Observer Namibia

Tax amnesty deadline extended The Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, Iipumbu Shiimi has announced a two-year extension to the tax amnesty deadline. Shiimi made the announcement today while presenting the mid-year budget in Parliament, emphasizing the ministry’s commitment to easing financial pressures on taxpayers. Report: Allexer Namundjembo

POWERFUL YOUTH: The main population and housing census report reveals that people aged 60 years and above only constitute a mere 6.8% of Namibia’s population. Compared to young people, who form 34.1% of the total population, more votes in the presidential and national assembly elections could come from the youth. Children, who stand at 42.7% of the population, do not qualify to vote in the November elections. Report: Stefanus Nashama

CENSUS FOR PROGRESS: The United Nations resident coordinator for Namibia, Hopolang Phororo believes the 2023 population and housing census will lead to progress. She said the census provides a roadmap for inclusive and equitable development that leaves no one behind. Phororo shared this view at the launch of the main census report in Windhoek today. Report: Stefanus Nashama

CHAOS ENSUES: A representative of the Affirmative Repositioning (AR), Salom Tangeni and observers from other political parties demanded pictures of every ballot parcel to ensure it is what they loaded in South Africa. Tangeni is loudly heard and seen in the video demanding that Pius Iikwambi, the ECN's commissioner, provide the pictures. Report: Stefanus Nashama Video: Ester Mbathera

Ballots packed per region Peter Shaama, the chief electoral and referenda officer of the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) addressed the media at the Hosea Kutako International Airport. He said the ballot papers are packed per region, constituency, and polling team to make the verification process easy, transparent, and smooth. Shaama also stated that all political parties contesting the November elections were provided with the ballot paper packaging schedule. Report: Stefanus Nashama Video: Ester Mbathera

Namibia’s newly introduced Dissolution of Marriages Act, 2024 (Act No. 10 of 2024) now makes it a crime to publish details of divorce cases, with only a few exceptions. Gazetted on 24 October, the Act allows publication only for legal research, law reports, or when the court specifically grants permission. It is unclear whether the media is also restricted from reporting on these cases. The law is aimed at reducing the trauma associated with divorce, particularly for the individuals involved and their children. https://lnkd.in/dAxxGFRh

Outspoken thought leader, Joshua Maponga has urged Swapo leaders to take immediate action on land reform, calling for a strategic approach to reclaim land from white ownership. Maponga to Swapo members during the public discussion of the party’s manifesto on Monday in Windhoek. https://lnkd.in/dC7xndjD

BROKEN ROADS: Several Namibian tour operators decided that they will no longer risk damage to their vehicles by entering the Etosha National Park, the country’s premier tourist attraction, from 1 December 2024 because of the heavily corrugated and potholed roads between camps and popular game-viewing points. In response, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism has deployed graders to improve road quality and announced plans to upgrade main routes from Okaukuejo to King Nehale Gate to low-seal volume tarmac. Report: Niël Terblanché Picture credit: MEFT

WAITING: Peter Shaama the chief electoral and referenda officer of the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has arrived at the Hosea Kuutako International Airport to receive the ballot papers that will be used in the presidential and national assembly elections at the end of November. The aircraft with the batch of ballot papers from South Africa is expected to land at 11h00. Report and Photo: Ester Mbathera

EXTENSION REQUEST: The Walvis Bay Chamber of Business has requested an extension of the tax amnesty deadline. In a letter addressed to the Ministry of Public Finance and Enterprises, the acting president of the Walvis Bay Chamber of Business, Johny Doeseb, stated that the extension would provide Namibian businesses and individuals additional time to recover from financial difficulties exacerbated by recent economic conditions. Report: Allexer Namundjembo