Windhoek Observer

13097 Posts
Mungunda’s ‘toying around’ with tender contractors triggers audit request 

Mungunda’s ‘toying around’ with tender contractors triggers audit request 

Justicia Shipena  Concerns over procurement at the Social Security Commission (SSC) began when its executive officer, Milka Mungunda, started engaging external individuals without clear documentation.  A request for an internal audit seen by the Windhoek Observer shows that SSC's general manager for business development, Nambata Angula, submitted an investigation request to internal auditor Kegumbo Ambondo on 13 March. The concerns relate to procurement processes linked to the National Pension Fund and the National Medical Benefit Fund, which are still not operational. “The purpose of this submission is to formally request the internal audit function to investigate potential breaches of established…
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Doctors left in the dark on Vision April 2026 

Doctors left in the dark on Vision April 2026 

Patience Makwele  The Medical Association of Namibia (MAN) says it was not consulted on the government’s plan to require senior officials to use public health facilities from 1 April. The directive, known as Vision April 2026, will see about 294 senior government officials move to public healthcare in its first phase. Health minister Esperance Luvindao last week said the arrangement is “not complicated” and officials will still be allowed to consult private doctors. However, the association’s chief executive officer, Dr Armid Azadeh, said doctors were not formally engaged before the announcement. He said this raises questions about how the policy…
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N$33 billion power play: Namibia’s solar gamble must deliver for the people

Namibia’s plan to invest roughly N$33 billion into expanding electricity access and generation is not just welcome news; it is long overdue. For a country blessed with abundant sunshine, vast open land, and a growing need for reliable energy, this commitment signals a potentially transformative shift in how Namibia powers its future. At its core, this programme recognises a simple truth: energy is the backbone of development. Without reliable, affordable electricity, economic growth stalls, industries struggle to compete, and households remain locked out of opportunities that many around the world take for granted. For too long, Namibia has lived with…
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Over 500 000 cyber risks detected in three months …NAC joins list of hacked institutions

Over 500 000 cyber risks detected in three months …NAC joins list of hacked institutions

Justicia Shipena  More than 535 000 cyber vulnerabilities were recorded in Namibia between October and December 2025.  The findings come from the Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response Team (Nam-CSIRT), which also detected 195 661 cyber events during the same period. The report, compiled under the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran), shows that weaknesses in systems remain widespread. Cran’s executive for communication and consumer relations, Mufaro Nesongano, said the findings point to the need for stronger protection. “Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Incidents such as this serve as an important reminder for organisations across all sectors to strengthen their cyber…
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Nurses union warns against filming in hospitals

Nurses union warns against filming in hospitals

Allexer Namundjembo The Namibia Nurses Union (Nanu) has warned against the growing practice of members of the public taking photos and videos inside clinics and hospitals.  On Tuesday, the union issued a statement claiming that these recordings often circulate online as purported evidence of subpar service. It said the practice violates privacy and disrupts healthcare environments. “Our primary concern is that such actions are carried out without due regard for the fundamental rights to privacy and human dignity of both patients and healthcare workers,” the union said. Nanu said public healthcare settings require confidentiality and respect. It said unauthorised recordings…
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Information gaps could harm oil and gas sector

Information gaps could harm oil and gas sector

Allexer Namundjembo The account manager for public relations and communications at Namibia Oil and Gas, Julie Hauwanga, says the lack of reliable information in Namibia’s oil and gas sector risks creating speculation that could harm its development.  Hauwanga said access to credible information will play a key role in shaping the sector. “Without credible knowledge platforms, speculation and rumours can easily replace facts, which can be hugely damaging for an emerging sector,” she told the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday.  Namibia’s recent offshore oil discoveries in the Orange Basin have drawn interest from global investors and policymakers. Companies such as Shell…
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RPZ renovates state clinic in Rosh Pinah

RPZ renovates state clinic in Rosh Pinah

Staff Writer  Rosh Pinah Zinc (RPZ) has completed renovation work at the Rosh Pinah State Clinic to improve healthcare services in the town. The project was completed over three weeks and focused on fixing infrastructure and improving working conditions at the facility. Local contractor Onalufipa Trading carried out the work under the supervision of civil engineer Antonio Pedro. The upgrades included replacing light bulbs and covers, installing new toilets, replacing doors and locks, repairing geysers and drainage pipes, and completing carpentry and plumbing work at staff residences. The work addressed maintenance issues that had started to affect service delivery. The…
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Namibia’s energy plan to cost N$33 billion

Namibia’s energy plan to cost N$33 billion

Chamwe Kaira  The implementation of Namibia’s National Energy Compact under the Mission 300 initiative is expected to cost about US$1.76 billion (about N$33 billion), with around US$411 million (about N$7.7 billion) expected from private sector investment. The programme aims to expand electricity access and increase renewable energy generation. This is according to a report by the African Development Bank.  The government is developing a National Electrification Policy to expand electricity access in rural and peri-urban areas. The National Energy Compact forms part of broader plans to increase access to electricity and improve energy security. Under the strategy, Namibia plans to…
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NSX opens week on high note

NSX opens week on high note

Chamwe Kaira  The Namibian Securities Exchange opened the week higher on Monday, 16 March, with gains in financial and consumer stocks, while real estate and basic materials declined. The benchmark FTSE/JSE All Share Index rose by 1,638.04 points (1.43%) to close at 116,562.25, up from 114,924.21 in the previous session. The index remains below its 2026 high of 128,455.68. On the local market, the NSX Overall Index increased by 10.80 points (0.50%) to close at 2,159.45, up from 2,148.65. The index has risen 0.85% since December 2025, when it stood at 2,141.33. The NSX Local Index added 0.25 points (0.03%)…
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Higher economic growth needed to reduce unemployment

Higher economic growth needed to reduce unemployment

Chamwe Kaira  Namibia needs higher economic growth to reduce unemployment and inequality, the African Development Bank has said. Real GDP is expected to grow to 3.8% in 2025 and 3.9% in 2026. The recovery is linked to improved weather conditions and activity in the natural resources sector. The sector includes petroleum exploration and increased uranium production, supported by higher global commodity prices. “A recovery is also evident in tourism, transport and storage, financial services, and electricity generation. Growth prospects are expected to be bolstered by developments in the green hydrogen industry, increased investment in oil and gas, and infrastructure expansion.…
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