SWAKOPMUND – Newly elected Erongo Regional Council chairperson Florian Donatus has pledged to fast-track development and prioritise service delivery, transparency and accountability across the region. Donatus held his first media engagement on Wednesday afternoon where he said he was determined to restore efficiency to the regional administration. “It is with a profound sense of duty...
Author: Eveline de Klerk (Eveline de Klerk )
Guards dismissed for demanding minimum wage … ‘approaching labour ministry is our biggest crime’
SWAKOPMUND – Five security guards employed by the Big Five Security Services’ company in Swakopmund were served with retrenchment letters, days after seeking the labour ministry’s intervention. They wanted the ministry to compel their employer to enforce the new minimum wage for the security sector. Some earn as little as N$6.66 per hour. The guards...
Mines, energy, industries strategise
SWAKOPMUND – The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy (MIME) has embarked on a crucial four-day strategic retreat in Swakopmund. It is aimed at defining its direction for the next six years, and reinforcing its commitment to national development. The retreat is focused on crafting MIME’s 2025/26–2030/31 strategic plan and the annual plan for 2025/26,...
Horror engulfs nation … six Usakos family members ‘killed’ in heinous crime
USAKOS – Cold-blooded family murders have left the small town of Usakos gripped by horror and disbelief, with the ripple-effects of the tragedy being felt across the country. The incident took place in the Hakhaseb location between 04h00 and 06h30 on Saturday. It claimed the lives of an 86-year-old matriarch and four great-grandchildren, who were...
Walvis ‘criminalising poverty’ with ghetto tax
WALVIS BAY – Walvis Bay municipal council is facing mounting criticism over a proposed shack levy, which homeowners say unfairly penalises them for the authority’s failure to deliver land. This is all at a time the town continues to struggle with a severe shortage of affordable land and housing for low-income earners, frustrated residents say. ...
Omaruru municipality destroys tuck shop
SWAKOPMUND –The destruction of a tuckshop in the Hakahana informal settlement in Omaruru has sparked outrage, with residents condemning the Omaruru Municipality for the action. Videos circulating on social media yesterday showed how a front-end loader digs into the tuckshop, while shocked residents watched the destructions. Another video shows food items scattered all over the...
Swakopmund’s affordable housing on course
SWAKOPMUND – Despite challenges, Swakopmund remains committed to providing affordable housing and land for its residents. The town has a housing backlog of approximately 20 000 units, but efforts are underway to address the demand, including a new land servicing project in the Wagdaar area. The project is valued at N$38 million. Linda Mupupa, spokesperson...
Walvis councillors clash over globetrotting … trip to cost residents over N$200 000
WALVIS BAY – A trip to an international ocean conference has become a bone of contention among Walvis Bay councillors, with some calling it a waste of resources, while others insist it is a crucial opportunity for learning and exposure. Walvis Bay councillors could not reach consensus over a scheduled trip to attend the 3rd...
Competition commission sanitises RedForce
WALVIS BAY – The Namibia Competition Commission (NaCC) has found that contracts awarded to RedForce Debt Management by local authorities are beyond reproach. However, the commission raised serious concerns over discrepancies in debt-collection practices, and called for urgent regulatory reforms to protect consumers from excessive fees and aggressive collection tactics. The findings are contained in...
Erongo regional council imploding
SWAKOPMUND – A political storm is brewing at the Erongo Regional Council, as Arandis constituency councillor Benitha Imbamba is fighting to keep her seat as chairperson. This follows a vote of no confidence motion that was tabled against her. The motion, tabled by Walvis Bay Urban constituency councillor Deriou Benson, seeks her removal, citing poor...