Secret 2004 Amnesty Task Team report reveals proposed constitutional amendment for 'backdoor' amnesty
via The Namibian7 min read
A confidential 2004 report from the Amnesty Task Team ATT, established by former president Thabo Mbeki, has surfaced, revealing a proposal to amend the Constitution to facilitate 'backdoor' amnesties. This report, frequently referenced at the Khampepe Commission, is crucial for examining claims of political interference in Truth and Reconciliation Commission TRC prosecutions between 2003 and 2017. The ATT, an interdepartmental body formed on February 23, 2004, after the TRC concluded, aimed to address unresolved TRC prosecutions. Chaired by Deon Rudman from the Department of Justice, the team included security and legal officials from various departments. Its main recommendation was to create an advisory body to help former president Thabo Mbeki find a legal 'solution' for apartheid-era perpetrators who had not disclosed their crimes or sought amnesty before the TRC's mandate ended. Other options considered were presidential pardons, parole, and correctional supervision for those already convicted. The report also suggested this new body would assess the 'advisability' of criminal proceedings for past offenses and make recommendations to the National Director of Public Prosecutions NDPP. This proposed overreach into the independence of the NPA has been highlighted by former head of the Priority Crimes Litigation Unit, advocate Anton Ackermann, and corroborated by senior advocate Mthunzi Mhaga. The report detailed the Mbeki administration's effort to balance the 'national inte
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Swapo will proceed with its 66th-anniversary celebrations on Sunday, April 26, 2026, while respecting a court order that allows ex-combatants to continue their protest at the party’s head office in Windhoek. Information secretary Hilma Nicanor confirmed that the celebrations will go ahead, stating that the party respects the law and the court ruling in favor of the ex-combatants. She added that the party's leadership will meet to determine the way forward. The group of war veterans has been camping at the party’s head office since October, demanding accountability for funds they claim were allocated to help exiled Namibians return home before independence. An urgent application by Swapo to evict the group was struck off the roll of the Windhoek High Court last week. Group spokesperson Matheus Nangolo stated they would not leave and expects more ex-combatants to join until their grievances are addressed. Party president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah congratulated members, veterans, supporters, and sympathizers for sustaining the party over the decades, highlighting its role in the struggle for independence and building a prosperous Namibia.
Must ReadNamibia and Zambia are in discussions to undertake a joint dredging project on the Zambezi River. This initiative aims to deepen waterways and reduce the impact of severe seasonal flooding, which has displaced over 1,510 people in Namibia's Zambezi region, particularly in the Kabbe South and Kabbe North constituencies. The floods have submerged homes, schools, clinics, crop fields, and roads. Minister of Works and Transport Veikko Nekundi confirmed the negotiations, stating that the Zambezi River has become shallow and cannot accommodate the high influx of water. He mentioned that a dredging machine procured in 2015 is being prepared and is expected to be operational by the end of the month. The plan is to start dredging the Zambezi River once Zambia renews the dredging agreement. Additionally, there are plans to dredge inland streams to a depth of two meters to increase water catchment and prevent overflowing. Zambezi governor Dorothy Kabula-Simushi noted that no flood-related deaths have been reported, and affected families and three schools have been relocated to higher ground, receiving daily food provisions from the Office of the Prime Minister, the Red Cross, and local businesses. Floating bridges have also been installed at Kalimbeza and Masikili villages to improve accessibility for communities cut off by floods.
Namibian singer Yeezir has released his latest single, 'Perfect Timing'. The artist, who gained prominence during the 2020 lockdown, describes the song as "a song for the soul" and an exploration of meaningful romance, encouraging vulnerability in men. Yeezir stated he wrote the song in 2025 but held its release for a year to align with its title. He notes a shift from his previous dance-oriented work, inviting listeners to engage more deeply with 'Perfect Timing'. Beyond his music, Yeezir advocates for professionalism in the local industry, emphasizing strategic corporate partnerships and maintaining a "clean brand" for career sustainability. He also aims to challenge the status quo, seeking fairer compensation and greater respect for local talent from major organizations. Yeezir plans to continue releasing music and promises his supporters that "lover boy season" will persist throughout the year.
NamWater has temporarily halted its renewable energy initiative, which aimed to cut operational costs by over 30%, to consult with the Electricity Control Board ECB regarding compliance requirements. Acting chief of strategy and corporate affairs Irwin Haihambo stated that early engagement with the regulator revealed gaps in their initial approach, leading to the pause. The utility is now in discussions with the ECB to align on the correct legal and procedural path forward. This delay comes as electricity costs constitute up to 40% of NamWater's annual operating expenses. The company is exploring options to generate its own energy to reduce reliance on external power supply and is targeting savings of 30% to 40%. The broader strategy involves integrating solar power, with procurement processes already initiated for independent power producers to develop solar photovoltaic plants. In 2021, energy costs for water treatment and pumping exceeded N$363 million, and current electricity demand is estimated at 18 megawatts per hour, expected to double with new infrastructure. NamWater's strategic plan for 2022-2034 aims for solar photovoltaic systems to supply 30% to 70% of its energy needs across selected schemes, seeking to lower operating costs and enhance energy security. The pause highlights the regulatory challenges faced by state-owned enterprises pursuing independent energy sources amid rising power costs.