July

  1. Otjiwarongo CEO accused of receiving housing allowance while in council house

    The CEO of Otjiwarongo municipality is facing allegations of unlawfully receiving a housing allowance while residing in a council-owned property, a practice that violates government housing policy and may constitute a criminal offence under Namibian law. Government policy and council staff regulations explicitly prohibit simultaneous receipt of a housing subsidy and occupation of state-owned accommodation.

    22 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 21 July

  1. Former Tsumeb mayor denies reported arrest over N$2 million

    Matheus Hangula, a Tsumeb regional councillor and National Council member, has denied reports that he was arrested after N$2 million was allegedly discovered in his bank account. The Windhoek Observer confirmed he was in the Zambezi region fulfilling duties on a parliamentary committee investigating road accidents.

    21 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 20 July

  1. Venaani backs Nuclear Bill to grow uranium-driven economy

    PDM president McHenry Venaani has endorsed the draft Nuclear Bill, arguing that Namibia should use its uranium resources to drive economic growth and value addition rather than export raw minerals. The government has concluded nationwide public consultations on the proposed legislation, which seeks to modernise the nuclear regulatory framework and establish three specialised institutions to oversee the peaceful use of nuclear technology.

    20 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 17 July

  1. Terrorism accused Hangula opposes closed-door FBI testimony

    Jona Hangula, accused under Namibia's Prevention and Combating of Terrorist and Proliferation Activities Act, has asked the High Court to reject the State's application for closed-door testimony from an alleged FBI agent, arguing it would breach his right to a fair trial. He proposes the witness testify remotely via Zoom or Teams in open court, with his family, friends, church members, and full legal team permitted to attend.

    17 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. Hangula opposes closed-door FBI testimony in terrorism trial

    Terrorism-accused Jona Hangula has filed a motion opposing the prosecution's request to hear FBI agent testimony behind closed doors, arguing the proceedings should remain open to safeguard his constitutional right to a fair trial. Hangula proposes the witness testify remotely without video and requests that his family, friends, and entire legal team be allowed to attend.

    17 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Witnesses contradict police in assault-in-custody lawsuit

    Four witnesses have filed statements in the High Court contradicting the Namibian Police's version of events surrounding the arrest of former Spitzkoppe tour guide Melvin //Areseb, who is suing the police and three officers for N$2.8 million over an alleged assault while in custody. Police officers deny assaulting //Areseb or witnessing any assault, claiming only reasonable force was used after he became aggressive following questioning about a reported domestic violence incident.

    17 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  4. Four witnesses contradict police in assault lawsuit filed by tour guide

    Four witnesses have filed statements in the High Court contradicting the Namibian Police's version of events in a N$2.8 million assault lawsuit filed by former Spitzkoppe tour guide Melvin //Areseb against the police and three officers over an alleged assault during his arrest on 22 August 2025. Police officers deny assaulting //Areseb or witnessing assault by colleagues, while the officers claim only reasonable force was used after the plaintiff became aggressive during questioning about a domestic violence incident.

    17 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 16 July

  1. Walvis Bay children's home faces monthly N$43,000 funding shortfall

    Jonah Home in Walvis Bay, which cares for twenty vulnerable children, faces a monthly funding shortfall exceeding N$43,000 that threatens its ability to provide basic necessities. The facility has become a de facto national repository for child protection cases from across Namibia, with children often lacking birth certificates and requiring intensive medical or psychological support.

    16 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. Census reveals education and housing gaps in marginalized communities

    The Namibia Statistics Agency released a report based on the 2023 Population and Housing Census showing that marginalized communities—comprising San, Ovatue/Ovatwa, and Ovatjimba peoples (75,569 people, 2.5% of Namibia's population)—face significant challenges in education, employment, housing, and access to basic services. The data aims to support evidence-based planning and policy formulation to address inequalities.

    16 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. City of Windhoek denies halt to informal trading permits

    The City of Windhoek has denied allegations that its CEO's office instructed officials to stop issuing new informal trading permits, saying applications continue to be processed under existing regulations. The denial follows complaints from traders and residents in Dorado Park about City Police preventing informal traders from operating and the City refusing to issue trading letters.

    16 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  4. Swapo denies managing Farm 37 housing list at district office

    Swapo Party's Walvis Bay Rural district coordinator Patrick Barthomeus has denied allegations that the party is managing the municipal housing beneficiary list for the Farm 37 housing project from its district office, calling such claims "malicious lies and propaganda." He stated that Swapo Party district offices are not government institutions and lack the mandate or authority to carry out government functions like housing allocation.

    16 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Windhoek Observer — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute