Windhoek Observer – Page 11 – Windhoek Observer

18 Nov

US, Switzerland and Liechtenstein launch trade talks

Observer Money

Staff Writer The United States, Switzerland and Liechtenstein have announced plans to negotiate a major economic pact aimed at reshaping trade and investment ties, boosting job creation and strengthening supply chain security. The White House said the three countries will work under a new “Framework for an Agreement on Fair, Balanced, and Reciprocal Trade”, with the goal of concluding negotiations by the first quarter of 2026. If completed, the agreement will create a modern trading relationship that expands market access, promotes investment and strengthens cooperation in sectors such as manufacturing and digital services. Switzerland and Liechtenstein expressed strong intentions to…

18 Nov

Swipe smart, not blind

Observer Money

Mignon du Preez Black Friday is almost here, and the excitement is everywhere. Stores are shouting about massive discounts, online deals are popping up on your feed, and everyone seems ready to grab something “before it’s gone”. But here’s the truth: a bargain isn’t a bargain if it leaves you broke or stressed about money. In Namibia, where the cost of living is climbing and festive season expenses are just around the corner, smart spending matters more than ever. Black Friday can be a great opportunity to save, but only if you shop with a plan. Start with this simple…

17 Nov

Ex-Ongopolo executives accused of taking mine assets for ‘pennies’

Main

Renthia Kaimbi Details of a Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) bailout intended to rescue the Ongopolo copper mine in Tsumeb in the early 2000s have resurfaced. Residents and sources now allege that former executives acquired multi-million-dollar company properties for almost nothing during liquidation. More than N$100 million in government support, including GIPF funding, had been injected into Ongopolo Mining and Processing Ltd under former managing director Andre Neethling in an attempt to revive the collapsed mine. Court documents filed in 2005 showed that Ongopolo owed Standard Bank N$95 million, backed by a government guarantee. The documents also showed that GIPF…

17 Nov

Nearly 500 children diagnosed with diabetes in one year

National News

Justicia Shipena Almost 500 children in Namibia were diagnosed with diabetes in the past year. The health ministry says the trend is deeply worrying and needs urgent action from families, schools and communities. Health minister Esperance Luvindao said 377 cases were recorded among children aged 5–17 and 122 among children under five during the 2024/2025 financial year. She said the rise among younger children shows a shift that can no longer be ignored. Luvindao issued the warning during the 2025 World Diabetes Day commemoration on Friday at the UN Plaza Amphitheatre in Windhoek. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not…

17 Nov

Parliament committee asked to summon GIPF board over investment loss

National News

Justicia Shipena The public accounts committee of the National Assembly has been asked to summon the board and management of the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) to explain the reported loss of money in a foreign investment. This comes as a tax claim issued by the South African Revenue Service triggered a major impairment in one of the fund’s offshore investment vehicles. The claim created uncertainty about whether the fund would recover the full value of its assets. GIPF reported an impairment of N$815 million in its 2025 financial statements. Chief executive officer Martin Inkumbi said the amount formed part…

17 Nov

Immanuel draws line on future magistrates’ strikes

National News

Renthia Kaimbi Justice and labour relations minister Fillemon Wise Immanuel says any continued 'go-slow' strike at Magistrates’ Courts will be taken seriously. This is after sworn testimony from magistrates made his urgent High Court application unnecessary on Friday. Immanuel had approached the court seeking an order to declare a widespread work stoppage by magistrates a “go-slow” strike and to compel them back to their courtrooms. His application claimed that a de facto strike was crippling the justice system. The matter shifted when the Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association of Namibia (MJAN) submitted sworn statements denying that any strike or slowdown was…

17 Nov

CoW to investigate alleged misuse of truck for campaigning

National News

Allexer Namundjebo The City of Windhoek will investigate the use of a municipal dump truck that was seen displaying a political party flag. The incident has raised public concern over the misuse of city property. Social justice activist Michael Amushelelo reported on Saturday that he saw the truck being used for a political campaign. He said the conduct was unacceptable and called for action against the driver. “My fellow Namibians, today I witnessed a City of Windhoek municipal dump truck being used for the corrupt regime campaign,” he said. He demanded a disciplinary hearing and the most severe punishment for…

17 Nov

Pay your water bills to keep taps running — Nandi-Ndaitwah

National News

Justicia Shipena President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged citizens to pay their water bills on time, saying the sustainability of the country’s water services depends on it. Local authorities were found to owe NamWater about N$3.5 billion, according to urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa. NamWater reported earlier in March that local authorities, municipalities, town councils, individuals, village councils and rural water communities owed N$2.4 billion. The figure marked a 16% increase from the N$2.1 billion recorded in June 2024, with local authorities carrying the biggest share of the debt at N$889 million. “Moving forward, we must remember that water…

17 Nov

UCOM network taken down for operating illegally

National News

Justicia Shipena The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) has shut down UCOM Mobile Namibia and confiscated its radio equipment after repeated violations of the Communications Act. Cran said UCOM continued transmitting illegally even after its spectrum licences were cancelled in February and December 2023. The cancellations were due to non-payment of fees and inefficient use of spectrum that resulted in hoarding. The regulator gave UCOM six months, until June 2024, to migrate its roughly 1 000 customers and close its operations. According to Cran, all services were meant to stop after that deadline. Cran’s executive for communication and consumer…

17 Nov

City council passes 20-year plan to improve water security

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The City of Windhoek has approved a 20-year Integrated Water and Wastewater Master Plan. The plan was adopted at the last municipal council meeting for the year, held last week. The move comes as the capital faces rising water shortages and growing climate pressures. The council said the master plan outlines how it will source, use and manage water over the next two decades, with a focus on securing supply, protecting the environment and upgrading ageing wastewater infrastructure. Windhoek continues to experience severe water stress. Dam levels at Von Bach, Omatako and Swakoppoort have dropped sharply in recent…