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Articles by Feni Hiveluah
Oranjemund’s housing crisis deepens
Residents at Oranjemund are preparing to stage a protest in the coming weeks amid growing frustration over a worsening housing crisis at the southern town. Eviction notices, soaring rental prices, and what community members describe as a lack of meaningful intervention have pushed the matter into the national spotlight, with a viral WhatsApp message rallying public attention.
Namibian pupils excel at Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad
Team Namibia has returned to the country with a bronze medal from the 2025 Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad (Pamo), held in Gaborone, Botswana. Roland Ndjamba earned the medal after showcasing Namibia’s growing talent in mathematics on the continental stage. In addition to the medal, Ndjamba, along with teammates Justine Haikali and Anton Kanyanga, were awarded fully funded three-year scholarships from the African Olympiad Academy, recognising their exceptional performance at the competition.
Namibia commemorates World Blood Donor Day
The Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia (NamBTS) hosted a series of blood donation drives at various venues across the country over the weekend. The drive was held in commemoration of the 21st World Blood Donor Day and took place in Windhoek, Ongwediva, and Swakopmund. According to NamBTS, the event, observed annually to raise awareness of the importance of voluntary blood donation, was commemorated under the theme: ‘Give Blood, Give Hope – Together We Save Lives’.
Namibia’s maths whizzes hit Botswana for African olympiad
Namibia’s national mathematics team is currently in Gaborone, Botswana, to represent the country at the 2025 Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad (Pamo). The six-member team, selected as the overall winners of the Namibian Mathematics Olympiad, will be taking part in the event that started on 11 June and will run until Wednesday. The pupils are set to compete against some young problem-solvers from all over the continent.
Quiz to spark green thinking in Khomas classrooms
An Environmental game for primary schools is set to make waves in the Khomas region, aiming to spark lifelong green habits in young Namibians. The initiative, led by the School Environment Club Namibia (SEC), hopes to help pupils see themselves as active players in tackling climate and environmental challenges. SEC president Inomuinjo Kapimbi says the goal isn’t just to test knowledge, but to build environmental awareness that sticks.
98% of children have access to education - deputy education ED
Deputy executive director of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Edda Bohn highlighted Namibia’s education progress and challenges while reflecting on the Day of the African Child and the Soweto uprising on Monday. She said access to education has greatly improved, with around 98% of children in Namibia enrolled for school. “We are very proud to say that close to 100%, 98% in fact, have access to education.
NEFF fields ‘very youngest guy’ for OTT by-election
As the Otjiwarongo constituency heads to the polls on 17 June for a by-election, the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) says its campaign will focus on the youth. The by-election is due to former councillor Marilyn Bakera’s resignation and move to the National Assembly.
Farmers warned against extreme cold
The Namibia Meteorological Service says the current cold front sweeping across the country will largely affect livestock. Chief forecaster Odillo Kgobetsi says the cold front came from Cape Town, pushing icy air into Namibia, causing overnight lows reaching zero degrees or below in many regions, with daytime highs struggling to cross the 20-degree mark.
Ministry promises school placement for every pupil in 2026
The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture has assured the nation that every child born in 2020 will have a space in school by January 2026. This is as the application period for the 2026 academic year officially begins. Anxiety has already gripped Namibian parents, with many queuing and camping outside school gates in hopes of securing places for their children.
Minister orders national clean-up drive at all health facilities
Health minister Esperance Luvindao has ordered all regional health offices and facilities to launch regular clean-up campaigns in line with a Cabinet directive aimed at improving hygiene and public health standards in government institutions. Speaking in Windhoek at the launch of the Ministry of Health and Social Services’ internal clean-up initiative on Monday, Luvindao stressed that the state of cleanliness in health facilities directly affects public trust and patient health.
Nust signs regional deal to boost cross-border innovation in higher education
The Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) has signed a regional partnership to promote innovation and sustainable development across southern Africa’s higher education sector. Nust vice-chancellor Erold Naomab, who serves as the chairperson of the Association of African Universities Southern Africa Regional Office Board (AAU Saro), signed an agreement with Southern African Regional Universities Association (Sarua) in Zambia.
Okahandja tourism expo sparks outrage amid crime fears and community grief
Tensions are rising at Okahandja as residents are still opposing the town council’s decision to proceed with the planned trade and tourism expo amid unresolved murders at the town. Community activist Gerub Gaseb says the community is still psychologically distressed due to ongoing police investigations and a lack of safety assurances. He says the community has repeatedly appealed to the council to delay the expo until justice is served. “Everybody knows that Okahandja itself is a crime scene.
First Genocide Remembrance Day to be marked at Parliament Gardens with public holiday
Ministry of Information and Communication Technology executive director Audrin Mathe says Namibia will mark the first-ever Genocide Remembrance Day at Parliament Gardens. The day will be commemorated in remembrance of the atrocities committed by Germany towards the Nama and Ovaherero over 100 years ago.
Youth empowered through tech to tackle unemployment
CodeConnect Namibia, in partnership with the African Connection, recently celebrated eight students successfully completing the Document Warehouse binary programme, leading to internships and job placements that help tackle youth unemployment in Namibia. Africa Connect operations manager Boitshepo Pieters says the programme is about more than coding; it is about transformation.
Hendrina Kudhingililwa’s vision for youth empowerment
In a country where young voices are often drowned out by bureaucracy and inaction, Hendrina Kudhingililwa decided it was time to build a platform where the youth could not only be heard but also become active changemakers. As the founder and president of Tukwatha Youth Organisation, Kudhingililwa says her mission has always been about raising responsible, empowered young Namibians who lead with courage and integrity.
Education ministry denies Khoekhoegowab removal amid community protest
Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture executive director Edda Bohn has denied claims that Auas Primary School removed Khoekhoegowab as a subject. This follows protests yesterday morning from the Dolam community, which handed over a petition alleging the “inhumane treatment and erasure” of the Khoekhoegowab language at the school.
Child abuse and deaths in Namibia spark outrage, protest and calls for justice
A spate of child deaths and abuse cases across Namibia has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for justice, safety measures and government accountability. Two weeks ago, a fire claimed the lives of two children in Windhoek’s One Nation informal settlement in the Tobias Hainyeko constituency after their mother left them in the custody of the older brother when she went to work.
Green iron for the people - Musheko
Spokesperson for the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme Jona Musheko stated that the administration of the HyIron Oshivelo Green Hydrogen Plant advocates for adding value to the country’s mineral and human resources. The N$600-million HyIron Oshivela green hydrogen plant was inaugurated by president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah near Arandis in the Erongo region on Friday. “This now speaks to local content and capturing.
Analysts, politicians reveal expectations for NNN’s maiden Sona
Several analysts have said they expect president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s maiden state of the nation address (Sona) to highlight the promises her government has made to achieve successes and address challenges. Nandi-Ndaitwah is expected to deliver her first Sona on 24 April.
Q&A: Nandi-Ndaitwah lays cards on table
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah outlined her plans to tackle unemployment, boost local industries, reform land policy and promote inclusive leadership in a recent interview with Al Jazeera. Here follows a shortened version of the interview: Al Jazeera (AJ): You have long served your country – from being a teenage freedom fighter to occupying the top executive office. How do you feel, and what do you plan to do with that opportunity?
Oshana floods claim 16 lives
Oshana regional commander commissioner Naftal Sakaria says from 1 March to date, 16 people have drowned in the Oshana region, with the youngest being 6 years old to the oldest being 65. He says children play in the water and drown, whereas middle-aged people try to hunt for birds and fish, and drown. He states that elderly people coming from shebeens and local cuca shops cross oshanas. “And because the water is really high, the earth dams are submerged. So you will not see.
Budget fails to address youth unemployment - LPM
Landless People’s Movement (LPM) spokesperson Lafalaza Simaata on Monday said the national budget announced last week fails to address unemployment among the youth. “We’re maintaining the status quo and the status quo is one that’s currently failing, where you have an increase in unemployment rates, you have continuous markets that are not growing, such as industries like manufacturing that haven’t grown in the past few years,” Simaata said.
Steenkamp eyes education overhaul with N$24.8-billion budget boost
Minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Sanet Steenkamp says she will use the N$24.8-billion budget allocated to her ministry to improve the country’s education system. She will address key issues, including the lack of classrooms and teachers, she says. Steenkamp’s ministry will also oversee critical sectors shaping Namibia’s future, with a total of N$76.1 billion earmarked over the medium-term expenditure framework.
Steenkamp takes charge of super ministry
Sanet Steenkamp (SS) has been appointed as minister of the country’s largest-ever ministry, overseeing education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture under president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s administration. Steenkamp previously served as executive director of education, arts and culture, and now takes charge of a portfolio that carries the biggest national budget – N$24.8 billion for the 2025/26 financial year.
Dausab on justice, leadership and change
Though no longer at the helm of the justice ministry, Yvonne Dausab’s commitment to fairness and service remains steadfast. Dausab served from March 2020 under late president Hage Geingob’s administration until last month when president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah reshuffled the Cabinet. Reflecting on her tenure, she recently spoke to Desert FM about challenges, achievements, and the road ahead. Desert FM: How would you summarise your term as minister of justice in a few words?
It's not personal - former justice minister Yvonne Dausab reflects on Cabinet exit, Namibia’s future and social justice - The Namibian
Former minister of justice Yvonne Dausab says she does not resent president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s decision to drop her from Namibia’s Cabinet. “We mustn’t take some of these things personally, I certainly don’t. And I’m not saying it was easy . . . you now have to rearrange your life in terms of what the next things are you’re going to be doing, but it’s certainly not an insurmountable task,” she told Desert FM on Tuesday.
Okahandja water crisis: Team races to restore supply after pipe burst
Okahandja is faced with water shortages after heavy rains damaged pipes, but the municipality and NamWater say they are working to restore supply as soon as possible. Okahandja deputy mayor Akser Aupindi says the municipality, alongside the Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater), is working tirelessly to restore water to the affected areas at the town. “NamWater and the Okahandja municipality are in operation to make sure water is restored.
Namibia: SWAPO Mishandled VP Succession - Analysts
Political analyst Henning Melber says Swapo has put themselves in a difficult situation since "tampering" with the appropriate procedures to fill positions using proper elections. His comments follow uncertainty about who will fill the vice president position vacated by Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who became party president over the weekend. The matter of succession has been postponed; Swapo's central committee has resolved to keep the position unoccupied until 2027.
Swapo's Herunga stresses party constitution must guide filling vice president position
Swapo’s deputy secretary general, Uahekua Herunga, says the party’s constitution has to be applied when filling the vacant position of vice president. He was speaking to Desert FM on Monday, saying the political bureau has to meet and make recommendations to the central committee on the matter. After this the party would be able to communicate on the issue.
Nust expands with new Kleine Kuppe campus and first Bloomberg Finance Lab for Namibia
Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) vice chancellor Erold Naomab has announced that the university is opening a new campus at Kleine Kuppe in Windhoek. Once completed, the Kleine Kuppe campus will feature modern classrooms, advanced laboratories, collaborative spaces, and student support facilities, he says. “This is a significant investment in the future of our university, and more importantly, in the future of Namibia’s youth,” he says.
Cholera case in Kunene: Health director Nangombe urges strict hygiene and safe water practices
Namibia is currently facing the highly infectious and potentially deadly cholera disease. Executive director of health and social services Ben Nangombe on Wednesday told Desert FM that people should ensure they do not consume water collected from a stream or open bodies of water. “When people drink water, they must boil the water. They must practise hand hygiene very strictly and make sure their food is prepared correctly.
Food shortage threatens schooling in six regions
Executive director of education Sanet Steenkamp says six out of 14 of the country’s regions have not received food as part of the government’s school feeding programme this quarter. She was speaking to Desert FM on Tuesday and mentioned the Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana, Zambezi, Kunene and Kavango West regions. The latter two regions have been hit the hardest, she said. “When children do not have access to this food, we have children not attending school,” Steenkamp said.
Keetmanshoop launches boys' club to tackle challenges facing boys
A New initiative at Keetmanshoop aims to support young boys in their journey to responsible manhood. Andreas Robert, the facilitator of the Quiver Tree Cluster at Keetmanshoop, says young boys often lack the mentorship and guidance necessary to confront their unique challenges. He spotlighted issues such as delinquency, substance abuse, and a fragile sense of identity loomed.
National Arts Council rebrands to boost Namibia’s creative sector
The National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN), under the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, unveiled its new brand in Windhoek on Thursday. This was confirmed in a press statement which highlighted that the rebranding, which includes a new logo and website, will strengthen Namibia’s creative sector and ensure greater accessibility and support for artists.
ScaleUp Namibia aims to boost start-up growth and global reach
A CONSULTANT at the Namibia Investment, Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) Linda Mcleod said that in essence, ScaleUp Namibia is dedicated to providing coordinated support to start-ups. McLeod said to Desert Radio on Wednesday that the initiative aims to foster growth and maximise the contribution start-ups can make to Namibian economic development.
FNB donates N$100 000 to homeless shelter
FIRST National Bank Namibia (FNB) has donated N$100 000 to the Thinus Bakkes Overnight Shelter to enhance the shelter’s facilities and improve the lives of its residents. During the official handover this week, head of lending at WesBank El-Roy Potgieter emphasised the impact that shelters like Thinus have on individuals and society as a whole. “Homeless shelters meet basic needs, provide support, restore dignity, instill pride and create a sense of belonging.
Itula accepts court ruling but challenges ECN's election interpretation
Independent Patriots for Change president (IPC) leader Panduleni Itula says the party accepts the judgement from the Supreme Court which dismissed having last year’s presidential and parliamentary elections nullified. However, Itula yesterday told Desert FM that while they accept the judgement, they do not necessarily agree with the vision or interpretation of the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN). Itula called on his supporters to accept the ruling and move forward following the judgement.
Khoekhoegowab digital dictionary launched
Meidad Ovadia, the creator of the new digital Khoekhoegowab dictionary ‘LexiKhoe’, says with contributions from community members, the dictionary can reach great success. He was speaking to Desert FM yesterday. “This whole community can make a great, great project, a great dictionary. And I think that in a year from now, it can consist of thousands of words, and even more,” Ovadia said. After joining a research group, Ovadia said he noticed there are almost no digital resources in Khoekhoegowab.
Media ombudsman praises government for supporting his office
Media ombudsman John Nakuta, whose term is set to lapse in March, has lauded the government for its recognition of the work done at the media ombudsman’s office. Speaking to The Namibian on Monday, Nakuta said the ombudsman’s office has not received any threats from the government to try and intervene or try and arrest the office.
Okahandja needs N$1.2 million to move dumpsite
Okahandja deputy mayor Akser Aupindi says N$1.2 million is required to complete the relocation of the town’s dumpsite. This comes as residents living around the current site at Ekunde extensions 4 and 5 have been complaining about the health hazard the site poses. In 2023, residents living around the dumpsite said they had been promised that the site would be relocated since before 2020.
One Economy media awards to empower editors, journalists
Befree Youth Campus senior social worker Pefimbo Shipunda says the One Economy Foundation Media Summit and Awards are aimed at empowering editors and journalists. She was speaking to Desert FM, adding that the event is to equip them with tools and ethical guidelines to prioritise and shape coverage on sexual reproductive health rights, gender-based violence and mental health.
Parliament resumes: Swapo chief whip pushes for action
Swapo chief whip in the National Assembly Hamunyera Hambyuka says the sitting of parliament on Wednesday would see their focus shift to issues that were not addressed. He was speaking to Desert FM on Wednesday, ahead of the first sitting of parliament. “What we are doing or what we are aiming for now is just for us to check, double-check and make sure to see which issues were attended to and which were not,” Hambyuka said. He said issues that were attended to concluded on a good note.
Congo-Kinshasa: Former Diplomat Dunaiski Urges Namibia to Stay Out of DRC Conflict Amid Rising Pressures
Former diplomat Pius Dunaiski says Namibia should refrain from involving themselves in the current war raging in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He was speaking to Desert FM on Monday, assessing the risk factor that comes with sending troops out to DRC. "Our economy cannot carry this, our country is suffering a lot of unemployment. There is so much hunger. I mean, we have the highest unemployment in the whole southern African region.
Nust welcomes Grade 11 graduates, Unam remains hesitant
The Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) says it is ready to receive students who have successfully completed Grade 11. Nust corporate engagement and internationalisation acting director Nashilongo Gervasius says the general minimum admission requirement is 25 points in five subjects. According to Gervasius, Nust students are admitted based on academic merit, which is assessed by converting score symbols into a point score called the admission point score.
City of Windhoek addresses 'semi-permanent' relocation of flood victims to Goreangab farm
The City of Windhoek is taking steps to address the ongoing relocation of recent flood victims, with plans to provide them with semi-permanent accommodation at farm 508 at Goreangab. City spokesperson Lydia Amutenya on Tuesday confirmed that the relocation could be considered “semi-permanent”. She was speaking to Desert FM, saying the process of spacing out and permanently placing residents would take a while, since this was an unexpected event. “I want to call it semi-permanent . . .
Student union says curriculum must prepare pupils for university
THE Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) is urging the education ministry to change the new school curriculum so that pupils can be better prepared for university. Nanso president Dorthea Nangolo says the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture needs to realign the new national curriculum to meet entry level requirements for universities in the country.
Unam rejects Grade 11 school-leavers, urges AS level for university readiness
University of Namibia (Unam) spokesperson Simon Namesho says the university will not accept Grade 11 school-leavers as they are not adequately prepared for university level education. He was speaking to Desert FM on Thursday and said the university does not see their position as a contradiction to the basic education structure which has been in place for the past 43 years.
'Private security needs proper training to deal with robberies'
A security expert and former police officer says private security guards need to be adequately trained on dealing with incidents like robberies. Kennedy Mabuku, from the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust), spoke to Desert FM on Tuesday, following a weekend robbery that saw Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) losing diamonds worth about N$350 million. Mabuku said the training of private security services in Namibia is not formally monitored.
Venaani calls for suspension of Namdia executive officer, board members pending investigations into N$300-million heist
Popular Democratic Movement president McHenry Venaani calls for the suspension of the entire Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) board of directors and executives. This is to pave the way for thorough police investigations into the heist that saw diamonds worth about N$300 million being stolen. Speaking to Desert FM on Wednesday, he called on minister of mines Tom Alweendo to appoint a “caretaker chief executive” in place of Namdia chief executive Alisa Amupolo.
Activists claim LGBTQI+ community ‘violates human rights’ in Namibia
Stop Homosexuality in Namibia chairperson Pendapala Nakathingo says the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQI+) community does not fall within the context of ‘fundamental human rights’. Speaking to Desert FM, Nakathingo said when one speaks of human rights, one must only refer to either a male or a female. “When you talk about humans, there is no human that has no identity. You cannot be born a man then change to become a woman,” he said.
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