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Omusati
‘We are tired of teaching in shacks’ – Omusati teachers
Patience Makwele Teachers in the Omusati region say they are tired of teaching in makeshift “shacks” (classrooms), with some schools still struggling with basic sanitation, administrative space and facilities needed for practical subjects. The concerns were raised during an African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) validation workshop in the region on Tuesday, where several teachers and […]
Governance promises face reality check in Omusati
Sostenus Wilherm Namibia’s commitment to good governance is facing a reality check, with stakeholders in the Omusati Region urged to critically assess the country’s progress in implementing governance reforms rather than simply celebrating achievements. Omusati governor Immanuel Shikongo has called for an open assessment of Namibia’s implementation of recommendations under the African Peer Review Mechanism […]
Woman allegedly concealed birth, admitted in hospital under police guard
Staff Reporter A FEMALE Angolan national has been arrested in the Omusati Region after she allegedly gave birth to a baby boy, concealed the birth and dumped the baby in a pit latrine in Iihanguti village, Elim Constituency. The crime was discovered Tuesday morning by the suspect’s alert housemates, who became suspicious about the mysterious ... The post Woman allegedly concealed birth, admitted in hospital under police guard appeared first on Informanté .
Man arrested for the alleged rape of a 5-year-old nephew
Staff Reporter A 34-YEAR-OLD male suspect has been taken into police custody in the Omusati Region after he allegedly raped his five-year-old nephew on an unknown date and time in Ohambalanganga village, Outapi Constituency. According to police regional commander Ismael Basson, the crime was committed while the suspect, who is an uncle to the victim, ... The post Man arrested for the alleged rape of a 5-year-old nephew appeared first on Informanté .
Onandjamba farmers devastated as mystery outbreak kills 300 pigs
Omusati farmers have reported the death of more than 300 pigs in Onandjamba in the Okalongo constituency last month, which they attributed to an unknown disease outbreak.Veterinary...
Shikongo warns against forgetting liberation history
Eba Kandovazu OUTAPI – Omusati governor Immanuel Shikongo has called on Namibia to continue commemorating Heroes’ Day and documenting the country’s liberation history. He warned that failing to preserve the memories of the war could leave future generations questioning whether the struggle ever happened.Shikongo made the remarks in a recent interview with Nampa. He said... The post Shikongo warns against forgetting liberation history appeared first on New Era .
‘Olufuko initiation does not mean the end of school’
OUTAPI – Olufuko does not mean the end of education, but rather serves as a cultural foundation for discipline, responsibility and lifelong learning, speakers at the 2026 Olufuko Annual Cultural Festival in Outapi have stressed. The nine-day festival, which started on 24 August and will run until 1 September at the Olufuko Centre, has brought... The post ‘Olufuko initiation does not mean the end of school’ appeared first on New Era .
IPC condemns murder of five-year-old child in Omusati
Sostenus Wilherm The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has condemned the brutal killing of a five-year-old child at Oshifo village in the Ruacana constituency, Omusati region, calling for swift and uncompromising justice against those responsible for violence against children. In a statement issued on Friday, IPC deputy shadow minister of gender, equality and child welfare, […]
Omusati pushes agriculture, infrastructure and jobs agenda
Omusati region has placed agriculture, infrastructure, education and economic empowerment at the centre of its development agenda, with Governor Immanuel Shishi
Olufuko gives Outapi businesses economic boost
Businesses in Outapi are looking forward to the economic opportunities created by the annual Olufuko Cultural Festival, with accommodation providers, food vendo
Nakayale VTC emerges as a skills development powerhouse
Lahja Nashuuta OUTAPI-Nakayale Vocational Training Centre (VTC) is strengthening its contribution to Namibia’s skills development agenda by equipping young
Olufuko targets tourism and investment
The Olufuko cultural festival is positioning itself beyond a celebration of tradition, with the Outapi Town Council using the annual event to promote tourism, a
Olufuko Festival celebrates culture and creates opportunities
The 2026 Olufuko annual cultural festival is underway at the Olufuko centre in Outapi, bringing together culture, heritage, education, business, tourism, entert
Omusati traditional leaders support Olufuko
Lahja Nashuuta As the sounds of traditional music, cultural performances and preparations for the annual Olufuko Cultural Festival fill Outapi, traditional l
Olufuko organisers dismiss misconceptions, say ceremony prepares girls for womanhood
OUTAPI – Organisers of the Olufuko Cultural Festival have dismissed misconceptions surrounding the traditional initiation ceremony, saying Olufuko is not abo
All about Tsandi Village Council
Tsandi is a small but steadily growing village council situated in the heart of the Omusati region, along the MR123 road linking Outapi and Okahao. Surrounde
Solar lights brighten up Oshikuku …Long-Dark Extension 9 gets lights
After years of darkness, residents of Oshikuku Extension 9 can now look forward to safer and better-lit streets following the installation of 50 solar-powered s
YOUNG OBSERVER | Youth back Shimwaafeni’s hero status amid recognition debate
Patience Makwele Young Namibians have rallied behind President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s decision to confer national hero status on 16-year-old Cornelius Tulotokela Shimwaafeni. They say his rescue of two babies should be celebrated as an example of courage rather than becoming consumed by controversy over tribalism and recognition. Shimwaafeni who is from Omutundungu village in the Omusati […]
Nigerian delegation to tour Omusati projects ahead of Olufuko Festival opening
Staff Reporter A THREE-DAY official visit by a delegation from Plateau State, Nigeria, to the Omusati Region, starting Thursday, will focus on agriculture, education, tourism and culture. The programme includes site visits to the Etunda Irrigation Scheme, Ogongo Agricultural College, Olushandja projects, Ruacana Waterfalls and the Baobab Tree Heritage Site, ahead of the official opening ... The post Nigerian delegation to tour Omusati projects ahead of Olufuko Festival opening appeared first on
16-year-old honoured as National Hero for saving twins
Staff Reporter PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has officially conferred National Hero status on Kornelius Shimuafeni, the 16-year-old boy who saved nine-month-old twins from drowning. “It is my distinct honour to confer hero status on Kornelius Tulotokela Shimuafeni was, a 16-year-old from Omutundungu village in the Omusati Region. Kornelius acted on behalf of all Namibians without hesitation ... The post 16-year-old honoured as National Hero for saving twins appeared first on Informanté .
From Nigeria to Outapi: Plateau State Governor and cultural troupe to grace Olufuko 2026
Staff Reporter CALEB Manasseh Mutfwang, Executive Governor of Nigeria’s Plateau State, will deliver goodwill remarks at the official opening of the Olufuko Cultural Festival, adding an international dimension to this year’s celebrations. The festival runs from Monday until 1 September in Outapi. Governor Mutfwang will be accompanied by the Plateau State Cultural Troupe, which will ... The post From Nigeria to Outapi: Plateau State Governor and cultural troupe to grace Olufuko 2026 appeared first
120 girls to undergo initiation as Olufuko 2026 kicks off in Outapi
Placido Hilukilwa A TOTAL of 120 young girls from traditional authorities in the Omusati Region will undergo initiation during the 2026 Olufuko Cultural Festival, which officially kicks off in Outapi on Monday. Organisers say 165 exhibitors have registered for this year’s event. They include government institutions, public and private organisations, institutions of higher learning, vocational ... The post 120 girls to undergo initiation as Olufuko 2026 kicks off in Outapi appeared first on Infor
Ministry begins tractor servicing ahead of 2026/27 cropping season
Staff Reporter THE Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has started servicing and repairing agricultural machinery in the Omusati Region to ensure tractors are ready for deployment ahead of the 2026/27 dryland crop production season. The tractor servicing and readiness programme began in the region as part of preparations for the upcoming ploughing ... The post Ministry begins tractor servicing ahead of 2026/27 cropping season appeared first on Informanté .
Outapi Water Treatment Plant reaches 60% completion
Staff Reporter THE construction of the upgraded Outapi Water Treatment Plant has reached 60% completion, with the project expected to be completed by June next year and significantly improve water supply to residents in the area. Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Minister Inge Zaamwani inspected the project during a visit to the site and ... The post Outapi Water Treatment Plant reaches 60% completion appeared first on Informanté .
NamPol’s stolen AK-47 recovered in Angola, two fugitives still at large
Staff Reporter AN ASSAULT rifle that was stolen in May this year when six trial-awaiting inmates overpowered police officers and escaped from police cells at Onandjaba in the Omusati Region has been recovered in Angola after a tip-off from a resident of the area. According to the police’s Regional Commander, Ismael Basson, the police received ... The post NamPol’s stolen AK-47 recovered in Angola, two fugitives still at large appeared first on Informanté .
Fugitive arrested after alleged rape of 11-year-old niece in Omusati Region
CRIME UPDATE: The 32-year-old suspect, who has been on the run in the Omusati Region since 6 August after he allegedly raped an 11-year-old niece, has finally been arrested. The suspect had gone into hiding immediately after committing the alleged crime in the Ohendjeno village, Okalongo constituency. Both the suspect and the victim reside in ... The post Fugitive arrested after alleged rape of 11-year-old niece in Omusati Region appeared first on Informanté .
Minor allegedly raped by uncle at Onandjaba
Staff Reporter A KNOWN male suspect who allegedly raped his 11-year-old niece in the Omusati Region earlier this month is still on the run. The Namibian police at Onandjaba in the Okalongo constituency are investigating a case of rape read with provisions of the Domestic Violence Act of 2003 following an incident in the Ohendjeno ... The post Minor allegedly raped by uncle at Onandjaba appeared first on Informanté .
Two teenagers arrested for rape in Omusati
Staff Reporter THE Namibian police in the Omusati Region are investigating two separate incidents of rape and have arrested two suspects aged 15 and 17. The victims in both cases are minors, aged two and ten years respectively. According to the police regional commander, Ismael Basson, the first incident occurred on Monday afternoon in the ... The post Two teenagers arrested for rape in Omusati appeared first on Informanté .
Oshikuku Council under fire over financial management
Staff Reporter The Public Accounts Committee of the National Assembly has expressed disappointment and concern over the financial management of Oshikuku Town Council after discovering that its finance function has been overseen for nearly two decades by an official without the necessary financial expertise. The concerns emerged during a recent public hearing convened to examine ... The post Oshikuku Council under fire over financial management appeared first on Informanté .
Uahekua Herunga primary appeals for help
Learners at Uahekua Herunga Primary School in the Ruacana constituency of the Omusati region are facing a shortage of mattresses, prompting the school to appeal
Woman instructs relatives to go to church, then commits suicide
Staff Reporter AN elderly female resident of Okalondo village in the Otamanzi Constituency of the Omusati Region allegedly committed suicide after instructing members of her household to go to church on Sunday morning. According to the police, the 82-year-old woman woke up early and told members of her household to go to church. However, when ... The post Woman instructs relatives to go to church, then commits suicide appeared first on Informanté .
Omusati Horse Racing event geared up to go
The 17th Annual Omusati Horse Racing Competition will take place on 15 August at the Kuku Helvi Mpingana Kondombolo Horse Racing Sport Field and Recreation Centre in Onamatanga village, Ruacana constituency. Organisers said preparations for the popular sporting event are at an advanced stage. Chairperson of the Omusati Annual Horse Racing Preparation Committee, Johannes Shaanika,... The post Omusati Horse Racing event geared up to go appeared first on New Era .
Olufuko gala raises N$1 million
Lahja Nashuuta OUTAPI – The Olufuko Annual Cultural Festival has secured pledges totalling N$1 million from businesses, institutions and individuals across the Omusati region. The pledges, made in monetary and in-kind contributions, were announced during the Olufuko Fundraising Gala Dinner held in Outapi ahead of the festival, which is scheduled to take place from 24... The post Olufuko gala raises N$1 million appeared first on New Era .
Man commits suicide in Omusati after hearing voices
Staff Reporter JACKSON Amadhila Johannes, a 35-year-old resident of Eemwandi village in the Tsandi Constituency of the Omusati Region, has committed suicide after allegedly informing his housemates that he was hearing voices commanding him to take a rope and hang himself. He was last seen alive on Thursday before midnight, and his body was found ... The post Man commits suicide in Omusati after hearing voices appeared first on Informanté .
Lutheran Church ordains eleven new pastors
Placido Hilukilwa THE Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN) ordained eleven new pastors during a solemn ceremony at its Western Diocese headquarters in Nakayale, near Outapi in the Omusati Region, on Sunday. The ordination was led by Presiding Bishop Gideon Niitenge, who heads the Western Diocese, and Bishop Hilja Nghaangulwa of the Eastern Diocese. Western ... The post Lutheran Church ordains eleven new pastors appeared first on Informanté .
Accused in 5-year-old’s murder remanded in custody
Staff Reporter ELLENESTER Commando Nako, the 24-year-old man accused of murdering his five-year-old daughter near Ruacana in the Omusati Region last week, appeared in the Outapi Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday and remains in custody. The case was postponed to 30 November for further investigation. Nako had been on the run since last Wednesday after he ... The post Accused in 5-year-old’s murder remanded in custody appeared first on Informanté .
Omusati in health crisis – MPs
Staff shortages, ageing infrastructure, broken equipment, poor roads and shortages of essential medicines are just some harbingers pointing to an Omusati healthcare system under severe strain. This is deduced from a recent visit by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Gender Equality, Health and Social Welfare to the region. The committee has since raised concerns over... The post Omusati in health crisis – MPs appeared first on New Era .
Northern BMX league reaches final leg … riders battle for national spots
The northern leg of the Namibian Cycling Federation’s BMX development league concluded in Outapi over the weekend. Young cyclists from across the north c
OMUSATI: Manhunt ends with the arrest of murder suspect
Staff Reporter THE 24-YEAR-OLD male suspect who had been on the run in the Omusati Region since last week after allegedly murdering his five-year-old daughter in Oshifo Village, Ruacana Constituency, has finally been traced and arrested. According to Regional Police Commander Ismael Basson, the suspect was found in Oshikuku on Sunday. The police said the ... The post OMUSATI: Manhunt ends with the arrest of murder suspect appeared first on Informanté .
A modern-day Namibian hero …young Shimwaafeni stands alongside liberation icons
Namibia will honour courage across generations during this year’s Heroes’ Day commemorations. But there will be something special: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will recognise a 16-year-old boy who saved drowning twins alongside more than 1 000 liberation struggle veterans. The recognition of Cornelius Shimwaafeni, a teenager from Omutundungu in the Omusati region, is expected to be... The post A modern-day Namibian hero …young Shimwaafeni stands alongside liberation icons appeared first on N