Windhoek Observer – Page 7 – Windhoek Observer

02 Apr

IPC’s Mulunga denies illegal land grab claims

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) member of parliament Michael Mulunga has denied allegations that he illegally acquired and fenced communal land in the !Kharoxas area. !Kharoxas is seven kilometres south of Groot Aub. Mulunga said he followed all required procedures and only occupies a two-hectare plot. Mulunga was responding to questions from the Windhoek Observer on Wednesday after the Land Access Movement of Namibia, representing the |Khomanin community, claimed that he had fenced off five hectares of land linked to the |Khomani community. He rejected the claims and said the land in question is a two-hectare plot allocated…

02 Apr

Walvis Bay tightens informal trading rules

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The municipality of Walvis Bay has introduced new rules for informal trading. The rules require all traders to register and obtain permits before operating in the town. The regulations were published in a government gazette dated 23 March. Under the new system, traders are not allowed to operate without registration and a valid permit from the council. “A person may not conduct informal trading in the local authority area unless the person is registered to conduct informal trading under these regulations and is issued a permit,” the government gazette states. The rules introduce different types of permits, including…

02 Apr

OBSERVER COASTAL | Search for teen who vanished into the sea continues

Featured, National News

Renthia Kaimbi Search teams are looking for a teenage boy who went missing after jumping into the sea at the Swakopmund Jetty on Tuesday afternoon. The incident was reported on Tuesday at about 15h00. Police said the boy, believed to be between 17 and 18 years old, entered the water under unclear circumstances. Erongo police spokesperson Judith Shomungula said officers responded after receiving information from a witness. At the scene, police spoke to a woman who said she had greeted the boy shortly before the incident. She described him as dark in complexion, wearing grey school-like trousers and a grey…

02 Apr

OBSERVER COASTAL | New Erongo Red board promises accountability

Featured, National News

Renthia Kaimbi A new board at Erongo Red has committed to focusing on leadership, accountability and affordable electricity services across the region. The board was inaugurated on Tuesday at the company’s headquarters in Walvis Bay, with all directors appointed by shareholders in attendance. Erongo Red chief executive officer Immanuel !Hanabeb briefed the new board on the company’s operations, strategy, financial performance and governance responsibilities. He also outlined the role of directors before handing over governance documents. The board then elected its leadership. Johnny Johnson Doëseb was elected chairperson, with Ismael Kalipi as deputy chairperson. Selma Shaanika will chair the audit…

02 Apr

OBSERVER COASTAL | A woman’s journey aboard fishing vessels

National News

Renthia Kaimbi When Selma Jantjies Madzivanzira stepped onto a fishing vessel for the first time in 2017, rough August seas left her unsure if the ship would stay afloat. Today, she says she can sleep through storms. Madzivanzira works as an assistant to the cook on the MVF Oukaume V5-TL, a fishing vessel operated by Embwinda Fishing Company in Walvis Bay. She also steps in as a cook when needed and handles hospitality and housekeeping duties on board. The vessel carries 32 crew members and usually spends seven to ten days at sea before returning to port for two days.…

02 Apr

OBSERVER COASTAL | Manica pledges N$600 000 for KSS school hall

National News

Renthia Kaimbi Manica Group Namibia has pledged N$600 000 towards the construction of a multi-purpose hall at Kuisebmond Secondary School, adding support to efforts to complete the facility. The pledge was announced at a handover ceremony on Wednesday. The hall is expected to serve the school and the wider community. It will be used for assemblies, sports, vocational training and youth programmes. Manica Group managing director Ralph Ruiters said the contribution is linked to his connection to the area and the need for private sector support. “Growing up in Kuisebmund, I recall a joyful childhood. The presence of sports facilities…

02 Apr

Easter on our roads: Responsibility begins with you

Editorial

As the Easter long weekend approaches, thousands of Namibians will take to the roads, heading to family homes, holiday destinations, churches, and places of rest. It is a time meant for reflection, renewal, and togetherness. Yet, year after year, it is also a time marked by tragedy on our roads. Fatal crashes, preventable injuries, and shattered families have become an all-too-familiar part of this period. Namibia’s road safety record remains deeply concerning. While exact rankings may fluctuate, the country consistently records a high rate of road traffic accidents and fatalities relative to its population. When this is combined with significant…

02 Apr

Govt targets nuclear energy in power plan

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The government plans to include nuclear energy in Namibia’s long-term power expansion as part of efforts to increase electricity supply and reduce reliance on imports. The plan forms part of the ministry’s 2025/26 to 2029/30 strategic framework, which sets out steps to expand local power generation and improve energy access. Officials say nuclear energy will form part of a broader energy mix that also includes renewable energy and improved grid systems. The aim is to provide reliable and affordable electricity for households and industry. Namibia plans to increase its installed electricity generation capacity from 734 megawatts in 2024…

02 Apr

Banking fraud losses surges in five years to N$73.9m

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Fraud losses in Namibia’s banking sector have risen sharply over the past five years, reaching N$73.9 million in 2025, according to new data from the central bank. In 2021, total fraud losses stood at N$13.3 million. Card fraud was the main driver at N$6.8 million, followed by e-money fraud at N$3.6 million and EFT fraud at N$2.9 million. In 2022, losses more than doubled to N$31.5 million. EFT fraud increased to N$14.5 million and became the largest contributor, overtaking card fraud. The rise continued in 2023, with total fraud reaching N$46.7 million. EFT fraud accounted for N$17.4 million,…

02 Apr

Industry urges alignment before Fima comes into effect

Observer Money

The Financial Institutions and Markets Act (Fima) is being implemented under Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (Namfisa) supervision following a formal directive from the minister of finance. This marks a decisive step toward stronger governance, financial stability, and consumer protection in Namibia, according to Namfisa. According to Namfisa, Fima strengthens Namibia’s non-banking financial sector by promoting consumer protection, transparency, and sound governance. Importantly, the Act will be implemented effectively without the regulation on the preservation of retirement benefits, ensuring regulatory progress continues while safeguarding the public interest. Observer Money talks to Carmen Diehl, the senior manager for risk management &…