The suspended chief executive of the Namibian Society of Composers and Authors of Music, Albert Nicanor, has announced his intention to sue the organization. He claims his recent suspension was unprocedural and violated his rights. The Nascam board stated the action was a neutral measure to allow an impartial investigation into serious workplace conduct allegations, including bullying and intimidation.
Nascam board chairperson Joseph Ailonga dismissed Nicanor's claims, stating that the chief executive was allowed to respond to the allegations in a prior meeting. Ailonga explained that the suspension was necessary because the accusations of intimidation made it difficult to conduct a proper investigation with Nicanor present. Ferdinand...
A new parliamentary report has found that Namibia requires three billion Namibian dollars to effectively address its national housing shortage, a figure that triples the current government allocation. The report from the National Council Standing Committee on transport, infrastructure, and housing indicates a national backlog of between 300,000 and 700,000 housing units.
Committee chairperson Alfeus Abraham stated that increased funding is essential for local and regional councils to meet housing demand. The report also calls for legal reforms, including amendments to the Local Authorities Act and the Regional Councils Act, to streamline processes and make serviced land more affordable.
The committee identified several major...
A senior Namibian official, Justice and Labour Relations Executive Director Audrin Mathe, removed a social media post that contained a racially insensitive joke. He had posted a photo of himself with two other individuals, labeling them with a highly offensive racial slur. This action referenced a recent incident where two teenagers used the same slur at a Halloween party in Windhoek, an event that prompted parental complaints and school disciplinary measures.
Political figure Inna Hengari criticized Mathe, stating that his post made light of the painful realities associated with the slur and undermined his position of public trust. Mathe defended his intention, explaining that he had aimed to use sarcasm to condemn racism and fully...
The Namibian government and the Dutch firm TerraWatt have begun construction on a 50-megawatt solar power facility. Deputy Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Gaudentia Kröhne announced the project's launch during a recent groundbreaking ceremony at Astra farm in the Omaheke region.
Kröhne described the initiative as a significant move toward the nation's renewable energy and sustainable development objectives. She stated that the solar park reflects Namibia's goal of becoming a continental leader in clean power while transforming its energy sector. The deputy minister also commended TerraWatt for its partnership and confidence in the country.
Beyond generating reliable electricity, the project is expected to create employment...
Namibian police are investigating a case of murder and concealment of birth after a newborn's body was discovered near Swakopmund Secondary School. A security guard patrolling the area found the infant inside a plastic bag on Saturday evening.
Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi reported that no arrests have been made. Authorities have requested that anyone with information contact their nearest police station to assist with the investigation.
The Society for Advocates of Namibia has warned that a nationwide magistrates' strike is severely disrupting the justice system and endangering the public's right to access courts. Magistrates are reporting to work but are not presiding over criminal or civil cases or conducting trials.
The industrial action followed unsuccessful negotiations between the chief justice and the Magistrates' Commission regarding the government's plan to appoint 27 temporary magistrates. The Magistrates' and Judges' Association had previously criticized the removal of a ten-year experience requirement for these posts. The society is urging all parties to resolve the dispute quickly, stating that magistrates are indispensable for upholding the rule of law...
The Electoral Court in Windhoek has rejected an application from the Khomas Residents and Rate Payers Association, which sought to compel the Electoral Commission of Namibia to register its candidates for the upcoming city council election. The court ruled it lacked jurisdiction to hear the case.
The association had argued it was unable to access the commission's online nomination portal on the required date. It requested the court to order the electoral body to accept a physical nomination form instead. Electoral Commission Chairperson Elsie Nghikembua stated in an affidavit that candidates could be nominated either online or by submitting a physical form to the returning officer. She noted the association missed the submission...
A 30-year-old woman drowned in the Kavango River on Sunday after a canoe capsized during a fishing trip. The victim, identified as the mother of three, Aune Hakusama, was returning from Angola with a group of five other women when the accident occurred.
Police Chief Inspector Raimbert Muronga reported that Hakusama, who could not swim, was carrying her one-year-old infant when their vessel overturned. Her baby was rescued by another woman in the group. The surviving passenger from the same canoe reached safety.
Authorities retrieved Hakusama's body from the river near Nankudu village. Police investigations into the incident are continuing.
Vendors at Karonga Market report that post-election violence in neighboring Tanzania has caused a sharp increase in agricultural goods prices. Market Chairperson Godwin Ghambi explained that the instability has prevented traders from crossing the border to source produce, creating local scarcities.
Businesses selling Irish potatoes, carrots, and cabbage have been severely affected, with many vendors forced to suspend operations. Coliness Mshani, a trader, stated her income has been completely disrupted, impacting her ability to pay for household needs and her children's education.
Economic expert Abel Mwenibanda suggested that the situation highlights the need for Malawi to prioritize local production of these goods to avoid future...
