Windhoek Observer – Page 483 – Windhoek Observer

22 Aug

Mainstream media sustainability amid digital transformation

Opinions

Festus Nakatana It is a challenging time for media operations everywhere. Printed media sustainability has been sliding towards the abyss due to declining advertising revenue, reduced circulation, and loss to technology giants. Advertising revenue, in particular, is the lifeblood of newspapers’; ability to remain profitable. This reality rings true in Namibia, considering that circulations of virtually all mainstream print titles are in alarming decline. While some popular media outlets have fully adopted new technologies and advertising models to diversify revenue streams, many are still struggling. They are left to fend for themselves, with no new revenue streams to reshape operations…

22 Aug

OPPORTUNISM VS ADVENTURISM

OpinionsNyiko Floyd Shivambu, uMkhonto Wesizwe

Paul Shipale After Former EFF Deputy President Nyiko Floyd Shivambu’s decision to leave the Red Berets for uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party, addressing a press conference on Thursday, EFF leader Julius Malema attempted to put on a brave face saying this was not the end of the road for the EFF. Malema expressed his disappointment at Shivambu’s resignation from the party when it has been deemed to be at its weakest since its formation in 2013. Shivambu’s departure left a leadership vacuum in the EFF and put the party in an even tougher position leading up to its elective conference in…

22 Aug

Same vigour necessary to preserve resources as looking for investors

Opinions

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro There can be no better time than now for the country to be become more vigilant over its natural resources and with the same vigour that it is currently crisscrossing the globe like the late President Dr Hage Geingob did looking for investors to tap into the rich natural resources of the country. And there can be no better generation than the current and future one to do this. Because it behooves them to ensure that such natural resources are preserved for future generations, which is none other than them. One cannot but notice that currently it is…

22 Aug

NBL unveils N$337m wine packaging line

Observer MoneyNamibia Breweries Limited (NBL), Peter Simons

CHAMWE KAIRA Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) has unveiled its N$337-million wine packaging line, a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and growth. The new facility was officially inaugurated by President Dr Nangolo Mbumba at NBL Head Office in Windhoek. In a strategic move to expand production capacity and diversify its brand portfolio, NBL has allocated an additional N$44 million to enhance its existing packaging lines. This upgrade will allow the brewery to produce and package popular ciders such as Savanna and Hunters locally for the first time. Additionally, the brewery’s extended warehouse, covering 4,400 square meters represents…

22 Aug

Curro seeking for more investments

Observer MoneyCurro Holdings Limited, Walvis Bay Gymnasium

CHAMWE KAIRA Curro Holdings Limited has said in the financial results for the six months ended 30 June that it is actively pursuing opportunities to offer quality education to more learners in Southern Africa. The group opened two new campuses in Walvis Bay and Oshana and also owns the Windhoek Gymnasium. The Walvis Bay Gymnasium opened with 350 pupils. Oshana Gymnasium opened with an initial intake of 200 to 250 learners. The two new schools were built at a total cost of N$240 million. Curro said the two new campuses in Namibia are part of a joint venture. “Much of…

22 Aug

Tsumeb Smelter must buy local goods

Observer MoneyDundee Precious Metals Inc, Namibian Competition Commission, Sinomine (Hong Kong) Rare Metals Resources Co Limited

CHAMWE KAIRA Sinomine (Hong Kong) Rare Metals Resources Co Limited, which has bought Tsumeb Smelter from Dundee Precious Metals Inc will be expected to buy goods and services below N$250 000 from local companies, under conditions imposed by the Namibian Competition Commission. The commission further said its decision is based on the grounds that the transaction is unlikely to prevent or lessen competition in Namibia. Sinomine and Dundee have promised that there will be specific retrenchments by the merged undertaking for a period of three years after the date of implementation. The company is also expected to comply with the…

22 Aug

Billion dollars for water infrastructure

Observer MoneyOhangwena II Wellfield Water Supply Schemes, Ondangwa-Omutsegwonime bulk water supply scheme, Outapi Water Treatment Works, Rundu Water Treatment Plant Extension

CHAMWE KAIRA Water utility, NamWater is developing plans to improve Namibia’s water infrastructure with the launch of four major projects valued at over N$1 billion. One of the projects is the Henties Bay reservoir pipeline upgrade that involves the replacement of a critical five-kilometre water pipeline, an essential conduit from the Omdel aquifer. With a project cost of N$15 million, this initiative ensures are liable water supply for the Henties Bay area, reflecting the government’s dedication to service delivery despite Namibia’s challenging geography. NamWater said this upgrade is crucial for maintaining water reliability in one of Namibia’s key coastal towns,…

22 Aug

Central region property growing rapidly

Observer MoneyFNB House Price Index, Simonis Storm Security.

CHAMWE KAIRA The central region has experienced significant and consistent growth according to a report prepared by Simonis Storm Security. The report said northern region displayed a steady but slower rise in prices compared to the central and coastal regions. The southern region exhibited the most volatility, with sharp fluctuations, but ultimately ended on an upward trend. However, the national average line reflects a consistent rise in house prices, emphasizing the overall growth in Namibia's housing market, the report said. The FNB House Price Index report for the first quarter of this year revealed a subdued housing market across Namibia,…

22 Aug

Belgian, Dutch tourists flock to Namibia

Observer Money

CHAMWE KAIRA The number of tourists from Belgium, The Netherlands, and Luxembourg increased by a record high of 11.6% in July. This is the highest number of visitors in five years. According to the Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN), July and August are traditionally peak travel months for the European Union. Although there was a slight decline in visitors from France, likely due to the Olympics and other events, the Belgium, The Netherlands, and Luxembourg (Benelux) market has filled this gap, according to a report by Simonis Storm Securities. This trend reflects the strong market presence of Benelux tourists, bolstered…

22 Aug

Car sales exceeded pre-pandemic levels

Observer MoneyBank of Namibia, Simonis Storm Securities

CHAMWE KAIRA Simonis Storm Securities believe that the 25 basis point repo rate cut by the Bank of Namibia is unlikely to significantly impact vehicle sales in the short term, given that current sales figures have already exceeded pre-pandemic levels, reflecting a resilient market recovery. The firm noted that the second-hand vehicle market has gained considerable traction, becoming an attractive option for buyers amid economic prudence. This trend suggests a shift in consumer preferences towards more cost-effective alternatives, especially in an environment where luxury vehicle purchases remain restricted. Simonis noted the deceleration in motor vehicle price inflation suggests some relief…