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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

What’s been said

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

  1. July 2026
  2. Windhoek Observer

    The Windhoek Observer believes that effective immigration management and protection of foreign nationals from discrimination are compatible objectives

    Source

    The Windhoek Observer believes these objectives are entirely compatible.

    The immigration debate must be guided by law, not emotion
  3. June 2026
  4. Windhoek Observer

    Windhoek Observer sent questions to Gawanas on Tuesday with no response received

    Source

    Questions sent to her by the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday went unanswered.

    Petition seeking removal of ||Khomani chief submitted
  5. Windhoek Observer

    Windhoek Observer calls for a full report on the congress with expenditure details and explanations

    Source

    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 Chaos
  6. May 2026
  7. Windhoek Observer

    Windhoek Observer reported an unresolved identity fraud matter involving Matheus Matheus last year

    Source

    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 grow
  8. Windhoek Observer

    Windhoek Observer received confidential whistleblower complaint about Windhoek International School

    Source

    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.
  9. Windhoek Observer

    Windhoek Observer reported that sources allege eight victims were hitchhikers, not patients

    Source

    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 patients
  10. March 2026
  11. New Era

    Windhoek Observer was founded by Hannes Smith and Gwen Lister to challenge colonial regime

    Source

    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 landscape
  12. The Namibian

    Windhoek Observer published article containing inaccurate information about NYC matters

    Source

    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 resignation
  13. February 2026
  14. The Namibian

    Windhoek Observer reported ministry's chief petroleum inspector acknowledged vehicle engine damage reports

    Source

    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 cars
  15. January 2026
  16. The Namibian

    Windhoek Observer reported Masua will earn N$100 000 monthly salary for three months

    Source

    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 salary
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.

    22 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