Observer

Ester Mbathera The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) is facing increasing scrutiny from economists and politicians after omitting the Labour Force Survey in its latest Census Main Report released on Wednesday. Economist, Roaland Brown took to the X platform, calling for the dismissal of the NSA board and executive for excluding the labour force survey. “The 2023 Census was released today, however the normal section on employment/unemployment was removed (see 2011 report example vs. 2023). After not producing socioeconomic data for six years, the NSA now hides vital information before elections. The board and executive should be held to account and…

Ester Mbathera Political parties preparing for Namibia's National Assembly and Presidential elections in November are still seeking clarity over the Electoral Commission of Namibia's (ECN) decision to use emergency procurement for ballot paper printing. According to the ECN’s annual procurement plan for 2024/25, the bidding process for printing ballot papers should have started on 25 July 2024. However, the commission opted for an emergency process instead after cancelling the initial decision to use Open International Bidding for ballot paper procurement. The ECN chief electoral and referenda officer of the ECN, Peter Shaama, on Wednesday, explained the emergency procurement process after…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Traditional authorities have expressed discontent with the national costume recently unveiled for Miss Namibia, Prisca Anyolo, for the 73rd Miss Universe Pageant, questioning its representation of the country’s cultural diversity. The costume, made from Odelela fabric, which is traditionally associated with the Aawambo people, has ignited a debate on whether it adequately embodies Namibia’s cultural inclusivity. Maria Katjaita of the Maharero Traditional Authority, however, voiced her disappointment with the choice, arguing that a national costume should strive for cultural neutrality and inclusivity. She remarked on the costume’s ties to a specific cultural group, suggesting it could have incorporated…

Stefanus Nashama Workers are increasingly turning to social justice activists for help with labour-related issues, citing frustration with the policies of the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation. Sakaria Johannes, a political analyst, said the government system has many flaws and is riddled with many loopholes that make resolving labour disputes ineffective. Johannes shared this with the Windhoek Observer this week. “Sometimes, those who are at the top are the cause of labour issues, which make it easy for them to manipulate the system,” he said. Johannes added that many workers are reluctant to report labour problems for…