Windhoek Observer – Page 28 – Windhoek Observer

21 Oct

Erongo education director urges calm over Covid, mpox

National News

Renthia Kaimbi Erongo region education director Erenfriede Stephanus has called on parents and schools to remain calm and vigilant following reports of new Covid-19 cases in Walvis Bay and a confirmed mpox case in Swakopmund. The appeal comes after two local schools, Duinesig High School and Seaside Primary School, informed parents of confirmed Covid-19 cases over the weekend. Stephanus said the education directorate is monitoring the situation and working closely with health officials in the region. “We are on the ground and busy investigating the matter. We call for calm from schools, parents and learners alike while we await official…

21 Oct

Public service plans to start online hiring system

National News

Justicia Shipena The Public Service Commission (PSC) plans to roll out an automated recruitment and management system to improve hiring processes in the public sector. The system aims to make recruitment more transparent, fair, and efficient. PSC chairperson Salmaan Jacobs said this forms part of wide-ranging reforms aimed at restoring the commission’s independence and accountability. He was speaking at the PSC Reform Retreat held in Windhoek on Monday. Jacobs says the reform drive seeks to reposition the commission as a truly independent oversight body that ensures fairness, efficiency and integrity in the public service. Jacobs said the PSC’s independence has…

21 Oct

‘Mass whale and dolphin sighting at Walvis Bay signals healthy ocean’ – Marine experts

National News

Renthia Kaimbi A large group of whales and dolphins seen off the coast of Walvis Bay over the weekend has been described as a sign that marine life feels at home in Namibian waters. According to Dr Hilkka Ndjaula of the Sam Nujoma Marine and Coastal Research Centre (SANUMAR), the sighting of more than 40 whales and dolphins is rare and significant.“What’s different this time is the sheer number,” Ndjaula said. She noted that smaller sightings are common, but this large gathering suggests the animals are comfortable in the local environment. Ndjaula said the event could be linked to environmental…

21 Oct

Every Namibian deserves quality data, says NSA

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) has urged for inclusive, reliable and high quality data for every citizen as it joined the global community in marking World Statistics Day 2025. The day, observed every five years, is celebrated under the theme “Driving Change with Quality Statistics for Everyone”. Statistician general and chief executive officer of the NSA, Alex Shimuafeni, said the day highlights the role of statistics in promoting equitable development, transparency and informed decision-making. “Quality statistics are the foundation for accountability, transparency and informed decision-making. They are essential tools in ensuring that no one is left behind,” Shimuafeni…

21 Oct

NCCI revives Katima Mulilo branch with new executive

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The Katima Mulilo branch of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) has elected a new leadership team. The branch had been without leadership since the previous Executive Committee’s term ended. The branch recently hosted its elective general meeting on 10 October 2025 at the Zambezi Regional Council offices. Entrepreneurs from various sectors, including small and large businesses, attended the meeting in large numbers. The session started with a presentation by the NCCI Secretariat on the chamber's role, membership benefits and advocacy work. It drew interest from both members and non-members who wanted to learn more about…

21 Oct

Job search mistakes you should stop making as a fresh graduate

Featured, Opinions

Stepping into the world of work after graduation is both exciting and overwhelming. The thrill of completing your studies and preparing to make your mark in the professional world often meets the reality of fierce competition, rejection emails, and long waiting periods. Many fresh graduates fall into common traps that delay their success or prevent them from securing the opportunities they deserve. Understanding these pitfalls is crucial because your early career decisions can either propel you forward or keep you stuck in uncertainty. One of the most frequent mistakes fresh graduates make is applying for every job they come across…

21 Oct

OBSERVER DAILY | Mpox in Namibia: A wake-up call, not a cause for panic

Editorial, Featured, Opinions

Namibia has recorded its first confirmed case of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, and while that headline alone may alarm some, this moment should be seen as an opportunity for vigilance, not fear. The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has moved swiftly to isolate the patient, begin contact tracing, and activate the national emergency response system. That decisive action deserves commendation. In times like these, calm professionalism matters just as much as medical expertise. Understanding Mpox: What we are dealing with Mpox is not new to Africa or to the global health landscape. It’s a zoonotic viral disease,…

21 Oct

TotalEnergies seeks public input on Venus

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) for the proposed offshore Venus Field Development in petroleum exploration licence (PEL) 56/Block 2913B off southern Namibia is now open for public review and comment. The Draft ESIA Report, prepared by SLR Consulting and Urban Dynamics Africa, examines the potential environmental and social impacts of TotalEnergies EP Namibia B.V.’s (TEEPNA) planned project. The report is available for public comment from 3 November to 3 December 2025. The Venus Field, discovered about 300 kilometres offshore from Oranjemund in waters roughly 3,000 metres deep, is one of Namibia’s largest oil finds. TEEPNA, together…

21 Oct

Housing and office space still in short supply

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Namibia’s real estate market is undergoing major changes driven by urban growth, shifting demographics and expansion in energy, logistics and tourism. Despite high demand, the supply of residential and commercial properties remains tight, especially in Windhoek, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. Dominic Shikola, head of client coverage for business and commercial banking at Standard Bank Namibia, says the country must close the development finance gap to unlock its property potential. “The demand for housing and commercial space is real, urgent, and growing,” says Shikola. “But without innovative financing, collaborative partnerships, and municipal reform, the supply gap will widen, impacting…

21 Oct

Paratus one of the last telecom growth stories

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Paratus Namibia Holdings (PNH) recorded strong results for the financial year ended 2025, reflecting its transition from a data connectivity provider to a full telecommunications operator, according to Simonis Storm Securities. Revenue rose by 14.6% to N$652 million, driven by recurring connectivity income, growing enterprise services, and the successful launch of its national mobile network in September. Net profit stood at N$26.6 million, with earnings per share at 26.3 cents. The company reported EBITDA of N$203 million, supported by efficiency gains and early mobile network growth. Paratus invested N$471 million in capital expenditure during 2025, focusing on mobile…