Clean energy transition is a necessity for Namibia and Africa
via The Namibian6 min read
Fossil fuels are driving a global cost crisis for households, businesses, and nations, with geopolitical conflicts and instability leading to rising prices for fuel, food, and basic goods. This erodes purchasing power and strains economies worldwide. The International Energy Agency describes the current situation as the greatest global energy security threat in history, with constricted oil and gas supplies driving inflation. In Africa, many countries face rising food and fuel prices, which strain household budgets and social safety nets, potentially pushing global hunger to record levels. Namibia is experiencing higher input costs for food, fuel, and transport, impacting households and small businesses, especially in rural and lower-income areas. While some advocate for slowing the shift to renewable energy, this approach defies economic logic given the likelihood of recurring energy price shocks and accelerated global warming. Climate-related disasters, such as storms, droughts, fires, and floods, are already disrupting agriculture and damaging infrastructure across Africa, forcing governments to divert resources from development to emergency response. In Namibia, climate shocks are pressuring food systems, water availability, and livelihoods. Accelerating the transition to clean energy systems offers a viable solution, addressing both the climate crisis and cost pressures linked to fossil fuels. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are not dependent on vulnerable s
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Employees of the Kunene Regional Council are facing a financial crisis after funds allocated to the council were blocked, leaving staff without salaries for March and April. This situation stems from a directive issued last month by minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa, who cited the unprocedural appointment of acting chief regional officer George Kamseb in 2021. The council's appeal against the directive was unsuccessful, leading them to challenge the legality of the minister’s decision in the High Court. Popular Democratic Movement PDM secretary general Manuel Ngaringombe highlighted the severe consequences, noting that administrative staff, including strategic and support personnel, are at risk of not receiving their salaries. The situation also affects councillors’ salaries, travel allowances, and subsistence claims, with only National Council members continuing to receive salaries directly from that body. Ngaringombe called for the immediate release of the funds, arguing that an alleged procedural error by an individual should not jeopardize the livelihoods of all council employees. Kunene Regional Council chairperson Western Muharukua described the directive as unlawful and stated the council is exploring alternative payment methods. Association of Regional Councils president Matengu Simushi condemned the move, stating the minister lacks authority to block funds for civil servants’ salaries and council operations, and suggested dialogue as a better res
Must ReadThe state has accused Petrus Shikwaya of fraudulently acquiring his uncle's vehicle, which was subsequently linked to the attack on Ondangwa prosecutor Justine Shiweda. Shiweda was attacked with a corrosive substance and shot seven times on 17 October 2025. Prosecutor Yeukai Kangira stated in the Ondangwa Magistrate's Court that Shikwaya swindled his uncle, Abner Samuel, out of a Suzuki vehicle intended for a Yango business. The vehicle was allegedly given to Shikwaya's co-accused, Petrus Uusiku, as a reward for purchasing the acid used in the attack. The acid was reportedly bought on 29 September 2025 for N$1 200 in Windhoek. The vehicle was then driven north, purportedly for an earlier, failed attempt on Shiweda's life in early October 2025, before overturning in the Oshikoto region while Uusiku was returning to Windhoek. Shikwaya denies these allegations, claiming the second-hand vehicle was bought for his uncle for N$40 000 and that his uncles, Samuel and Abner Mateus, instructed him to send it north with Uusiku. However, the state presented Samuel's statement to the police, indicating his shock at the vehicle being given to Uusiku and taken out of Windhoek. The bail hearing for Shikwaya is set to continue on 9 June.
A new initiative, the Southern Africa Regional Ramsar Initiative Sarri, has been launched to promote the use and protection of wetlands across 12 Southern African Development Community SADC countries. Sarri aims to foster regional cooperation and ensure communities benefit from the sustainable use of natural resources. Namibian experts have welcomed the initiative, with Kenneth //Uiseb, deputy director for wildlife monitoring and research and national focal point for the Ramsar Convention, highlighting its potential to attract financial and technical resources for wetland management. Sion Iikela, a natural resources management lecturer at the International University of Management, emphasized the timely nature of Sarri, noting that many SADC wetlands are poorly managed. He cited Namibia’s Cuvelai-Etosha Basin as an example of a wetland threatened by over-harvesting, pollution, illegal hunting of water birds, and illegal sand mining. Angus Middleton, executive director of the Namibia Nature Foundation, stated that Sarri demonstrates SADC's strong commitment to the protection, restoration, and inclusive management of wetlands, which are crucial for biodiversity, local livelihoods, and cultural heritage in Namibia and the wider region. Namibia joined the Ramsar Convention in 1995 and has designated five wetlands of international importance.
Namibian forward Joslin Kamatuka of Durban City FC is preparing for his first major cup final in the Nedbank Cup against TS Galaxy on May 2. The 34-year-old winger's journey to the final follows a four-month layoff due to a persistent hamstring injury, which he had been playing with since last season. Kamatuka returned to action in the round of 16 and quarter-finals, admitting he lacked match fitness initially. He credits his family and fellow Namibian players for support during his rehabilitation. Durban City's path to the final included three consecutive penalty shootout victories, with Kamatuka highlighting the quarter-final against Golden Arrows as particularly stressful due to it being a KZN derby and playing with ten men after a red card. Despite recent league results affecting team morale, Kamatuka is confident in his team's ability to win and is fully recovered. He anticipates a tough match against TS Galaxy, who Durban City has beaten twice in the league this season and knocked out of the Nedbank Cup last season. Kamatuka draws on advice from coach Ricardo Mannetti during Namibia's 2015 Cosafa Cup win, viewing the final as "just another game" to manage pressure, maintaining a calm pre-match routine of prayer, calling his daughter, and listening to music.