Namibia celebrated 30 years since the full and formal re-integration of Walvis Bay and its 12 offshore islands.

30 years ago, on March 1, 1994, the Walvis Bay and Off-Shore Islands Act 1 of 1994 came into force, making Walvis Bay and the off-shore islands, in terms of Article 1 of the Namibian Constitution, part of the national territory of Namibia.

Following the independence of Namibia and notwithstanding Article 1 of the Namibian Constitution, Walvis Bay and the off-shore islands continued to be controlled by South Africa, under the laws of South Africa. 

The two coastal towns of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund plan to attract more investors to ensure that they develop in a way that will grow employment opportunities. 

Walvis Bay mayor Trevino Forbes says the town's municipality plans on expanding its boundary to create a conducive environment for foreign investors to put money into infrastructural development.

Forbes says job creation is not the mandate of the council; however, what they can do is make sure value addition takes place in the port city of Walvis Bay to secure more jobs.

A group of 20 employees of Ekango Salt Refiners, employed on a contract basis by Mauritius Investment CC, held a protest against unfair labour practices at the company in Walvis Bay.

The employees, joined by the AR Movement in Walvis Bay, say the unconducive working environment at the company has become unbearable.

The employees, among others, are demanding that they be employed on terms and conditions that are the same as and not less favourable than those of full-time employees, who perform similar work.

Some prominent members of the Walvis Bay community have called for innovative and effective solutions to youth unemployment.
 
Among them are former Walvis Bay Mayor King Mandume Muatunga as well as the coastal town's Lutheran Hosiana Parish Pastor Jacky Fredericks, who believe government efforts to create employment must be complemented.

A police officer has been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol at Walvis Bay.

According to a police report, a white Toyota Hilux with a NamPol registration collided with a Honda Fit on Thursday, January 11, at half past ten at night along Independence Road in Walvis Bay.

The driver of the police vehicle is alleged to have driven the vehicle with an alcohol concentration level exceeding the legal limit.

It is further alleged that the suspect drove the motor vehicle recklessly and negligently and collided with the Honda Fit.

Erongo Governor Neville André has called on the three re-elected mayors of the coastal towns of Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, and Henties Bay to expand their services to the residents in anticipation of high urban-rural migration this year.

This André was highlighted during an interview with nbc News.

Andre says rural-urban migration has placed local authorities under pressure and is making it difficult to meet the increasing demands for basic services as a result of the high influx.

Walvis Bay Police Officer Bartholomeus Shindimba made his first appearance in Walvis Bay Magistrates Court after a phone belonging to Vernon John Gavin, who was killed on December 30, was found in his possession.

He was granted bail of N$1,000.

Pashula Hangula, 13 years old, died in a freak accident this afternoon in the Dune 7 area between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.

The police report indicates that a driver, 21 years old, was allegedly following another vehicle when his vehicle got stuck in the sand as it was ascending to the top of the dune.

The driver then stopped, and in the process of driving the vehicle out of the sand, the vehicle unfortunately skidded due to loose sand, so it overturned and started rolling down the dune.

Residents and visitors in Walvis Bay expressed discontent with a lack of entertainment, saying it is dull compared to previous years.

During interviews conducted by the nbc News crew at Independence Beach, individuals shared their sentiments about the perceived lack of vibrant activities. 

More than 1,500 senior citizens were treated to a Christmas lunch and received shopping vouchers to get them through the festive season by Walvis Bay Mayor Trevino Forbes.

Forbes also paid a visit to old-age homes in surrounding areas that were out of reach.

It was an atmosphere filled with music and decorations reflecting the Christmas season.

Walvis Bay Mayor Trevino Forbes stated that humanity requires one to reach out to others, particularly the vulnerable.