During his inaugural address to the Omusati Regional Council, governor Immanuel Shikongo (IS) laid out bold plans to enhance infrastructure, agriculture, youth development and service delivery. In this conversation with New Era journalist Lahja Nashuuta (LN), Shikongo shares his vision, accomplishments and the challenges the region is facing. LN: Governor, congratulations on your appointment as...
National
US, Namibia hail health partnership
KATIMA MULILO – United States (US) Embassy chargé d’affaires Brandon Hudspeth has reaffirmed the US’ longstanding support to Namibia through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Hudspeth, joined by Taimi Amaambo, deputy executive director at the Ministry of Health and Social Services, this week toured PEPFAR-supported facilities, including the Katima Mulilo ARV clinic,...
Ohangwena to prioritise agritourism
EENHANA -Ohangwena governor Kadiva Hamutumwa says the region has the potential to become one of Namibia’s leading cultural and liberation heritage destinations if marketed properly. She said the region’s population of more than 300 000 gives it a clear advantage in developing both tourism and hospitality while vigorously exploring cultural tourism. Hamutumwa was speaking to...
Social grants reform on the cards
KEETMANSHOOP-Beneficiaries of old-age pensions and social grants can expect reforms that will address issues affecting them. These include protecting them from robberies on paydays and making grants more easily accessible through the digitalisation of payment systems. During a recent stakeholder engagement in Keetmanshoop, Albert Biwa, Deputy Director for the Department of Social Assistance within the...
Mashaka community want recognition
OKONGO – The Ngangela-speaking community, known as the Mashaka people from Okongo in the Ohangwena region, say they feel left out because their language and identity are not officially recognised by the government. Speaking on Wednesday during the inauguration of two classroom blocks at Nangolo Mbumba Combined School, Omboloka headman Toivo Bernard claims young people...
Jumbo menace haunts Kunene …villagers plead for help as elephants wreak havoc
Eveline de Klerk Loide Jason SORIS SORIS – Residents of the Kunene region, especially those living on communal farms bordering the Erongo and Kunene regions, said they live in fear due to elephants thatfrequently invade their homesteads in search of water and grazing. The elephants have been destroying kraals, water tanks and gardens, while also...
Govt rolls out wider network coverage
ETAYI – A total of 25 network towers were recently inaugurated across the country to ensure connectivity for residents struggling with network issues, especially in rural areas. Minister of Information and Communication and Technology (ICT) Emma Theofelus revealed this on Wednesday at Oikokola village in the Omusati region during the official inauguration of a network...
Gobabis-Aranos road creates 435 jobs
AMINUIS – The Gobabis-Aranos Road project in the Omaheke region, which is currently at a 79% completion rate, has to date created over 435 jobs for skilled and unskilled individuals and a whopping N$23 million has been expended to small and medium subcontractors. Planned to cover a total of 245 kilometres and valued at almost...
Letter – Beat the drum: Decolonise to preserve culture
Colonialisation has transformed African societies in ways that continue to shape them today. Africans relied on their knowledge systems and traditions to maintain cultural and spiritual identities prior to colonial encroachment. Because their rhythm of life was linked to land, kinship, and customs that fostered social cohesion, these systems provided both sustenance and balance. Empires...
Child marriages irk Kavango West governor
RUNDU – Kavango West governor Verna Sinimbo has condemned the actions of a 26-year-old man, who traditionally married a minor (14) at Ncaute village. “It is deeply disturbing that a child, who should be protected and nurtured, has instead been exposed to such harmful practices. These actions are unacceptable, unlawful and must have no place...









