The Atlantic Gazette

25/07/2025

A structure that will house two indoor padel courts nears completion at the Atlantis Sport Club in Walvis Bay.
Padel is a fast-paced racket sport combining elements of tennis and squash. Played in doubles on an enclosed court, it’s fun, social, and easy to learn. Padel is a growing sport in Namibia.
A third outdoor court will also be constructed.

24/07/2025

The siege of Walvis Bay's municipal dumpsite by lawless behaviour continues. This video shows an incident just now (Thursday morning) where dumped waste was set alight at the entrance to the municipality’s waste site.
Calls are for the Namibian Police to get involved, as there is a continuing presence of activities at the waste site to keep things disorderly, and that at the detriment of the town's peoples' health and peaceful existence.
Since the Ministry of Evironment's approval that the Municipality of Walvis Bay is in full control as well of the portion of the dump site encroaching on Dorob National Park territory there should be no excuses from line-officials, tasked with the management of the dump site, to upkeep policies and procedures to return this facility to a proper and accountable public facility.

21/07/2025

The Ministry of Evironment, Forestry and Tourism has granted the Municipality of Walvis Bay permission to occupy the landfill site on a temporary basis, until such time the land can be transferred to the Walvis Bay Council. Officially known as Portion 13, Farm Wanderdunen No. 23), the municipality has been struggling to cope with the management of the landfill site for months. It has become worse in recent days as all waste was dumped on the access part of the landfill site only, which is part of municipal land.
The municipality and the environment authority has been in negotiations since Friday and the matter became of utmost urgency in the interest of public health.
Despite this positive development the big elephant in the room remains: how could the municipal department responsible for waste management allow this to spiral out of control? Furthermore, from the Ministry's letter it is clear the decision to transfer the landfill site (Portion 13 Wanderdunen No 23) has been initiated a long ago, yet until now the process has not been commenced. In fact, crucial information is still outstanding from the municipality to carry the process forward. Why and who is responsible?
Then there is the feet dragging on getting squatters off the dump site to end lawlessness which include the burning of tires and household waste and the disregard of safety guidelines.

18/07/2025

The currently reality on Walvis Bay's dump site. When will the managers responsible be brought to book?
This video was recorded today, 18 July 2025.

18/07/2025

16/07/2025

Just In: Is Walvis Bay in for another night of toxic air pollution? Given the prevailing winter weather conditions the answer is probably yes!
Unscrupulous individuals are again burning tires on the Walvis Bay dumpsite, flames shooting high into the air, releasing toxic fumes. The accompanying photograph was taken only a few minutes ago. Residents on the fringe of neighbourhoods facing the dumpsite have already started to report of the sickening smell blowing across town.
The question begs, how can the Walvis Bay Municipality and law enforcement continue to allow this?

26/06/2025

SanlamAllianz Namibia Launches with Bold Vision for Financial Growth:

WINDHOEK – A trusted name in Namibia’s insurance sector has turned a new page. Sanlam is now officially SanlamAllianz Namibia, following a high-profile rebranding launched in the capital this week.

The name change comes on the heels of a strategic alliance with Allianz, one of the world’s largest insurance and asset management groups. The partnership combines Sanlam’s strong local presence with Allianz’s global financial expertise—an alignment that promises expanded services and deeper value for Namibian clients.

The rebrand was announced during a vibrant series of events in Windhoek. A colourful procession along Independence Avenue drew attention ahead of a press conference at Sanlam Centre, with the day culminating in a prestigious gala dinner hosted at the Windhoek Country Club Resort.

Speaking at the dinner, SanlamAllianz Namibia CEO Tertius Stears emphasised the long-term impact of the alliance:

“We believe our transition to SanlamAllianz Namibia will usher in a new era of growth and value creation. It will bring world-class financial solutions and services that benefit not only our clients and stakeholders but also the broader financial services industry and ultimately the people of Namibia,” Stears said.

The rebrand signals a strategic push to elevate Namibia’s access to modern insurance and investment tools, backed by international best practices. For existing policyholders and future clients alike, SanlamAllianz Namibia is positioning itself as a dynamic player in shaping the country’s economic future.

25/06/2025

Just In: a shunting train collided with a truck in the port of Walvis shortly before noon today. No injuries were reported. The locomotive of the train was pushing rail wagons, but there was no shunter to guard the crossing, resulting in the collision. The crossing where the accident happened is close to the port's South gate.

17/06/2025

Namibia just recorded its first ever case of Rabies in a Cape fur seal. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform confirmed this in a statement just now (17 June 2025) and explained a Cape fur seal was spotted at the Walvis Bay lagoon on 13 June this year showing signs it might have Rabies.

The seal died and its carcass was sampled a day later on 14 June 2025 and it tested positive for Rabies. South Africa detected its first rabies case in its colony of seals in June 2024.

Rabies is transferred through the bite or saliva of an infected animal and is fatal to humans if not detected and treated timeously.

Find attached a statement in this regard by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform.