By: Selma Taapopi The Minister of Works and Transport, Veikko Nekundi, has called for reforms within his ministry, warning that inefficiencies particularly in the procurement unit will no longer be tolerated. Addressing the ministry’s senior management and staff on Thursday, Nekundi stressed the need for improved efficiency, accountability and stricter adherence to procedures. The minister also spoke on reforms in the management of government flats, highlighting the long standing failure to enforce lease agreements between the state and tenants, despite clear contractual obligations governing maintenance. According to the ministry, tenants are required to carry out certain repairs within specified time frames and to comply with regulations that prohibit practices such as hanging laundry on balconies or converting garages into storage areas. Nekundi further expressed concern over the poor state of the living environment in various government flats, describing conditions as unsightly and unhygienic. He stressed that responsibility for maintenance during occupancy lies with tenants, while the state intervenes only at specific stages.

By: Josia Shigwedha City Police Head of Public Relations, Marcelline Murapo, has warned residents to remain vigilant against a rise in scams during January, particularly those linked to fake house rentals, school placements, and tertiary institution registrations. Murapo said scammers are taking advantage of the seasonal demand for accommodation, school placements, and tertiary registrations by targeting desperate residents. She noted that in the case of school placements, some parents, eager to secure spaces for their children, fall victim to individuals falsely claiming to be school officials. Murapo urged parents to apply for school placements on time and to only engage directly with school authorities to avoid being scammed.

By: Envaalde Matheus The finance ministry will roll out regional mentorship programs, coordinated through the governors' offices, to oversee Youth Fund projects and prevent misuse of funds. Ministry spokesperson, Wilson Shikoto, says successful applicants have begun training and creating jobs, supporting the President’s call for youth and self employment. Shikoto said during February, successful applicants will be announced, including candidates applying through the Development Bank of Namibia, adding that this will be done continuously in groups, as they are being processed. Shikoto said the Fund remains open for applications, with no fixed deadline, and submissions will be accepted throughout the year.

By: Selma Taapopi Minister of Works and Transport, Veikko Nekundi, has defended the decision to ban and fine Intercape Namibia for transporting passengers within the country using foreign-registered vehicles during the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. As a result, the public transport operator was fined N$4 000 for operating at least nine buses. They were also ordered to immediately cease operations for violating Section 70(3) of the Roads Traffic and Transport Act of 1999, which prohibits cabotage operations without a valid cross-border permit.

By: Ritta Lotto Information minister, Emma Theofelus, says the Cyber Crime Bill is in its final stages of drafting at the government legal drafters. She said, once it's passed with careful consideration of cases such as the six-youth arrested in a scamming syndicate in Myanmar, it will safeguard Namibia's cyberspace and strengthen existing legal frameworks.

By: Ludorf Iyambo Some beneficiaries of the Government Institutions Pension Fund’s (GIPF) Pension-Backed Home Loan Scheme have argued that their retirement savings are under the control of a third party-administrators. In an interview with NewsOnOne, Haundjondjo Moses, who is also a civil servant said they are being forced to borrow their own money through intermediaries rather than receiving funds directly from GIPF.

By: Envaalde Matheus The environment ministry is drafting new regulations that will see illegal sand and gravel miners face heavy fines, prosecution, equipment seizures and possible jail time, aimed at curbing illegal mining and enforcing compliance. Environment Commissioner Timoteus Mufeti said there will be stakeholder consultations across several regions from 19 January to 4 February on the draft Environmental Management Amendment Bill, and proposed sand and gravel mining regulations. Responding to questions by NewsOnOne, Mufeti said the draft rules will also require mandatory fencing and rehabilitation of pits, proper payment systems, and stricter checks on trucks transporting sand without valid permits. Mufeti said the new regulations are needed as uncontrolled sand mining has caused deaths, destroyed infrastructure, and sparked conflicts between communities, leaders, and operators due to widespread non-compliance. Mufeti said illegal sand and gravel mining continues to thrive due to weak enforcement, legal loopholes, and under-resourced traditional authorities.