Windhoek Observer

Martin Endjala TransUnion Namibia’s country manager, Lara Enslin has urged consumers to avoid taking on additional debt during the festive season, emphasising the importance of maintaining a good credit score. In an interview with the Windhoek Observer on Wednesday, Enslin advised individuals to avoid maxing out credit facilities and to monitor their credit usage. She recommended keeping credit utilisation below 35% of the limit and prioritising the repayment of outstanding balances. “So if you check the credit limits on your loan accounts, credit cards, and overdrafts, see how much you owe on each. You plan to maintain a healthy amount…

Stefanus Nashama Matheus Mhani, the presiding officer for the Windhoek Rural Constituency during the 2024 presidential and national assembly elections, has denied allegations of election rigging involving 500 000 ballot papers reportedly filled in favour of Swapo. The allegations, circulating on WhatsApp and other social media platforms, accuse Mhani, a member of the Namibian Police, Gidein Shino, and the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) officials of plotting to manipulate results. "Those are false allegations. I am not the author. I do not know who is trying to use my name in connection with things that are not true. Even the…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The homestead of Chief Hosea Kutako in the Toasis village near Aminius in the Omaheke region was officially declared a national monument during a special ceremony on Tuesday. The event led by President Nangolo Mbumba also marked the inauguration of the Hosea Kutako Memorial Museum and Homestead Shrine. Mbumba emphasised the significance of the site in Namibia's history. “It represents the unity of the Namibian people, which carried them during the fight against racism, German colonialism and illegal apartheid occupation,” said Mbumba. The President praised Chief Kutako as an iconic nationalist who championed peace, unity, and justice for…

Mallex Shipanga The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) have called on the nation to strengthen efforts to combat corruption. The two institutions issued the call on 9 December, which is observed as International Anti-Corruption Day. The United Nations (UN) established International Anti-Corruption Day on 9 December to raise awareness about and combat corruption. According to the IPPR’s executive director, Graham Hopwood, corruption exacerbates inequality, undermines development, and weakens public trust by diverting resources meant to improve lives. Through the Integrity Namibia Project, he encouraged the public to combat corruption and strengthen integrity in various…

Niël Terblanché Namibia has achieved a new historic milestone in addressing past land disparities with the establishment of the first communal land in the Khomas Region. The Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Calle Schlettwein, officially handed over 8 132 hectares of land to the !Khomanin Traditional Authority on a historic day for the community and the nation. Schwlettwein said that the land, which comprises the farms Groot Korasieplaats and Portion 1 of Groot Korasieplaats, was acquired by the government at a cost of N$33.9 million. “Today, I am a happy man. It is an emotional moment because we…

Stefanus Nashama Paulus Shimooshili, a member of the Affirmative Repositioning (AR), accused the Okahandja Town Council of mismanaging funds and neglecting essential services. He highlighted the non-functional state of public toilet facilities as a glaring example of the municipality's failure to address basic needs. The accusations stem from the state of public toilet facilities in the municipality, which have reportedly been out of service for over three years. The facilities were built to serve the public when visiting the municipality for services. “These toilets have remained non-functional despite repeated complaints,” Shimooshili said. Shimooshili said he found out that the toilets…

Mallex Shipanga The deputy director of education, arts, and culture in the Oshikoto Region, Tomas Kalimbo, has advised parents and guardians to keep their children safe during the festive season. Kalimbo listed various ways to do so in a statement issued on 22 November. Kalimbo said he wants a safe and secure environment for children this festive season. He encouraged parents and guardians to know where their children are visiting during the festive season. “Ensure that you leave your children with responsible and reliable persons,” he said. In addition, Kalimbo advised parents to know their children's friends and their parents.…

Niël Terblanché The dual celebration of Human Rights Day and Namibia’s Women’s Day will go down in history not only because serves as a reminder of the progress made in the country’s journey toward justice and equality and the ongoing collective effort needed to secure a brighter future for all, but also because the nation elected its first female head of state. On Tuesday, Namibia joined the global community In commemoration of International Human Rights Day under the theme “Our Right, Our Future, Right Now”. President Nangolo Mbumba in a special message to the nation reflected on the strides made…