New Era (OH) Senior journalist Otniel Hembapu recently sat down with Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate (PN), who spoke about his reappointment, reflected on his last term as regional head, and also unpacked a range of issues currently facing the region, including the fight against malnutrition, youth unemployment and alleged corruption and tribal infights. OH: You...
Otniel Hembapu Zebaldt Ngaruka Government continues to move in leaps and bounds in its efforts to ensure that previously disadvantaged Namibians are resettled and given an opportunity to join the country’s mainstream economic and agricultural activities. Under Namibia’s much touted land reform programme, government has to date resettled over 5 518 previously disadvantaged Namibians on...
The Otjozondjupa region, through collaborative efforts with the mines and energy ministry, as well as Cenored, saw the expansion of its rural electrification programme reach over 375 households. In the process, this created more than 123 jobs. Over 375 houses were electrified during the 2024/2025 financial year, as hundreds of families in settlements and towns...
GOBABIS – For hundreds of the most destitute residents of Omaheke region, especially those grappling with the brunt of malnutrition and food inadequacy, Farm Nuwe Hoop is more than just a piece of land on the outskirts of Gobabis; it is an oasis of hope and survival. Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate has through his office,...
Ovaherero and Nama descendants of victims of the 1904/08 genocide have welcomed the ceasing of all tourism activities at Shark Island. This development, they say, will make way for the conversion of the historic enclave into a fully-fledged heritage site under the National Heritage Council. Shark Island, one of Namibia’s most popular and attractive tourist...
Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate and Otjinene constituency councillor Erwin Katjizeu have rubbished assertions that there is growing tribal tension at Otjinene. Their dismissals follow Monday’s violent standoff between members of the Ovaherero community against the Ovazemba, Aawambo and purported illegal migrants. Both Nganate and Katjizeu issued separate statements condemning the incident but strongly maintained that...
It took warning gunshots by the police and a well-armed backup of about 100 law enforcement officers from the Gobabis police to defuse a violent tribal confrontation in Otjinene yesterday as tempers flared. The clashes were mainly between members of the Ovaherero community against the Ovazemba, Aawambo and purported illegal migrants at Otjinene. The Otjinene...
GOBABIS – A combination of strategic interventions by the Office of the Omaheke governor and partners resulted in a 20% reduction in severe acute and moderate acute malnutrition in the region. One of the driving factors that helped with the reduction in malnutrition cases is the partnership between the governor’s office and Genesis, an organisation...
GOBABIS – The Omaheke region has, over the past year, made significant strides in terms of economic and social progression. The region has managed to turn the page on its story in the face of mounting challenges, ranging from malnutrition, unemployment and lack of economic opportunities. This could be deduced from the regional governor, Pijoo...
GOBABIS – For 26-year-old Gracell Goeieman, farming is more than just early morning errands in the kraal, cattle branding sessions and livestock herding; it is a profound natural calling and a pathway to create inter-generational equity. For a sector that has for centuries been male-dominated, Gracell is breaking down barriers and through hard work, discipline...