Windhoek Observer – Page 2 – Windhoek Observer

19 Mar

Namibia and the emerging new world order: Strategic neutrality and non-alignment in an era of global power reconfiguration

Opinions

Paul T. Shipale (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) The international system is undergoing one of the most profound transformations since the end of the Cold War. Rising geopolitical tensions, technological rivalries, economic competition, and persistent regional conflicts are reshaping the architecture of global power. What many analysts increasingly describe is not simply a series of isolated crises, but the gradual emergence of a new world order. Within this evolving landscape, the diplomatic posture adopted by Namibia’s eighth administration deserves careful attention. By reaffirming a policy rooted in strategic neutrality, non-alignment, multilateral engagement, and pragmatic diplomacy, Namibia is positioning…

19 Mar

A computer used to be a person – from human computers to intelligent systems: Namibia’s place in the next era of computing

Observer Money

Pascal Haingura There was a time when the word 'computer' did not refer to a machine at all. It referred to a person – someone employed to perform calculations. Before electronic machines existed, governments, astronomers, engineers, and scientists relied on human “computers” to process numerical data manually and systematically. Then came the technological turning point of the 20th century. With the rise of electronic computing, machines assumed the work of calculation and data processing. From that moment onwards, a computer became something people used first in laboratories and government offices, later in businesses, and eventually in homes. Today, we are…

18 Mar

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

National News

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…

18 Mar

Doctors left in the dark on Vision April 2026

Main, National News

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…

18 Mar

N$33 billion power play: Namibia’s solar gamble must deliver for the people

Editorial, Featured

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…

18 Mar

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

National News

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…

18 Mar

Nurses union warns against filming in hospitals

National News

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…

18 Mar

Information gaps could harm oil and gas sector

National News

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…

18 Mar

RPZ renovates state clinic in Rosh Pinah

National News

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…

18 Mar

Namibia’s energy plan to cost N$33 billion

Observer Money

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…