In Namibia, the school admission period has become a chaotic spectacle. Parents camp and overnight at school gates, hoping to secure a place for their children. This undignified scramble is a direct result of the ‘first come, first served’ (FCFS) approach. At first glance, FCFS seems fair – those who arrive early get a spot. However, this system perpetuates social...
Govt quells Caprivi secession agenda … warns all options are on the table
Otniel Hembapu Albertina Nakale The government has warned that it will not rule out applying the “full force of the law” to crack down on renewed calls to secede the Zambezi region from Namibia. A recent protest was led by the banned United Democratic Party (UDP) through in Katima Mulilo last week. The UDP, a Zambezi region-based party, whose activities...
Grootfontein dumpsite: Unlikely home, food source
GROOTFONTEIN – While many Namibians are seeking warmth indoors, a hidden community lives permanently in makeshift plastic shelters at the Grootfontein dumpsite, surviving on expired and rotten food. The group consists of over 30 people, including children under 18. New Era visited the dumpsite on Wednesday last week, accompanied by Grootfontein mayor Talitha Garises and spokesperson Luke Salom, to witness...
Cold nightmare in winter …as learners cross water to school
ONGWEDIVA – Learners from Shingunguma Primary School must wade through water every day during the harsh winter to attend classes. The school principal, Grace Musheko, said it is very risky for learners to cross water during winter, as they are exposed to illness. “We have seen some learners shivering from the cold while in class after walking through water. We...
Damases denies Conradie in corruption saga
Sara Ngenohani Damases, who is accused together with prominent Windhoek lawyer Dirk Conradie of attempting to bribe advertising company DV8 Saatchi and Saatchi owners started her testimony in her defence yesterday. Conradie and Damaseb are accused of attempting to bribe Kim Fields and Mark Bongers with the lucrative MTC advertising contract, provided they took on Damases as a black economic...
Swakopmund rises above politics
SWAKOPMUND – The Swakopmund Municipality has successfully risen above political interference and pressure, leading to meaningful development that continues to benefit both residents and the town’s economy. This is the fervent position of CEO Archie Benjamin, who attributed their success largely to political maturity among councillors, who chose to put their differences aside in favour of the town’s greater good....
Father, son in court over murder
Eba Kandovazu The trial of two men, accused of murdering a relative, has resumed in the Windhoek High Court on Monday. A medical doctor confirmed the victim’s condition. The accused, 61-year-old Hendrik Le Roux, and his 31-year-old son, Borris Le Roux, appeared before Judge Philanda Christiaan. They maintained their innocence in connection with the alleged fatal assault of 24-year-old Carlos...
Nam, Bots strengthen cross-border ties
CHOI – Namibia and Botswana have officially launched Phase Two of their joint Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) sensitisation campaign. Running from 9 June to 5 July 2025, the campaign underscores a powerful message: security and peaceful coexistence begin with informed, united communities. The sensitisation drive – covering 27 villages in Namibia and 71 in Botswana – will address escalating cross-border issues,...
Northern revival churches under threat – BCP
Lahja Nashuuta Bishop Festus Thomas, leader of the Body of Christ Party (BCP), has raised concerns in Parliament over what he termed ongoing discrimination against revival churches in Namibia’s northern regions. He described the treatment as a systematic campaign of religious discrimination and repression, particularly targeting revival churches in northern Namibia. Raising the issue shortly before the National Assembly went...
Kavango council assesses development needs
Lylie Jeol SILIKUNGA – The Kavango West Regional Council on Monday embarked on a constituency community outreach programme, meant to address immediate needs and long-term development goals in rural communities. The programme started in Silikunga village in the Mpungu constituency and will run until 19 June 2025, with visits to all eight constituencies in Kavango West. Director of development planning,...