National Hero Solomon “Jesus” Hawala laid to rest in Ongwediva National Hero Solomon “Jesus” Hawala laid to rest in Ongwediva NBC Online Sat, 09/06/2025 - 19:23

#SolomonHawala #NationalHero #Ongwediva #Namibia #RestInPeace

Ongwediva invests over N$53m in infrastructure projects Staff Writer During the 2024/2025 financial year, the Ongwediva Town Council implemented a capital budget of N$53 million for infrastructure development and service delivery projects.  The aim is to improve the quality of life for residents and support the town’s growth. Several projects have been completed. These include the planning and replanning of Extensions 13 and Elyambala at N$217 391, the replanning of Extension 2 Township at N$86 957, fire and rescue equipment worth N$173 913, the multipurpose sports field Phase 4 at N$4.3 million, park fixtures at Extension 14, ICT equipment, office furniture, and the installation of Christmas lights. Major projects currently in progress include water and sewer reticulation in Efidi Extension 1, Extension 12, and Omatando Extensions; refurbishment of the water tower, which is 70% complete; upgrading of Abraham Nyambali Street, which is 5% complete; Extension 11 stormwater infrastructure at 55% completion; CCTV camera installation in Ongwediva at 60% completion and the upgrading of Ongwediva Open Market at 30% completion. For 2025/2026, planned projects include cadastral surveys and township establishment in new areas, the installation of a prepaid water meter system, major upgrades to water and electrical reticulation infrastructure, the redesign of major road intersections, continued work on the Abraham Nyambali Road upgrade, and the expansion of stormwater and sewer systems. Ondangwa Town Council has also implemented a capital budget of N$179 million. Key projects include the construction of Ondangwa Sports Stadium Phase 1, a N$60 million flagship project. An amount of N$16 million was invested during the year under review. Upgrading from gravel roads to bitumen standard at Onguta is underway at a cost of N$12 million and is currently at 20% completion. The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development provided N$15 million to upgrade the ageing sewer system in Ondangwa. In Oshakati, the Town Council spent N$76 million on infrastructure and development during the last financial year, successfully completing several projects. Planned projects for 2025/2026 include bulk services at Ompumbu worth N$7.1 million, water, sewer, and electricity at Uukwangula for N$4 million, new roads in Oshakati North Extension 12 (Ehenye) costing N$7.5 million, rehabilitation of industrial roads at N$8 million, town-wide road and stormwater upgrades at N$7 million, urban planning of Onawa Extensions 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 at N$2.2 million, and surveying of Onawa Extensions at N$3.7 million. The ministry of urban and rural development allocated N$103 million for formalising and upgrading informal settlements in Oshakati. Caption The Ongwediva Town Council has major projects currently in progress, including those involving water and sewer reticulation. 

#Ongwediva #InfrastructureDevelopment #Investment #QualityOfLife #ServiceDelivery

Visitors to see Paratus Fiber, Sky-Fi, LTE and Mobile Voice services  Paratus Namibia will be participating in the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair from 22 to 30 August 2025 in the Oshana Region. Visitors to the Paratus stand will be able to see the newest connectivity solutions and experience first-hand the impact that technology can have on everyday life. Visitors will have an opportunity to see Paratus Fiber, Sky-Fi, LTE and Mobile Voice services in action. New subscribers who sign up during the fair will get special offers, including free installation or a complimentary first month. Paratus Namibia representatives will be available to assist customers in choosing suitable solutions for their homes or businesses, and to make sign-ups quick and easy. The stand will be filled with interactive activities for everyone. Visitors can try their luck in the Spin and Win prize draws, test their internet speed with the Speed Test Challenge, or take part in the #ParaVibe social media contest. The “I Got Connected with Paratus” photo booth will give visitors a fun way to capture and share their experience. The daily Tech Talk Series will offer short, practical sessions about digital skills, connectivity trends and how the internet is transforming education and businesses. “The Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair is a wonderful opportunity for us to meet our customers and communities in person,” said Manager of the Ongwediva shop, Owen Sinvula of Paratus Namibia. “We want to show people how reliable, affordable internet can change the way they live, work and learn, while also giving them a fun and engaging experience at our stand.” The participation of Paratus at the fair highlights its commitment to expanding the network in northern Namibia, supporting small businesses and government stakeholders, and helping more communities gain access to digital opportunities. Paratus Namibia is part of the Paratus Group, a leading Pan-African network operator offering business and home connectivity, hosting, co-location and cloud services. Paratus has built a reputation for providing Africa’s quality network through various infrastructure deployments and is committed to continuous evolution and digital transformation. Paratus offers various access technologies to the internet, including fiber, broadband wireless access, SKY-Fi, V-SAT, as well as fixed and mobile LTE.  Paratus Namibia also hosts its own Satellite Earth station, linked to the fiber backbone, to facilitate VSAT capacity distribution across the country. Its network is supported by numerous international points-of-presence (PoPs) in Africa and throughout the world and by 24/7 technical support on the ground in Namibia. Paratus has also built a state-of-the-art, ISO-certified and Tier 3 by design Data Center in Windhoek for secure colocation.

#ParatusNamibia #TradeFair2025 #Ongwediva #Connectivity #TechForLife

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urges entrepreneurs to seize opportunities at Ongwediva Trade Fair President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urges entrepreneurs to seize opportunities at Ongwediva Trade Fair NBC Online Sun, 08/24/2025 - 12:52

#Entrepreneurship #TradeFair #Ongwediva #BusinessGrowth #Networking

Telecom Namibia carries out fibre expansion in Windhoek, Ongwediva and Narraville - Telecompaper Telecom Namibia carries out fibre expansion in Windhoek, Ongwediva and Narraville  Telecompaper

#TelecomNamibia #FibreExpansion #Windhoek #Ongwediva #Narraville

‘Jesus’ granted state funeral Justicia Shipena  President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has conferred national hero status on the late Solomon “Jesus” Hawala and authorised a state funeral for him, despite a moratorium on such honours and opposition from survivors of the Lubango dungeons. The decision comes despite calls from Lubango dungeon survivors and activists who opposed granting Hawala a state funeral.  Some urged the Nandi-Ndaitwah to “refrain from granting him a state funeral.” Hawala will be buried in Ongwediva on 6 September 2025. He was born on 17 August 1935 and died on 11 August 2025 in a local hospital at the age of 89. Last month, the cabinet announced a moratorium on official funerals until March 2026 to review the criteria for such honours.  While the moratorium is in place, the president retains constitutional powers to confer national honours.  Nandi-Ndaitwah did not exercise these powers in June when Moses Amweelo, a former minister and liberation struggle veteran, was buried shortly after the moratorium was imposed.  The presidency said Nandi-Ndaitwah recognises Hawala for his military service, leadership, and dedication to Namibia’s liberation and nation-building.  “His legacy remains a symbol of courage, patriotism, and commitment to the ideals of freedom and independence,” the statement said. Survivors of the Lubango dungeons opposed the decision.  In a statement issued on Wednesday, the group known as The Conquerors – Survivors of Lubango Dungeons & Other Atrocities in Exile – said the debate over Hawala’s funeral had “struck a raw nerve” among survivors and families of those who disappeared. “Hawala and his fellow torturers in exile were/are not heroes to all Namibians,” the group said.  Speaking on behalf of the group, Lefa Martin said to thousands of liberation fighters and civilians who were detained, tortured, and left permanently scarred, or who died or ‘disappeared’ without justice, “Hawala was, and remains, the chief architect and executor of some of the worst heinous human rights violations ever committed against his own people in exile,” said Martin The group said granting him a state funeral “would insult the memory of those who suffered or died under his orders”. “It would also set a dangerous precedent that gross human rights violations can be rewarded with national honours, undermining Namibia’s constitutional values of justice, human dignity, and accountability,”he said. The group expressed disappointment that Nandi-Ndaitwah “has chosen to publicly shower accolades” on Hawala.  The group expressed their disgust that the president, a mother and grandmother who understands the pain of childbirth, would even consider lifting the moratorium to honour Hawala, a murderer.  They urged leaders to remember that “honouring the dead must never mean dishonouring the truth” and called for confronting all aspects of Namibia’s liberation history. Human rights activist Phil ya Nangolo, who leads NamRights, told Windhoek Observer earlier this week that Nandi-Ndaitwah should “refrain from according ‘Jesus’ a state or any official funeral at all.” Earlier this week, Nandi-Ndaitwah and veterans’ organisations paid tribute to Hawala.  “Comrade Hawala’s commitment…places him alongside icons and heroes who waged war and contributed to the independence of Namibia,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said. Namibia National Liberation Veterans Association president Ben Shikongo also supported Hawala’s recognition and called for his burial at Heroes Acre.  Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa described him as “a fearless freedom fighter who struck fear into the hearts of oppressors and ignited hope in the souls of the oppressed.” She said his death had left a void among Swapo supporters and Namibians. State funerals remain a point of public debate due to costs.In April, prime minister Elijah Ngurare revealed that state and official funerals cost taxpayers N$38.4 million in the 2024/2025 financial year. 

#Jesus #StateFuneral #NationalHero #Ongwediva #Namibia

Kleine Kuppe Private School in Ongwediva hosts first ever Afrikaans Festival Kleine Kuppe Private School in Ongwediva hosts first ever Afrikaans Festival NBC Online Mon, 08/11/2025 - 17:00

#AfrikaansFestival #KleineKuppe #Ongwediva #Bildung #Sprachkultur

Ongwediva Town Council to Allocate 266 Single Residential Erven [Namibian] The Ongwediva Town Council plans to allocate 275 erven, including 266 single residential plots, at Efidi extension 6.

#Ongwediva #Namibia #ResidentialPlots #UrbanDevelopment #Housing

Miss Namibia: Ehafo mOngwediva apeshe opo - neweralive.na Miss Namibia: Ehafo mOngwediva apeshe opo  neweralive.na

#MissNamibia #Ehafo #Ongwediva #BeautyPageant #Namibia

N$1.6 million raised for 24th Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair N$1.6 million raised for 24th Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair NBC Online Sun, 07/06/2025 - 18:31

#OngwedivaTradeFair #Ongwediva #Fundraising #Namibia #AnnualTradeFair

Ongwediva Councillor Uutoni not seeking re-election Ongwediva Councillor Uutoni not seeking re-election NBC Online Sat, 07/05/2025 - 16:39

#Ongwediva #Namibia #LocalElections #Councillor #OshanaRegion

Ongwediva – Waterhole of the Leopard The name Ongwediva translates into English as “the waterhole of the leopard” – a reference to the spotted cats that once frequented a seasonal waterhole in what is today referred to as “Old Ongwediva”. Set among attractive leafy surroundings, Ongwediva is a pleasant town and is sought after by residents working in nearby Oshakati. As the commercial sectors at Ondangwa and Oshakati were already well developed when Ongwediva was proclaimed in 1993, it positioned itself to become the service hub of northern Namibia. It has several modern shopping malls, retail stores and a state-of-the art private hospital, as well as a wide variety of service businesses. Accommodation options range from bed-and-breakfast establishments and guest houses to comfortable hotels. Ongwediva becomes a hive of activity when it hosts the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair. The first trade fair was held way back in 2000 and it soon developed into the biggest trade fair in northern Namibia. Ongwediva has long been the education centre of northern Namibia and boasts the highest number of educational institutions in the north in relation to its population. An industrial school for men was established on the banks of the Oshana Okatana by the Finnish Mission Society in 1927. Pupils were taught eight school subjects for 17 hours a week, while a further 28 hours a week were devoted to vocational training in carpentry, agriculture, cattle rearing, gardening and blacksmithing. The school had 36 male pupils in 1928 and training was later extended to females who were taught crafts such as dressmaking, basketry and furniture-making. The teachers training centre founded at Oniipa by the Finnish Mission Society in 1913 was relocated to Ongwediva in 1955. Ongwediva was established as a residential area for government officials working at Ondangwa and nearby Oshakati in the 1960s. The first session of the Owambo Legislative Council was officially opened by the South African minister of Bantu administration and development and of Bantu education MC Botha at Ongwediva on 17 October 1968. The town was also developed as an education centre for Owamb people o in line with the Odendaal Plan. The South African administration assumed financial responsibility for the teachers training centre in 1964 and a new centre, the Ongwediva Training College, was opened in 1971. The A-shaped hall with its abstract motifs is the centrepiece of the campus and can accommodate 1 000 students. The college was subsequently renamed the Ongwediva College of Education and integrated into the northern campus of the University of Namibia, which was renamed the Hifekepunye Pohamba campus, after Namibia’s second president, in 2010. The Eluwa Special School for the Visually and Hearing Impaired, the first educational centre of this kind in the north, was opened in 1973. It started with 20 deaf and 20 blind pupils and four teachers who had undergone a five-month course in special education in South Africa. It is the only government school in the north of the country catering for children with special education needs. Consolidated Diamond Mines (CDM), now Namdeb (an abbreviation for Namibia and De Beers), financed the establishment of the Valombola Vocational Training Centre in 1979. Welders, plumbers, motor mechanics and carpenters were trained at the centre. The centre fell under the education ministry after independence, but responsibility for vocational training centres was subsequently transferred to the Namibia Training Authority (NTA). The University of Namibia’s Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology is located on 13 hectares of land made available by the Ongwediva Town Council. The ground-breaking ceremony of phase one was held in November 2007 and the faculty was completed at a cost of over N$150 million with funds provided by the government. The first 30 students graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Honours) in May 2013. Further expansions were made with a grant from the Indian government and finance provided by the German government through KfW. The campus was named after Angola’s second president, José Eduardo dos Santos, in June 2014. The post Ongwediva – Waterhole of the Leopard appeared first on The Namibian.

#Ongwediva #Namibia #TravelNamibia #ExploreNamibia #Oshakati

Toddler rescued from pit latrine at Ongwediva A toddler was rescued after falling into a pit latrine hole at Ohaushombo village, in the Ongwediva area. Oshana police crime investigation coordinator deputy Fredrick Ndjadila says the incident reportedly occurred around 18h00 on Tuesday while the one-year and 10-month-old baby girl was playing with other children in a field, where she resides with her guardian. “It is alleged that the victim was playing with fellow children when she inadvertently fell into a pit latrine hole located in the same field,” he says. The other children quickly realised what had happened and rushed to call the elders for help. Ndjadila indicates that the rescuers were able to retrieve the child from the pit latrine hole, which was not that deep. He notes that the victim has since received the necessary medical care and has already been discharged from the hospital. The post Toddler rescued from pit latrine at Ongwediva appeared first on The Namibian.

#Ongwediva #ChildSafety #RescueMission #CommunitySupport #Namibia

Ongwediva residents welcome noise ban Ongwediva residents have commended the town council for introducing a noise ban at the town this week. They say noise pollution poses health risks to people and animals. Shebeen owner Amon Sheehama welcomes the move, saying noise pollution has affected those seeking peace and quiet at the town. “This is a good move because some people, especially shebeen owners, play music at the loudest level without considering the next resident. “As a shebeen owner, I will ensure compliance with the advice and avoid falling on the bad side of the law,” he says. Another resident, Kristofina Iifugula, thanks the town council for the move. “The noise in town was getting out of hand and I just hope those with ears will hear this and avoid engaging in activities generating excessive noise. “It’s examination time and our children deserve to study in a quiet environment that will not disturb them,” she says. The Ongwediva Town Council recently warned its residents against excessive noise pollution. Chief executive Damian Egumbo says the council has observed excessive noise from various events and activities across the town. “Any person or entity intending to host an event or activity that may generate significant noise is required to notify the council in advance. This includes social gatherings, musical events, church services, community meetings and public announcements using loudspeakers,” he says. Egumbo says all events or activities must ensure noise levels remain reasonable and do not disturb neighbouring residents’ peace. He further says all amplified sound and noise-generating activities must cease or be turned down by 22h00. Egumbo explains that noise pollution is governed by the Local Authorities Act, which authorises the council to regulate public nuisance, including noise, and the Environment Management Act, which obliges all individuals and entities to prevent environmental disturbances, including excessive noise in the interest of public health and well-being. “The Ongwediva Town Council appeals to all stakeholders to act responsibly and support the creation of a peaceful and respectful living environment for all residents. Failure to comply may lead to other actions, as deemed appropriate by council,” he says. The post Ongwediva residents welcome noise ban appeared first on The Namibian.

#Ongwediva #NoiseBan #NoisePollution #CommunityHealth #PeaceAndQuiet

NCCI Ongwediva unveils new executive committee NCCI Ongwediva unveils new executive committee NBC Online Thu, 06/05/2025 - 17:13

#NCCI #Ongwediva #BusinessLeadership #Namibia #ExecutiveCommittee

Ongwediva welcomes Miss Namibia and Miss Teen 2025 Ongwediva welcomes Miss Namibia and Miss Teen 2025 NBC Online Mon, 06/02/2025 - 11:03

#MissNamibia #MissTeenNamibia #Ongwediva #BeautyPageant #NamibiaCulture

Ongwediva Approves N$205 Million Budget Ongwediva Approves N$205 Million Budget NBC Online Thu, 05/29/2025 - 16:11

#Ongwediva #Budget2025 #LocalGovernment #ServiceProvision #Housing

Tourist injured during robbery at Ongwediva A group of tourists were robbed at gunpoint at a guesthouse at Ongwediva on Monday, leaving one person injured. Police crime investigations coordinator for the Oshana region, deputy commissioner Frederick Ndjadila, on Wednesday said the incident occurred around 22h00. He said the four tourists from Angola had returned from a trip to Ruacana when the incident occurred. “It is alleged that while the tourists were in the yard removing their belongings from their vehicle, they were attacked by seven unknown suspects armed with a pistol and knives,” he said. He added that the suspects allegedly opened fire, injuring one of the tourists identified as Garcia Molina, a 38-year-old Spanish national residing in Angola. Molina was rushed to the Oshakati Intermediate Hospital and has since been discharged. “The suspects managed to steal a significant amount of personal belongings, including two laptops, a hard drive, three cellphones, a credit card, clothing, bags and shoes, with a total estimated value of N$33 417,” Ndjadila said. No arrest has been made and police investigations continue. The post Tourist injured during robbery at Ongwediva appeared first on The Namibian.

#TourismSafety #Ongwediva #TravelAlert #Robbery #CrimeNews

Mentally challenged man under hospital care after allegedly damaging property at Ongwediva A 20-year-old man, believed to be mentally challenged, is currently receiving medical attention at an Oshakati hospital following a series of alleged incidents of malicious damage to property on Tuesday. The police’s commander in the Oshana region, commissioner Naftal Sakaria, says the incident occurred at around 10h40 at Oikango No 2 village, near Niitembu Primary School in the Ongwediva constituency. However, Sakaria notes that no formal arrest has been made at this time due to the individual’s condition. According to Sakaria, the suspect is accused of causing extensive damage at the school and a nearby residence while pupils were heading to the kitchen for their lunch break. “They then ran back towards their classes, screaming and notifying their teachers and principal. The principal immediately contacted the Ongwediva Police Station for assistance,” he says. He adds that the suspect also went to the kitchen and poured out the soft porridge intended for the pupils from all three cooking pots. Sakaria indicates that the suspect allegedly proceeded to a water tap, removed the metal tap post, and moved towards the area where teachers’ vehicles were parked on the southern side of the school. “Using an Okapi knife, he reportedly slashed the tyres of three vehicles. He further used the metal tap post to smash the windows, windscreens and damage accessories such as indicators and side mirrors of these vehicles,” he adds. Sakaria says the suspect then proceeded to a nearby residence, where he allegedly smashed a total of 11 windows across eight rooms. He notes that no damage was sustained to school buildings and no injuries were inflicted on any pupils or teachers during the incident. He further indicates that the estimated value of the damaged properties exceeds N$500 000. Police investigations into the matter continue. The post Mentally challenged man under hospital care after allegedly damaging property at Ongwediva appeared first on The Namibian.

#MentalHealthAwareness #Ongwediva #Namibia #MentalHealth #CommunitySafety

Ongwediva Mayor praises President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership Ongwediva Mayor praises President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership NBC Online Sat, 03/22/2025 - 21:18

#Namibia #NandiNdaitwah #Leadership #WomenInLeadership #Ongwediva

That's the 8th time we've visited Namibia 🇳🇦
The last time was 3 months, 6 days ago : Roman Catholic Church in #Ongwediva - https://twitter.com/churchesofnote/status/TESTID

#VisitNamibia
#StepByStep 👣
#PlacesOfWorship
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A map showing the great circle route from Ongwediva in Namibia to a map pin at St Theresa's Parish Church, Tavola Street, Ba, Fiji

St Theresa's Parish Church in #Ba, #Fiji -🇫🇯 is around 18,005 km or 11,253 miles from our previous place of worship Ongwediva in #Ongwediva, #Namibia - 🇳🇦
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Wikipedia:Contributing to Wikipedia - Wikipedia As a new contributor, you may feel a little overwhelmed by Wikipedia. Don't worry

Roman Catholic Church in #Ongwediva, #Namibia has no wikipedia page, why not become an editor and add one?
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Contribut...

#VisitNamibia
#StepByStep 👣
#PlacesOfWorship
4/6

A map showing the great circle route from Coloane in China to a map pin at Roman Catholic Church, Church Street, Ongwediva 15006, Namibia

Roman Catholic Church in #Ongwediva, #Namibia -🇳🇦 is around 10,302 km or 6,439 miles from our previous place of worship Coloane in #Coloane, #China - 🇨🇳
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