Windhoek Observer – Page 380 – Windhoek Observer

03 Feb

Khomas Nampol Ladies FC taste first defeat in Women’s Super League

Featured, Sports

Erasmus Shailihaxwe Khomas Nampol Ladies Football Club suffered their first defeat of the season, losing 3-1 to Football Club Ongos Ladies on Saturday. Despite the loss, Khomas Nampol remains at the top of the log with 18 points from seven games, having scored 34 goals and conceded only three. Beauties Football Club sits in second place with 16 points from six games, scoring 20 goals and conceding just one. African Stars Queens Football Club follows in third place with 16 points from seven games, scoring 11 goals and conceding one. Reigning champions FC Ongos Ladies are in fourth place with…

02 Feb

Trigon halts operations at Kombat for urgent maintenance

Main

Allexer Namundjembo Trigon Metals has temporarily paused operations at its Kombat Mine to conduct unplanned maintenance on its dewatering systems. The company announced this on Saturday, citing the need to ensure the long-term stability and efficiency of the mine’s infrastructure. The pause follows the failure of both primary dewatering pumps at the site last month, which suspended underground mining operations. Trigon Metals anticipates potential flooding in the coming days. Jed Richardson, CEO and executive chairman of Trigon Metals, acknowledged the challenges posed by the situation but emphasised its necessity. "While this temporary pause is not the outcome we envisioned, it…

02 Feb

Amupanda calls for halt on N$1.7 billion TransNamib deal

Featured, National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja TransNamib’s procurement of 23 new locomotives worth N$1.7 billion has come under scrutiny, with concerns raised about the transparency of the process. The Affirmative Repositioning’s leader, Job Amupanda has called for the cancellation of the acquisition of new locomotives, arguing that the use of direct procurement is inappropriate for a deal of this scale. He claims the process lacks transparency and is being rushed to benefit "white interests" before the new administration takes office in March 2025. Amupanda has also levelled accusations against TransNamib’s chief executive officer (CEO), Desmond van Jaarsveld, accusing him of orchestrating the deal for…

02 Feb

Climate change: A growing threat to Namibia’s natural resources

Opinions

Wayambekange N Hamufenhu Namibia is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and natural resources. From the sprawling desert landscapes of Namib to the lush wildlife in the northeast, the nation’s natural affluence is an integral part of its identity and economy. However, the threat of climate change is beginning to cast a dark shadow over this fragile bio-network. The impacts are already evident and pose a severe threat to the sustainability of the country’s environment, economy, and future. As a largely arid country, Namibia’s reliance on its natural resources, especially water, agriculture, and wildlife, is undeniable. The rising temperatures…

02 Feb

Councillors advocate for proper classrooms in Kavango West

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Kavango West Regional Chairperson and Tondoro Constituency Councillor urged the government to improve school infrastructure. Sikongo Joseph, made this call last week during a visit to Tondoro Combined School. He criticised the use of corrugated iron structures as classrooms, highlighting the challenges faced by both learners and teachers due to extreme heat. “The structures are designed with only one window, and by 11:00 AM, the heat in those classrooms is unbearable unless the learners are sent home by then. Thirty-four years after independence, the government has still not provided quality learning infrastructure, including well-built classrooms to accommodate students,”…

02 Feb

Shell exit won’t sink Namibia oil

Opinions

Raffik Lazar Last month Shell's decision to write off its 400 million USD exploration investment in PEL39 and failure to find commercial hydrocarbon in a high-profile exploration well in PEL90 by a Chevron-led consortium, have left some wondering about the viability of the petroleum potential in the offshore Namibia Domain. While previous successes bolster positive sentiment and generate enthusiasm, the reverse is certainly not true. Let’s start by stating the obvious: the recent years exploration activities in the Offshore Namibia domain prove that the potential is present and the discovered barrels did not disappear with Shell decision. Rather it reflects…

02 Feb

Mbumba reflects on Namibia’s diplomatic progress

National News

Niël Terblanché President Nangolo Mbumba reiterated Namibia’s commitment to global cooperation, economic development, and conflict resolution, as he addressed members of the diplomatic corps at the annual New Year’s greetings event at State House in Windhoek on Friday. In his address to the diplomatic corps, the President reflected on the trials faced in the past year, while expressing optimism for Namibia’s future, particularly in light of the upcoming transition to a new head of state. “The year 2024 was marked by significant challenges, including the heartbreaking loss of President Hage Geingob. Despite our grief, Namibia ensured a smooth transfer of…

02 Feb

New electronic signature regulations set to strengthen digital security

National News

Niël Terblanché The Namibian government has reinforced its commitment to digital transformation with the introduction of new electronic signature regulations and accreditation of security products and services regulations. Speaking at a stakeholder engagement hosted by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) in Windhoek on Friday, the executive director of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Audrin Mathe, said the regulations are a vital element in building a secure and inclusive digital economy. “The Electronic Transactions Act (No. 4 of 2019) forms the foundation of our digital economy. It provides legal recognition for electronic communications and transactions, ensuring they…

02 Feb

Namibians should brace for steep price hikes

Featured, National News

Niël Terblanché Consumers across Namibia will soon feel the impact of rising global oil prices when they go shopping for essential goods. On Friday, the Ministry of Mines and Energy announced a sharp increase in fuel prices. The increase is set to take effect on Wednesday and will have an impact on the prices paid for food and other consumer goods. In its announcement, the ministry attributed the price hike to continued global geopolitical tensions, OPEC+ production cuts, and currency exchange rate fluctuations, which have driven up the cost of importing crude oil. The ministry said in its statement that…

02 Feb

Goraseb charts new path for Swakopmund

National News

Niël Terblanché Swakopmund mayor, Blasius Goraseb, delivered his maiden address at the first town council meeting of 2025 on Thursday, pledging to lead with transparency, inclusivity, and a steadfast commitment to service delivery. “It is an honour to stand before you today as the Mayor of Swakopmund. I extend my sincere gratitude to my fellow councillors for placing their confidence in me. I also wish to express my appreciation to my predecessor, Dina Namubes, whose leadership saw notable progress in economic development, infrastructure, and community engagement,” he said. In his address, Goraseb pointed out key initiatives undertaken by the council…