Lahja Nashuuta Kazara Ndovazu does not see himself as just another face behind a government desk. He is part of a generation of young Namibians determined to reshape public service to make it more effective, more responsive, and more impactful. Born and raised in the town of Opuwo in the Kunene region, Ndovazu knows the...
National
Editorial – Youth vote vital against voter apathy
This week, Namibia joined the rest of Africa in commemorating the Day of the African Child, in which the youth are the focus. A day later, by-elections in five constituencies took place. In most of these constituencies, voting was marred by a low voter turnout. Namibians, for reasons known to them, decided to stay away...
Letter – Leadership, accountability and Namibia’s historic moment
Weeks before Mee Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in as Namibia’s first female president, I was significantly unnerved, wondering about the capacity of Namibian women to help her lead. Leadership is a team sport. An exceptionally qualified individual, it is worth noting that I have absolutely no qualms about her leadership qualities. Her leadership capabilities have...
Legitimacy of Chief Iipumbu’s claim to throne questioned
ONGWEDIVA- The reign of Uukwambi Chief Herman Ndilimani Iipumbu at the helm of the Uukwambi Traditional Authority rest on shaky grounds, following moves from within the Uukwambi Royal family to have him removed from the position. At the centre of the controversy are allegations that Chief Iipumbu is not from the Royal family and therefore...
Mixed bag of results in by-election
Loide Jason Lahja Nashuuta Otniel Hembapu KAMANJAB – After five years under opposition control, the Swapo party has made a strong political comeback in Kamanjab constituency by winning Tuesday’s by-election. The win is not just symbolic but marks a turning point in Swapo’s efforts to restore confidence and reconnect with local communities ahead of local...
Namibia elevates Commonwealth summit …convention aims for US$2 trillion in trade by 2030
Namibia is hosting the Commonwealth Business Summit, marking the first time in its history that the all-important summit is being held outside London in the United Kingdom. This year’s summit, which opened yesterday at the Mercure Hotel in Windhoek, focuses on harnessing digital transformation, sustainability, and youth entrepreneurship as drivers of economic growth within the...
Sankwasa enters Henties CEO suspension fray
HENTIES BAY – Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa has stepped in to resolve the suspension of Henties Bay CEO Elizabeth Coetzee. Coetzee was suspended in October 2023 over several serious allegations detailed in a leaked report. This includes theft, fraud, gross negligence and financial mismanagement linked to subsistence and travel claims. She faces...
On the spot with Eveline de Klerk – Benjamin transforming Swakopmund – one day at a time
Swakopmund has taken a unique route to boost the town’s economic and development agenda, especially in areas such as medical, sport, tourism and educational institutions, making it a town of choice. New Era journalist Eveline de Klerk (NE) sat down with CEO Alfeus Benjamin (AB) to talk about the transformation of Swakopmund as well as...
Namibia wages war on fake news
Rudolf Gaiseb The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), through its Namibia Fact Check project, has warned that the corrosive effects of disinformation threaten Namibia’s democracy. In its latest report, Countering #Elections2024 Mis- and Disinformation, released yesterday, the IPPR highlights how smear campaigns were aimed at undermining the reputation, credibility and trust in specific candidates,...
Karoonda wants bigger piece of De Beers stake
Rudolf Gaiseb South West Africa National Union (Swanu) president Evilastus Kaaronda has proposed a review and renegotiation of the partnership between De Beers and the Namibian government. The party wants the local government to own the majority share. “There is no logical reason for De Beers to continue being an equal shareholder in this arrangement,”...









