Namibia mourns legendary General Solomon Hawala Maria David & Placido Hilukilwa THE nation of Namibia is mourning the late Lieutenant General Hangula Dumeni Solomon Dumeni Ya Matheus Hawala, widely known as "Jesus," who passed away on 11 - instagram.com Namibia mourns legendary General Solomon Hawala Maria David & Placido Hilukilwa THE nation of Namibia is mourning the late Lieutenant General Hangula Dumeni Solomon Dumeni Ya Matheus Hawala, widely known as "Jesus," who passed away on 11  instagram.com

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Uukwambi royal family calls for restoration of kingship, vacant since 1932 under colonial rule The Uukwambi royal family is calling for the restoration of kingship, saying the position has remained vacant since colonial rule. The Uukwambi last had a chief in 1932 after chief Iipumbu ya Tshilongo was abducted by South African authorities. They are now under the chieftanship of Herman Iipumbu, who yesterday told The Namibian he has been at the helm of the traditional authority for 40 years. Johaness Tshalonda, who claims to be a member of the royal family, yesterday said although the family wants the Uukwambi to have a chief, they are not pushing for Iipumbu’s removal. “He is our family member. He is our father. Silas Iipumbu was my grandfather and we are not saying he should be removed. We are saying the vacant position of a king that exists in Uukwambi should be filled. “We are a peaceful group. We are not terrorists. We want the king to be installed peacefully, and we are going to discuss it with chief Iipumbu,” he said. Tshalonda said the family had written a letter to Iipumbu. Uukwambi Royal Council chairperson Anna Festus in a statement says Uukwambi headmen are from Iipumbu ya Tshilongo’s bloodline. “We thus regard the restoration of the Uukwambi kingship to be long overdue after more than 35 years of independence from colonial rule.” Festus also addresses the controversy surrounding a planned event in August 2024 at Okakango Ka Abed Ha Kandongo, which was intended to commemorate the 1932 bombing of Iipumbu’s palace. “It is important to emphasise that the commemoration was meant to be a family event and not an Aakwambi event,” the release states. According to Festus, they invited the Uukwambi Traditional Authority (UTA) to attend the commemorative event. However, the authority declined the invitation, citing a prior commitment to a Roman Catholic Church centennial event at Oshikuku. The UTA also took legal action to stop the event. “The Uukwambi royal family nevertheless proceeded with preparations, only to be issued a letter from Sisa Namandje lawyers, threatening to get a court interdict prohibiting further attempts to go ahead with the preparations.” The case ended up in court, where a ruling favoured the UTA. The royal family was ordered to pay legal costs, which they say have been “fully settled”. The UTA in court documents accuses the royal family of attempting to “illegally appoint and install the king for Uukwambi” and claims the event could incite violence. The family dismisses the allegations as “fabrications”. “Even though the invitation to the Okakango Ka Abed Ha Kandongo event to UTA came from the royal family, they opted to take individuals to court, arguing they unlawfully represent the Uukwambi traditional community.” Iipumbu declined to comment on the matter yesterday. The post Uukwambi royal family calls for restoration of kingship, vacant since 1932 under colonial rule appeared first on The Namibian.

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Final salute to liberation torchbearer Kangueehi Former Swanu of Namibia president Kuzeeko Kangueehi has been described as a fearless leader who was passionate about the economic emancipation of Namibians. He died on 15 May at the age of 81. Popular Democratic Movement president McHenry Venaani yesterday said he, Kangueehi and the late Andimba Toivo ya Toivo often used to visit the gym and sauna together. “We would meet in the sauna discussing matters of the day and politics. My condolences to his wife, the children and the family,” he said. Venaani described Kangueehi as a father figure to many children and fondly remembers him as a dignified gentleman. His wife Kairaane, used to be his English teacher, Venaani said. He said Kangueehi was the first leader to be involved in a party faction after the late Moses Katjiuongua broke away to form another political faction. Swanu president Evilastus Kaaronda says Kangueehi was passionate about the economic emancipation of Namibians. “He was a hero and veteran of the liberation struggle and was among the leaders assigned to mobilise military support for an armed liberation struggle against the apartheid regime,” he says. Former United Democratic Front member of parliament Dudu Murorua describes Kangueehi as a man who fought for all Namibians during the liberation struggle. He says Kangueehi unified the Damara Council under former Herero chief Kuaima Riruako. “It is with deep gratitude and reverence that we honour the life of our beloved father, who was born in 1943 at Kundapura, near Okahandja, along the road to Okondjatu. “He was the son of Rukeeveni Kahiiko and Vakuasana Kangueehi and was raised, alongside his late brother Sondaha, by their grandmother, Kaina, on the farm Otjondaura,” reads the Kangueehi family’s eulogy. Kangueehi attended Rio Quelle Primary School, now Hosea Kutako Primary School, completing Standard 6 (Grade 8) in 1962. He was part of the first group of scholars to sit for this level under the leadership of the school’s late principal, Gottlob Kaura. Among his classmates were notable figures such as Neti Katjiuanjo, Festus Kazapua, Nehemiah Kaatura, Amanda Tjozongoro, Martin Hengari, and Venomuinjo Kandetu – some of whom have since died. Kangueehi enrolled at Augustineum High School at Okahandja, and pursued his tertiary education at the University of the North (now the University of Limpopo) in South Africa, initially enrolling for a bachelor’s degree of science. After a brief interruption due to illness, he returned to Namibia and worked as a radio announcer for the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation before resuming his studies and completing a South African teachers diploma in 1971. In 1972, he and his wife began their teaching careers at Augustineum. However, due to challenges with the oppressive administration at the time, he left after a year. In 1973, the couple continued their teaching journey at Martin Luther High School near Okombahe in the Erongo region, where they served until 1984. That same year, the family returned to Windhoek, marking a shift from education to politics. Kangueehi became the president of Swanu and continued to serve his community through leadership and activism. He was the chief fire officer of the City of Windhoek until his retirement in 2003. Following retirement, he devoted himself to farming at a resettlement farm granted through his veteran status. Kangueehi’s memorial service is set for this weekend and his burial for Sunday at Aminuis. He leaves behind his wife, eight children, 23 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. The post Final salute to liberation torchbearer Kangueehi appeared first on The Namibian.

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Hella Kuppe: The master with the Midas touch  Hella Kuppe says it was an honour to be an athlete in the 1960s. The retired star was born at Remmer Clinic in Windhoek West 85 years ago, and raised at Mariental. “Those were the sweet, beautiful days. I didn’t specialise in one specific sport. I just loved doing sport – whether it was track and field or a team sport on the field, I was a jack of all trades,” she says. “My sport really took off when I came to school at Windhoek High School (WHS). I competed in my first South West Africa Amateur Athletics Association event while still at school. I must admit that our training was not anywhere close to the modern-day world-class training methods.” While she was an ardent 100m sprinter, Kuppe also specialised in the long jump, high jump, hurdles, discus and javelin. While she was one of the stars of her school’s athletics team, the towering athlete was also a member of the Wanderers Athletics Club under coach Bennie Schlechter. Hella Kuppe won the Namibia Sportswoman of the Year award on three occasions. Kuppe’s dominance in the women’s master’s athletics is unmatched. “There were really not a lot of athletes from the age of 40 and above who competed in the masters category during our prime time back in the days. “But there certainly was a period when you just felt you deserved being on the track and showcasing your talent,” she says. She says growing up, there was never a dull moment. “If I wasn’t burning up the track in competitions in and outside the city, I was playing hockey or softball for SKW. I even went on to play hockey at national level for the old South West Africa.” Kuppe represented South West Africa during a meeting against the Potchefstroom Teachers’ College as a senior athlete on 7 December 1963. During the same year on 11 December, she was part of the history-making group of athletes who participated for the first time under floodlights at the WHS sport grounds. Kuppe officially started competing in the master’s category in 1980. Ironically enough, her first participation at international level was in 1989, a year before Namibia attained independence. She was 49 years old at the time. “I initially had a problem obtaining a visa to enter Denmark, but we called the organisers of the World Masters Games and told them I already travelled all the way from Africa, and they probably felt sorry for me and allowed me to participate,” she says. Hella Kuppe proudly displays her medal haul that she accumulated from 1963 until recently when she retired. “My efforts were not in vain. I went on to finish first in the high jump. “I was very happy with myself because it was my very first time competing in a world-class meeting with no prior international exposure.” Kuppe went on to participate in four World Masters Athletic Championships. She made her debut in Turku, Finland, and won one gold, two silver and two bronze medals to become the first African athlete to win a medal at the event in 1991. The retired star also won one silver and three bronze medals in Buffalo, United States, in 1995. This was followed by one gold and two silver medals at the 1997 event in Durban, South Africa. However, the going was a little tough in 2001 during the Brisbane meeting in Australia where she only managed a bronze medal. “I also participated in two (1995 and 1997) World Indoor Athletics in Birmingham, England, and it was such a wonderful experience. I have never participated in indoor competitions prior to Birmingham, and that is one experience I will have for the rest of my life,” Kuppe says. ‘WONDERFUL TIME’ “I had a wonderful time during my athletics career – travelling to places I thought I would never see. I have made friends all over the world through my athletics career, however, there is nothing I cherish more than being Namibian sportswoman of the year three times.” The veteran athlete was named sportswoman of the year in 1991, 1996 and 1997. Kuppe set a personal best record of 1.50m in the high jump in 1992 at the age of 52, and also set 14 African Masters records in the 45 to 60 age category. The high jump was one of Hella Kuppe’s favourite disciplines. Her 9,57m leap in the triple jump earned her 9 273 points which made her the best African woman athlete in 1998, which was known as the Year of the Women in Athletics. Kuppe received an award from the African Veteran Federation and a medal from the International Amateur Athletics Federation as a token of recognition for her achievements. The 14,99m javelin record she set during the 1996 African Veteran’s Track and Field Championship is still standing as an Africa record. Kuppe, who was also honoured with the Springbok colours before Namibia’s independence, was also a member of the South West Africa softball team which participated in Durban, South Africa, in 1980. ‘NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE’ “I want to be remembered for my dedication and passion for athletics – a champion who was goal-oriented and an example to the young athletes of today that nothing in this world is impossible as long as you remain focused and work hard,” she says. Kuppe is a widow, has two sons and says she is enjoying her old age in a retirement village in Windhoek. She says she keeps fit by walking, and keeps herself busy with gardening. Although she loved flying and particularly visiting new places all over the world, the retired runner regrets that she went to participate in the World Masters Championships in Australia. “Going to Australia was a big mistake in 2001. I was 61 at the time and I didn’t have any business going to compete. I felt I was too old to put myself under such pressure. “I also feel I overtrained. I was just not prepared mentally,” she says. “I will be the first one to admit that I miss competing and travelling to other countries. It was such a great honour to go represent my country at big events like the world championships and the Africa Game. “The friendships I made I will cherish for the rest of my life.” Kuppe is advising young athletes to be true to themselves and live a healthy lifestyle if they want to go far in sport, adding that practice makes perfect. The post Hella Kuppe: The master with the Midas touch  appeared first on The Namibian.

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President optimistic on genocide reparations deal by 2026 President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says she is optimistic that a final agreement on genocide reparations between Namibia and Germany can be reached before the end of 2026. Speaking during a recent interview with the BBC, Nandi-Ndaitwah reflected on the ongoing negotiations over Germany’s acknowledgment and atonement for the 1904–1908 genocide committed against the Nama and Ovaherero people. “Our parliament discussed Germany’s genocide against the Namibian people. Firstly, for Germany to accept that they committed a genocide in Namibia. Secondly, for Germany to apologise. And thirdly, for Germany to give reparation,” she said. In 2021, Germany apologised for its role in the slaughter of Herero and Nama people and officially described the massacre as a genocide for the first time. While both governments previously reached a tentative deal that included Germany pledging £1.1 billion about (N$26 trillion) in development aid over 30 years, the agreement was widely criticised in Namibia. Many, including descendants of the genocide victims and lawmakers, say the offer is inadequate. “Until now, we have reached 1.1 billion euros. Our parliament felt that is nothing. We have to engage the Germans again,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said. According to her, the negotiation process has significantly advanced and a final settlement is within reach. “The document was ready to the extent that, unless something really dramatically happened, I cannot see this process going to next year,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said. In December last year, Cabinet approved the signing of the Joint Declaration on the Genocide, Apology, and Reparations. However, Landless People’s Movement leader Bernadus Swartbooi and 11 traditional authorities have formally written to the government attorney, demanding that the joint declaration be invalidated and set aside. Last year at the opening of a chiefs forum, Nandi-Ndaitwah urged the Nama and Ovaherero genocide victims’ descendants to carefully consider their reparations demands. Nandi-Ndaitwah also said the government was exploring the creation of a special purpose vehicle to be managed by the descendants themselves. The post President optimistic on genocide reparations deal by 2026 appeared first on The Namibian.

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President optimistic on genocide reparations deal by 2026 President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says she is optimistic that a final agreement on genocide reparations between Namibia and Germany can be reached before the end of 2026. Speaking during a recent interview with the BBC, Nandi-Ndaitwah reflected on the ongoing negotiations over Germany’s acknowledgment and atonement for the 1904–1908 genocide committed against the Nama and Ovaherero people. “Our parliament discussed Germany’s genocide against the Namibian people. Firstly, for Germany to accept that they committed a genocide in Namibia. Secondly, for Germany to apologise. And thirdly, for Germany to give reparation,” she said. In 2021, Germany apologised for its role in the slaughter of Herero and Nama people and officially described the massacre as a genocide for the first time. While both governments previously reached a tentative deal that included Germany pledging £1.1 billion about (N$26 trillion) in development aid over 30 years, the agreement was widely criticised in Namibia. Many, including descendants of the genocide victims and lawmakers, say the offer is inadequate. “Until now, we have reached 1.1 billion euros. Our parliament felt that is nothing. We have to engage the Germans again,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said. According to her, the negotiation process has significantly advanced and a final settlement is within reach. “The document was ready to the extent that, unless something really dramatically happened, I cannot see this process going to next year,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said. In December last year, Cabinet approved the signing of the Joint Declaration on the Genocide, Apology, and Reparations. However, Landless People’s Movement leader Bernadus Swartbooi and 11 traditional authorities have formally written to the government attorney, demanding that the joint declaration be invalidated and set aside. Last year at the opening of a chiefs forum, Nandi-Ndaitwah urged the Nama and Ovaherero genocide victims’ descendants to carefully consider their reparations demands. Nandi-Ndaitwah also said the government was exploring the creation of a special purpose vehicle to be managed by the descendants themselves. The post President optimistic on genocide reparations deal by 2026 appeared first on The Namibian.

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N$60 Commemorative Banknote: Honouring the Lifeand Legacy of one of Namibia’s Sons of the Soil - Namibian N$60 Commemorative Banknote: Honouring the Lifeand Legacy of one of Namibia’s Sons of the Soil  Namibian

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Namibia marks 35 years of independence with change in leadership - Namibian Namibia marks 35 years of independence with change in leadership  Namibian

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Namibia marks 35 years of independence with change in leadership Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, president of Namibia, at her inauguration and Namibia’s 35th independence celebrations, Windhoek, Namibia, 21 March 2025 Today, we gather here as Namibians, joined by the international community, to witness the change of administration from one head of state to another. Changing of administration has become an entrenched political and historical phenomenon in the Namibian culture and tradition since independence in 1990. I therefore stand before you today with profound gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility towards the people of Namibia who placed their trust in me by electing me as the fifth president of the Republic of Namibia to lead this great nation for the next five years. My ascendance to the highest office in the land is the culmination of years of struggle by generations of Namibians, men and women, for the political, social and economic liberation of our people. I would like to pay homage to all of them, those who have passed on and the living. Today’s event is taking place 20 days after we laid to rest Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, Namibia’s founding president, father of the Namibian nation and leader of our revolution (may his revolutionary spirit rest in perfect peace). He is one of those we are paying homage to today. Let me also take this opportunity to acknowledge the crucial role that the international community has played in our struggle for national independence. Your solidarity, material and moral support have carried us to the logical conclusion of our struggle, namely the independence of our country. It is gratifying to see that so many representatives of friendly countries, organisations and individuals, friends of Namibia, have come to celebrate with us the 35th anniversary of our independence and witness my inauguration. Your presence here today is highly appreciated; it is a source of inspiration and a moral booster to me and Namibians at large. My inauguration today is taking place against the backdrop of a solid foundation that was laid by my predecessors. Our founding president, Sam Nujoma, led the liberation struggle and laid a solid foundation for peace, political stability, democracy, social and economic development. In his acceptance speech as first president of an independent Namibia in 1990, President Nujoma had this to say: “I move in the name of our people to declare that Namibia is forever free, sovereign and independent.” Successive presidents, Hifikepunye Pohamba, Hage G Geingob and Nangolo Mbumba, built on that foundation, and each one of them made a distinctive contribution to nation-building, including strengthening institutional capacity, consolidating national unity, and advancing social and economic development. Accordingly, in assuming the presidency on 21 March 2005, president Pohamba said: “A new dawn has set on our beautiful country. From this day onwards, our country will continue to move towards the future as a united democratic and prosperous nation.” While president Geingob, in celebrating the 30th anniversary of our independence, said: “It was on this day that we witnessed the hoisting of the Namibian flag, symbolising the birth of a sovereign nation, celebrating the gift of freedom and opportunity to pursue our common aspirations.” And in addressing our 34th independence anniversary, president Mbumba reminded us that “true independence is fundamental to the success and credibility of any nation. It is only through independence that people can obtain their dignity and full humanity”. With those profound statements of our leaders, the progress that we have made as a nation was a result of collective efforts. Individual members of our society responded to the call, and each arm of the state – the executive, the legislature and the judiciary – made significant contributions to the political, social and economic development of our country. Similarly, the private sector, churches, traditional authorities and other non-state actors have also been important constituencies in nation-building efforts. I therefore pledge to continue to work with all these institutions to make a success of our country. The task facing me as the fifth president of the Republic of Namibia is to preserve the gains of our independence on all fronts and to ensure that the unfinished agenda of economic and social advancement of our people is carried forward with vigour and determination to bring about shared, balanced prosperity for all. The mandate that the electorate gave the Swapo Party under my leadership is clearly articulated in the Swapo Party Election Manifesto 2025–2030, the Swapo Party Political Programme and the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia. Those will be my guiding instruments throughout my presidency, as I serve all people of Namibia regardless of their political affiliation. I have been an advocate for equality between men and women. I believe that it is not good for society to underplay the role that one segment of the population can play in the social, political and economic fabric of society. The Swapo Party congress of 2002 took a bold decision to amend the party’s constitution to provide for 50/50 representation in leadership in all party structures. The Swapo-led government also followed this policy in the running of the government. The result has been encouraging, as many women, including myself, have occupied strategic positions in government. We may all know that equality between women and men and the empowerment of women is work in progress all over the world. However, in Namibia, we have made good progress, but still, a lot remains to be done. I believe that having been elected as president of my country will encourage women from all walks of life to stand up to be counted, with a clear understanding that I was not elected because I am a woman, but on merit. That is to say, as women, we should not ask to be elected to positions of responsibility because we are women, but because we are capable members of our societies to hold those positions. The development of any country depends on the quality of its human resources. To this end, education and training will continue to be a priority to ensure that we develop technical and managerial skills and work ethics that are required in the labour market to efficiently and effectively manage the economy and create the necessary jobs. We will therefore promote continuous improvement of our education system from pre-primary, primary, secondary, tertiary as well as vocational levels. In addition, access to quality healthcare is a right that all Namibian people should enjoy, irrespective of their economic and social status. We will ensure the implementation of the comprehensive universal health coverage to serve all Namibians in all parts of our country. We will increase investments in the development of infrastructure to open up investment opportunities, enhance economic productivity, promote economic growth and improve the quality of life for our people. As I conclude, I am optimistic that as a nation, we can make a success of our country. We must work together, as a united people with one heart and one mind. As our founding president taught us: “A people united, striving to achieve a common good for all members of society, will always emerge victorious.” We all need to put our hands on the plough. There is a role for everyone. I implore every citizen, regardless of their background or political affiliation, to join me on this journey of nation-building.  Let us move in unison under the banner of ‘One Namibia, One Nation’ to build a prosperous future for ourselves, our children and generations to come.  Long live the Republic of Namibia.  I thank you! Inaugural-Speech-by-H.E-President-Dr-Netumbo-Nandi-Ndaitwah-1Download The post Namibia marks 35 years of independence with change in leadership appeared first on The Namibian.

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35 Years Later? - Namibian 35 Years Later?  Namibian

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Statement by Nangolo Mbumba, president of the Republic of Namibia,on the occasion of the 35th Independence day anniversary Statement-by-HE-President-Nangolo-Mbumba-35th-Independence-DayDownload The post Statement by Nangolo Mbumba, president of the Republic of Namibia,on the occasion of the 35th Independence day anniversary appeared first on The Namibian.

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