The Whistle Namibia

28/05/2026

28/05/2026

"Political interference" in mushrooming of nursing schools flagged

By, Jemima Beukes

Dr. Joyce Shatilwe a director in the health ministry, has revealed that they face "too much" political interference to issue support letters for the establishment of health training institutions.

Speaking during a stakeholder engagement hosted by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Youth, in Otjiwarongo this week, Shatilwe, said stakeholders of health training institutions must be identified, for this matter to be dealt with successfully.

"You go to the hospital, you find a room full. Now, it is even better - 50 students in the maternity ward surrounding one woman delivering," she said.

In a report by the National Assembly staff from the same meeting, it was noted that the ministry currently employs 332 expatriates in the health sector, including 66 nurses.

This is reportedly because of a shortage of scarce skills in Allied Health Professions and the reluctance of many Namibian professionals to work in rural, hard terrain and remote areas.

The Whistle approached, Penda Ithindi, executive director in the ministry who admitted to the employment of expatriates in the health ministry, but said he has to verify the figures.

"Yes, in general, there are expats in certain fields based on several reasons. For some specialized fields, we still the support of expats as we develop full national capacity," he said.

VIDEO: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

28/05/2026

COMING HOME DEAD: The National Theatre of Namibia joins the nation in commemorating te Genocide Remembrance Day of the Nama and Ovaherero genocide by Imperial Germany.

In this conversation, writer Keith Vries and director Patrick Sam, the creatives behind the play “Coming Home Dead,” reflect on memory, loss, artistic responsibility, and the role of theatre in preserving the history of the Herero and Nama Genocide for present and future generations.

Update: NTN

28/05/2026

UNITED NATIONS: Culture Minister Sanet Steenkamp, this morning said the Genocide Remembrance Day commemoration calls upon Namibians not only to remember history, but to confront it with honesty and “discomfort if need be.” She delivered the keynote address at the national Genocide Remembrance Day commemoration in the Oshana region. Commemorative events are held accross the country led by regional leadership.

Video: MICT

28/05/2026

HISTORY: Vetarera Katjizeu, former Regional Councillor of Otjinene Constituency in the Omaheke Region, gives a snippet of history during the Genocide Remembrance Day commemorations in the region. The commemoration in honour of the Nama and Ovaherero genocide by Imperial Germany is taking place across the country.

Prime Minister Dr. Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare is among those gathered in Otjinene to commemorate the genocide. The ceremony is taking place at the famous tree known for its painful history, where many Ovaherero and Ovambanderu people were hanged by colonial rulers in the late 1800s.

UPDATE AND VIDEO: Maxmus Halwoodi/OPM

28/05/2026

“WE REMEMBER”: Vice President Lucia Witbooi has arrived at the Eenhana Memorial Shrine in the Ohangwena Region for the national commemoration of Genocide Remembrance Day, marking the 1904–1908 Nama and Ovaherero genocide by Imperial Germany.

UPDATE: NamPresidency

28/05/2026

WATCH: Today, 28 May, Namibia commemorates Genocide Remembrance Day, honouring the victims of the 1904–1908 Nama and Ovaherero genocide perpetrated by imperial Germany.

In case you missed it — here is a snippet of our interview with a former SWAPO Member of Parliament and stalwart in the fight for reparations and restorative justice.

This is part of our series titled “The Baggage” – Defining Democracy and Equality, supported by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung that aims to explore how historical, social, and structural challenges shape access to rights, opportunities, and protection—particularly for women and children.

🔗 Find the link to the full interview in the comments.

27/05/2026

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27/05/2026

⚖️ "The Baggage" – Defining Democracy and Equality

🎥 Watch the full video and join the conversation:
What systemic barriers have you observed in your field or community?
How can we dismantle the "baggage" that limits access to rights and protection?


Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung

20/05/2026

UPDATED

Maggy Shino, no longer Petroleum Commissioner

by Jemima Beukes

The Petroleum Commissioner Maggy Shino is no longer serving in this role , and has also been placed under investigation, but the reason has not been disclosed.

Industries, mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse confirmed this on Wednesday evening.

He could not give a reason at the time.

“She is now serving in her normal position as director of the petroleum unit. The law makes provision for the minister to appoint a petroleum commissioner. I know who the person is, but I need to convey the message to the person because they were not available yet,” he said.

The Whistle understands Shino has not been coming to work. Allegations surrounding her suspension include the improper allocation of a Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL).

“She is under investigation,” Amutse said, but could not divulge more specifics.

Shino could not be reached. She did not answer questions sent to her before publishing.
This comes as questions around PEL allocation in the ministry grow.

On Sunday, The Whistle reported that the demarcation of Block 2812A into 2812Aa and 2812Ab was unlawful. It fell outside the powers granted to the mines minister under the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act.

Two attorney-generals, ten years apart, told the ministers in charge of mines and energy that the demarcation of Block 2812A must be rectified. The most recent legal advice came from Festus Mbandeka. He gave it to fired minister Natangwe Ithete on 1 September 2025.

Despite this, the President, through her Private Office, directed mines minister Modestus Amutse to award Petroleum Exploration Licence Block 2812Ab to Vena Gemstones and Mining (Pty) Ltd.

Since the article was published, State House has demanded that the second part of a letter by ambassador Neville Gertze be published. Gertze is the executive director in the President’s private office.

That part reads: “That the ministry provides a brief written update to this office upon completion of the above steps, confirming that the award and related administrative processes have been finalised.”

Gertze said the matter must be handled with diligence and in line with good governance.
“Her Excellency trusts that the Ministry will attend to this matter with the necessary diligence to bring it to a timely and lawful conclusion, consistent with the Attorney-General’s guidance and the principles of good governance,” the executive director stated.

The second paragraph of the same letter says the President “considered the relevant documentation and the legal advice provided by the Attorney General” and gave the instruction to Amutse to issue the PEL to Vena Gemstones and Mining.