Windhoek Observer – Page 381 – Windhoek Observer

23 Apr

Steenkamp visits renovated school hostels in Outjo

National News

Niël Terblanché The Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp, visited several recently renovated hostels in Outjo during the Easter weekend. Her inspections included stops at Jöel Heroldt Primary School, Outjo Primary School, and Urib Project School, where she assessed the upgrades. The hostel upgrades were coincidentally finished in time to host participants in the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup over the past long weekend. During her visit, Steenkamp said that the ministry invested N$11 million to improve accommodation facilities for learners. According to Steenkamp, the renovations were designed to improve basic infrastructure and living conditions for…

23 Apr

SADC MPs for transformation of prisons into centres of reform

Africa / World

Moses Magadza The chairperson of the human and social development and special programmes committee of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF), Mope Khati, has urged members of parliament to help in transforming the region’s prison systems through the development of a progressive Model Law on Prison Oversight. Speaking during the official opening of the standing committee’s statutory meeting in Johannesburg, Khati paid tribute to the late clerk of the National Assembly of Zambia, Roy Ngulube. “His impact on parliamentarism was profound, his shoes too big to fill and the void he has left behind will be felt for a time…

23 Apr

Namibia sets sights on energy-driven growth rooted in local value

Observer Money

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s path to becoming a regional energy powerhouse will remain firmly grounded in national values, long-term planning, and partnerships that prioritise local development. This was the message delivered by Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, speaking on behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, at the official opening of the Namibia International Energy Conference in Windhoek on Wednesday. “Namibia is on the path to becoming a leading energy hub, not just in ambition, but in action. This transformation is deliberate, self-directed, and grounded in who we are,” Ngurare declared. Ngurare stressed the government’s strategy of building inclusive, sustainable growth through the responsible…

23 Apr

US tariffs potential drive up inflation, stymie economy, and precipitate recession

Opinions

Josef Kefas Sheehama Namibia will be susceptible to this financial contagion in the short to medium term, but I disagree with the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of Namibia's assessment that tariffs will have little immediate effect on GDP. It is critical to recognize that Namibia's economy is comparatively small, and a reduction in revenue from international sources will negatively affect the country's liquidity, given that Namibia does not possess sufficient domestic markets to yield adequate income to offset the impacts of earnings from export markets. The markets are projected to continue being highly volatile, undergoing considerable fluctuations…

22 Apr

Parents call for national boycott over Khoekhoegowab language removal

Main

Hertta-Maria Amutenja A group of parents and community members are planning a nationwide boycott on 5 May 2025 in protest against the removal of Khoekhoegowab as a subject at Auas Primary School in Windhoek. The announcement came on Tuesday during the delivery of a petition to the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture. The petition alleges that Khoekhoegowab, an indigenous language, has been sidelined at the school, in violation of the Basic Education Act and Namibia’s national language policy. “We are asking all parents, community members and stakeholders to mobilise themselves to inform the police in your…

22 Apr

Beef consumption declines

National News

Ester Mbathera New analysis has revealed that average meat consumption in Namibia has declined from a high of 8kg per capita to just under 6kg in recent years. This is according to a study by Liaan Burger from Cirrus Capital. The shift stands in contrast to neighbouring South Africa, which has seen a significant increase in overall meat consumption during the same period. “Namibia and South Africa are known not for vegetarian cuisine but rather for their rich tradition of meat-based dishes. Overall meat consumption in South Africa has risen steadily over the past three decades, increasing from around 6.7kg…

22 Apr

Road upgrade project in Etosha National Park commences

National News

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism announced the commencement of the long-awaited upgrade of the road between Okaukuejo and King Nehale Gate in Etosha National Park. The project aims to transform the heavily used gravel route into a low-volume sealed road, enhancing access and safety for visitors to the iconic wildlife sanctuary. According to a statement released by the Ministry on Tuesday, the initial phase of the upgrade will focus on the first 20 kilometres from Okaukuejo, with construction scheduled from 23 April to 30 November. During this period, traffic between Okaukuejo and Halali will be redirected…

22 Apr

Locust outbreak in Zambezi threatens food security

Featured, National News

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform (MAFWLR) has reported a locust outbreak in the Zambezi region, with swarms currently in the hopper and fledgling stages. The ministry’s executive director, Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, said in a statement that the outbreak began in early February 2025, following substantial rainfall in the area. She indicated that affected locations include Ibbu near the Chobe River, Sachona, Lubuta, Singalamwe, Omega, Chinchimane, Kanono, Batabaja, Muyako, Ngala, Mahundu, and Seke. “The presence of green vegetation over large areas in the north-eastern, north-central regions, and to some extent in neighbouring Zambia, Botswana, and Angola,…

22 Apr

Auditor flags financial mismanagement at Land Fund

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The Land Acquisition and Development Fund has come under scrutiny after the Auditor General, Junias Kandjeke, flagged a series of financial and operational shortcomings in its 2022 financial statements, revealing a concerning pattern of mismanagement. According to a report tabled in Parliament last week, the fund failed to submit a complete set of financial statements as required by the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), including the omission of a statement of changes in net assets or equity. Discrepancies were also identified between the fund’s financial records and tax information from the valuation roll, with gaps of N$29.5…

22 Apr

Catholic parishes directed to hold daily Mass in honour of the late Pope Francis

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Archbishop Liborius Nashenda has instructed all Roman Catholic priests across Namibia to hold daily masses or include intentions for the late Pope Francis in their Divine Offices until his burial. The directive, issued on Tuesday, comes as the Catholic Church enters a mourning period following Pope Francis's passing. Nashenda urged the Catholic community to remain prayerful and united during this time. “We are all shocked and saddened by his passing. Nevertheless, as people of faith, we should continue to pray for the repose of his soul unceasingly. I hereby request all priests in each parish to celebrate Mass…