Parliament of the Republic of Namibia

📍 Swakopmund
Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Dr. Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, visited Beyond Barriers Pediatric Centre as part of her ongoing Outreach Programme.

The visit provided an opportunity to engage with staff, learn more about the centre's impactful work, and recognize its contribution to improving the lives of children and families in the community.

Co-founded by two dedicated moms, Anthea Kostin and Manuela Van Schalkwyk, Beyond Barriers Pediatric is committed to providing advanced, child-centered therapies for children with developmental and neurological challenges.

APPROVED || The National Council today concluded its Standing Committees Annual Planning and Budgeting Session for the 2026/2027 Financial Year in Otjiwarongo.

The five-day session culminated in the adoption and signing of annual committee plans by the Chairperson of the Implementation and Coordination Committee and Standing Committee Chairpersons, setting the course for the National Council's oversight work during the year ahead.

Closing the session, Vice-Chairperson of the National Council and Chairperson of the Implementation and Coordination Committee, Hon. Emma Tangi Muteka, called on Members to ensure that the approved plans are translated into measurable outcomes that benefit all Namibians.

From Unemployment to Entrepreneurship: ODEC Launches TVET Programme in DRC, Swakopmund

The Open Doors Education Centre (ODEC), located in the Democratic Resettlement Community (DRC), has officially launched its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Programme titled "From Unemployment to Entrepreneurship."
A transformative initiative aimed at empowering unemployed youth with practical vocational skills, entrepreneurial expertise, and the confidence needed to build sustainable livelihoods.

The OPEN DOORS Education Centre (ODEC) is a community-based learning center established in 2024 to provide educational opportunities for children and young people living in the township of Matutura, near the Democratic Resettlement Community (DRC) in Swakopmund, Namibia. Serving more than 275 children, adolescents, and young adults daily, ODEC offers a combination of formal and non-formal education programs aimed at supporting learning, personal development, and future employment opportunities.

ODEC's key programs include kindergarten and preschool education, homework and academic support for learners from Grade 1 to Grade 12, and a Youth Development Program that equips young people with vocational and life skills. These initiatives help address educational challenges and create pathways for further education, training, and employment.

Speaker Calls for Strong Local Governance Through Transparent Leadership

Speaking at the Congress of the Association of Local Authorities in Namibia (ALAN), Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Dr. Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, emphasised that strong local governance begins with credible and disciplined internal party election processes.

She noted that local authorities are at the forefront of service delivery and that their effectiveness depends on transparent, accountable, and merit-based leadership selection.
The Speaker further reaffirmed the National Assembly's commitment to supporting municipalities and town councils through responsive legislation and sound policy frameworks aimed at strengthening local governance and improving service delivery.

ARRIVAL IN WALVIS BAY: Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Dr. Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, arrived in Walvis Bay to attend the ongoing Congress of the Association of Local Authorities in Namibia (ALAN), held under the theme: "Empowering Communities as Catalysts for People-Centered Development, Inclusion and Social Justice." The Congress brings together local government leaders and stakeholders to advance dialogue on inclusive development, community empowerment, and social justice.

Hon. Kuugongelwa-Amadhila is the Patron of the Association of Local Authorities in Namibia (ALAN) Development Fund.

PUBLIC NOTICE|| INVITATION TO A PUBLIC HEARING
The National Assembly Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economy and Industry, Public Administration and Planning, invites members of the public to attend a public hearing on the Motion titled:
“Whether the existing laws are truly protecting Namibians from exploitation by lending institutions and informal money lenders.”

Date: Friday, 12 June 2026
Time: 09:00 – 12:55
Venue: Dr Theo-Ben Gurirab Conference Room (C1), Parliament Building, Love Street, Windhoek

The hearing forms part of the Committee’s mandate to scrutinise and consult on matters affecting Namibia’s economy, public administration, and planning.

Key issues to be discussed include:
Causes of high household debt, particularly among civil servants
Whether the deduction code contributes to over-indebtedness
The adequacy of current laws in protecting households from predatory lending practices
The fairness of interest rates charged by micro-lenders to civil servants

Representatives from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), NAPWU, NANTU, TUN, and PSUN will appear before the Committee.

Your voice matters. Join the conversation and help shape policies that protect Namibians from financial exploitation.
The hearing will be livestreamed on NBC TV and on Parliament's social media platforms.