Attached: 1 image June 14, 2025 English: Dioptase with calcite and minrecordite - Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine), Tsumeb, Otjikoto (Oshikoto) Region, Namibia (5.5×4cm)

TSUMEB COPPER FESTIVAL DRIVES ECONOMIC GROWTH NBC Online Sat, 10/31/2026 - 16:35

TSUMEB MUNICIPAL WORKERS END STRIKE AFTER SALARY AGREEMENT NBC Online Fri, 10/30/2026 - 19:48

Oshikoto Governor Sacky Kathindi said the region's economic ambitions must contribute to Namibia's broader development agenda, including the objectives of the Sixth National Development Plan and Vision 2030. Kathindi made these remarks at the official opening of the Tsumeb Copper Festival 2026, where he said the region must prioritize a productive, inclusive, and diversified economy, supported by investment, innovation, skills development, and meaningful employment. Governor Kathindi stressed that the Tsumeb Copper Festival provides a practical opportunity to advance these ambitions by bringing together the people and institutions capable of turning ideas into actions. "Economic development is a shared responsibility. Government must create an enabling environment. Businesses must invest and innovate, financial institutions must support viable enterprises, and communities must participate actively in shaping the economic future." Kathindi also called on the tourism, agriculture, and mining sectors to create opportunities for young people and small businesses to retain value and have access to markets. "We must therefore create an environment in which local entrepreneurs can grow into sustainable businesses capable of competing in a wider market. I call on large companies, public institutions, and established businesses to explore opportunities for local procurement, mentorship, skills transfer, and enterprise development." Tsumeb Mayor Lichen Classen on her part, reiterated that the Copper Festival is now a celebrated calendar marketing platform for the council. "The Tsumeb Copper Festival is more than an annual celebration. It is a platform for promoting investment, supporting local enterprises, connecting businesses with markets, and creating opportunities for our people. The success of this festival must therefore be measured not only by attendance and entertainment but also by the business relationships established, customers reached, and opportunities created." As one of the main sponsors of the Tsumeb Copper Festival, Sinomine Tsumeb Community Trust Administration Manager Medusalem Nandjebo had this to say: "We demonstrate this through our ongoing community investment, local job creation, and our shared pride in this location. Our focus today is separate from our industrial production. We are here to focus on people, championing our learners, investing in the community, and promoting sustainable livelihoods." The week-long trade fair, which concludes on 31 October, is held under the theme "Copper sparks, Tsumeb shines."

Sostenus Wilherm Oshikoto governor Sacky Kathindi says Tsumeb’s mining wealth must translate into jobs, skills development and business opportunities for local people. He warned that economic growth should not be measured by production figures and investment announcements alone. Kathindi made the remarks on Thursday while officially opening the 2026 Tsumeb Copper Festival, where he challenged […]

The Tsumeb municipality employees who had been on strike since Monday have since resumed work on Wednesday after the local authority reached an agreement with the Namibia Local Authority Workers Union over a salary increment. NALAWU Head of Operations Lesley Mosegedi said the parties agreed on a 4% salary increment across the board for all employees in the bargaining unit, as defined in the recognition and procedural agreement. Mosegedi stated that the industrial action was triggered by the failure to implement salary and wage increments for the 2026/2027 financial year, noting that workers had allegedly been without an increment for the past three to four years. "The employees are very happy; at least something better than nothing has been offered to them. This settlement agreement is as follows: we have agreed on a 4% salary increment, and we have also agreed to adjust a standby allowance from N$100 to 350. We have agreed to do a salary review, which, in other words, is also regarding. Furthermore, the parties agree that the principle of no work, no pay will not be implemented, meaning the workers will not be deducted for the two days they were on strike." The salary increment will be implemented with effect from 1 July 2026. The conciliation process started on 6 October. On 13 October, about 111 employees participated in a strike ballot, with 99 voting in favour of the strike. The union notified the council of the planned strike on 14 October.  The labour dispute disrupted municipal operations earlier this week, the municipality announced on its social media platforms. Tsumeb Mayor Hofni Hamunyela confirmed the outcome of the strike, saying the council had agreed to a 4% salary increment for employees.

Sostenus Wilherm Oshikoto governor Sacky Kathindi says Tsumeb’s mining wealth must translate into jobs, skills development and business opportunities for local people. He warned that economic growth should not be measured by production figures and investment announcements alone. Kathindi made the remarks on Thursday while officially opening the 2026 Tsumeb Copper Festival, where he challenged mining companies, businesses and government institutions to ensure local communities benefit meaningfully from economic activities in the town. “Mining and industry remain important pillars of Tsumeb’s economic identity. However, the benefits of these sectors must extend beyond production figures and investment announcements,” Kathindi said. He called for greater local participation in mining and industrial supply chains through skills development, supplier opportunities, technology transfer and support for businesses capable of providing goods and services to the sector. The governor said Tsumeb’s mining heritage, strategic location and established business community provided a strong foundation for economic development, but the town needed to do more to attract investment and ensure its benefits reached residents. His remarks come as the town hosts the festival under the theme “Copper Sparks, Tsumeb Shines”, bringing together government, mining companies, entrepreneurs, farmers and other stakeholders to explore investment opportunities and strengthen business partnerships. Kathindi urged investors and business leaders to use the festival to develop practical projects that could stimulate economic activity and create employment. “Let us move beyond exchanging business cards to developing bankable proposals, concluding practical agreements and implementing projects that benefit our town and region,” he said. He also challenged large companies, public institutions and established businesses to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through local procurement, mentorship, skills transfer and enterprise development. According to Kathindi, local entrepreneurs need access to markets, finance, information, technology and professional networks to grow into sustainable businesses capable of competing in wider markets. “Let this festival open doors for our small and medium enterprises and strengthen their contribution to regional economic development,” he said. He said stronger participation by local businesses in supply chains could help ensure that more economic opportunities remain within the region instead of benefiting only established companies. The governor further identified tourism and agriculture as sectors that could help diversify Tsumeb’s economy and reduce dependence on mining. He said Tsumeb’s history, culture, mining heritage and hospitality facilities offered opportunities to develop tourism, while the inclusion of Farmers Day in the festival programme highlighted agriculture’s role in food security and economic diversification. Kathindi called for stronger links between farmers, financial institutions, suppliers, retailers and investors to improve productivity and expand market access. “Through these partnerships, we can improve productivity, expand market access and ensure that our farmers retain greater value from their products,” he said. He added that agriculture should be viewed not only as a means of production but also as a business sector offering opportunities in processing, distribution, logistics and technology. The governor said these efforts should contribute to Namibia’s broader development agenda, including the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) and Vision 2030, which seek to promote a productive, inclusive and diversified economy. He stressed that economic development required cooperation between government, the private sector, financial institutions and communities. “The government must create an enabling environment, businesses must invest and innovate, financial institutions must support viable enterprises, and communities must participate actively in shaping their economic future,” Kathindi said. He challenged stakeholders attending the festival to identify practical opportunities to contribute to the development of Tsumeb and the wider Oshikoto Region. Kathindi also acknowledged the contribution of Sinomine Tsumeb Smelter, the festival’s principal sponsor, and other corporate partners, calling for continued cooperation between industry and local communities. He said the festival’s success should ultimately be reflected in the investments secured, businesses supported and jobs created through partnerships established during the event. “May the partnerships formed here become investments. May those investments create jobs. May those jobs improve livelihoods,” Kathindi said.

Sostenus Wilherm Industries, mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse has called for stronger action against the repeated use of short-term employment contracts in Namibia’s mining sector. He warned that the practice undermines job security, skills development and workers’ access to employment benefits. Speaking at the Mineworkers Union of Namibia’s (MUN) Northern Regional Roundtable in Tsumeb […]

The Minister of Industries, Mines, and Energy, Modestus Amutse, has reiterated that the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization Integrated Field Exercise is meant to strengthen Namibia's capacity in seismic monitoring and data analysis. It also aims to build on its existing monitoring infrastructure, including a seismic and infrasound station in Tsumeb and a National Data Centre in Windhoek. The exercise, which began on the 5th October and runs until 20 November in Swakopmund, is designed to test the international community's ability to verify whether a nuclear explosion has occurred. Amutse explained that the exercise is based entirely on fictitious scenarios, with no nuclear testing taking place. "By hosting IFE26, Namibia reaffirms its commitment to international peace, security, and nuclear nonproliferation. As a country with a significant uranium sector, we understand the responsibility that comes with nuclear resources-supporting a world free of nuclear testing is part of that responsibility." He said hosting the exercise also presents economic opportunities for local businesses, as the CTBTO funds the exercise, and goods and services are sourced largely from Namibian companies. CTBTO Executive Secretary Robert Floyd described the action as a significant milestone for Africa, noting that it is only the third integrated field exercise of its kind worldwide, following previous exercises in Kazakhstan and Jordan. Dr Floyd said this allows international experts to practice these procedures using established protocols, specialized equipment, and coordinated inspection teams. "There will actually not even be radioactive material used as a surrogate or chemicals that could be contaminating in the environment-none of that. But it is an exercise, not an investigation." The exercise involves approximately 250 participants, representing 60 countries, including 24 Namibians serving in various technical and operational roles.

Sostenus Wilherm Industries, mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse has called for stronger action against the repeated use of short-term employment contracts in Namibia’s mining sector. He warned that the practice undermines job security, skills development and workers’ access to employment benefits. Speaking at the Mineworkers Union of Namibia’s (MUN) Northern Regional Roundtable in Tsumeb on Saturday, Amutse criticised arrangements in which workers are employed for a few months before being replaced, arguing that mining investment must deliver more than temporary job opportunities. “We must therefore pay attention not only to the number of jobs created, but also to their quality, their stability and prospects for career development,” he said. He added that repeatedly employing workers for short periods prevents meaningful skills transfer and creates uncertainty for employees who need stable incomes to support themselves and their families. “And that is dangerous when you employ people for six months and then they are gone, and then you employ again others for maybe three or five months, seven months, that process does not properly transfer skills and we have to fight it and discourage it,” Amutse said. The minister’s remarks come amid growing concerns over labour practices in the mining and industrial sectors, particularly the use of labour brokers and subcontractors to recruit workers who perform duties similar to those of permanently employed employees but may not enjoy the same benefits. Amutse challenged mining companies to take greater responsibility for the welfare of workers employed through third-party contractors, saying businesses should not use subcontracting arrangements to avoid their obligations to employees. “This is a problem, an ongoing problem, and we cannot be silent about it. Because people cannot perform the same duty, they possess the same skills, but somebody is hiding behind other things, not wanting to pay them, therefore subjecting them to subcontracting and them not getting the benefits that they deserve to get,” he said. He proposed stronger enforcement of labour legislation, joint liability between mining companies and labour hire agencies, equal pay for work of equal value, and statutory limits on prolonged temporary employment arrangements. Amutse also highlighted government efforts to increase Namibian participation in the mining industry, saying new mining licences include conditions intended to improve local representation in management, promote skills transfer and increase opportunities for Namibian businesses. He called for stronger labour inspections, improved occupational health and safety standards and closer cooperation between government, employers and trade unions. However, he stressed that discussions and commitments must translate into practical action. “Because I realized that we have spoken enough, now is time for implementation,” he said. Justice and labour relations minister Wise Immanuel, who also addressed the roundtable, called on trade unions to strengthen their influence in policymaking and become more active in driving institutional and socioeconomic change. “Trade unions in the 21st century need to be more than the voices of protest, they need to be centres of influence, they need to be the engines of change, and they need to be credible forces for social impact,” Immanuel said. He emphasised the need for unions to review their leadership structures, strategies and methods to remain relevant as workers face changing economic conditions and employment challenges. Meanwhile, MUN acting president Poco-Key Mberiuana said workers’ welfare should remain central to economic development, calling for stronger support for union members beyond their active employment years. He highlighted the importance of post-retirement medical aid and education assistance, saying workers’ needs extend beyond earning a salary during their working lives. “These efforts recognise that a worker’s aspirations extend to education, financial security and a dignified life beyond active employment,” Mberiuana said. He added that protecting workers required collective responsibility and a willingness to speak for those who could not defend their own rights. “We speak on behalf of those that can’t speak for themselves. We defend the rights of those that can’t defend themselves, it is our responsibility collectively,” he said. Labour Commissioner Kyllikki Sihlahla outlined the role of her office in registering trade unions and employers’ organisations, as well as preventing and resolving labour disputes. “The Office of the Labour Commissioner is the office that registers trade unions and employers’ organizations, as well as preventing and resolving labour disputes,” she said. Sihlahla explained that labour administration provides the framework through which the government develops, implements and enforces labour laws and policies to promote decent work and protect both workers and employers. MUN member Paulus Heita welcomed the engagement, saying it gave workers an opportunity to raise concerns directly with senior government officials and receive clarification on issues affecting them. Heita commended the union for creating a platform where workers could express their frustrations and engage policymakers, expressing hope that the discussions would lead to tangible improvements.

The Mineworkers Union of Namibia has called for stronger job security, improved working conditions and accountability across the mining and industrial sectors. The call was made during the Union's Northern Regional Roundtable Discussion in Tsumeb recently as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations. Speaking at the event, Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse raised concern over the growing use of temporary employment and labour hire arrangements, saying these practices undermine job security, skills development and access to employment benefits. “As the union prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary in November this year, we recognise the contribution of a union and its members. Their dedication, their skills and experience have helped sustain Namibia's mining industry and support families and communities across the country.” He called for strict enforcement of labour laws and equal responsibility from mining companies to take care of workers employed through subcontractors and labour brokers. At the event, Minister of Justice and Labour Relations Wise Immanuel also urged trade unions to strengthen their influence in policymaking and drive meaningful changes in workers' lives. “Trade unions in the 21st century need to be more than just voices of protest. They need to be centres of influence, engines of change, and credible forces for social impact. They must protect workers’ rights, shape policies, and advance socioeconomic justice.” The roundtable brought together workers, union leaders and government officials to discuss labour rights, employment security and decent working conditions. The engagement forms part of MUN's 40th anniversary commemorations under the theme, "From the Shaft to the Chamber: Workers' Voices, National Choices".

A 26-year-old man accused of sexually violating his three-year-old niece over the weekend has been denied bail by the Tsumeb Magistrates' Court. The accused has been denied bail on conditions of incomplete investigations, seriousness of the offence and fear of the accused interfering with investigations and witnesses. Bail is denied in the public interest and for the administration of justice and on account of the relationship between the accused and victim. The police records indicated that the victim was left in the care of the accused when the incident happened. The matter has been postponed to the 4th of March next year for further investigations and legal aid.

TSUMEB RESIDENTS RAISE ALARM OVER DANGEROUS OPEN TRENCHES NBC Online Sun, 10/18/2026 - 19:44

TSUMEB RESIDENTS CHALLENGE 48-HOUR MISSING PERSONS RULE NBC Online Sun, 10/18/2026 - 19:48

Residents of Kuvukiland informal settlement in Tsumeb have raised concerns over open trenches dug a year ago during a water project that have become a safety hazard.  Residents say the open trenches have raised fears for children's safety, during the rainy season. They also said the excavations have narrowed the streets, making it difficult for motorists and pedestrians to move safely, while posing a risk of accidents.  Tsumeb Mayor Hofni Hamunyela blamed delays in payments to the contractor that affected progress on the project.

Community members in Tsumeb, under the banner of the Aitsama Madan organisation, have called on the Police to review the 48-hour waiting period associated with missing-person reports. The call was made by the group's spokesperson, Liezel Naris, during a demonstration following the murder of a 34-year-old woman, Christofine Khanuses, in Tsumeb this month. Naris said waiting 48 hours before acting on a missing-person report could cost a life. The mother of six minor children, who was reported missing on 10 October was found raped and murdered in the Nomtsoub location the following day. The group is also demanding regular night patrols in high-risk areas. The group has also called on the Tsumeb Municipality to install and repair streetlights, establish regular maintenance schedules and clear bushes along streets and walkways to improve public safety. Tsumeb Mayor Hofni Iipinge received the petition. The group has given the municipality 14 working days to begin addressing concerns relating to bush clearing and street lighting.

Oshikoto Governor Sacky Kathindi has extended financial assistance to the family of the murdered 34-year-old Christofina Khanuses, including funeral arrangements. Khanuses, an unemployed mother of six minor children, was found raped and murdered on 11 October in the Nomtsoub location of Tsumeb. Kathindi visited Khanuse's family home following the protest against gender-based violence and donated N$5000 and pledged assistance towards the burial. Khanuses lived with her grandmother and young children, making their daily life a struggle to make ends meet. "I just came in solidarity and also to understand what they really are going through and also to see what they are going through." Kathindi also promised to take up the 48-hour waiting period for missing concern by the protestors as well as streetlighting. "The issues that were raised by the community are genuine concerns. So we are working on it, and I am engaging further with CENORED so that we resolve the issue and make sure that wherever they need lights, we are going to provide that service to them. On the other issue of murder, this is disturbing news that happened in the region, and every mother is receiving terrible news, which is really viewed in a serious light. I am only appealing to residents of Oshikoto and also Namibians: killing is not a solution." Late Khanuses' sister, Natasha Naobes, described her death as devastating, particularly because she left behind children.  She expressed gratitude to the governor for visiting and providing financial assistance. "She was a mother to six kids, three of whom are staying with their father. The first three are staying with their father in Otavi, and recently she was staying with the youngest ones, the two. She was residing at the farm, but these past months, she was back in Tsumeb."

Laywoman highlights challenges facing ELCIN pastors Staff Reporter TSUMEB resident Elizabeth Nekundi addressed the ordinary Pastors' Conference of the Eastern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN), sharing the lay faithful's pe  Instagram

A spectacular mineral specimen in an almost perfect cabinet format from the legendary Tsumeb Mine in Namibia – one of the world’s most celebrated and mineralogically diverse localities. The magnificen...

The Sinomine Tsumeb Smelter has announced the commencement of the construction of the first Germanium production. The announcement was made by Sinomine Executive Vice President Barcelona Tsauses during the donation handover of N$100 000 to the Oshikoto Regional Governor's Office at Omuthiya. With an amount of 4 billion invested into the production, Tsauses says 1 600 will be created, while Sinomine will increase its workforce from 350 to 580 permanent staff. "Our purpose moving forward is to produce germanium from old stock, which was part of the waste that was generated when the copper was mined or produced within Tsumeb. We will be finishing with construction towards the end of next year and starting with an operation of the plant in early 2028. So, Germanium being a critical metal, it's valuable in terms of fibre optic uses and various technologies as well. It is going to be the first germanium plant in Namibia, which provides Namibia with global positioning because of this technology." The plant promotes skills transfer while delivering both economic and environmental benefits. The Executive Vice President of Sinomine Tsumeb Smelter, Barcelona Troubles, said: "Progressively we are tracking how the construction is going, and the milestones are definitely showing. The benefit of this Germanium plant is not just a realisation of the final product, which is valuable for our economy. One of the biggest drivers and the benefits for this project is that it helps us to clean our environment. The plant is designed considering all air quality emissions that will take place in terms of water resources that could potentially be compromised normally in mining activities. Making sure the air will be safe." The construction is expected to conclude towards the end of next year. Oshikoto Governor Sacky Kathindi welcomed the contribution from the Sinomine Tsumeb Smelter, saying it will help the government address community needs. "This contribution is more than a financial commitment, it demonstrates your willingness to partner with the government and to contribute towards the development and wellbeing of our communities."

A 55-year-old man has been arrested in Tsumeb following allegations that he raped his 11-year-old stepdaughter at Nomtsoub location. According to the police, the alleged incidents occurred on 4 October 2026, at an unknown time, and again on Saturday, 10 October 2026, at around 14:00. It is alleged that the suspect grabbed the child, took […]