Ester Mbathera
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Articles by Ester Mbathera
Rhodes canned fruit plant to close
Rhodes canned peaches, pears and apricots could soon disappear from shelves after Premier Foods announced the closure of its R1-billion Fruit Products Western Cape (FPWC) business. South African media reports say the company cited declining global demand, pricing pressure and rising input costs as the main reasons for the decision, with tariffs imposed by the United States last year also contributing.
Foreign missions in South Africa boycott Africa Day celebrations
African diplomats in South Africa have announced a boycott of the 63rd Africa Day celebrations scheduled for Moruleng in the North West province. Africa Day, celebrated annually on 25 May, marks the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963, which later became the African Union.
Polio jabs despite no case ‘precautionary’
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has launched a nationwide polio vaccination campaign following virus detections in sewage and a formal outbreak declaration despite no cases. The last reported cases of polio in the country occurred in 2006. Traces of the virus were, however, recently detected in sewage ponds at Rundu and Gobabis. The latest vaccination roll-out started on Monday and will run until Friday.
La sequía convierte el río Chobe de Namibia en una trampa para 200 hipopótamos
El Gobierno de Namibia lleva meses trabajando para rescatar a 200 hipopótamos varados en charcos de lodo que encogen rápidamente a lo largo de un tramo de 16 kilómetros del río Chobe, en la zona de conservación de Salambala. En uno de los países más áridos al sur del Sáhara, una terrible sequía agravada por la escasez de lluvias ha dejado a estos animales salvajes varados durante los últimos cuatro meses en un cauce aislado y seco.
Ancient Tracking Skills and New Tech Are Protecting Namibia's Endangered Pangolins
A subtle rustle from a nearby bush is enough to prompt Cwi and his group to halt in their steps. The rangers have spent nearly a week trekking through the treacherous community forest, located 36 kilometers from the Nyae Nyae Conservancy Office, in search of the ever-so-elusive Temminck’s ground pangolin. Once the animal is confirmed to be a pangolin, a ranger quickly attaches a VHF and GPS transmitter while Cwi* holds the mammal steady on the forest floor.
inside the Namibian homes built from mushrooms
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‘People think they’ll smell but they don’t’: inside the Namibian homes built from mushrooms
Namibia has a severe housing shortage, with woody encroacher bush reducing the amount of land available for building.Photograph: Hoberman Collection/Universal Images Group/Getty “People think the house would smell because the blocks are made of all-natural products, but it doesn’t smell,” says Kristine Haukongo. “Sometimes, there is a small touch of wood, but otherwise it’s completely odourless.” Haukongo is the senior cultivator at the research group MycoHab and her job is pretty unusual.
Namdeb employees sleeping in tents
… workers not ready to pay rent of up to N$3 000 a month A total of 27 out of 42 Namdeb shift mine workers have been sleeping in tents at Oranjemund since last Tuesday. This follows a dispute over accommodation with their employer. The group was initially employed at the Daberas open-cast diamond mine, located 80km east of Oranjemund, where they were staying in a hostel. The mine’s operations came to an end in July 2023.
Karasburg taps run dry
The Karasburg Town Council on Tuesday issued a water rationing warning following an ongoing water shortage at the town. The water rationing introduced on Tuesday is necessary due to the critically low levels of the water reservoirs and underground water sources, said Karasburg acting chief executive Lorraine Jossop. “There is no rain in this place, and the water levels in the dams have dropped. We are almost below 60% dam levels,” she said.
Namibia: Govt Investigates Mass Cattle Deaths in Zambezi
The Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform has investigated the mass death of cattle in the Zambezi region. Between June and October 2023, 585 cattle died in the Kabe South constituency, as reported by The Namibian last October. Cattle have been mysteriously dying in several villages since July, including Ikaba, Nsundwa, Ihaha, Nakabolelwa, Ivilivinzi, Muyoyeta, Kasika, Mbalasinte, Nantungu and Nankuntwe.
Govt investigates mass cattle deaths in Zambezi
The Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform has investigated the mass death of cattle in the Zambezi region. Between June and October 2023, 585 cattle died in the Kabe South constituency, as reported by The Namibian last October. Cattle have been mysteriously dying in several villages since July, including Ikaba, Nsundwa, Ihaha, Nakabolelwa, Ivilivinzi, Muyoyeta, Kasika, Mbalasinte, Nantungu and Nankuntwe.
Communications regulator wins Supreme Court challenge
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) last week won a Supreme Court challenge affirming its constitutional validity to levy regulatory fees. The ruling comes after a legal battle initiated by Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) challenging the legality of Cran’s authority under section 23 of the Communications Act.
Former Portuguese player in Namibia for youth football development
Seasoned Portuguese football player Julio Lourenço will be in Namibia for more than six months to help nurture young talent and establish a sustainable football ecosystem. Lourenço is in Namibia at the invitation of fellow football enthusiast and former national team player Dokkies Schmidt. Lourenço says he and Schmidt engaged in discussions two years ago about the possibility of creating a football academy that would provide equal opportunities for aspiring players in Namibia.
Fisheries minister accused of lack of transparency
Former fishermen of ArcticNam, a subsidiary of the Icelandic fishing giant Samherji, along with 73 former workers of Namsov, have accused the minister of fisheries and marine resources of withholding information regarding the Government Employment Redress Programme (Gerp). The fishermen, who travelled from Walvis Bay on Tuesday morning, handed a petition over to the acting executive director of fisheries and marine resources, Ueritjiua Kauaria, in Windhoek.
Namibia: No Outbreak of Dysentery
Health minister Kalumbi Shangula has dispelled reports of a dysentery outbreak in the country, particularly in Windhoek, amidst reports of increased cases of diarrhoea. Dysentery is an infection of the intestines that causes diarrhoea with blood. Some residents on social media have linked the rise in diarrhoea cases to the City of Windhoek's tap water. "We don't have an outbreak of dysentery anywhere in Namibia. There are sporadic cases of diarrhoea, which are not unusual.
No outbreak of dysentery
Health minister Kalumbi Shangula has dispelled reports of a dysentery outbreak in the country, particularly in Windhoek, amidst reports of increased cases of diarrhoea. Dysentery is an infection of the intestines that causes diarrhoea with blood. Some residents on social media have linked the rise in diarrhoea cases to the City of Windhoek’s tap water. “We don’t have an outbreak of dysentery anywhere in Namibia. There are sporadic cases of diarrhoea, which are not unusual.
Swapo CC member sues party member for N$370 000 for defamation
Swapo central committee (CC) member Charles Mubita has taken legal action against Erongo-based fellow party member Reinhold Shipwiikineni for defamation over a WhatsApp audio. According to court documents issued on 12 March, Shipwiikineni purportedly made derogatory remarks, likening Mubita’s role to being used “like toilet paper” by those violating party principles.
Botswana to celebrate Geingob’s life
The government of Botswana is hosting a two-day memorial service in honour of former president Hage Geingob. The event is planned for 13 and 14 March in Gaborone, where a documentary called ‘The Geingob Footprint and Legacy’ will be screened. President Nangolo Mbumba is expected to deliver a tribute. Botswana’s president, Mokgweetsi Masisi, and Geingob shared a cordial friendship. Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism.
Venaani raises concerns over employment redress programme in fishing industry
Official opposition leader McHenry Venaani has issued questions to fisheries and marine resources minister Derek Klazen on the effectiveness of the Government Employment Redress Programme (Gerp) in the fisheries sector. Venaani issued a notice to question the minister in parliament on 14 March to seek clarity on various aspects of the programme’s implementation and its impact on unemployed fishermen.
Legislation to address citizenship gap for illegal SA citizens
*Fiona, a talented athlete and high school graduate, is considered a ‘ghost citizen’ of Namibia. Her parents are part of a group of South African descendants who decided to remain in Namibia after the country gained independence. Despite their long-term residence and contributions to society, she does not meet the criteria for citizenship under the country’s existing regulations because of her parents’ failure to register her at birth.
Govt urged to be transparent on Geingob funeral spending
The Namibian government must still disclose the full details of its expenditure on president Hage Geingob’s state funeral, raising questions about transparency and accountability in the handling of public funds. Political parties and analysts have raised concerns regarding the lack of transparency around the overall expenditure of the government on various services related to the funeral.
Ministry issues clearance certificate for mariculture
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has issued a sector-wide clearance for the mariculture sector at Lüderitz, Swakopmund, and Walvis Bay. Ministry spokesperson Romeo Myunda confirmed this on Friday. “The clearance covers all smallscale farmers within the areas that were approved. The approval is valid for three years,” he said. The clearance was issued last week, after an environmental and social impact assessment (Esia) for the sector was completed.
Rukoro not a member of Nudo - Kauandenge
The National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) leadership has distanced itself from claims made by former Namibia Football Association (NFA) secretary general Barry Rukoro that he is set to compete for the party presidency. This comes after a poster of Rukoro’s campaign circulated on social media over the weekend. “Vote Barry Rukoro for Nudo president: Taking action, getting results. Better community relations and prompt results,” reads the poster.
Mbumba pays tribute to former Tanzanian president Ali Hassan Mwinyi
President Nangolo Mbumba has acknowledged the impact former Tanzanian president Ali Hassan Mwinyi, who died this week, had on Namibia’s struggle for freedom. Mbumba delegated vice president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to represent Namibia at Mwinyi’s funeral service in Tanzania on Saturday. In his message of condolences, Mbumba emphasised the friendship forged between Tanzania and Namibia during the apartheid era.
Tonnes of horse mackerel going under hammer
THE Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises, in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, has announced the auctioning off of 26 384 tonnes of horse mackerel. According to a tender document, the funds raised would go towards government expenditure. The tender conditions stipulate that bids must be submitted in multiples of 100 tonnes, with a minimum price set at N$3 500 per tonne for freezer fish and N$1 000 per tonne for wet fish.
Ou Hageba, Kai Axaba
‘A peasant who became president’ and touched countless hearts Tears flowed as thousands came to say goodbye to president Hage Geingob on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. On Friday they lined the streets of the capital to watch his body being transported on a designated before laying in state at the Parliament Gardens. On Saturday they braved the early morning to get to buses that took them to his final memorial service at Independence Stadium.
Germany commits to apologizing to Namibia for genocide Original
The president of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier has expressed remorse for the atrocities which occurred between 1904 to 1908 under German colonial rule that resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Herero and Nama people In Namibia. Steinmeier said this during the memorial service of Namibia’s president Hage Geingob on Saturday in Windhoek, Namibia. Geingob passed away on 4 February after months of battling pancreatic cancer.
AG confirms Mbumba’s status as president
Attorney general (AG) Festus Mbandeka says president Nangolo Mbumba was lawfully sworn in as the substantive president of Namibia. He says the presidential succession process was conducted in accordance with the Namibian Constitution. Mbandeka was addressing public concerns and clarifying constitutional procedure in a statement issued on Thursday.
Hello and goodbye …
Nearly the same number of heads of state who attended president Hage Geingob’s inauguration on 21 March 2015 will now say their final goodbyes to him this weekend. On that historic day in 2015, when Geingob famously said “This is the day that the Lord has made”, 14 heads of state were present, while 18 will attend his memorial service and funeral on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. Geingob died on 4 February and is expected to be buried on Sunday at Heroes’ Acre in Windhoek.
Mbumba uncomfortable with titles
President Nangolo Mbumba says he is uncomfortable with the titles of president and excellency. Mbumba was answering questions in an interview on NBC TV on Sunday regarding his plans while in office. “Those things are not what is important. It is the job that needs to be done daily, monthly, until this term is over. “We are still part of the Geingob term of office. This is not a term of office I won in an election. This is one of those things that befall a country and we must respect that,” he said.
I still have no words - Geingos on losing her husband
ESTER MBATHERA FORMER first lady Monica Geingos said she still has no words to describe losing her husband, president Hage Geingob, recently. “I still have no words. Rest in power, ou Hageba kai axaba (Big Boy),” Geingos tweeted on Wednesday, which would have been their ninth wedding anniversary. The couple tied the knot in a private ceremony in the capital on 14 February (Valentine’s Day) 2015.
Namibia: Geingob Told Top Officials He Had Six Months to Live
Minister of environment, forestry and tourism Pohamba Shifeta says president Hage Geingob told him he had six months to live. Shifeta on Thursday told The Namibian the statesman repeatedly over the years said he did not want to be buried at Heroes' Acre. Widely considered as close to Geingob, Shifeta said the former president revealed his cancer diagnosis to him after attending the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates in December.
Funeral on Sunday for dignified send-off
Minister of information and communication technology minister Emma Theofelus said president Hage Geingob’s funeral was moved to a Sunday, 25 February to give him a dignified burial. Initially, the funeral was set for Saturday, 24 February. “We have decided as a government that in order to give a dignified burial and to give all Namibians time to mourn their beloved president Hage Geingob, president Nangolo Mbumba will declare Sunday, 25 February, a public holiday,” she said.
Namibia: Nationwide Tour of Geingob's Body Opposed
Senior government officials are leaning towards blocking a proposal to fly president Hage Geingob's body across the country to give citizens the chance to pay their last respects. This could be a safety risk and logistical nightmare, they say. "We understand the calls for sending the president's body into the regions, but we must understand the risks are just too many," a government source says.
Geingos kept away from state affairs
President Hage Geingob consistently ensured that former first lady Monica Geingos remained uninvolved in state affairs. This was said by Namibia Central Intelligence Service (NCIS) director general Benedict Likando during a memorial service at the former first family’s private residence, Casa Rosalia, on the outskirts of Windhoek on Thursday.
Namibia: Public Warned Against Geingob Funeral Scammers
The minister of information and communication technology, Peya Mushelenga, has issued a warning against scammers exploiting the name of Namibia's late president, Hage Geingob, to solicit funds from the public. He announced this while providing an update on the mourning programme for Geingob yesterday. Mushelenga said reports have emerged of individuals falsely claiming to be collecting funds for Geingob's funeral arrangements.
Mushelenga urges observance of official condolence protocol
Information and communication technology minister Peya Mushelenga has called on the public to refrain from creating their own books of condolence for president Hage Geingob. He says only the designated books of condolence are in place at specific venues. He was speaking on the sidelines of a media briefing at the Government Information Centre yesterday. “People should only use official books,” he said.
Three weeks for mourning Geingob - traditional leader
A group of traditional leaders are set to meet former first lady Monica Geingos today to discuss the funeral arrangements for president Hage Geingob amid a proposal to mourn the statesman for three weeks. This has been confirmed by the chief of the !Oe-≠Gan Traditional Authority, Immanuel /Gaseb, who is also the chairperson of the Council of Traditional Leaders. While in Windhoek, the traditional leaders are also expected to meet with the committee entrusted with Geingob’s funeral.
Parliament opening to goahead as planned
The official opening of the ninth session of the seventh parliament will proceed as planned today. President Nangolo Mbumba will officiate at the session, which is scheduled to start at 14h30, noted an announcement on the parliament Facebook page. National Council chairperson Lukas Muha called on the members to use the time to remember former president Hage Geingob, who was instrumental in the drafting of Namibia’s Constitution.
ANC pays tribute to Geingob
The African National Congress (ANC) has expressed its deepest condolences to the Namibian people on the passing of president Hage Gottfried Geingob.Party spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri described Geingob as a prominent intellectual and revolutionary leader.
Former elections chief Gerhard Tötemeyer dies
Namibia’s first elections director, Gerhard Tötemeyer, who was also a member of the National Assembly and deputy minister of regional and local government and housing, has died aged 88. His death was confirmed by Swapo secretary General Sophia Shaningwa on Wednesday. Tötemeyer died at his home at Swakopmund on Tuesday.
Namibian mother convicted of fraud in UK
A Namibian woman living in the United Kingdom (UK) was sentenced to six months in jail after pleading guilty to five charges of fraud and 12 charges of possessing items used fraudulently. Junice Tjaveondja (30) was found guilty in the Manchester Crown Court last week. According to a British publication, she used two fake passports and a string of bogus documents to stay in Britain for seven years. She was also staying in a four-bedroomed house valued at £200 000 (N$4,3 million).
Politicians support Geingob on US cancer treatment
Official opposition Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani says the head of state does not need sponsorship for treatment, underlining that the timing and space to question president Hage Geingob are not now. Geingob on Wednesday revealed he has accepted an offer by scientists and medical professionals in Los Angeles to undergo cancer treatment in the United States of America.
Calls for Geingob to reshuffle Cabinet, resign
Political analysts are calling on president Hage Geingob to step down to attend to his health. Debate on the president’s fitness to hold office has been triggered after medical tests confirmed that Geingob (82) has “cancerous cells”. Political analyst Erica Thomas yesterday said Geingob should consider resigning as president because of his medical condition and allow the vice president to act. “He should think about himself, his health, country and his family.
Two arrested over botched robbery at Gibeon
A Nampost clerk and a security officer of Eagle Night Security at Gibeon were arrested last Wednesday in connection with a robbery and the malicious damage to property. Richlinde Swartbooi (37) and Magrietha Kooper (52) reported a case of robbery involving N$21 844 in cash, airtime vouchers worth N$2 000, and six cellphones with a total value of about N$29 000.
Gaobaeb emerges as UDF president at weekend congress
Sesfontein constituency councillor and Kunene Regional Council chairperson Hendrik Gaobaeb over the weekend secured victory to become the new president of the United Democratic Front (UDF). He was elected at the party’s elective congress at Swakopmund. Gaobaeb clinched the presidency with 127 votes, surpassing former president Apius !Auchab, who received 77 votes, and vice president Dudu Murorua, who garnered 54 votes.
UDF leadership fails to present presidential, financial reports
The United Democratic Front (UDF) did not elect a new leadership after the party’s outgoing leaders allegedly failed to present a financial report at the UDF’s elective congress at Swakopmund on Saturday. The congress is the UDF’s first in 10 years, after its last congress in 2013. The congress at Swakopmund, attended by more than 500 delegates, had only one agenda item, which was the election of a new leadership.
57 drinking and driving arrests at Walvis and Swakop during December
Local authorities at Swakopmund and Walvis Bay have grappled with traffic issues related to irresponsible behaviour on the roads during the festive season. Data obtained by The Namibian shows that 57 motorists were arrested for drinking and driving at both towns during December, with 28 arrested at Swakopmund and 29 at Walvis Bay.
Festive season celebrations dampen health uptake for truckers
Festive season celebrations led to a low uptake of health services at Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG) clinics at border posts. The WBCG provides health services at border posts to cross-border clients such as long-distance truck drivers and sex workers. WBCG project manager for wellness services Edward Shivute, in an interview with The Namibian on Friday, said the festive spirit overshadows the importance of health check-ups.
Power Cuts in Parts of Zambezi and Botswana
Power Cuts in Parts of Zambezi and Botswana Jan 15, 2024Jan 15, 2024 11:51 am GMT 1 view Katima Mulilo , Ngoma and a part of Botswana to which NamPower is supplying electricity have been experiencing power cuts since Sunday morning. In a statement released on Sunday, NamPower's area manager for the northern region, Petrus Immanuel , explained that load shedding was implemented due to a suspected faulty transformer at a substation at Katima Mulilo.
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