Windhoek Observer — Namibian news publication covering politics, governance, labor, and social issues.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
Windhoek Observer
Windhoek Observer sent questions to Gawanas on Tuesday with no response received
“Questions sent to her by the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday went unanswered.”
Petition seeking removal of ||Khomani chief submittedWindhoek Observer
Windhoek Observer calls for a full report on the congress with expenditure details and explanations
“The Windhoek Observer therefore calls for a full report on the congress, including expenditure details, procedural outcomes and explanations regarding the incidents that reportedly occurred.”
National Youth ChaosWindhoek Observer
Windhoek Observer reported an unresolved identity fraud matter involving Matheus Matheus last year
“The case mirrors another unresolved identity fraud matter reported by the Windhoek Observer last year involving Arandis resident Matheus Matheus.”
Home Affairs silent as ID fraud concerns growWindhoek Observer
Windhoek Observer received confidential whistleblower complaint about Windhoek International School
“More than 40 Namibian learners are leaving the Windhoek International School (WIS) every year, according to a confidential whistleblower complaint sent to the Windhoek Observer.”
Namibian families allegedly leave Windhoek International School due to bullying.Windhoek Observer
Windhoek Observer reported that sources allege eight victims were hitchhikers, not patients
“However, sources close to the investigation told the Windhoek Observer that only the two nurses and the driver were ministry staff.”
‘Health ministry wrong about crash victims’ …as sources allege eight were hitchhikers, not patientsNew Era
Windhoek Observer was founded by Hannes Smith and Gwen Lister to challenge colonial regime
“A year later, Hannes Smith along with Gwen Lister founded the Windhoek Observer, working together to change the narrative and challenge the colonial regime's depiction of Swapo as "terrorists" or a "black threat."”
Namibia’s evolving media landscapeThe Namibian
Windhoek Observer published article containing inaccurate information about NYC matters
“In a media statement issued on Friday, the council says the article published on 5 March contains inaccurate information and misrepresents internal administrative matters.”
NYC rejects claims about former acting director’s resignationThe Namibian
Windhoek Observer reported ministry's chief petroleum inspector acknowledged vehicle engine damage reports
“Windhoek Observer reported at the time that the ministry's chief petroleum inspector has acknowledged reports of vehicle engines experiencing poor combustion due to the fuel's content.”
Motorists face N$80 000 repair bills as high-metal fuel damages modern carsThe Namibian
Windhoek Observer reported Masua will earn N$100 000 monthly salary for three months
“Masua, a former Swapo parliamentarian who was announced last Friday as NYC interim executive chairperson, was responding to inquiries following a report by the Windhoek Observer this week that she will be earning a monthly salary of N$100 000 for three months.”
I don't pay myself – Masua on N$100 000 p/m salaryThe Namibian
Windhoek Observer published photographs of the Oshikuku Massacre aftermath
“He fled the country after being tipped off that South African security forces were searching for him following the publication of the photographs in the Windhoek Observer and abroad.”
Oshikuku – hidden gem of the northA free Learner's Licence Preparation Initiative launched by Hilaria Driving Academy in Lüderitz will train more than 170 unemployed young people, addressing a key employment barrier. The programme begins 29 June 2026 and covers road traffic rules, safe driving, and examination techniques.
10 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →
A free Learner's Licence Preparation Initiative launched by Hilaria Driving Academy in Lüderitz will train more than 170 unemployed young people, addressing a key employment barrier. The programme begins 29 June 2026 and covers road traffic rules, safe driving, and examination techniques.
10 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →
A legal advisor at the City of Windhoek is facing assault charges for allegedly striking a teacher at Ella du Plessis Secondary School with a stick during an incident on school premises. The confrontation arose after a dispute involving the advisor's son and the teacher.
24 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
A 29-page petition calling for the removal of ||Khomani Traditional Authority chief Julienne Gawanas has been submitted to the urban and rural development minister under the Traditional Authorities Act. The petition, backed by members of the ||Khomani and ǂNūkhoen communities, alleges financial mismanagement including claims that Gawanas cannot account for N$80,000 withdrawn from the Traditional Authority's trust fund and that consent was forged relating to financial signatory authority.
24 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Veterinarian Dr. Mauricio Adelino warns that canine parvovirus, or 'katgriep', continues to pose a serious threat to unvaccinated dogs in Namibia, affecting the gastrointestinal system and immune defences. He emphasizes that vaccination is the most important preventive measure, as the virus can spread through contaminated objects even to dogs kept indoors.
23 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia's new Marriage Act of 2024, which repealed the colonial 1961 Act, requires men to declare all existing customary wives before entering a civil marriage. The legislation introduces formal recognition and regulation of customary marriages through the ministry of home affairs, though customary unions are still celebrated according to community traditions and registering them requires a separate dedicated law.
23 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Justice and Labour Relations Minister Fillemon Wise Immanuel has called for workers' voices to be reflected in national policy and economic planning, stating that Namibia must move beyond exporting raw minerals to beneficiation and value addition to create sustainable employment. Speaking at a Mineworkers Union of Namibia regional meeting in Swakopmund, Immanuel said the country can no longer export raw minerals while importing finished products at higher value.
22 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The National Youth Council's general assembly in Swakopmund descended into violence on Saturday, injuring nine delegates and forcing the electoral committee to resign over safety concerns. The suspended election process, marred by allegations of political interference and back-door deals, has wasted an estimated N$2 million in public funds.
22 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The National Youth Council's elective congress reportedly descended into chaos, intimidation, and alleged physical altercations, with more than N$2 million spent on the event. The Windhoek Observer editorial characterizes the proceedings as unbecoming of an institution representing Namibia's youth aspirations.
22 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
A planned strike by Furnmart employees across all branches nationwide will proceed Monday following breakdown in negotiations over salary increases and housing allowance introduction, according to the acting deputy general secretary of the Metal and Allied Namibian Workers Union.
19 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Men's Mental Health Awareness Month in June aims to break silence and stigma around men's mental wellbeing. Research shows men are less likely to seek professional help than women, account for nearly 70% of suicides globally, and are three to four times more likely to die by suicide than women, with cultural expectations to "be strong" often preventing them from opening up.
19 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The High Court of Namibia has ordered the reinstatement of two Keetmanshoop municipality management committee members—Easter Isaak and Anneliza Knaus—who were removed through votes of no confidence in May and June, and has interdicted the municipality from implementing those resolutions pending the finalisation of the main application.
18 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Political analysts say the Landless People's Movement needs stronger regional and local branches after its community meeting in Keetmanshoop was disrupted on Saturday. An analyst warned that parties without robust local structures risk becoming disconnected from supporters and overly dependent on individuals.
16 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Environmental health practitioners and assistants across Namibia have petitioned the ministry of health and social services to review and upgrade their profession's grading structure, arguing that their qualifications and responsibilities are not adequately reflected in the current public service framework. The practitioners, who hold honours degrees and diplomas respectively, perform essential public health functions including food safety, water quality monitoring, sanitation, waste management, vector control, and disease surveillance.
16 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The City of Windhoek launched a People-Centred Smart City Strategy 2026-2036 aimed at reshaping the capital through digital transformation, modernising public transport, and commercialising its fibre-optic network, including a proposed commuter rail service linking Windhoek, Katutura, and Rehoboth.
16 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Minister of urban and rural development approved Calista Schwartz-Gowases's appointment as Tsumeb municipality CEO effective 1 June 2026, but she has not yet received a formal letter of appointment and has not commenced work. The appointment faced internal council dispute over procedural irregularities, with some councillors raising concerns about deviation from the interview panel's recommendation.
15 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia has amended its ratification of the SADC Protocol on Inter-State Transfer of Sentenced Offenders, allowing convicted Namibians serving prison sentences in other Southern African countries to be transferred home to complete their jail terms. The protocol, adopted by SADC leaders in 2019 and now gazetted by the home affairs minister, aims to support the social reintegration of offenders by allowing them to serve sentences in their home countries, though transfers require meeting specified conditions.
12 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The U.S. State Department has dismantled birth tourism networks across Africa and Europe, revoking hundreds of visas from foreign nationals accused of abusing visitor visas to give birth in the United States and secure citizenship for their children. The action targets sophisticated networks involving fraudulent documents and visa facilitators.
12 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Gideon Tshomokuti of Benguela Petroleum Supplies donated 1,500 sanitary pads, valued at nearly N$30,000, to the Office of the Erongo Governor in collaboration with JaDa Pads. The donation followed a courtesy visit during which Tshomokuti discussed the company's operations and future plans with Governor Nathalia /Goagoses, with focus on regional development and youth unemployment.
11 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Hodago Fishing, a company 45% owned by Gendev Fishing Resources (which has links to Swapo business interests), faces financial pressure as its flagship freezer trawler, Venus 1, is set for auction in Walvis Bay on 30 June following unpaid debts to Standard Bank Namibia of N$18.4 million and N$17.6 million.
10 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Mariental Residents Association has withdrawn Daniel Dawid Gariseb as a local authority councillor hours after he was sworn in, citing his expulsion from the association and asserting he was not the rightful candidate on its gazetted list. The association's chairman claims Gariseb was suspended in January and was not supposed to be sworn in, following a disciplinary hearing at which Gariseb did not attend.
10 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Education minister Sanet Steenkamp has been accused of irregularly appointing Uhuru Dempers as her special advisor on youth matters and paying him without following proper recruitment procedures. Sources claim Dempers has been attending meetings on the minister's behalf since October 2025 and allegedly lobbied on behalf of an interim board at a National Youth Council meeting in ways not provided for by the NYC Act.
10 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Anti-Corruption Commission has issued a formal summons to a member of the ministry of health and social services' Bid Evaluation Committee to appear for questioning over allegations of procurement manipulation, supply chain fraud, and theft of pharmaceutical medicines from state warehouses. The official is to appear before an ACC investigator on 18 August 2026.
9 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Marcus Kambulu, a farmer in Mayana, Kavango Region, says the area has potential to be Namibia's food basket if farmers better use fertile land and rainfall. He currently relies on rain-fed agriculture with crop rotation, but plans to connect his farm to a nearby community irrigation project linked to the Okavango River to increase yields and enable year-round farming.
8 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Ministry of Works and Transport launched a pilot electric vehicle charging station at its headquarters in Windhoek, with Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi describing it as a strategic pilot project intended to inform the expansion of an EV charging network across the country. The ministry, which manages government-owned infrastructure, plans to eventually serve both government fleet vehicles and the public.
8 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Office of the Judiciary announced that the Omuthiya Periodical Court will commence operations on Monday, 8 June 2026, providing essential judicial services including criminal proceedings, marriage solemnization, maintenance disputes, and bail payments to residents of Oshikoto Region who previously had to travel to Ondangwa Magistrate's Court.
5 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The National Youth Service has operated with only four board members for more than a year, below the statutory minimum of seven prescribed by the NYS Act 6 of 2005. A governance expert warned the arrangement creates compliance concerns and heightens governance risks, with sources fearing resolutions passed under the current arrangement could be deemed void.
4 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
With Anti-Corruption Commission Director-General Paulus Noa's tenure ending this month after leading the agency since its 2006 inception, voices including former parliament member Hidipo Hamata are calling for new leadership and endorsing candidates like legal practitioner Norman Tjombe. Affirmative Repositioning MP Job Amupanda confirmed his party is engaging government to ensure the ACC director-general and deputy director-general positions are advertised before their June/July expiry.
3 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has directed all fuel companies in Namibia to source petrol and diesel exclusively from Vitol between July and September 2026, citing emergency arrangements and the supplier's willingness to waive financial guarantees. Industry sources report that Vitol fuel is often more expensive than competitors', and the appointment has drawn scrutiny over procurement transparency and Vitol's history of allegations regarding substandard fuel supply.
1 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has removed Fransina Nambahu as registrar of medicines at the Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council and appointed Frieda Shiweda to the position effective 1 June 2026. Sources told the Windhoek Observer that Nambahu was removed after refusing to approve substandard medicines, contradicting the ministry's stated reason of structural review.
1 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Sam Nujoma Foundation is completing final arrangements for its new office building in Windhoek to support its work of preserving and promoting the legacy of Namibia's first president. The foundation, established in 2004 and officially registered as a non-profit in 2005, aims to promote Nujoma's vision, ideals and contributions to the country's development.
1 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →