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Articles by Steven Klukowski
Mariental Trade Festival increases profit
MARIENTAL – The recently concluded Mariental Trade Festival raked in profits in excess of 53%, this is more than what they made last year. According to Unomasa Kavita, chairperson of the organising committee, the festival recorded approximately 7 200 cumulative visitors over the three days. “This time around we had 50 participating entrepreneurs and our net surplus increased by 53% year on year,’’ he explained to this publication.
SMEs brace FMD restrictions in Mariental
MARIENTAL – Despite restrictions being imposed on the movement of cloven-hoofed animals with the detection of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), resilient entrepreneurs at the Mariental Trade Festival 2026 made the most of the situation. They achieved this by turning challenges into opportunities in the process of raking in considerable profits from selling grilled beef, mutton and sausage whilst still operating within the perimeters of the law.
Nida clarifies Naute farm outsourcing strategy
NAUTE DAM – Nida has reiterated its commitment to transparent, private-sector-led investments to ensure the long-term operational sustainability of public agricultural assets in the ||Kharas region. Responding to queries about outsourced date production at the Naute irrigation farm, acting CEO Phillip Namundjebo clarified that commercial partnerships do not change employment terms for local workers and are essential to boost future asset utilisation.
Road safety a shared responsibility - Gertze
KEETMANSHOOP – //Kharas Regional Governor Dawid Gertze emphasised that road safety is a shared national responsibility, not solely the burden of law enforcement, and called on public, private, and civic stakeholders to actively help protect human lives.
//Kharas launches Regional Road Safety Forum
KEETMANSHOOP – To improve road safety, stakeholders comprising of politicians, administrators, law enforcement officers and the public gathered earlier this week to launch the //Kharas Regional Road Safety Forum in Keetmanshoop. Delivering the keynote address, regional governor Dawid Gertze said the forum gives stakeholders a practical platform to coordinate their efforts, share information, identify high-risk areas and strengthen road-safety education.
Former Karasburg cops await sentence for sex offences against minor
Two former police officers who were convicted of sexual offences involving a girl under the age of 16 are awaiting sentencing at the Keetmanshoop Magistrate’s Court. Magistrate Unchen Konjore found Steven Dawids (accused one) and Shanney Isaaks (accused two) guilty on charges under the Immoral Practices Act 21 of 1980.
//Kharas roadblocks tighten as FMD spreads
KEETMANSHOOP – Teams comprising Karasburg State Veterinary District officials and members of the //Kharas regional Namibian Police are manning semi-fixed and sporadic roadblocks at strategic places in the region, following the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) on farms within the district.
Sankwasa calls for swift launch of Sored
KEETMANSHOOP – Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa last week urged //Kharas and Hardap regional stakeholders to speedily deliberate on the establishment and operationalisation of the Southern Regional Electricity Distributor (Sored). He did so during a stakeholder meeting bringing together stakeholders from the //Kharas and Hardap regions who will be the end users and beneficiaries of the electricity supply project.
Sankwasa ponders on southern local councils’ debts
KEETMANSHOOP – Urban and Rural Development Minister, James Sankwasa, expressed his utmost disappointment towards local authorities in the //Kharas and Hardap regions who, despite selling prepaid electricity, still have astronomical outstanding debts with bulk electricity distributor NamPower. He rebuked the institutions during a stakeholder meeting last weekend, discussing the speedy establishment and operationalisation of Southern Regional Electricity Distributor (Sored).
Police chief rejects alleged ritual killings
KEETMANSHOOP – Namibian Police //Kharas Regional Commander Marius Katamila yesterday rejected rumours of alleged recent ritual killings in Noordoewer.
‘Mariental Trade Festival will conform to FMD restrictions’
Chairperson of the 2026 Mariental Trade Festival Organising Committee, Unomasa Kavita, told New Era in an exclusive interview recently that, given the current Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) restrictions, they have adjusted the planned programme to ensure the event can proceed responsibly while fully complying with the government’s interventions.
Stars FC clinch Tses Spring Sports Cup in penalty thriller
TSES – Bethanie-based soccer team Running Stars Football Club was crowned the undisputed champions of the 14th edition of the Tses Spring Sports Festival over the weekend. Their championship campaign culminated in a handsome N$25 000 financial reward, a floating trophy, and 25 gold medals. The final match kept fans on the edge of their seats, ending in a 1-1 stalemate at the referee’s final whistle.
Youth cooperatives empowered to prosper
KEETMANSHOOP – In a bid to economically empower young people and address youth unemployment, the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture is conducting a week-long Youth Agricultural Cooperative Training Workshop in Keetmanshoop.
Hangue moulds political career with purpose
Steven Klukowski KEETMANSHOOP – Chairperson of the Junior National Council, Fritz Hangue (15) said he foresees himself as a political leader in the future. This was how the Grade 10 learner described his vision during an interview with New Era.
Governor calls for strict FMD restrictions adherence
Steven Klukowski KEETMANSHOOP -//Kharas governor, Dawid Gertze says measures intended to safeguard the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) must be respected to the latter. This is after the region was identified as the epicentre of the recently announced FMD outbreak within the Karasburg State Veterinary District.
Frederick lobbies for prosperity within /Hai-Khaua
Designated /Hai-/Khaua Traditional Authority chief, Johannes Frederick recently addressed his followers in Berseba on the importance of staying united and building a brighter future for next generations. “We are gathered here in Berseba, the sacred ground of our ancestors, a place built on the foundations of giants, born of resilience, baptized in sacrifice and destined for greatness’’, he said.
Unam Southern Campus celebrates culture
Steven Klukowski KEETMANSHOOP – The University of Namibia’s (Unam) Southern Campus officially opened its four-day cultural festival here on Tuesday. The event sees students from different tribes proudly showcasing their unique, diverse cultures through their vibrant, colourful traditional attires, dancing, exhibitions, drama and cuisine.
DBN empowers //Kharas youth
KEETMANSHOOP – The //Kharas youth segment of the regional populace has been capacitated during a two-day business management workshop on how to become successful entrepreneurs and future employers. Topics discussed during the event included amongst others; to install better understanding of the National Youth Development Fund, referring to subjects such as its purpose, eligibility for funding, the detailed process as well as expectations raised by the fund afterwards.
YYeni AI, BW Kudu, Namport bless Lüderitz with AI labs
LÜDERITZ – YYeni AI, with sponsorships from BW Kudu Limited and the Namibian Ports Authority, earlier this week officially handed over two AI (Artificial Intelligence) Tutoring labs to Angra Pequena Secondary School in the southern coastal town of Lüderitz. BW Kudu Limited contributed N$900 000 and the Namibian Ports Authority came in with N$250 000. The handover makes Angra Pequena the first recipient out of 120 government schools.
IPC bemoans poor health service delivery
The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) lawmaker Lilani Brinkman says Namibia cannot normalise situations where citizens suffer or lose their lives because basic healthcare services are unavailable when needed most. Referring to the situation at Mariental District Hospital, the MP raised concern that the oxygen-generation plant has been out of operation since 30 July 2026 due to technical failures, leaving the facility reliant on oxygen cylinders.
//Kharas blessed with youth ambassadors
KEETMANSHOOP – A group of young ambassadors, including beauty pageant queens, their runners-up and a Junior National Council member, paid //Kharas regional governor Dawid Gertze a surprise visit last week to share the causes they hope to champion. Welcoming the delegation, Gertze said his office received them not only as young ambassadors, but also as role models, emerging leaders and symbols of the vast potential among young people in the region and across Namibia.
Tses launch Spring Sports Festival
TSES – Preparations are in their final stages for hosting the 14th edition of the Tses Spring Sports Festival from 2-4 October 2026. During its launch last weekend at the village, founder and chairperson of the organising committee Thomas Tsuseb said they have been dedicated to organising the event since 2013. “Our vision is to provide opportunities for all sport participants to showcase their talent and to learn the fundamentals of sport and culture,” he explained during the launch.
National health integrated campaign launched
KEETMANSHOOP – Political leaders, community members and learners gathered in Keetmanshoop to witness the launch of the National Integrated Campaign for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and observe Oral Health Day.
Tses demands village CEO’s removal
TSES – Residents of Tses, about 80km north of Keetmanshoop, demonstrated over the weekend to demand the removal of village CEO Fritz Christiaan over alleged irregularities and a lack of development. In a petition read by spokesperson Margareth Basson, the group passed a vote of no confidence in the village’s top administrator. They said they no longer trust him with public funds and believe no meaningful development has taken place in the village.
‘Menstruation not a shame’
KEETMANSHOOP – Health deputy minister Susan Ndjaleka said there is no shame in menstruation, as it is natural. She made these remarks in her keynote address at the commemoration of the 2026 Global Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management Day yesterday in Keetmanshoop. “No girl should, therefore, feel ashamed because her body is developing normally, and no learners should be teased, excluded or humiliated because she is menstruating,” she stated.
Hardap police record crime prevention progress
MARIENTAL – Since taking over the helm as the Namibian Police Hardap Regional Crime Investigations Coordinator (RCIC), Theodore Kutongondo said his team made significant strides in the combating of crime. He said this during a recent interview with New Era. “The most prevalent crimes we have here are those of stock theft, assault (all types) and drug dealing or in the possession of illicit drugs,” he said. Kutongondo acknowledged concern over a reported increase in drug smuggling in Gibeon.
Vaping, hubbly days numbered
KEETMANSHOOP – In efforts to control the alarming usage of non-conventional tobacco products like vapes, hookah and e-cigarettes, the Ministry of Health and Social Services is conducting regional consultations on the proposed amendments to the Tobacco Products Control Act.
Youth fund throws young farmer lifeline
Steven Klukowski ITSAWISIS – Capitalising on the N$500 million Namibia National Youth Development Fund (NYDF) from the government, Russel Vries (25) today runs a commercial piggery some 40 km outside Keetmanshoop. When New Era sat down with the growing entrepreneur, he said it was pure determination and perseverance that made him rise from the ashes of poverty and now try to make a self-sustainable life.
/Hai-/Khaua push for unity
KEETMANSHOOP- Being subjected to bitter division and clan-based friction, the /Hai-/Khaua are moving towards unity and reconciliation. At a recent fundraising gala dinner, Gaob elect Johan Frederick said, “For 40 agonising years, our community was paralysed by a dark shadow.’’ He added that this division and clan-based friction between the Isaack and Goliath factions tore their socio-economic identity to pieces.
Frederick’s leadership shapes !Aman
KEETMANSHOOP—Daniėl Timotheus Frederick, one of the descendants of Gaob Jakobus Frederick, said his great-grandfather’s name deserves to be included in a book of Namibian heroes. He reasoned as such when, during an exclusive interview with New Era, alluding to the role his ancestors played in forming and shaping the !Aman traditional authority, situated mostly in the Bethanie district.
Drugs worth N$1m confiscated at Ariamsvlei
Members of the Namibian Police Force (NamPol), in cooperation with the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA), last weekend confiscated cannabis with a total weight of 91.596 kg and an estimated street value of N$1 066 040 at the Ariamsvlei Border Post.
/Hai-/Khaua leader sets record straight
MARIENTAL- Johan Frederick, designated Gaob of the /Hai/-/Khaua Traditional Authority did not mince any words when addressing his clan at a fundraising gala dinner last weekend in Mariental as they mobilised resources to complete the construction of the house of retired Gaob, Johannes Isaack (81). This was to honour and recognise Isaack’s unaverred dedication and leadership he afforded the tribe. Close to N$40 000 was pledged.
Retired teacher never gave up sport
KEETMANSHOOP- Although already went on retirement eight years ago, veteran sportsman Wolfgang Cloete (aka ‘Woelfie’) (70) remained active in activities promoting the physical and mental health of learners and the broader community in the //Kharas region through various activities that serve this purpose accordingly.
Hardap learners exposed to career paths
MARIENTAL – The Hardap education directorate recently held a three-day career fair for learners in Mariental and Rehoboth. This was to guide grade 11 and AS-level secondary learners in making informed career choices as well as expose them to diverse education and training paths and connect youth with industry stakeholders.
Kai//Ganaxab keeps youth from streets
MARIENTAL – Gift-Alan Karuhumba, acting head of Kai//Ganaxab Youth Skills Training Centre says through equipping unemployed youths, the institution is keeping them away from roaming the streets. He responded as such when recently interviewed by New Era on the activities at the centre. “The centre also aims to empower young people with vocational skills so they can start their own businesses or find employment,” said the manager.
Health ministry engages public on nuclear bill
KEETMANSHOOP – A team from the Ministry of Health and Social Services recently held a stakeholder consultation meeting to seek input and recommendations on the enactment of the Draft Nuclear Bill. Earlier this week, New Era quoted President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as declaring that nuclear energy “has to come to Namibia”.
Eruganeno kumwe kuninkisa yirugana yize mouta wakora – Wambo
Keetmanshoop-Ministera gona gweyiyomonda zosiropngo, vawizimo, ekeverero nepopero Edward Wambo, katente asi nampili ngomu tuna kurugana namo peke yirugana yokulisiga siga momaruha gokulisiga siga, yina kara mulyo asi vana mberewa vetu varuganene kumwe ngoministeli zimwe tupu, morwa sitambo setu kapi tasisikimo moyirugana nsene asi nkenye ogu pwagelike. Age kahuyungire nonkango edi apa nye kahuyungisire varugani woministeli omo nye kakadingwire mberewa zawo mo//Kharas.
Pensioner turns leather craft into lifeline
SATCO – Twenty-eight years ago, 76-year-old Maria Koper decided she would not become another pensioner struggling to survive solely on her old-age grant. That decision led to the establishment of the Satco Leather Tannery Project on the outskirts of the Grünau settlement.
Teamwork key to improving service delivery - Wambo
KEETMANSHOOP – Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Edward Wambo, says despite performing different duties across departments, it is important for officials to work together as one ministry, as objectives cannot be achieved in isolation. He said this while addressing ministerial staff at the end of a two-week visit to the //Kharas region.
Grünau water crisis deters investors
GRÜNAU – Water shortage has hindered investment and economic development in Grünau, according to the settlement’s Chief Administrative Officer Dawid Tiboth. Speaking in an exclusive interview with New Era, Tiboth said the peri-urban settlement faces a persistent water supply challenge, discouraging potential investors. “We do not benefit from water supplied from the region’s major dams.
Mother, child defy odds
LÜDERITZ – Facing her own child’s disability, Emilie Böck and Anschua Martin became volunteers for children with disabilities at the !Nami#Nus constituency’s Linekela Hialundu Kalenga Multipurpose Centre in Lüderitz. During an exclusive interview with New Era, Böck said since there are no other facilities available locally, she decided to enroll her autistic son Tyre (20) and further volunteer as an educational trainer.
Unutilised RFA funds irk //Kharas
KEETMANSHOOP -//Kharas Governor Dawid Gertze has raised concern over the sluggish procurement processes within municipalities and village councils that are locking up millions of dollars that could have been used to actively upgrade roads in the region. He particularly pointed to the monies provided to the local authorities by the Road Fund Administration (RFA).
Unutilised RFA funds irk //Kharas
Unutilised RFA funds irk //Kharas Share this post? Facebook Twitter Pinterest KEETMANSHOOP -//Kharas Governor Dawid Gertze has raised concern over the sluggish procurement processes within municipalities and village councils that are locking up millions of dollars that could have been used to actively upgrade roads in the region. He particularly pointed to the monies provided to the local authorities by the Road Fund Administration (RFA).
Namdeb keeps Suiderlig learners warm
KEETMANSHOOP – Diamond giant Namdeb recently donated three solar geysers worth N$79 000 to learners residing at Suiderlig Secondary School in Keetmanshoop. The geysers will be installed as part of the ongoing renovations at the school, reaffirming the corporation’s purpose of ‘Mining for Good’.The handover was the result of a pledge spearheaded by Industries, Mines and Energy Deputy Minister Gaudentia Kröhne, Namdeb said in a statement.
Education performance impresses //Kharas governor
KEETMANSHOOP – //Kharas governor Dawid Gertze says achieving a 100% A-C quality in Khoekhoegowab, the first language, is a clear indication of excellent improvement for the region in its national examination results. He made this statement when delivering the State of the Region Address (Sora) on Tuesday in Keetmanshoop.
Disability council awards top performers
LUDERITZ – The National Disability Council of Namibia (NDCN) recently awarded individuals and organisations for their outstanding contribution towards enabling its mandate.
//Kharas future is bright - Witbooi
KEETMANSHOOP – //Kharas Regional Council chairperson Gerrit Witbooi says the region’s rich natural resources and strong agricultural potential point to a bright future. It is also Witbooi’s fervent view that the region can lead Namibia into economic prosperity. He made these remarks while delivering the keynote address during the recent Keetmanshoop Agriculture, Industry and Trade Expo (Kaite) fundraising gala dinner in Keetmanshoop this week.
Disability Council uses sport to inspire inclusion and wellbeing
LÜDERITZ – As part of the National Disability Week celebrations, the Lüderitz Disability Council hosted a sports day for its members at the town’s community stadium yesterday, promoting inclusion, wellbeing and the transformative power of sport. Mwaka Mukweli, a member of the organising committee, told New Era Sport that the event was designed to bring people living with disabilities together for a day of fun, social interaction and physical activity.
‘Disabled not bystanders, but active contributors’ ... disability week kicks off in Lüderitz
LÜDERITZ – //Kharas regional governor Dawid Gertze said Namibians should build a society that recognises persons with disabilities as contributors, innovators, leaders in the development journey and not mere onlookers. He made these remarks in a keynote address delivered on his behalf during the National Disability Week that started yesterday in Lüderitz.
Eigub: Resilience will keep Nama nation relevant
KEETMANSHOOP – The Nama Cultural Festival committee chairperson Dirk Eigub says the Festival last week reminded them that the strength of the Nama people has never depended on comfort, approval or external validation. Rather, it depended on their resilience, faith and willingness to rise for themselves.
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