news and current affairs.
Leaders congratulate Samia on Tanzania's re-election win
President Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn in for a second term following her landslide victory in Tanzania’s 2025 general election, having secured 97.66 percent of the vote. The Independent National Electoral Commission declared her the winner last Saturday. Her inauguration drew congratulatory messages from leaders across the globe who pledged deeper cooperation over the next five years. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, chair of the African Union Commission, affirmed support for Tanzania’s efforts to uphold peace, democracy and human rights under the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar expressed hope for stronger bilateral relations. Kenyan President William Ruto highlighted the...
Pupils suspended after blackface, slur tags at Windhoek party
Two Windhoek pupils have been suspended after attending a private Halloween gathering in blackface and wearing vests labeled k-ff-r 1 and k-ff-r 2. Images shared on social media prompted complaints from parents and widespread condemnation. One of the students, who competed as a sponsored cyclist, lost that support after the sponsor ended the arrangement. Both remain barred from school grounds but may sit for upcoming exams while the ministry investigates. Education director Edda Bohn said disciplinary measures will continue until the inquiry concludes and future school placements will be carefully reviewed. She rejected claims that the ministry sought to silence discussion and affirmed the incident’s public importance. The students did...
Windhoek businessman faces N$3m fraud, laundering charges
A Windhoek resident is set to face the High Court on November 19 on three counts of fraud or theft and three counts of money laundering involving a total of N$3 million. Johan van Wyk, 45, was committed for trial after the matter was transferred from the Magistrate’s Court. Authorities allege he siphoned funds in September 2020 from two close corporations where he held substantial interests. The prosecutor general authorised the charges. Court documents state that on September 22, van Wyk shifted N$1 million from an LH Equipment Sales account into a corporate account and then to a mortgage bond in his and his wife’s names. On September 25 and September 30, similar transfers of N$1 million each were made from a Windhoek Renovations...
The Youth Fund raises the age limit to 45 to widen access
The government has expanded the National Youth Development Fund’s age eligibility from 35 to 45 years in a bid to stimulate entrepreneurship amid persistent unemployment and economic pressures. Although Namibia’s legal definition of youth remains 18 to 35, the Ministry of Finance updated the criteria to reflect how business ventures often emerge later in life. Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah said broadening the age range will foster greater inclusivity and empower mid-career innovators. Members of parliament have offered mixed reactions. Popular Democratic Movement representative Inna Hengari praised the move as a matter of intergenerational fairness, noting that many in their late 30s and early 40s delayed starting enterprises due to...
St John’s Faith Mission archbishop Hoveka dies at 51
St John’s Faith Mission archbishop Julius Hoveka died Wednesday in Windhoek following a short illness. He had assumed the role on September 7 as successor to founding archbishop Petrus Shionbo, who died in 2023. Church spokesperson Uazenga Ngahahe confirmed Hoveka’s passing on Desert FM and said he united congregations across Namibia and the Kavango region while serving as spiritual father, counselor, and guide. Hoveka began his ministry at age 12 under Shionbo’s mentorship and devoted his life to service within the church and the wider community. He played a key part in expanding the congregation from its origins in the Epukiro constituency into a national network. His record also included activism during the liberation struggle...
Erongo police probe black rhino poaching near Omaruru
Erongo police have launched an inquiry into the unlawful killing of a specially protected black rhinoceros bull on a farm in the Omaruru district. Investigators believe the crime, which included the removal of the animal’s horns, took place sometime between December 2024 and October 16, 2025. No arrests have been made in connection with the incident. Senior inspector Judith Shomongula described how an unknown number of suspects entered the custodian's property armed with a firearm and shot the rhino in the head. The horns were then severed with a sharp instrument. The carcass, valued at about N$500,000, was discovered in an advanced state of decomposition. Authorities stress that poaching of this nature endangers Namibia’s wildlife...
Ex-Nust spokesperson apologises to Kaumbi for defamation
On Nov. 4, former Namibia University of Science and Technology spokesperson John Haufiku issued a public apology to the institution’s chief legal adviser, Joshua Kaumbi, for statements made during a broadcast interview that led to a defamation suit. Kaumbi filed a N$500,000 lawsuit in July 2023 after Haufiku claimed the university had suspended him for leaking information to the media. Haufiku said the comments were impromptu responses to a follow-up question, and he later recognized they could be misread. The High Court has directed NUST to contribute N$50,000 toward Kaumbi’s legal fees. In his apology letter, Haufiku acknowledged his remarks carried malice and regretted any reputational damage or distress caused to Kaumbi and his...
Namibia is named Africa’s top adventure tourism hotspot
At a ceremony in London on November 2, Namibia was announced Africa’s top adventure travel destination at the 2025 Africa Tourism Awards. The event, known as the Balearica Awards, praised the country’s dedication to sustainable practices, authentic African experiences, and community benefits while recognising Swakopmund as the hub for adventure tourism. Sebulon Chicalu, chief executive of the Namibia Tourism Board, said the honour reinforces the nation’s strategy under Vision 2030 and the sixth National Development Plan to develop world-class adventure and ecotourism offerings. He added that the accolade highlights the combined efforts of local operators and communities and recognises innovation in sustainable tourism. Held at the...
Court to rule Monday on Windhoek council ballot dispute
On Monday, 10 November, the Electoral Court is scheduled to hand down its decision on a petition from the Khomas Residents and Rate Payers Association seeking to take part in the Windhoek City Council election set for 26 November. A panel led by Deputy Judge President Hannelie Prinsloo, with judges Orben Sibeya and Beatrix de Jager, heard oral arguments on Thursday. The association urged the court to require the Electoral Commission of Namibia to accept candidate nominations on physical forms rather than via its internet portal. Association secretary general Shaun Gariseb said the group was unable to access the portal before the 16 October deadline. The association’s lawyer, Kadhila Amoomo, argued on its behalf, while Jabulani Ncube...
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