Informanté, Keller Street, Windhoek (2026)

06/06/2026

Inclusive skills development focus as Namibia attends Africa training summit

Staff Reporter

THE 3rd Annual Regional Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Sub-Saharan Africa Skills and Apprenticeship Stakeholders Network (SASASNET) in Abuja, Nigeria, has seen Namibia reaffirm its commitment to inclusive skills development and equitable access to apprenticeship opportunities.

The conference, which took place from 2 to 4 June 2026, brings together policymakers, development partners, industry representatives and training institutions from across Africa to strengthen apprenticeship systems, promote quality work-based learning and enhance regional cooperation in skills development.

Representing Namibia, Director of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Mrs Dalia Mwiya, moderated a panel discussion on gender and inclusion in apprenticeships, while Ms Rosalia Shiponeni, Work Integrated Learning Manager at the Namibia Training Authority (NTA), served as a panellist.

During the discussions, Shiponeni highlighted Namibia’s ongoing efforts to ensure that women, youth, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups have equal access to apprenticeship programmes. She said Namibia is working towards a more inclusive and responsive skills development system that promotes decent work and sustainable livelihoods.

SASASNET, which is recognised by 43 African countries, serves as a regional platform aimed at improving skills development systems, strengthening apprenticeships, and fostering collaboration between governments, training institutions, industry and development partners.

Namibia’s participation at the conference provides an opportunity to share experiences, learn from regional best practices and strengthen national efforts to equip young people with relevant skills for employment, entrepreneurship and economic growth.

Remarks by Ms Fanfan Rwanyindo Kayirangwa, ILO Assistant Director-General and Regional Director for Africa, who underscored the importance of strengthening apprenticeship systems that reflect African labour market realities, particularly the role of informal learning.

She stressed that apprenticeships should serve as pathways to decent work, improved productivity and enterprise development, rather than dead ends, and called for stronger social dialogue and inclusive policy frameworks.

Rwanyindo Kayirangwa further emphasised the need to recognise prior learning, expand opportunities for women and youth, and align skills development with emerging sectors such as digital technology, renewable energy and the green economy.

The conference was held in Abuja, with discussions focused on advancing inclusive, high-quality apprenticeship systems across the continent.

Photos: Ministry of Education Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture

06/06/2026

Melody Swartbooi withdrawn as Keetmanshoop mayor

Staff Reporter

MELODY Swartbooi has been withdrawn as Mayor of Keetmanshoop with immediate effect.

This was announced by Dawid Eigub, the Operative Secretary of the Landless People's Movement (LPM), who confirmed that Swartbooi's representation of the party on the Keetmanshoop Town Council has been revoked.

He added that the decision was made in terms of Section 13(1)(g) of the Local Authorities Act 23 of 1992, as amended, following careful consideration within the framework of the party's constitution.

"The party expresses profound gratitude for your service to the people of Keetmanshoop during your tenure," Eigub wrote in a letter addressed to Swartbooi.

06/06/2026

Farmers urged to tighten biosecurity amid border disease threat

Staff Reporter

THE Livestock Producers Organisation (LPO) has urged farmers across Namibia to strengthen biosecurity measures and strictly comply with animal health regulations as the threat of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) continues to pose a serious risk to the country’s livestock sector and export markets.

In a message addressed to producers, LPO chairperson Jako van Wyk warned that the disease remains a real and immediate threat at Namibia’s borders, emphasising that the country’s ability to maintain access to key international markets depends on the actions taken by farmers on a daily basis.

Van Wyk said that while many countries have lost access to lucrative export markets due to outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, Namibia has managed to retain its status through years of disciplined farming practices and adherence to strict animal health standards.

He stressed that the responsibility for protecting the country’s livestock industry rests primarily with farmers, as outbreaks occur on farms rather than in urban centres.

According to the LPO, producers are expected to maintain strict biosecurity measures, comply fully with all animal health regulations, and immediately report any suspicious symptoms that may indicate the presence of the disease.

Farmers were further advised not to buy or sell livestock outside approved channels, to control access to farms by vehicles, visitors and workers, and to ensure that vehicles, equipment and footwear are disinfected where necessary.

The organisation also cautioned against bringing feed, semen, embryos or other genetic material onto farms without first verifying their origin and health status.

Van Wyk called on producers to report any suspected illegal activities, including the smuggling of animals and genetic material across borders, warning that such practices could undermine national disease-control efforts.

“A virus does not respect borders. One weak link creates risk for the entire system,” he said.

He added that every decision taken by individual farmers has implications beyond their own operations, affecting the wider agricultural sector and Namibia’s reputation in export markets.

Van Wyk said Namibia’s favourable animal health status has been earned through years of commitment and high standards but warned that it could quickly be lost if vigilance is not maintained.

He described farmers as the country’s first and last line of defence against foot-and-mouth disease, urging them to remain alert and committed to protecting the livestock industry.

PICTURED: LPO chairperson Jako van Wyk. Photo: Namibia Agricultural Union

06/06/2026

Sightings of blue and fin whales increase in South-East Atlantic

Research led by the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Centre for Statistics in Ecology, Environment and Conservation, revealed a recent increase in sightings of the world’s two largest whale species in the southeastern Atlantic.

The research findings were published in the African Journal of Marine Science and compiled more than 60 years of confirmed sightings and strandings from Namibia and South Africa’s West Coast. The study focused on Antarctic blue whales and fin whales, both heavily targeted during the industrial whaling era.

“Our results provide important evidence that these giants of the ocean are slowly recovering from the devastating impact of 20th century commercial whaling, which pushed them to the brink of extinction,” said lead author Dr Bridget James from the Centre for Statistics in Ecology, Environment and Conservation. “Sightings remain rare, but they are becoming more frequent than in previous decades, and with sustained protection there is reason to believe this recovery can continue.”

It’s believed that between 1913 and 1978, an estimated 350 000 blue whales and 750 000 fin whales were killed – causing dramatic global population declines. Today, Antarctic blue whales are still listed as critically endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List. Their population is currently estimated at around 3% of the pre-whaling numbers – increasing slowly at about 5–8% per year. Fin whales on the other hand are classified as vulnerable, with populations thought to have recovered to more than 30% of historical levels and growing at about 4–5% annually.

Research led by the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Centre for Statistics in Ecology, Environment and Conservation, revealed a recent increase in sightings of the world’s two largest whale species in the southeastern Atlantic.

The research findings were published in the African Journal of Marine Science and compiled more than 60 years of confirmed sightings and strandings from Namibia and South Africa’s West Coast. The study focused on Antarctic blue whales and fin whales, both heavily targeted during the industrial whaling era.

“Our results provide important evidence that these giants of the ocean are slowly recovering from the devastating impact of 20th century commercial whaling, which pushed them to the brink of extinction,” said lead author Dr Bridget James from the Centre for Statistics in Ecology, Environment and Conservation. “Sightings remain rare, but they are becoming more frequent than in previous decades, and with sustained protection there is reason to believe this recovery can continue.”

It’s believed that between 1913 and 1978, an estimated 350 000 blue whales and 750 000 fin whales were killed – causing dramatic global population declines. Today, Antarctic blue whales are still listed as critically endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List. Their population is currently estimated at around 3% of the pre-whaling numbers – increasing slowly at about 5–8% per year. Fin whales on the other hand are classified as vulnerable, with populations thought to have recovered to more than 30% of historical levels and growing at about 4–5% annually.

“There is still a shortage of the type of systematic scientific monitoring around our coasts, that is needed to accurately assess the populations of these two species in the southeast Atlantic,” she said.

Authors recommend expanding passive acoustic monitoring, increasing trained observer coverage in commercial sectors and incorporating whale distribution data into marine spatial planning to safeguard this slow but important recovery.

Source: University of Cape Town’s (UCT)

PICTURED: Historic whaling data suggests that the southeast Atlantic may once have been an important nursery area for both blue and fin whales. Photo: Pexels

06/06/2026

Roof of Africa claims gold at 2026 Beer Awards

Staff Reporter

WINDHOEK-BASED Roof of Africa Craft Brewery has once again secured top honours at the 2026 African Beer Cup, winning gold and silver medals and reinforcing its status as one of the continent’s most consistently awarded breweries.

The brewery claimed a gold medal for its Roof Draught and a silver medal for its Dark Lager at the competition, which is Africa’s largest and most prestigious beer contest. Roof Draught’s latest gold marks its third and sixth overall medal, cementing its reputation as one of the most decorated beers in the competition’s seven-year history.

Roof of Africa Craft Brewery director Torsten Krumnow said the recognition reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to quality and craft brewing excellence.

“Roof of Africa is honoured to be part of the African Beer Cup Competition, and winning medals yearly showcases our steadfast commitment and love for craft beer,” Krumnow said.

A total of 243 beers from 16 African countries were entered into this year’s competition, with 17 gold, 37 silver and 35 bronze medals awarded across a wide range of categories, including traditional international styles and beers incorporating African ingredients and brewing innovations.

Each entry was evaluated twice by independent panels of international judges using a strict scoring system designed to ensure fairness and consistency.

The African Beer Cup continues to highlight both established and emerging brewing talent across the continent, with growing trends this year including non-alcoholic beers, African ingredient-driven brews, and collaborative brewing projects.

Cape Town’s Woodstock Brewery was named Best Beer in Africa for its Funky Monk’s sour ale, which outperformed all gold medal winners after a final round of judging.

Photo: Roof of Africa Craft Brewery

06/06/2026

Eyewear programme brings sight to hundreds in Kunene Region

Staff Reporter

A VISION screening and eyewear initiative by ultimate.earth, in partnership with T-UP Vision and the Conservation Travel Foundation, has provided life-changing corrective glasses to nearly 500 residents and conservancy members in Namibia’s Kunene Region, restoring sight and improving daily livelihoods in some of the country’s most remote communities.

In a region where access to basic healthcare services remains limited by vast distances and logistical challenges, hundreds of residents have received transformative vision support through a mobile eye-care initiative aimed at improving quality of life in remote communities.

The programme, led by ultimate.earth (formerly Ultimate Safaris) in partnership with its non-profit Conservation Travel Foundation and T-UP Vision, a public benefit organisation focused on providing corrective eyewear to underserved populations, was rolled out as a pilot project in the Kunene Region.

Targeting conservancies and communities in and around the Palmwag area in support of Save the Rhino Trust, the initiative initially screened field rangers and residents before expanding to the Uibasen Twyfelfontein, Doro !Nawas and Sorris Sorris conservancies.

Over a period of nearly ten days, the medical team travelled between remote settlements conducting on-site vision tests and immediately fitting corrective glasses. More than 410 conservancy members and community residents were directly provided with eyewear, while the broader programme reached almost 500 beneficiaries in total.

According to organisers, while most participants had strong distance vision due to their environment, more than 80 percent required reading glasses. Many had long struggled with everyday tasks such as reading documents, using mobile phones, managing finances, or identifying medication labels.

The on-the-spot service delivery eliminated the need for long-distance travel to clinics, making eye care accessible to residents who would otherwise have gone without treatment.

The impact was described as immediate, with participants regaining the ability to read and perform daily tasks more easily, while rangers and community members reported improved efficiency in their work and personal lives.

ultimate.earth said the initiative reflects its broader commitment to linking conservation and tourism with tangible community benefits, particularly in remote areas where development challenges remain significant.

“The ability to see clearly is something many of us take for granted, yet it can profoundly influence a person’s independence, confidence and opportunities,” said Tristan Cowley, Managing Director of ultimate.earth.

Following the success of the pilot project, organisers say plans are already underway to expand the programme to other remote areas of Namibia in the coming year.

Photos: ultimate.earth

05/06/2026

Host nations joined by Curaçao, Haiti and Panama at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Staff Reporter

SIX teams from the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) have secured places at the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, with co-hosts Canada, Mexico and the United States joined by Curaçao, Haiti and Panama.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held from 11 June to 19 July 2026, will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States and will be the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 teams. It will also be the first men's World Cup hosted by three countries.

As host nations, Canada, Mexico and the United States qualified automatically, while Curaçao, Haiti and Panama secured their places through the CONCACAF qualification campaign.

Among the qualifiers, Curaçao will make its FIFA World Cup debut after topping its qualifying group and becoming one of the smallest nations ever to reach the global tournament. Haiti returns to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, while Panama will make only its second appearance after previously competing at Russia 2018.

Canada will participate in its third World Cup and will be aiming to secure its first victory at the tournament after unsuccessful campaigns in 1986 and 2022. Led by coach Jesse Marsch, the Canadians will have home support on their side as they seek to progress beyond the group stage for the first time.

Mexico, one of the most experienced nations in World Cup history, will make its 18th appearance and become the first country to host or co-host the tournament three times. Under coach Javier Aguirre, El Tri will be hoping to surpass its previous best performances of reaching the quarter-finals in 1970 and 1986.

The United States will compete in its 12th World Cup and will look to improve on its Round of 16 finish at Qatar 2022. Coached by Mauricio Pochettino, the Americans will once again benefit from home support during the tournament.

Panama enters the competition after emerging as one of Central America's strongest teams in recent years. The nation secured qualification by winning its final-round qualifying group and will seek its first World Cup victory.

Haiti earned qualification after a strong campaign that included crucial results against regional rivals Costa Rica and Honduras. The Caribbean nation will be aiming to make an impact on its return to football's biggest stage after more than five decades.

The six CONCACAF representatives join defending champions Argentina and other qualified nations from around the world in what is expected to be the largest World Cup in history.

The tournament will be staged across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States, with the opening match scheduled for Mexico City on 11 June 2026 and the final set for 19 July 2026.

Photos: FIFA

05/06/2026

Correctional Service chief visits Gobabis facility to boost efficiency, discipline

Staff Reporter

COMMISSIONER-GENERAL Raphael Hamunyela, head of the Namibia Correctional Service (NCS), visited the Gobabis Correctional Facility on Thursday as part of efforts to strengthen operations and institutional discipline.

According to the NCS, Hamunyela’s visit focused on operational efficiency, staff welfare, and administrative matters at the facility. He engaged with officers and management on challenges affecting service delivery as part of the NCS’s ongoing drive to elevate service standards across all correctional facilities in the country.

The NCS has, in recent months, prioritised internal reviews and staff engagements to address gaps in administration and reinforce discipline within its ranks.

Photos: NCS.

05/06/2026

Student financial aid body working to clear outstanding student payments - Education Ministry

Staff Reporter

THE Ministry of Education has reassured students and the public that the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) is working tirelessly to clear all legitimate outstanding payments as quickly as possible.

“The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) continues to process institutional invoices received since April 2026 for both tuition and non-tuition support. In addition, advance payments have already been made to institutions to facilitate student registration and academic participation. Payment processing remains ongoing, and NSFAF teams are working diligently to ensure that all legitimate payments are finalised as expediently as possible,” explained Erastus Haitengela, the Education Ministry’s Executive Director.

Haitengela further announced that NSFAF has introduced a new payment strategy to address student concerns and improve the efficiency of disbursements. Under the revised arrangement, non-tuition fee payments will be processed weekly, starting from the second week of June 2026.

He noted that the Ministry continues to engage closely with institutions of higher learning, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres and student representative bodies to ensure that students are not adversely affected during the implementation of the new measures.

“The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC) wishes to reassure all students and the Namibian nation that Government remains fully committed to ensuring uninterrupted access to higher education and training opportunities,” Haitengela added.

Photo: Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF)

05/06/2026

Dippenaar loses High Court application to seek leave to overturn sentencing

Staff Reporter

JANDRÉ Lodewyk Dippenaar, who was seeking leave to appeal to the Supreme Court to overturn his murder conviction and sentence, suffered another blow after the High Court dismissed his application.

Dippenaar is the first man in Namibia to be convicted and sentenced for murder with direct intent (dolus eventualis) arising from a car accident, instead of culpable homicide, which is usually the case in motor vehicle accidents.

In August 2024, Dippenaar was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment after being convicted on six counts of murder and other charges in connection with a car crash in December 2014 in Henties Bay. The accident claimed the lives of three members of a German family who had been on holiday in Namibia, namely husband and wife Markus and Stephanie Joschko and their daughter Alexandra. Three people in the vehicle driven by Dippenaar also perished in the crash: Dinah Pretorius, Charlene Schoombee and JC Horn.

In a court order delivered on 5 June 2026, High Court Judge Naomi Shivute dismissed an interlocutory application which sought condonation from the court for the late filing of documents and subsequently also dismissed the application for leave to appeal his conviction and sentence in the Supreme Court.

Dippenaar had initially appealed against the conviction and sentence handed down in the Swakopmund Regional Court to the High Court; however, that attempt was dismissed on 5 December 2025.

He subsequently filed the current matter, which sought leave to appeal the High Court judgment. In his heads of argument, he argued that the High Court ignored, or attached less weight to, the evidence of expert witnesses than to eyewitness testimony.

Dippenaar contends that the application is directed principally at the High Court’s approach to “the evaluation of defence expert accident-reconstruction evidence on point/place of impact (including gouge/scuff/physical indicia) vis-à-vis eyewitness accounts”.

The application for leave to appeal the High Court judgment had, however, only been filed on 31 December 2025, 12 days outside the prescribed time period.

File photo for illustrative purposes.

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