Leonard Witbeen

Interview: Stunting in Children Rises to 30% – Nutrition Experts Call for Urgent Action

The Ministry of Health, together with the United Nations Children’s Fund and the World Health Organization, presented the results of the 2024 SMART survey last Friday, shedding light on the state of child nutrition across the country. The survey, conducted at the end of 2024, aimed to assess nutritional practices and measure the impact of malnutrition, particularly among children. Director of the Nutrition and Food Security Alliance of Namibia, Ben […]

4 December, 2025

Health / Medical

Child Stunting Rises to 30%

The Ministry of Health, together with the United Nations Children’s Fund and the World Health Organization, has released the 2024 SMART survey on child nutrition. Director of the Nutrition and Food Security Alliance, Ben Schernick, revealed that stunting rates, a measure of chronic malnutrition, have increased from 24% in 2012 to almost 30% in 2024, highlighting growing concerns over children’s health and development.

4 December, 2025

Business / Economics

Repo Rate Held at 6.50% to Support Stability

The Bank of Namibia has kept the Repo rate unchanged at 6.50% following its final MPC meeting of the year earlier this week. The committee said the decision helps maintain the Namibia Dollar–Rand peg while supporting the domestic economy. Moderate economic growth, contained inflation, slower credit extension, a narrower trade deficit, and sufficient international reserves all shaped the decision.

4 December, 2025

Namibia

Esie Schimming-Chase Becomes First Female Permanent Supreme Court Judge

Judge Esie Schimming-Chase has been appointed as the first woman to serve as a permanent judge on the Supreme Court. Additionally, Vikitoria Hango of the Justice Office confirmed that the Judicial Service Commission has appointed five acting judges to the Supreme Court for the period from January to December 2026.

3 December, 2025

Namibia

Poor Service Delivery Shifts Voter Support, Says Analyst Kudumo

Political analyst Marius Kudumo told NewsOnOne’s Josia Shigwedha that operational challenges and weak performance in key towns formerly led by opposition parties, such as Windhoek and Walvis Bay, prompted voters to change their support in the recent elections. He noted that citizens are prioritising effective service delivery, a factor that enabled Swapo to reclaim control of most regional constituencies and local authorities.

3 December, 2025

Nam Elections 2024

Amutse Appointed as New Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has named Modestus Amutse as the new Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, with the appointment taking effect yesterday. The decision, as per the presidency’s socials, is made in line with Article 35 of the constitution, which authorises the President to appoint Ministers from the National Assembly to oversee government functions. Amutse enters the portfolio with substantial public service experience, having served as Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology, as well as a Member of Parliament […]

3 December, 2025

Namibia

IPC Slams Cancellation of Councillor Swearing-In

Josia Shigwedha for NewsOne journalled that IPC spokesperson Immanuel Nashinge has condemned the nationwide cancellation of the swearing-in for newly elected regional and local councillors, describing it as a “legal quagmire.” He emphasized that the law mandates councillors be sworn in within seven days of election results and questioned how the government intends to resolve the issue.

2 December, 2025

Namibia

Erongo Council Holds Workshop to Revamp Operations

Dr. Mupenzeni Ntelamo, Chief Regional Officer of the Erongo Regional Council, led an introspection and revamping workshop yesterday at the Swakopmund Constituency Office. The session gathered key staff from Administration, Auxiliary Services, the Minutes Section, ICT, and the CRO’s office. The council’s Public Relations Office, Irene Jacobs, shared details of the initiative:

2 December, 2025

Business / Economics

Domestic Growth Slows Amid Manufacturing and Mining Weakness

The domestic economy is forecast to slow to 3.0% for this year before recovering to 3.9% in 2026, hindered by a 4.6% contraction in manufacturing and a 0.1% decline in primary industries. Persistent drought, reduced livestock and diamond output, and falling SACU and diamond revenues pose additional risks, according to Josefina Oskar from the Bank of Namibia. Adding that, on the global front, growth is slowing: advanced economies remain stagnant at 1.6%, emerging markets show slight moderation, while Sub-Saharan […]

1 December, 2025