Windhoek Observer – Page 5 – Windhoek Observer

18 Nov

Won’t someone listen to the regulators?

Featured, Opinions

Wendall Uiseb As an economics graduate observing Namibia’s financial policy debates, I have been fascinated by the clash between the Ministry of Finance and the country’s top regulators over the payroll deduction management system (PDMS). Recently, the Bank of Namibia (BoN) and the Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (Namfisa) have confirmed their opposition to the Ministry’s directive to abolish PDMS. This revelation, contained in position papers filed in the Entrepo Finance v. Minister of Finance High Court case, highlights a troubling contradiction: the Ministry’s policy direction runs directly against the recommendations of its own regulators. NAMFISA’s position paper on payroll…

18 Nov

OBSERVER DAILY | Over to you, Selma Ashipala–Musavyi

Editorial, Featured, Opinions

When British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood warns that the UK may suspend or restrict visas for Namibians, accusing our government of “insufficient cooperation” in accepting the return of failed asylum seekers, she is not speaking in diplomatic platitudes. She means business. And her threat must be answered not with soothing press statements full of generic platitudes, but with bold and strategic leadership from our Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation. Mahmood’s blunt language, that the UK will penalise states that “do not play ball”, cuts straight to a hard reality: bilateral cooperation is not a game of polite back-slapping. This…

18 Nov

Vehicle sales surge to highest levels in five years

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Vehicle sales opened the fourth quarter on a soft note, with new vehicle sales declining for the seventh straight month in October. Sales fell to 1 267 units, a 2.8% drop from the 1 303 units recorded in September. This followed a 3.3% rebound in September. Despite the monthly dip, the broader trend is positive. October sales were 10.7% higher year-on-year, extending the recovery that began after the 9% annual drop recorded in March. The year 2025 continues to outperform 2024. Sales have fallen below the 1 000-unit mark only once this year, with January recording 966 units.…

18 Nov

Transport operators to pay N$1 000 more if fuel levy rises

Observer Money

Staff Writer Namibia’s vehicle market is set to face new cost pressures as proposed changes to the road funding model gain momentum. The Road Fund Administration (RFA) has indicated that the fuel levy needs to rise to N$4.46 per litre to close the growing gap in funding for road maintenance. This would be an increase of N$2.06 per litre. Simonis Storm said the adjustment comes as ownership costs remain high due to expensive fuel, rising insurance prices, and increased vehicle maintenance costs. The firm said the levy increase would have a clear impact on the total cost of vehicle ownership.…

18 Nov

Namibia marks fraud awareness week

Observer Money

Staff Writer Namibia is marking International Fraud Awareness Week, and Standard Bank Namibia is urging the public to take active steps to protect themselves from scams. Under the theme “Stop. Check. Protect.” the bank is promoting a culture of awareness to help safeguard consumers, businesses and the wider economy. Fraud has become a daily risk. Phishing emails, identity theft and cybercrime continue to grow, as fraudsters exploit technology and human error. The impact extends beyond money, affecting emotional wellbeing and trust in financial institutions. “Fraud is not just about stolen money; it’s about stolen peace of mind,” said Roxzaan Witbooi,…

18 Nov

Woolworths makes strong start to its financial year

Observer Money

Staff Writer Woolworths Holdings Limited has reported a strong start to its financial year, showing resilience across all business segments in South Africa and Australia. For the 19 weeks ending 9 November 2025, the group recorded turnover and concession sales growth of 6.2% and 6.8% on a constant currency basis, both well above inflation. The company progressed with its share buyback programme, repurchasing 6.9 million shares since September at an average price of N$51.22. Woolworths South Africa delivered solid results with turnover and concession sales up 7.4%. The food division continued to lead performance, posting comparable store growth of 6%…

18 Nov

Truworths maintains solid performance across markets

Observer Money

Staff Writer Truworths International Limited has reported steady performance for the first 18 weeks of its 2026 financial year, with total retail sales holding at R7.2 billion despite mixed results across its African and UK operations. The group operates 33 stores outside South Africa, including 12 in Namibia, 12 in Botswana, five in Eswatini, two in Zambia and two in Lesotho. The retailer continues to trade on stock exchanges in South Africa, Namibia, Australia and the United Kingdom. Office UK delivered solid growth with a 6% rise in sales in sterling terms. Strong online activity and partnerships with leading global…

18 Nov

US, Switzerland and Liechtenstein launch trade talks

Observer Money

Staff Writer The United States, Switzerland and Liechtenstein have announced plans to negotiate a major economic pact aimed at reshaping trade and investment ties, boosting job creation and strengthening supply chain security. The White House said the three countries will work under a new “Framework for an Agreement on Fair, Balanced, and Reciprocal Trade”, with the goal of concluding negotiations by the first quarter of 2026. If completed, the agreement will create a modern trading relationship that expands market access, promotes investment and strengthens cooperation in sectors such as manufacturing and digital services. Switzerland and Liechtenstein expressed strong intentions to…

18 Nov

Swipe smart, not blind

Observer Money

Mignon du Preez Black Friday is almost here, and the excitement is everywhere. Stores are shouting about massive discounts, online deals are popping up on your feed, and everyone seems ready to grab something “before it’s gone”. But here’s the truth: a bargain isn’t a bargain if it leaves you broke or stressed about money. In Namibia, where the cost of living is climbing and festive season expenses are just around the corner, smart spending matters more than ever. Black Friday can be a great opportunity to save, but only if you shop with a plan. Start with this simple…

17 Nov

Ex-Ongopolo executives accused of taking mine assets for ‘pennies’

Main

Renthia Kaimbi Details of a Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) bailout intended to rescue the Ongopolo copper mine in Tsumeb in the early 2000s have resurfaced. Residents and sources now allege that former executives acquired multi-million-dollar company properties for almost nothing during liquidation. More than N$100 million in government support, including GIPF funding, had been injected into Ongopolo Mining and Processing Ltd under former managing director Andre Neethling in an attempt to revive the collapsed mine. Court documents filed in 2005 showed that Ongopolo owed Standard Bank N$95 million, backed by a government guarantee. The documents also showed that GIPF…