It is very concerning that the Namibian government and its ministers find State-owned enterprises (SOEs) appealing, even though they cost the taxpayer millions of dollars. It is undeniable that some SOEs contribute to market failures, which eventually affect macroeconomic variables, as proven by current proceedings in Namibia’s distinct competent courts. Therefore, the SOEs were founded...
At the time you are reading this week’s editorial, there are fewer than five days before the ongoing Supplementary Voters’ Registration (SRV) ends. The exercise, which kicked off on 4 August, ends on 19 August, or next Tuesday, to be more precise. Eligible Namibians will head to the polls on 26 November 2025 to elect...
Lahja Nashuuta Gobabis, fondly referred to as ‘the jewel of the east’, has been steadily transforming itself into a thriving economic and social hub in eastern Namibia. The municipality has anchored its vision on four pillars: infrastructure development, environmental and social upliftment, tourism promotion and stimulating local economic growth. Strategically located along the Trans-Kalahari Highway...
Lahja Nashuuta When you meet Christophine Dauses, her calm presence and warm smile give little away about the emotional weight she carries every day. She is the chief registered nurse at the Mental Health Care Centre at the Windhoek Central Hospital. Dauses works in one of the most demanding yet rewarding areas of healthcare. She...
KEETMANSHOOP – The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund of Namibia (MVA) and Namibian Law Reform and Development Commission are now conducting countrywide consultations on legislative reforms needed. Speaking at a session earlier this week in Keetmanshoop, MVA’s chief legal advisor, Joelynn Kurz said the objectives of the proposed amendments to the MVA Fund Act include making provision for...
MAYARA – Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa has granted approval of the application made by the Ukwangali Traditional authority (TA) to designate Eugene Siwombe Kudumo as their chief as per the TA Act of 2000. The TA is in the meantime to set up a date, time and place for the minister or...
Lahja Nashuuta The government has defended its decentralisation policy, stating that most functions have already been decentralised to all regional councils. Diametrically opposed to this position is the Landless People’s Movement (LPM), which dismissed the government’s decentralisation efforts as nothing more than an electioneering tactic, accusing the ruling party of talking about decentralisation while tightening...
Taimi Haihambo The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated 3 561 textbooks to six secondary schools in the Khomas region last week. The books, which cover key school subjects such as English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Accounting, History, Biology, Geography and Business Studies, are expected to ease the current shortage where up to six...
Zebaldt Ngaruka OTJOMBINDE – Bethuel Ngajoo Mbuende, a former radio presenter, will contest as an independent candidate for the Otjombinde constituency in the upcoming Regional Council and Local Authorities elections slated for November. In a recent interview with the New Era, Mbuende said it is now time to build the community and not have it...
Rudolf Gaiseb Namibia’s public procurement unit (PPU) and procurement entities face limited resources and low capacity. The World Bank’s methodology of assessing procurement systems (MAPS) has found that responsibilities across the procurement cycles are poorly defined, resulting in overlaps and inefficiencies. The Bank found that the procurement rules are vague, possibly discouraging international competition. The...