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//Karas
LPM members doubt party after Keetmans mayor booted
Landless People’s Movement (LPM) supporters are questioning their party loyalty following the sudden, unexplained removal of Keetmanshoop mayor Melody Swartbooi from her position. Staunch supporters are saying withdrawing a councillor without disclosing a reason is an “administrative illegality”. LPM withdrew Swartbooi from her position and revoked her representation on the town council with immediate effect […] The post LPM members doubt party after Keetmans mayor booted appeared first on The N
Ministeli kuna kutara udigu wonzugo zokurara vanona moLuderitz
Dalene Kooper Keetmanshoop- Vatungimo moLuderitz, vakurona novadinkantu kuna kuhundira asi vahepa kudikapo evango eli nalikara asi nonzugo dokurara vana sure ndi asi epondokwa, morwa vanona vanzi vana kulitjangesa nye mararo kwato nye awo vanzi vana litjangesa, awo hena kutunda konofarama ntani konomukunda doponze zodoropa. Murugani gosinka sovadinkantu moLuderitz Sacky Kandenge, katente asi yousili kuna karapo... The post Ministeli kuna kutara udigu wonzugo zokurara vanona moLuderitz appeared
//Kharas Youth Desk hosts leadership training
Dalene Kooper KEETMANSHOOP – The //Kharas governors’ Youth Desk hosted a leadership and financial literacy training at the Keetmanshoop multi-purpose youth centre on Friday. Raymond Freyer, youth desk coordinator and training facilitator, said there is a need to equip young people with leadership and financial management skills to prepare them for opportunities and the workplace.... The post //Kharas Youth Desk hosts leadership training appeared first on New Era .
Keetmans protests over ejected mayor
Dalene Kooper KEETMANSHOOP – Supporters of the Landless People’s Movement (LPM) on Monday protested the removal of Keetmanshoop mayor Melody Swartbooi, calling the decision unlawful. A group of protesters, led by former regional council chairperson Joseph Isaacks, marched to the Keetmanshoop Municipality’s offices to hand over their petition to the council. Isaacks said that the... The post Keetmans protests over ejected mayor appeared first on New Era .
Lüderitz podcast to inspire, empower youth
Dalene Kooper KEETMANSHOOP – A youth podcast launched recently in Lüderitz is expected to give young people greater access to information, digital innovation and entrepreneurial opportunities, while helping them build practical skills for self-sustainability. Youth Officer Sacky Kandenge said the Lüderitz Youth Podcast was created to inform, educate and inspire young people, and to raise... The post Lüderitz podcast to inspire, empower youth appeared first on New Era .
Salmon farming gets N$40 million shot in arm
Namibian investment company Omankete Investments has invested N$40 million in African Aquaculture Company’s (AAC) pioneering offshore salmon farming project near Lüderitz. Omankete is the first private Namibian investor in the venture. The investment comes as Namibia moves ahead with plans to establish its first salmon farming industry and increase local participation in the sector. AAC […] The post Salmon farming gets N$40 million shot in arm appeared first on The Namibian .
LPM ‘interviewed staff’ before firing mayor
Former Keetmanshoop mayor and Landless People’s Movement (LPM) councillor Melody Swartbooi says party members interviewed municipality staff days before she was removed as mayor and as a council member. Swartbooi was removed by the party on Friday. LPM spokesperson Lifalaza Simataa told The Namibian on Saturday that the party had not instructed party leaders to […] The post LPM ‘interviewed staff’ before firing mayor appeared first on The Namibian .
Karasburg councillors probed over ‘stolen’ electricity
TWO Karasburg Town Council officials are under police investigation for allegedly defrauding the local authority of more than N$1.5 million through long-term electricity theft. A report on the theft, compiled by town council technical manager Derek Basson, says a councillor serving on the management committee more than five years ago asked for the voluntary disconnection […] The post Karasburg councillors probed over ‘stolen’ electricity appeared first on The Namibian .
LPM withdraws Keetmanshoop mayor Swartbooi
The Landless People’s Movement has withdrawn Keetmanshoop mayor Melody Swartbooi from her position and revoked her representation on the town council with immediate effect. Swartbooi was elected mayor in December 2025 following the regional council and local authority elections. The decision is contained in a letter dated 5 June, signed by the party’s operative secretary, […] The post LPM withdraws Keetmanshoop mayor Swartbooi appeared first on The Namibian .
Melody Swartbooi withdrawn as Keetmanshoop mayor
Staff Reporter MELODY Swartbooi has been withdrawn as Mayor of Keetmanshoop with immediate effect. This was announced by Dawid Eigub, the Operative Secretary of the Landless People’s Movement (LPM), who confirmed that Swartbooi’s representation of the party on the Keetmanshoop Town Council has been revoked. He added that the decision was made in terms of ... The post Melody Swartbooi withdrawn as Keetmanshoop mayor appeared first on Informanté .
Brown hyena research reveals extraordinary behaviour of these ghost predators
The Brown Hyena Research Project operating from its base at Lüderitz, is a pioneering conservation initiative to study and protect an elusive large predator, the brown hyena. This research is supported by Namdeb as the custodian of diamond mining areas along the southern Namib coastline where these ghost carnivores occur. Commemorating World Environment Day, the […]
TransNamib rail safety review backs reforms after Rovos derailment
TransNamib says an independent investigation into the Rovos Rail passenger train derailment near Keetmanshoop has reinforced the need for continued improvements in rail safety and operational systems. The derailment occurred on 1 March south of Keetmanshoop, prompting TransNamib to appoint South Africa’s Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) to conduct an independent investigation. Namibia currently does not […] The post TransNamib rail safety review backs reforms after Rovos derailment appeared first
TransNamib receives independent investigation report on Rovos rail accident
Staff Reporter THE national rail operator, TransNamib, has announced receipt of the independent investigation report into the Rovos Rail passenger train derailment incident that occurred on 1 March 2026 south of Keetmanshoop, Namibia, which claimed the lives of two people. The luxury passenger train derailed after rains had washed away sections of the track, with ... The post TransNamib receives independent investigation report on Rovos rail accident appeared first on Informanté .
Fishing drives Lüderitz economy
Dalene Kooper KEETMANSHOOP- The Mayor of Lüderitz, Brigitte Fredericks, said the economy of Lüderitz depends heavily on the fishing industry as it is the biggest employer, employing about 2500 Lüderitz residents. “The fishing industry immensely contributes to the town’s economy. Fishing companies are the biggest employers, with NovaNam employing around 2500 people,” Fredericks said, “The... The post Fishing drives Lüderitz economy appeared first on New Era .
Nama Traditional Leaders Association warns against exclusive development
The Nama Traditional Leaders Association (NTLA) has cautioned that Namibia’s push for development risks repeating historical patterns of exclusion if affected communities remain sidelined from ownership and decision-making. Reflecting on the government’s genocide remembrance programme held at Lüderitz on Wednesday under the theme ‘Genocide to Renaissance’, NTLA secretary general Lazarus Kairabeb on Thursday said the […] The post Nama Traditional Leaders Association warns against exclusive develo
Namibia, Germany reaffirm reconciliation on Genocide Remembrance Day
Staff Reporter GERMAN Ambassador Thorsten Hutter joined other officials in Lüderitz as Namibia observed Genocide Remembrance Day on 28 May 2026, with commemorations held across the country, paying tribute to victims of the 1904–1908 colonial war and reiterating commitments to reconciliation between Namibia and Germany. The day marks the anniversary of 28 May 1908, when ... The post Namibia, Germany reaffirm reconciliation on Genocide Remembrance Day appeared first on Informanté .
YOUNG OBSERVER | Lüderitz to host Oil and Gas Youth Open Day
Staff Writer The Namibia Youth Energy Forum (NYEF) will host the first Lüderitz Oil & Gas Youth Open Day next month. This is part of NYEF’s efforts to connect young people and local businesses to opportunities emerging in Namibia’s growing oil and gas sector. The event will take place on 20 June at the Lüderitz […]
Tales of the Legends – Tracking down forgotten football icon Walter Khosan Sokupa …‘Buchter’ washes ashore
Born and raised in the remote Southern harbor town Luderitzbucht in 1951, Walter Khosan Sokupa was a rare gem, indeed a phenomenal footballer who made it his soul’s beat to constantly terrorise and bamboozle robust defenders with sheer speed, football arrogance, amazing skill, and dribbling tricks second to none. The flying winger started playing competitive... The post Tales of the Legends – Tracking down forgotten football icon Walter Khosan Sokupa …‘Buchter’ washes ashore appeared first on Ne
Katamelo demands action beyond words on genocide
The atrocities committed by Germany during the 1904–1908 genocide against the Ovaherero and Nama people can only be addressed through meaningful action, National Assembly deputy speaker Phillipus Katamelo said on Thursday. Katamelo made the remarks during Namibia’s Genocide Remembrance Day commemoration at Shark Island at Lüderitz. “As descendants of Germany living in Namibia, your words […] The post Katamelo demands action beyond words on genocide appeared first on The Namibian .
Keetmans under fire over N$391 000 monthly vehicle rentals
The Keetmanshoop municipality is paying N$391 000 a month on renting 26 vehicles, including a Mercedes-Benz for the mayor, despite struggling financially. This has attracted criticism from municipal councillors who are calling the expenditure “absurd and a waste of resources”. Acting chief executive Desiree Boois last month said the municipality has opted to rent vehicles […] The post Keetmans under fire over N$391 000 monthly vehicle rentals appeared first on The Namibian .
Opinion – Spotlight on Shark Island
It was on this fateful day, 2nd October 1904 when German imperial genocide general Lothar von Trotha declared genocide against the Ovaherero people, and extended this termination order to the Nama people on the 23rd April 1905. This academic piece focusses mainly on the historical context of Shark Island located near the harbour of Lüderitz,... The post Opinion – Spotlight on Shark Island appeared first on New Era .
Swapo sharpens //Kharas base
HILLSIDE FARMHOUSE – The Swapo Party recently conducted a training workshop for deployed leaders at regional and local authority councils at Hillside Farmhouse near Keetmanshoop. During deliberations, facilitator Fluksman Samuehl reminded the councillors of the fact that they are occupying positions of great responsibility. “In other words, you bear immense responsibilities for service delivery and... The post Swapo sharpens //Kharas base appeared first on New Era .
Nama Cultural Festival returns to Keetmanshoop for heritage celebration
Staff Reporter THE 7th edition of the Nama Cultural Festival is set to take place at the Westdene Stadium in Keetmanshoop from 28 to 31 May 2026, bringing together communities, traditional leaders, cultural stakeholders and visitors from across the country in celebration of Nama heritage, identity and unity. Held under the theme, “Namakhoeda ge-ǀGuiǃnâxa sîsenǀgauga ... The post Nama Cultural Festival returns to Keetmanshoop for heritage celebration appeared first on Informanté .
Namibia to hold Genocide Remembrance commemoration in Lüderitz
Staff Reporter LÜDERITZ will host its annual Genocide Remembrance commemoration at Shark Island from 27–28 May 2026, as the country continues to honour victims of the genocide and reflect on a painful chapter in its history. The event, which forms part of the national observance of Genocide Remembrance Day on 28 May, will bring together ... The post Namibia to hold Genocide Remembrance commemoration in Lüderitz appeared first on Informanté .
Kunene unites in grief …Worker’s Day crash victims buried
Dalene Kooper Mulisa Simiyasa KEETMANSHOOP – Grief-stricken families, friends and community members gathered over the weekend to pay respect to victims of the tragic Workers’ Day accident that claimed 11 lives and left communities in the Kunene region in mourning at Kamanjab. Victoria Kaunotje and her children, Karaerua Zaongara and Tunaune Zaongara, were buried at... The post Kunene unites in grief …Worker’s Day crash victims buried appeared first on New Era .
YOUNG OBSERVER | ǁKaras launches youth desk to boost empowerment
Patience Makwele The ||Karas region has officially launched the Governor’s Youth Desk alongside the Youth Empowerment Strategic Framework 2026–2029, in a move aimed at strengthening youth participation in governance, skills development and economic empowerment. The initiative was launched on Wednesday evening in Keetmanshoop during an event attended by more than 100 young people from across […]
No spillage in Fishcor vessel oil transfer
The National Fishing Corporation of Namibia says all fuel that was on board the MFV Seaflower vessel, which ran aground offshore Lüderitz, has been safely transferred to another vessel without any spillage. The incident raised environmental concerns due to the vessel’s proximity to one of Namibia’s most sensitive seabird breeding areas. In a press release […] The post No spillage in Fishcor vessel oil transfer appeared first on The Namibian .
Self-erecting wind turbine cuts energy costs
A WIND farm near Lüderitz is using pioneering self-erecting technology to build turbines without heavy cranes, significantly reducing costs and wind-related installation delays. InnoVent’s Diaz wind farm made use of Spanish engineering company Nabrawind’s Skylift technology to build the turbine. “The turbine essentially builds itself upward from the ground,” InnoVent executive director for southern Africa […] The post Self-erecting wind turbine cuts energy costs appeared first on The Namibian .
Gainachas farmers unite to uplift communities
Dalene Kooper KEETMANSHOOP – In a notable development on Friday, the Gainachas Farmers Development Co-operative (GFDC) received commendations for its exemplary approach to organised agriculture, which is significantly contributing to the resilience and improved livelihoods of its members. The co-operative, established in 2009 and revitalised in 2020 with a renewed focus on sustainable farming practices,... The post Gainachas farmers unite to uplift communities appeared first on New Era .
Keetmanshoop Rams cling to Diego Cup championship
Dalene Kooper KEETMANSHOOP- Keetmanshoop Rams retained the Diego floating trophy after defeating Ocean Swallows 32-17 in a tightly contested southern derby, played at Kronlein Stadium on Saturday. The Rams remain undefeated as they lifted the cup for the third time in three years. Rams coach Brendon Walters described the encounter as a spirited game despite... The post Keetmanshoop Rams cling to Diego Cup championship appeared first on New Era .
Diego Cup…
Keetmanshoop Rams Rugby club is going up against Lüderitz based, long-time rival, Ocean Swallows, at the Krönlein Stadium, today. The teams are clashing it out to win the 2026 local rugby derby Diego Cup championship.Photos: Dalene Kooper The post Diego Cup… appeared first on New Era .
Tales of the Legends – In conversation with midfield general Leonard Stanley Kwambi
Born and bred in Luderitz since 1977, Kwambi started playing football barefoot in the dusty streets of Beguela. He played junior football for the school’s football team. Interestingly, the super energetic young boy was a much sought after oval ball chaser (rugby). Kwambi played scrumhalf for the P.K de Villiers School Rugby Fifteen in Keetmanshoop. ... The post Tales of the Legends – In conversation with midfield general Leonard Stanley Kwambi appeared first on New Era .
Luderitz waterfront kunakukadika sipangero, evango lyokurara vadinguli
Dalene Kooper Luderitz – mukurona pamberewa Waterfront kampany, Samuehl Fluksman, kageve nye magano aga asi awo tava kadika hetera zonene ntani sipangero sopaumwene eyi yina kara asi simwe soyitumbukira yawo nava reta kovantu unene vatunga modoropa zaLuderitz yipo likare evango lyovadinguli ntani vapungwisi. Fluksman katente asi ekuliko lyangesi talikakara limwe lyontambo zautatu omu vana kugazara... The post Luderitz waterfront kunakukadika sipangero, evango lyokurara vadinguli appeared first
Small wins for African penguins amid a sharp population decline
Last Friday, a female African penguin was successfully released back into the wild on Halifax Island near Lüderitz. Named AP002, the penguin was cared for by the Namibian Foundation for the Conservation of Seabirds (Namcob) for 49 days before she was ready to return to her family. Rescued as an underweight chick, dedicated care saw […] The post Small wins for African penguins amid a sharp population decline appeared first on The Namibian .
Wokutarera vantu vana kuparuka nourema kavagwene edeuro
Dalene Kooper Luderitz -ozinya vana ava ava paruka nourema modoropa zaLuderitz ngesi vana lipakerere vatulisepoi evango lyoyirema omu nye nalivatera vana vawo. Evango eli kwalitulisapo livatere morwa vana kara noudigu womavango eli nalikara asi lyokuvatera vanona ava ava paruka nourema ntani kuvatera nye owo ava vakeverere vakara nomukumo vavatere vanona ava. Eyi kayigeve nye Anschua... The post Wokutarera vantu vana kuparuka nourema kavagwene edeuro appeared first on New Era .
New township to address housing backlog in Keetmans
Dalene Kooper KEETMANSHOOP – Efforts to address the housing challenges in Keetmanshoop have received a boost, following the official proclamation of the Brukharos Proper township. The township comprises approximately 319 erven and is aimed at providing serviced, low-cost plots to residents on the municipality’s housing waiting list. Keetmanshoop’s Public Relations Officer, Monica Imene, said partial... The post New township to address housing backlog in Keetmans appeared first on New Era .
Navy brings ceremonial flair to Crayfish Festival
Staff Reporter THE Namibian Navy added ceremonial prestige and public engagement to the 2026 Lüderitz Crayfish Festival, with a series of parades, ship tours and a high-level reception aboard one of its vessels during the coastal event held from 28 April to 3 May in Lüderitz. The festival opened with a performance by the Navy ... The post Navy brings ceremonial flair to Crayfish Festival appeared first on Informanté .
Govt ready for green hydrogen benefits …VP visits Hyphen’s hydrogen project
Dalene Kooper LÜDERITZ – Vice President, Lucia Witbooi, on Sunday reaffirmed the government’s support for the country’s green energy ambitions by pledging the necessary support for the flagship Hyphen Green Hydrogen project. The Hyphen project, with a projected investment of around US$10 billion (approximately N$168 billion), aims to produce 350 000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually... The post Govt ready for green hydrogen benefits …VP visits Hyphen’s hydrogen project appeared first on New Era
Three in custody after N$1 million cannabis bust near Keetmanshoop
The police intercepted a truck allegedly carrying N$1 million worth of cannabis on Friday. The truck was travelling on the Grunau road outside Keetmanshoop and intercepted around 17h00. “Following an intelligence-led operation, it is alleged that the police intercepted a truck conveying cannabis valued at over N$1 million towards Keetmanshoop,” national police spokesperson deputy commissioner […] The post Three in custody after N$1 million cannabis bust near Keetmanshoop appeared first on The Na
Disability caretakers plead for training
Dalene Kooper LÜDERITZ – Mothers of children living with disabilities in Lüderitz have joined hands to establish a disability centre to care for their children. The centre was created in response to a shortage of facilities catering to children living with disabilities, and to assist caretakers in improving their ability to care for these children.... The post Disability caretakers plead for training appeared first on New Era .