New Era
Dormant Otjozondjupa projects irk MPs
AN incomplete health centre that was abandoned by a contractor at Okondjatu settlement some 12 years ago, along with many other major unfinished capital projects in the region, has Otjozondjupa governor John ||Khamuseb hot under the collar. During his...
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Fishrot trial starts in March
AFTER nearly six years, the fishing quota corruption trial, in which the country’s fisheries resources were allegedly stolen at an unprecedented scale, will start on 9 March 2026. Acting Judge Marilize du Plessis, while rejecting yet another...
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Sankwasa ‘scraps’ land auctions
The days of auctioning State land through overpriced bids and regional councillors striking dodgy deals amongst themselves to illegally acquire multiple portions of land at the expense of deprived residents are over. This is if a Monday warning by...
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A hand that giveth
NKURENKURU – In a small community where many children struggle with poverty, neglect, or lack of basic support, one woman’s compassion is making an extraordinary difference. Michelo Sikwale (44) is quietly transforming the futures of 15 vulnerable...
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Grootfontein grapples with cholera
Grootfontein, one of the Otjozondjupa region’s most dense urban centres with a population of almost 30 000 inhabitants, is grappling with rising cases of cholera outbreak, with the latest figures showing a total of 22 confirmed cases. The region’s...
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22 Okongo illegal fences on chopping block
At least 22 illegal fences in the Okongo constituency of the Ohangwena region are set to be removed. It will cost around N$500 000 to remove the fences. This is after farmers failed to comply with lawful instructions issued by the Ohangwena Communal...
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Willing buyer, willing seller days ‘numbered’
The Land Bill tabled in Parliament by land reformist Inge Zaamwani proposes a raft of changes, among them scrapping the controversial “willing buyer, willing seller” clause, which many blame for Namibia’s snailpaced land reform agenda. Zaamwani has...
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Namibia condemns Maduro’s ‘kidnapping’
Namibia’s Ministry of International Relations and Trade, alongside opposition parties, has fortified its stance against US president Donald Trump’s aggression against Venezuela. This follows the US’ “large-scale military strike” against Venezuela and...
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A Christmas gift
SWAKOPMUND Fairytales and happy endings do not always come with a prince on a white horse. Sometimes they arrive quietly, through love, compassion and forgiveness. This Christmas holds new meaning for South African life coach Reneal Davids. Earlier...
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Stitching history to life
REHOBOTH – Late on a summer’s day in Kavuki, colourful scraps of fabric are neatly stored away, waiting to be stitched together in an oldfashioned tradition. The tradition is that of ‘laslappies’, small pieces of cloths neatly sewn together. The...
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Seal disposals irk coastal residents
SWAKOPMUND – Residents of Henties Bay are demanding answers after trucks carrying decomposed seal carcasses were seen dumping and burying the seals at the town over the weekend. Fears are that the dead seals will not only contaminate underground water...
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NNN solidifies youth priorities
PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah continues to strengthen youth development and has now declared that the National Youth Service (NYS) will be the sole provider of military, police, and correctional services. The President announced this at the 16th...
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Botswana returnees get plots, assistance
HUNDREDS of Botswana returnees of Namibian descent, currently housed at a reception area in the Gam settlement, will finally have places of their own to call home. This follows government’s announcement that some will receive resettlement units at...
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Desert Jewels falter in opening Africa Netball Cup clash against Zim
LILONGWE–TheDebMarine Desert Jewels suffered a tough start to their Africa Netball Cup campaign after going down 48– 36 to a determined Zimbabwean side at the Griffin Saenda Sports Complex in Lilongwe, Malawi. The high-intensity encounter set the tone...
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Nam's rhino horn trade plea hits snag
NAMIBIA’S long-running proposals for international trade agencies and organisations to reduce and, in some instances, entirely lift trade barriers for black and white rhino horns were overwhelmingly rejected at the recent 20th UN Convention on...
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Kavango: The river of life and death
For generations, the flowing waters of the Kavango River fed families, watered crops, cleaned homes, and offered cool relief under the scorching northern sun. Simply put, it has sustained life and livelihoods. But now, an ugly phenomenon is rearing...
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Hydrocarbons discovered in Kavango
AHIGH-LEVEL delegation from ReconAfrica, Namcor and BW Energy yesterday announced a breakthrough on new drilling results from the Kavango region, where early hydrocarbon indicators have now been confirmed. Hydrocarbons are used primarily as fuels,...
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Mental health a rising health concern
MENTAL health has increasingly become a public health challenge in Namibia, with rising suicide cases shaking communities and exposing deep social and emotional vulnerabilities, particularly among the youth. With university students among those...
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NNN prioritises service delivery
President Netumbo NandiNdaitwah yesterday commissioned three national task forces to serve as the main engines to drive the seven priority pillars of the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6). She described this as a major turning point in how...
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Swapo makes landslide comeback
The Swapo party has strengthened its political dominance in the 2025 Local Authority Elections, emerging as the biggest winner with 52.4% of all seats nationwide. This marks a rise from the 39.85% the party received in the 2020 elections. Despite the...
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PDM set to snatch Okakarara
Popular Democratic Movement (PDM)’s regional elections candidate Uzeraije Kapika Tjazerua is well on course for a historic victory in the Okakarara constituency of the Otjozondjupa region. This is based on preliminary results shared yesterday from 51%...
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Namibia decides
Kunene polling successful Voting in the Kunene region proceeded smoothly yesterday, with all polling stations opening on time and no major disruptions reported throughout the day. Regional Electoral Officer Mike Nganjone said the process remained...
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Special voting done and dusted
No major obstacles or hindrances were observed during special voting day across the country, although many polling stations got off to a slow start. In Oshana region, voting went smoothly, with residents and Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN)...
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ECN ready to roll
With only two days before Namibians vote, the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) says it is fully ready for Wednesday’s Regional Councils and Local Authorities elections, after correcting all ballot paper discrepancies and delivering materials to...
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ECN set for elections
The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has expressed confidence in the smooth conduct of the upcoming Regional and Local Authority Elections, according to its Chief Electoral Officer, Peter Shaama. The ECN also announced that the 2025 Regional...
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Independent candidates take on Erongo
SWAKOPMUND Several independent candidates have joined the race for regional constituency councillor positions in the Erongo region ahead of the November regional and local elections, contesting alongside nominees from established political...
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Women take on small-scale mining
XOBOXOBOS – It may be a man’s world, but women at the Xoboxobos informal camp in Erongo are carving out a place in the male-dominated world of small-scale mining. These women stand their ground in this hard, manual labour that demands, just like for...
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Police probe seal genitals theft
WALVIS BAY - Police in the Erongo region are investigating two major theft cases, including the stealing of nearly 700 seal bull genitals from a Henties Bay factory and the disappearance of 25 Friesian horses from a farm in Omaruru. This is according...
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Things fall apart
THE Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs, Security, Constitutional and Legal Affairs has painted a disturbing picture of life behind bars and inside police holding cells across Namibia. The committee’s report, recently tabled in...
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Govt to construct 55 000 houses, avail 50 000 plots
UNDER the sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), the government plans to service over 50 000 plots and construct more than 55 000 houses countrywide as part of its efforts to accelerate the delivery of affordable and accessible houses. The NDP6,...
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Stench-ridden compound draws flak
THE living conditions at the Grootfontein single quarters has drawn wide-ranging criticism. The dwellings, located in the town’s Omulunga residential area, is described as overcrowded, filthy and stench-ridden. Amongst those irked by the poor...
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Illegal fishing to attract hefty fines
SWAKOPMUND – Illegal, unregulated fishing offenders will soon be slapped with fines as high as N$10 million for plundering Namibian resources. According to the Minister of Works and Transport, Veikko Nekundi, the government will tighten Namibia’s...
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Xoboxobos water woes
XOBOXOBOS – At least 250 residents are enduring harsh living conditions on the outskirts of Uis at an informal area known as Xoboxobos. The small mining community resorted to this lifestyle to feed their families. The residents, who have been without...
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School dropouts besiege Kavango West
NKURENKURU- The Kavango West Director of Education, Innovation, Sports, Arts and Culture Pontianus Mosore has expressed deep concern over the rising number of school dropouts and teenage pregnancies recorded in the region during the 2024 academic...
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1.5 million Namibians cleared to vote
Atotal of 1,499,449 Namibians are eligible to cast their ballots in the regional and local authority elections on 26 November 2025, the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) announced yesterday. The figure is based on the Final Voters’ Register (FVR),...
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NNN: A pioneer in various fields
First Gentleman, Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah said President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwa's quest to serve and her distinct ability to inspire others started at a tender young age. Ndaitwah, in an exclusive interview with New Era yesterday ahead of his wife's...
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E-ticketing to be piloted
WALVIS BAY – The Road Safety Council is set to pilot a national e-ticketing project during the current financial year as part of efforts to digitalise Namibia’s traffic law enforcement and improve road safety management. Announcing the plans during...
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Tourism sector bounces back
Namibia’s tourism industry has recorded one of its strongest recoveries in years, with tourist arrivals rising sharply from 461,027 in 2022 to 863,872 in 2023, representing an 87.4% increase, according to Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism,...
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NNN slams begging bowl mentality
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on Namibians to reject being bullied for their natural resources, saying the country must learn to negotiate from a position of strength and confidence when dealing with international investors. Speaking at...
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694 000 lifted from acute poverty
The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report shows that Namibia has made commendable progress in lifting more than 694 000 people from high levels of acute food insecurity, with only 456 000 Namibians currently reported to be...
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Mid-term budget responds to slower growth
The mid-year budget review, tabled in Parliament yesterday by finance and public enterprises minister Ericah Shafudah, indicates that domestic growth persists, albeit at a slower pace than anticipated. Delivering the mid-year fiscal review to account...
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Africa celebrates top women leadership
Top African women political leaders said real progress in advancing women will only happen when political will is matched with action, resources, and preparation of future generations. This was the view of various women political leaders from across...
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Namibia records first Mpox case
WALVIS BAY - The Ministry of Health and Social Services is currently on high alert after the first Mpox case was detected in Swakopmund on Saturday. According to the ministry, the patient is currently in a stable condition and in isolation at the...
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NNN hails women influencers
PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi- Ndaitwah called for global recommitment to equal and meaningful participation of women at every level of peace and security efforts. The President addressed a high-level gathering in Windhoek yesterday to commemorate the...
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NNN, SADC condemns coup as Madagascar falls
PRESIDENT Netumbo NandiNdaitwah has condemned the coup attempt in Madagascar. She called for urgent regional action to protect democracy, warning that instability in the island nation threatens Southern Africa’s collective security and development...
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ECN awards ballot printing tender to Uniprint Global
THE Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has awarded a N$4.9 million tender to print ballot papers for the country’s regional councils and local authorities’ elections to South African-based company Uniprint Global. The elections, slated for 26...
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Etosha Fires: Ngurare laments poor planning
PRIME Minister Dr. Elijah Ngurare has raised concern on the recurring loss of lives and property due to poor preparedness and a lack of infrastructure. Ngurare referred to the recent veld fires in Etosha National Park, and the recuring burning down of...
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Omusati menacing elephant euthanised
THE Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) has confirmed that only one elephant bull was responsible for the recent sightings reported across several northern villages before it was put down on 11 October 2025 near Onawa village in the...
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Namibia honours Seretse Khama
Botswana founding president Sir Seretse Khama’s legacy was engraved in the Namibian capital after a prominent street in the city was renamed after him. The move not only paid tribute to one of Africa’s foremost leader, but also symbolised the strong...
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A story of hope, perseverance
Sporting a perfectly fitted graduation cap, a dripping gown, a striped purple tie and a sky-blue shirt with a dashing smile, all resembling his oozing confidence, visually-impaired student Josua Amukwaya was yesterday the toast of the hall during...
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Manufacturing sector to create 80 000 jobs
The country’s manufacturing sector is expected to create over 80 000 jobs in the next five years. Its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will reach 18% during the same period. These projections and set targets are outlined in the...
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Small miners removed from Brandberg
WALVIS BAY – At least 65 families in Uis in the Daures constituency, who rely on smallscale mining, face an uncertain future after the government announced its plan to declare the Brandberg Mountain a heritage site. The group told New Era yesterday...
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Impalila school rises above the odds
IMPALILA ISLAND - On a small island embraced by the mighty Zambezi and Chobe rivers, Impalila Combined School stands as a beacon of hope for hundreds of learners. Nestled in the far eastern tip of Namibia, the school’s story is one of resilience,...
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Etosha fire brought under control
President Netumbo Nandi- Ndaitwah has ordered that no resources be spared to save Etosha National Park after massive fires destroyed parts of the country’s top tourist attraction. She said Etosha is the lifeblood of Namibia’s tourism and must be...
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Nurses training draws flak
The Health Professions Council of Namibia (HPCNA) has rejected accusations that it has failed to regulate the rapid growth of private nursing schools. The regulator insists that while compliance gaps exist, several institutions are properly accredited...
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New law protects homes from sale in execution
From now on, no one’s home or other immovable property can be sold to settle debts without the approval of the High Court. A judge must first verify that the debtor has no other assets, such as vehicles or equipment, that could be used to pay off the...
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Nam health sector strained
Namibia’s public health sector is under severe strain. The persistent shortages of nurses, doctors and specialists are crippling service delivery. More than 85% of Namibians depend on State-funded healthcare, yet the system remains overstretched and...
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Govt to generate N$100m from State Lottery
Government, through the sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), plans to rake in over N$100 million in revenue from the country’s gaming industry. This will be done by implementing a raft of technologically advanced systems that will evolve and unlock...
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Family tragedy
The 33-year-old man, who allegedly killed his minor children on Sunday evening, travelled with them from Windhoek to the Oshikoto region. This was hours after he allegedly attempted to strangle their mother with a rope. The suspect, who appears...
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Ngurare tackles era of excuses in public service
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has called for urgent reforms in Namibia’s public service, warning that inefficiency, delays and bureaucratic bottlenecks will no longer be tolerated. Speaking at the launch of the Office of the Prime Minister’s (OPM)...
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Police allay fears over missing weapons
NAMIBIAN Police Chief, Lieutenant-General Joseph Shikongo has said there is no reason to panic following revelations that dozens of Namibian police rifles are feared to have slipped into the hands of criminal gangs in South Africa. The reports sparked...
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Hope amid despair
APPEARANCES can be deceiving. Seeing a man standing on the pulpit or a boy carrying a Bible from church often evokes a sense of admiration – respect that comes with dedication to the word of God and the power of the sermon. At least this is the image...
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Namibia committed to AfCFTA
NAMIBIA is ready to work with the continent to ensure its natural resources are managed sustainably and regional value chains are strengthened. This was said by Namibia’s Vice President Lucia Witbooi during the Presidential Roundtable discussion on...
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Family tragedy
UUKUVU – The family of a five-year-old boy who allegedly killed a two-yearold girl last week at Uukuvu village in Omusati region says they regret not seeking a mental evaluation for the child, who had previously shown signs of aggressive...
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Independent candidates on solo drive
AS the November elections draw closer, several political parties have made it clear their constitutions do not permit members to contest as independent candidates or represent associations in the upcoming regional and local authority polls. Swapo...
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Family destitute after child’s play sets homestead ablaze
OKANDJE – A family of three from Ongwediva constituency has been left destitute after their homestead, including the mahangu storage, was destroyed in a fire. Petrina Nghishiiko, a 49-yearold woman from Okandje village, said her eight-year-old...
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Namibia prospers in ranks after UAE triumph
Namibia’s national netball team, the Desert Jewels is making waves on the international stage, climbing three spots in the latest World Netball (WN) World Rankings to secure 15th position, their highest placement yet. The latest rankings, released by...
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Government to probe Mariental accident
The Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Lucia Iipumbu, says a government investigation will “get to the bottom” of why 16 correctional officers were loaded into a van meant for transporting inmates. Speaking at a press...
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Ogongo sets pace for food innovation
OGONGO – President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has expressed satisfaction with the ongoing research and food production being carried out at the University of Namibia's Ogongo campus in Omusati region, saying the institution is setting an example for...
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Heroes to the end
Namibia has been thrown into mourning following one of the darkest road tragedies in recent memory after 16 people - 14 officers from the Namibian Correctional Services and the Namibian Police Force, as well as two civilians, died in the horrific road...
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Outjo gardens grow food, jobs and hope
OUTJO – In the town of Outjo, green gardens are changing lives. They are not just producing vegetables, but also creating jobs, supporting schools, and giving hope to families who once struggled to put food on the table. When New Era visited the...
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Nam’s health sector weathers the storm
Namibiaisleadingmost African countries in the race to achieve the globally accepted and World Health Organisation (WHO) certified 95/95/95 HIV/Aids targets. The targets translate to 95/95/95 HIV testing, treatment and viral suppression targets aimed...
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NNN warns against disunity
KATIMA MULILO – President Netumbo NandiNdaitwah has sounded the alarm over growing divisions in Namibian society. She warned that the nation risks “a crusade for self-destruction” if citizens fail to unite. Speaking yesterday at the 59th Heroes’ Day...
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