Informanté

07/09/2025

September declared Firearm Amnesty Month

Staff Reporter

THE Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has declared September as Firearm Amnesty Month, urging citizens to voluntarily hand over illegal fi****ms, ammunition and explosives.

The campaign was officially launched in Windhoek on Friday. Speaking on behalf of the minister, Inspector General of the Namibian Police (NamPol), Joseph Shikongo, emphasised the importance of public cooperation in efforts to promote peace and security.

Shikongo said that individuals who surrender illegal weapons during the amnesty period will not face prosecution. However, those found in possession of illegal fi****ms after September will face legal action.

The initiative is part of a continent-wide African Union (AU) campaign to silence guns and foster peace. Originally set to conclude in 2020, the programme has been extended to 2030 under Agenda 2063, which seeks to end armed conflict, gender-based violence and genocide.

The amnesty period runs from 1 to 30 September 2025, and citizens are encouraged to hand in any illegal or unwanted weapons at their nearest police station.

Photo: File

06/09/2025

Penda Naanda appointed as Namibia’s Permanent Representative to the UN

Staff Reporter

PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has appointed Ambassador Penda Naanda as Namibia’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), with immediate effect.

“Ambassador Naanda takes over from Ambassador Neville Gertze, who now serves as the Executive Director in the Private Office of the President. Since 2021, Ambassador Naanda has served as Executive Director in the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, which has recently been renamed the Ministry of International Relations and Trade,” the Namibian Presidency highlighted.

The Presidency noted that Ambassador Naanda previously served as Namibia’s Ambassador to the Swiss Confederation and as Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva from 2018 to 2020.

“Ambassador Naanda has a vast experience in international relations and diplomacy, having previously served as First Secretary Economic to the High Commission of Namibia in Pretoria, First Secretary to the Namibian Mission in Vienna and Deputy Permanent Representative of Namibia to the United Nations in New York, where he is now headed as Permanent Representative,” the presidency added.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed confidence in Naanda’s Naanda’s ability to champion Namibia’s interests at the global level and extended her best wishes as he assumes his new role.

06/09/2025

Human trafficking a growing crisis in Namibia

Maria David

A TOTAL of 706 human trafficking cases were reported in Namibia this year, with 36 confirmed and 680 classified as high-risk.

This was revealed by Chrispin Kamwi, the Deputy Director for Immigration and Border Control in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, speaking at the commemoration of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons at Onekwaya West village in the Endola Constituency.

Kamwi emphasised that these statistics represent real lives being destroyed. He defined human trafficking as a practice of exploiting individuals, especially women and children, for sexual and labour services.

"It is an illegal trade of humans through recruitment or abduction by force for the purpose of forced labour, debt bo***ge, and sexual exploitation. Women, especially young girls and children, are mostly the main target of trafficking in persons," he said.

Kamwi noted that this modern form of slavery is not limited to international borders but also occurs within the country.

He added that trafficking robs people of their dignity and freedom, tears families apart, and leaves survivors "scarred for life."

Kamwi highlighted a surge in illegal crossings at the Oshikango border post, particularly involving children contracted as cheap labour on Namibian farms.

He urged employers to follow the law and obtain proper work permits for foreign nationals instead of exploiting vulnerable Angolans.

Speaking at the same occasion, Ohangwena Governor Kadiva Hamutumwa indicated that Namibia has not been spared from this global crisis.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, six Namibians were repatriated from South Africa and East Asia after being trafficked. In the same period, four foreign nationals—two Angolans, one Batswana, and one Zambian—were returned to their home countries.

"We must work together to protect our people. If you see suspicious activities, report them. It could save a life," she said.

She then called for stronger vigilance.

She stressed that traffickers often target women, children, and unemployed youth.

Echoing these concerns, Ohangwena Police Commander Commissioner Ottilie Kashuupulwa noted a trend of trafficking involving young men and women between Angola and Namibia for employment as cattle herders and domestic workers.

She urged community members to report suspicious behaviours and called on traditional leaders, teachers, nurses, and churches to be vigilant for early detection. Kashuupulwa also stressed that border officials must strictly enforce laws against cross-border crimes.

"I further call upon all Police Station Commanders in the regions that are bordering with Angola to initiate joint efforts, including joint patrols and awareness campaigns along the borders to curb the transnational trafficking of human beings," she concluded.

06/09/2025

Late Hawala fought a good fight and never wavered — President

Maria David and Placido Hilukilwa

NATIONAL Hero Dumeni Solomon Hawala was this morning laid to rest in the Old Ongwediva Lutheran Cemetery — instead of the Heroes' Acre — in fulfilment of his expressed wish to be buried where his parents were laid to rest.

The Old Ongwediva Lutheran Cemetery is also the resting place for most of the 27 victims of the Oshakati FNB bomb blast of February 1988, which was 37 years ago.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the Chief Mourner, said that the Government respects the wishes of the deceased (which, to a certain extent, is cultural) and their families in terms of where they would want to be laid to rest.

She said that, as a dedicated fighter, General Hawala did not sacrifice his entire life with the intention of becoming a hero. He instead made that sacrifice with the aim of providing service for the liberation of his country, which he loved, and its people.

The President described Hawala as a dear comrade, a devoted husband, father, and a man whose life is symbolised by dedication and patriotism, adding that he was one of the principled Namibians who, during the difficult times of the struggle for freedom and independence, stood firm in the fight against the colonial apartheid regime.

She said that it was, therefore, not a favour that she conferred upon General Hawala the status of National Hero and accorded him a State Funeral.

The President noted that the passing of General Hawala is not only a loss to his immediate family, but it is an irreplaceable void felt throughout the nation, especially within the very fabric of the SWAPO Party, which he joined in 1962, just two years after the party's establishment.

"Since then, he served the party with unwavering diligence and distinction throughout his impactful life," she said, adding that the late Hawala’s legacy is deeply imprinted in the record of Namibian history, a testament to his unwavering commitment to freedom, justice, and the self-determination of the Namibian people.

"His departure from this earth is painful," she said, "but as people of faith, we must take solace in knowing that he not only fought for the independence of Namibia but also lived to witness and contribute to the building of a free and sovereign nation."

The theme of the funeral, as recorded on the programme, is a Biblical verse from 2 Timothy 4:7, which states: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

"Indeed," she said, "his life was full of purpose. He fought a good fight and championed a cause during the most demanding times in our country's history, and he never wavered."

The President appealed to Namibians to honour General Hawala's memory by renewing the nation's commitment to unity, nation-building, and safeguarding the country's sovereignty.

She said: "In his legacy lies a call to all of us to defend peace, to pursue prosperity for every Namibian, and to remain faithful to the values for which he and his comrades fought. We will remember him not only for his military achievements, but also for his wisdom and unwavering commitment to national unity and socio-economic development in an independent Namibia.

May God give us peace and understanding in this sombre moment, and may He grant the soul of our National Hero, Comrade Hawala, to rest in eternal peace."

06/09/2025

Ashipala-Musavyi urges Lüderitz business community to invest in manufacturing and value addition

Staff Reporter

The Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, has encouraged Lüderitz's business community to harness the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by investing in manufacturing and value-added processing to grow the town’s economy through increased trade.

The Minister made these remarks during the Regional Business Engagement held in Lüderitz, //Kharas Region. The event provided a platform for officials from the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, together with the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy, to engage directly with the local business community, raising awareness about the AfCFTA and the opportunities it presents.

“This consultation is intended to foster a conducive business environment and assist the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, in collaboration with relevant ministries and agencies, to formulate and implement policies that directly impact the growth and development of local businesses, enabling them to capitalise on external markets,” she said.

She urged Lüderitz’s entrepreneurs to be proactive in identifying and seizing opportunities under the AfCFTA, for the benefit of both the local community and the nation at large. She highlighted increased local participation in the blue economy and the current trend of exporting raw materials without value addition as key considerations.

“Lüderitz should prioritise manufacturing and value addition for its abundant natural resources, creating economic growth through increased trade. Hence, we are engaging stakeholders and the business sector as part of our efforts to strategically align the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA and beyond with the natural resources, products, and services produced in this region,” Ashipala-Musavyi said.

06/09/2025

Minor kills baby in Omusati

Staff Reporter

THE inhabitants of Uukuvu village, and the Omusati Region in general, are in shock and disbelief after a five-year-old boy allegedly murdered a fourteen-month-old baby girl by repeatedly hitting her on the head with broken pieces of brick.

The victim died on the spot.

The incident occurred at a traditional homestead in Uukuvu village, Okahao Constituency, late Friday afternoon.

The suspect is a cousin of the deceased.

06/09/2025

06/09/2025

06/09/2025

Namibian grapes and dates identified as key high-value exports under AfCFTA Strategy

Staff Reporter

THE Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, has highlighted grapes and dates as some of Namibia’s most valuable agricultural exports, with strong potential under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Implementation Strategy (2022–2027).

Speaking during recent public consultations with the business community in Keetmanshoop, //Kharas Region, the Minister pointed to the impressive performance of Namibia’s grape sector. She noted that table grape exports reached approximately N$1.29 billion in the final quarter of 2024, with N$815.4 million generated in December alone. This, she emphasised, represents a sharp increase from just N$7.7 million during the same period in 2023.

“Namibia ranks 17th globally in table grape production. Our global reach includes the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Germany, which together account for over 70% of our grape exports. These grapes are produced primarily in the Aussenkehr Valley in //Kharas, the epicentre of grape farming, which produces over 33,000 metric tonnes annually,” said Ashipala-Musavyi.

The Minister stressed that grapes and dates possess a competitive edge within the AfCFTA framework. She noted that the sector not only provides thousands of seasonal jobs but has also benefited from improved logistics through Walvis Bay and Cape Town, enhancing export efficiency. However, she urged businesses in Keetmanshoop to go further by identifying new export markets and sectors that could benefit from AfCFTA-driven opportunities.

“We know very well what sets the //Kharas Region apart from others. The question is: what else can the region optimise and export? What opportunities can we explore? From the products and services of the //Kharas Region, which national, regional, continental, and global value chains should we tap into and participate in? That is what ‘business unusual’ is all about—taking bold steps that distinguish us from other African countries and the world, in order to increasingly make a positive impact on the lives of all our people,” the Minister said.

She also encouraged the business community to share their challenges - such as regulatory hurdles, limited market access, and infrastructure deficits - with the ministry. Doing so, she explained, would enable the government to better support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in overcoming export barriers, enhancing trade facilitation, and addressing non-tariff obstacles.

“The more finished goods we export, the more jobs we create. We need to identify where additional employment opportunities can be developed in the //Kharas Region. What other sectors or products might we have overlooked, and how can government intervene to unlock their full potential?” she added.

06/09/2025

Man allegedly steals vehicle after expressing interest to buy it

Staff Reporter

A SILVER Toyota Corolla sedan (N18898SH), valued at N$65,000, was stolen at Oshakati on Thursday, allegedly by a suspect who claimed to be a brother of a prospective buyer.

It is alleged that the 45-year-old owner of the car, which displayed "for sale" posters, was refueling his vehicle at the NAMCOR service station in the Ekuku suburb when he was approached by an unknown male person who expressed interest in the vehicle.

They exchanged contact details, and moments later the suspect called to say that his brother was ready to buy the vehicle right away.

The two met again at a local mini market where the seller was asked to provide his banking details.

After a while, he received a proof of payment on WhatsApp but refused to hand the vehicle over before receiving bank notification on his mobile.

Both the seller and the representative of the buyer drove back to the service station where the seller intended to buy airtime to call the alleged brother who sent the money.

However, when the seller stepped out of the vehicle to buy a recharge voucher, he made the mistake of leaving the now-suspect alone in the idling car.

When he returned moments later, he noticed the car being driven away by the suspect.

No recovery or arrest has been made.

05/09/2025

Berseba Village Council HR Officer sues for defamation after protest on hiring of Omuwambo man

Staff Reporter

TOBIAS Paulus, a Human Resources officer at the Berseba Village Council, has launched a lawsuit for defamation of character against George Vries as tensions rise after a protest over the hiring of an Omuwambo man as a maintenance worker at the council led to a verbal showdown between the two.

Represented by Kadhila Amoomo Legal Practitioners, Paulus asked that Vries remove defamatory remarks he published against Paulus on social media, as well as pay N$100,000 for emotional distress, reputational harm, and economic losses incurred.

“It is our instructions that you, Mr. George Vries, have made vile and defamatory statements against our client on the very commonly used social media platform, Facebook, falsely alleging that our client bought his personal vehicle, a Toyota Fortuner, with council funds, in the videos posted on 28 August 2025,” Ina Mongudhi, a lawyer from Kadhila Amoomo Legal Practitioners, wrote to Vries.

Further to this, she said that Vries falsely said that the HR officer is in a romantic relationship with one Hilka Jonas, who is also reported to work at the Berseba Village Council.

Vries also alleged that another individual, Paulus Aluvilu Shihepo, had been residing at Paulus’s residence during the interview proceedings, which gave Shihepo an unfair advantage and led to his appointment.

“Your statements are not only false and utterly disgraceful but also constitute a deliberate and malicious attack on our client's reputation and dignity. Your reckless and defamatory conduct has inflicted severe reputational damage, emotional distress, and potential financial harm upon our client. As you are undoubtedly aware, defamation is a serious legal offense, and your actions leave you fully liable under our Namibian civil law. Our client will open a criminal case against you should you not stop making the baseless, childish, and disrespectful allegations,” Mongudhi said.

She added that, in light of the above, Vries must issue a public apology on the same page where he published the defamatory statements and that this apology must be explicit, acknowledging that the allegations made were entirely false and baseless.

The lawyer also demanded that Vries permanently delete all comments and posts that mention Tobias Paulus in connection with the false allegations.

“Failure to do so will be regarded as an act of continued defamation. You are strictly prohibited from ever mentioning our client in any defamatory or negative manner on any social media platform. Any further defamatory conduct will result in swift and aggressive legal action,” Mongudhi demanded.

LAWSUIT: File photo for illustrative purposes only.

05/09/2025

Total lunar eclipse visible from Namibia on 7 September

Staff Reporter

A TOTAL lunar eclipse will be visible from Namibia on Sunday, 7 September 2025. The Moon will pass through the Earth’s shadow between 18:27 and 21:56 CAT, creating a spectacular astronomical event visible wherever the Moon is above the horizon, including Antarctica, Asia, Russia, Africa, Oceania, and Europe.

In Namibia, the Moon will be about 21° above the horizon at the midpoint of the eclipse. The event begins at 17:29 as the Moon enters the Earth’s penumbra, causing a gradual dimming of its surface. By 18:30, as the Moon rises in central Namibia, it will start moving into the Earth’s umbra, where sunlight is fully blocked, casting darkness across the lunar surface.

Totality occurs at 19:31, when the Moon is fully within the umbra, reaching its midpoint at 20:12. The Moon begins to exit the umbra at 20:53, ending the total phase, and by 21:56, it is fully outside the Earth’s umbra. The partial eclipse concludes as the Moon leaves the penumbra at 22:55.

The Astro Group Namibia Scientific Society (NSS) will host a public viewing of the eclipse at Hotel Thule in Windhoek, featuring several telescopes. The event starts at 18:30, offering astronomy enthusiasts a chance to witness this rare celestial phenomenon.

Photo: Namibia Scientific Society