Windhoek Observer

Staff Writer  Standard Bank Namibia has appointed Darius van Zyl as head of private bank & wealth, effective 5 January 2026. The bank said Van Zyl brings more than 15 years of experience in finance, corporate and international tax consulting, strategic leadership, and banking. A registered member of the Namibia Institute of Professional Accountants, the bank said he combines strong technical expertise with experience in delivering client-focused solutions. His academic background includes qualifications in accounting sciences, finance and taxation.  He recently completed a Master of Science degree in Psychology at Liverpool John Moores University in the United Kingdom, where his…

Staff Writer The African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) has affirmed its support for India’s chairmanship of the Kimberley Process for 2026 and dismissed claims that African diamond-producing countries raised concerns over the appointment. The clarification follows an article published by Diamond World on 5 January 2026, which suggested that African producers were opposed to India assuming the role of Kimberley Process Chair. In a statement, ADPA congratulated India, an observer member of the association since 2025, on its election as Chair of the Kimberley Process.  The association said its member states remain committed to working closely with India to strengthen…

Staff Writer Maputo Port Development Company has announced its 2025 operational performance, reporting record volumes, expanded capacity and continued investment in Mozambique’s logistics system. In 2025, the Port of Maputo handled a historic all-time high of 32.0 million tonnes, up 3.4% from 30.9 million tonnes the previous year. The company said the performance confirms the port’s role as a key regional logistics hub and reflects the strength of the integrated port and corridor system. MPDC’s direct operations also reached a record level, with 15.2 million tonnes handled. This represents year-on-year growth of 6.4%, driven by ongoing investment in infrastructure, systems…

Justicia Shipena  A total of 12 031 full-time Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary (NSSCO) candidates qualified to progress to Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level. The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture on Tuesday released the examination results.  The figure represents learners who achieved Grade C or better in at least three NSSCAS subjects, meeting the minimum requirement to progress to AS level, out of 33 862 full-time candidates who registered for the 2025 NSSCO examinations. This means 36.0% of full-time candidates qualified to advance to AS level. Education minister Sanet Steenkamp said the outcomes show steady progress but…

Renthia Kaimbi The National Youth Council (NYC) is facing a deep crisis with affiliates.  The council describes it as dysfunctional and inward-looking.  The council, which was created to unite and empower young people, is now widely seen as having been consumed by internal disputes, financial mismanagement, and a failure to carry out its mandate. These concerns are echoed by youth structures and lawmakers. Former member of parliament and Popular Democratic Movement's (PDM) secretary for legal affairs, Maximilliant Katjimune, tabled a motion in June 2024 calling for the NYC to be dissolved and absorbed into the National Youth Service.  He said…

Justicia Shipena Rukonga Vision School principal Peter Kudumo says the school is not satisfied with its performance in the 2025 national examination results.  The school ranked first nationally among public schools at the Namibia Advanced Subsidiary (NSSCAS) level and second nationally among public schools at the Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary (NSSCO) level. At ordinary level, the school placed five learners in the national top 20.  Marian Kweyo ranked first overall, followed by Dacrus Manuel in second place. Panduleni Kamati placed 12th, Ananias Angula 13th and Hilia Ileka 18th.  This gave Rukonga Vision School one of the highest representations in…

Justicia  The Ministry of International Relations and Trade (MIRT) is monitoring 24 Namibian nationals identified as being caught up in scam-related activities in Myanmar and Thailand. The development follows revelations made on Monday by member of parliament and Affirmative Repositioning movement leader Job Amupanda, who said six young Namibians were trafficked out of the country and are being held in Myanmar. Amupanda said the six were taken to Asia and trafficked to Myanmar, where they are held by the Myanmar military near Shwe Kokko Park, close to the Thailand border. The area is known as a hub for organised crime.…

Allexer Namundjembo A mental health–driven entrepreneurship programme is changing the lives of young people in Otavi by linking emotional support with practical business skills to address unemployment and poverty. The initiative was led by National Mental Health Care Namibia in partnership with Royalty Empire Investment CC and Unmatched Potential, with funding from B2Gold Namibia and Ohorongo Cement. The programme combines mental health care with business training to help young entrepreneurs rebuild confidence, earn income and regain hope. The concept was developed by Cathy Kambanda, founder of National Mental Health Care Namibia, after years of providing frontline mental health services, including…

Renthia Kaimbi The German Embassy in Windhoek has announced changes to its process for applying for a Schengen visa.  The change is aimed at simplifying travel procedures for Namibian residents. From 19 January 2026, all applications for short-stay Schengen visas to Germany and several other European countries will be handled exclusively through the external service provider TLS Contact. The embassy stated that the partnership aims to provide applicants with a more efficient and convenient application process for travel to Germany and Europe. Under the new system, applicants can expect reduced waiting times and a quicker, simpler appointment booking process. TLS…