Windhoek Observer – Page 378 – Windhoek Observer

13 Feb

African Stars still searching for a head coach

Sports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe African Stars, the reigning Debmarine Namibia Premier League champions, are still searching for a head coach nearly two weeks after Fillemon Ronny Kanalelo resigned. African Stars chairman, Salomo Hei confirmed on Thursday that the recruitment process has begun, with the position already advertised. He said the club has received strong interest from various candidates. ‘’We are still in the process, and we have been inundated with people interested in the position, but the final decision has not been made yet. But as soon we finalise the process we will let the public know,’’ said Hei. Kanalelo, who was…

13 Feb

NFA suspends football leagues to honor Nujoma

Sports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Namibia Football Association (NFA) has suspended all sporting activities across its associations and federations during the mourning period of mourning for Founding President Sam Nujoma. The NFA’s Secretary General, Charles Siyauya confirmed the decision on Thursday, stating that the suspension is a mark of respect for the late former head of state. ‘’This suspension only applies to official matches and competitive events. Teams can continue with training and practice sessions, but we kindly ask that these be held without fans or spectators present. We encourage everyone to conduct these sessions respectfully and in line with the national…

13 Feb

Small-scale farmers call for improved market access

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Namibia’s small-scale farmers are calling for greater utilisation of local produce as a way to address food waste, boost their income, and create more job opportunities in the agro-processing sector. A challenge facing local farmers is limited access to markets, where size and aesthetic standards often prevent non-standard produce from reaching consumers. Ben Shernick, director of the Nutrition and Food Security Alliance of Namibia (NAFSAN), stressed supporting small-scale farmers through local markets. "Farmers need more opportunities to sell their produce locally. If we can create demand for local products, whether processed or fresh, it will be easier for…

13 Feb

My personal recollections with the Founding Father H.E. Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma; The Last Man Standing

Opinions

P T Shipale Although, in my capacity as the Senior Special Assistant to the Founding President, I was kept abreast of the condition of the Founding President, one is never prepared to hear the sad news of the passing of a person who is close to our hearts. More so, if such a person is of the calibre of the Founding President and Father of the Namibian Nation, H.E. Dr Sam Nujoma. The first time I met the Founding President in person was in 1979 after the Cassinga Massacre on the 4th of May 1978 as I was part of…

13 Feb

Team to be set up for diamond negotiations

Observer Money

CHAMWE KAIRA The Ministry of Mines and Energy has confirmed that the sales agreement between the Namibian government and De Beers will end on 16 May 2026. The ministry spokesperson, Ten Hasheela, told Observer Money that an internal review process has started. “The negotiating team is, however, in the process to be appointed,” spokesperson Ten Hasheela told Observer Money. Asked whether Namibia will seek a larger stake in the next agreement beyond the current 15%, Hasheela said the ministry cannot speculate on the outcome. According to her, the team will review the current agreement and propose key issues for negotiation.…

13 Feb

Botswana considering Namibia rail link

Observer Money

CHAMWE KAIRA Botswana is currently considering proposals for a self-funding mega-project for the construction and development of a rail corridor linking Namibia and Botswana’s western copper-belt region through Ghantsi, minister of finance Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe has disclosed. He said when he presented the 2025 budget that Botswana’s existing rail infrastructure is neither adequate nor up to standard; even so, it is not fully utilised or optimised. “The administration is considering options for a rail operational model best suited for our circumstances. All options being considered will require changes to the current legislation on the role of Botswana Railways,” he said. …

13 Feb

Diamond production increase to 600 000 carats in Q4

Observer Money

CHAMWE KAIRA Production in Namibia rose by 3% to 600,000 carats, driven by higher-grade mining and improved recoveries at Namdeb. In Botswana, production decreased by 31% to 4.2 million carats as a result of planned actions to lower production at Jwaneng. According to De Beers' production report for the fourth quarter ended 31 December 2024, deliberate lower production at Debmarine Namibia partially offset this. In South Africa, production increased by 27% to 600 000 carats, due to Venetia underground and a slight improvement in grades of processed ore. Production in Canada decreased by 43% to 500 000 carats as a…

13 Feb

Paladin secures 11 uranium offtakers

Observer Money

CHAMWE KAIRA Paladin Energy, which owns the Langer Heinrich mine in the Erongo Region, told investors it has secured 11 offtake agreements with tier-one industry counterparties. During an investor conference call, the company said 88% of the mine’s total production will be exposed to market-related prices. It also confirmed that the mine has already contracted for 50% of its production. “Strong demand for nuclear energy is driven by global decarbonisation and energy security,” it said. China’s CNNC, a major shareholder in Paladin, is one of the world’s largest uranium consumers. “Chinese utilities are expected to become the largest consumers of…

13 Feb

Housing demand grows at Bukalo

Observer Money

CHAMWE KAIRA First Capital Namibia says the demand for housing in Bukalo, Zambezi Region, is rising as more people seek residential developments. A report by the firm said that 1 700 individuals are currently on the council’s waiting list for affordable housing, while 600 others are waiting for land to build their own homes. “This substantial demand for both houses and land emphasises the urgent need for expanded housing and land allocation efforts to meet the community's needs and accommodate its growth,” the report said. Bukalo’s expansion has resulted in the creation of six extensions. While most of these extensions…

13 Feb

Inflation mirroring global trends

Observer Money

CHAMWE KAIRA Namibia’s inflation trends are aligning with global patterns, where price pressures are easing in major economies, according to Simonis Storm Securities. In the United States, inflation stood at 2.6%, while the Euro Area recorded 2.3%, both benefiting from stable energy prices and slower economic activity. In South Africa, inflation moderated to 2.8% yearoveryear, driven by lower transport costs and a slowdown in food price increases. Simonis noted that Namibia’s inflationary dynamics differ from its regional peers, particularly due to structural challenges in housing and utilities, which keep core inflation elevated. The report noted that the reintroduction of US…