The Namibian Defence Force (NDF) has confirmed the death of a 26-year-old recruit who was undergoing basic military training at Osona Base in Okahandja.

NDF Spokesperson, Colonel Petrus Shilumbu, told Nampa that Johan Pieterse died on December 28 after he collapsed during a physical fitness exercise.

Colonel Shilumbu said Pieterse was subsequently rushed to Okahandja State Hospital, where he was declared dead upon arrival by the hospital's medical personnel.

Villages in the eastern part of Otjinene Constituency, bordering the Eiseb area in the Omaheke Region, are battling a veldfire that has destroyed vegetation and much-needed grazing.

Oturauhane Village Headman, Alfons Tjipetekera, says the persistent windy conditions have made the already strong fire difficult to extinguish.

Tjipetekera added that with available assistance from the government, the fire can hopefully be put out.

He, however, fears that the grazing land on which the farmers depend will be completely destroyed.

Out of 214 shortlisted candidates for positions with the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) in the ||Kharas Region, sixteen candidates failed to appear for written and physical assessments.

Candidates who attended the assessments were evaluated on their English proficiency. Additionally, they had to participate in a 2.4-kilometre run, with male candidates expected to finish within 13 minutes and female candidates within 17 minutes.

Furthermore, the candidates were subjected to other exercises, including push-ups and sit-ups.

As part of the just-ended operation Hanganee II, the Namibian Defence Force and its counterpart from Botswana promoted cultural practises through various activities.

Speaking at the cultural day held at Gobabis, Omaheke Governor Pijoo Nganate stressed that culture plays a significant role in promoting mutual understanding and appreciating one another as sister countries.

Nganate emphasised that cultural programmes enhance connections among community members and also help promote peace and unity.