Namibia's cybercrime bill faces criticism over vague definitions and potential constitutional challenges
via The Namibian9 min read
The final draft of Namibia's cybercrime bill, circulated ahead of a validation workshop by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, has drawn criticism from civil society groups for its serious flaws. Dianne Hubbard highlights several shortcomings, including the undefined term "critical information" in the computer virus offense, and the lack of clear definitions for "cyberbullying" and "cyber-extortion." The bill's provisions on "obscene images" are also deemed problematic due to vague terms and concepts, potentially conflicting with a 1998 High Court ruling that struck down similar legislation for overly broad restrictions on freedom of speech. Concerns are raised about the child pornography offense, which lumps all children under 18 together, potentially criminalizing consensual acts between minors of legal age. Furthermore, the bill's control of online content provision, which holds account administrators responsible for "undesirable content" without defining intent or providing due process, is seen as vague, unworkable, and likely to infringe on freedom of speech. Hubbard notes the bill's inadequate protection for victims, particularly children, and its focus on digital offenses while neglecting the intertwined nature of online and offline crimes. She suggests that rushing the bill in its current state could lead to confusion and constitutional challenges, advocating for improvements before it reaches parliament. Hubbard is the author of 'Impact of Cyber
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters NEFF has challenged the health ministry's decision to transfer officials allegedly involved in pharmaceutical theft and stock record manipulation, rather than suspending them. NEFF deputy president Kalimbo Iipumbu raised this concern in the National Assembly, questioning why implicated staff members were reassigned instead of suspended pending investigations, especially given ongoing medicine shortages. Health minister Esperance Luvindao stated that while her office initially directed suspensions, due process under the Public Service Commission rules and regulations must be followed, requiring evidence gathering before suspensions. Iipumbu rejected this explanation, arguing that decisive action is needed to ensure accountability and prevent further risk to lives. Executive director of health and social services Penda Iithindi previously confirmed that the alleged misconduct includes manipulation of stock records, theft, and diversion of pharmaceutical supplies within the national system.
Must ReadPresident Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's recent state of the nation address highlighted that Namibia's future relies on the skills and productivity of its people, not solely on natural resources. She stressed that skills shortages are a critical constraint and called for sustained investment in training, institutional capacity, and technology to build a resilient and inclusive economy. The President's address served as a national call to action for all sectors, businesses, and employers to contribute to developing a skilled workforce for Vision 2030. The Employer Training Grant ETG, with a submission deadline of midnight on May 5, offers a practical way for employers to support this initiative. The address also emphasized technical and vocational education and training TVET, noting increased enrollment to over 13,000 trainees and the expansion of infrastructure like the Nkurenkuru and Keetmanshoop vocational training centers. New programs are aligning with emerging sectors such as green hydrogen and renewable energy. The work integrated learning policy, launched in March, aims to strengthen the transition from training to employment and integrate green and digital skills into curricula. The ETG allows registered VET levy employers to reclaim up to 50% of their levy contributions for qualifying training. For the 2025/26 financial year, over N$306 million is projected to be available for disbursement through ETG claims for training conducted between April 1, 2025, and March 31. Eligi
Must ReadThe Anti-corruption Commission ACC director general Paulus Noa has confirmed that the Ministry of Health and Social Services is currently under multiple investigations for alleged fraudulent activities. These investigations, which involve theft and fraud within the ministry, are complicated by bureaucratic procurement processes, making it difficult to identify those responsible. The ministry has also initiated its own internal probes into these irregularities. The ACC's investigation follows the health ministry's recent internal inquiry into suspected fraud within the country’s pharmaceutical supply chain. Executive director Penda Ithindi stated that information suggests some staff members, particularly at the Central Medical Stores CMS, may be involved in manipulating stock data and diverting pharmaceutical supplies. These actions are believed to have created artificial shortages to trigger emergency procurement. Staff members implicated have been reassigned, and the ministry is collaborating with law enforcement, vowing disciplinary and criminal action against those found guilty. This is not the first time the ministry's procurement systems have faced scrutiny; last December, a medical supply company was banned for five years after supplying suspected stolen medical equipment, and previously, nine health ministry officials were implicated in rigging medical tenders worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
Bank Windhoek has launched a WhatsApp banking service to enhance digital access, allowing customers to conduct transactions and access services through the messaging platform. James Chapman, Bank Windhoek managing director, stated that this innovation builds on the bank's legacy, recalling their introduction of cellphone banking in Namibia in 2006. He emphasized that the new service aims to meet customers where they connect and communicate, aligning with the global trend of FinTechs and payment service providers. Linda Aipinge-Nakale, executive director in the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, noted the disappearing separation between banking and communication sectors. She highlighted that mobile technology is now central to how people communicate, consume information, and access services, including managing finances. This shift means banking is increasingly shaped by platforms, connectivity, data, and digital behavior, with customers expecting financial services within their everyday digital environments.