Windhoek Observer – Page 8 – Windhoek Observer

05 Mar

The state of the diamond market

Observer Money

The global diamond market is undergoing one of the most complex and consequential periods in its history. Geopolitical instability, changing consumer behaviour and the rapid rise of lab-grown diamonds have combined to create a climate of uncertainty that is reshaping the industry’s foundations. Today’s diamond market operates within a narrow and volatile space. Price discovery has become increasingly challenging; demand is uneven across categories, and confidence across the value chain remains fragile. While diamonds have always symbolised permanence, the market surrounding them is being forced to adapt to a world defined by rapid change and heightened economic sensitivity. Unlike previous…

05 Mar

Empowering the women we celebrate

Opinions

Fransina Kahungu On International Women’s Day, 8 March 2026, we are intentionally choosing to move beyond celebration without empowerment and confront a deeper question: how do empowered women empower others? This year’s theme is Give to gain. It has often been said that women do not help other women rise once they themselves have risen. Whether this has merit or not is yet to be properly studied. However, one might confidently state that real power is influence over policy. It is the ability to shape women and not just symbolise change. It is the ability to look back and say…

04 Mar

‘Oil security not a concern for now’ – Amutse

National News

Justicia Shipena Namibia’s fuel supply remains stable for the next few months despite rising global oil prices linked to tensions in the Middle East, industries, mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse told parliament on Tuesday. He responded to an urgent oral question from the South West Africa National Union (Swanu) president and member of parliament Evilastus Kaaronda, who asked how prepared the country is for a possible fuel price increase after crude oil prices surged. This follows as brent crude oil prices rose sharply by 10% to around US$80 per barrel on Sunday. Analysts say prices could increase even further…

04 Mar

Double dipping questions hang over finance ED

Main, National News

Renthia Kaimbi The appointment of Oscar Capelao as executive director of the Ministry of Finance has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest, as he continues to serve on the board of the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor). Capelao was appointed executive director in December 2025, a role that places him at the centre of government oversight of public enterprises, including Namcor. He has served as a Namcor board member since July 2024. His dual position has drawn scrutiny from governance expert Johannes Coetzee, who cautioned that the arrangement presents structural risks. “If the same person is on the…

04 Mar

Windhoek rent takes a big bite out of youth salaries

National News

Staff Writer Young working professionals in Windhoek are spending up to half of their monthly income on rent as housing costs continue to rise faster than wages. A one-bedroom unit now ranges between N$4 500 and N$7 500 per month, excluding utilities. For many tenants, rent is their largest expense. An upfront payment of between N$8 000 and N$12 000, including deposits and utility charges, is often required to secure a one-bedroom apartment. For entry- and mid-level earners taking home less than N$10 000 per month, the financial pressure begins before they move in. A 27-year-old marketing assistant, who spoke…

04 Mar

Parliament still in turmoil over PSC appointments

National News

Justicia Shipena The National Assembly descended into disorder on Tuesday after opposition members once again objected to the voting process over the approval of four nominated Public Service Commission (PSC) commissioners. Parliament had resumed debate on the nomination and re-nomination of PSC members for a five-year term. When the House adjourned last Thursday, the matter had not been concluded. The motion, tabled by prime minister Elijah Ngurare, sought approval for the appointment and re-appointment of commissioners nominated by the President. The matter carried urgency, as the current commissioners’ terms expired on Friday and new members were expected to be sworn…

04 Mar

‘We did our part’ – Kapofi on veterans camping outside Swapo HQ

National News

Allexer Namundjembo A standoff between the government and a group of liberation struggle veterans camping outside Swapo Party headquarters has drawn fresh attention, with defence and veterans affairs minister Frans Kapofi saying his ministry has fulfilled its responsibilities. Kapofi said the veterans’ grievances are not directed at his ministry but at the United Nations. “They are citing the UN in their demands,” he said. He added that the group is demanding answers from the UN, not from the ministry. “We are trying to read what the law is saying because it is in the law,” he said. Kapofi said he…

04 Mar

NDP honours members for grassroots work

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The National Democratic Party (NDP) over the weekend honoured a group of long-standing members for their role in strengthening grassroots structures, driving campaign strategies and supporting community development. The awards were presented during a ceremony held on Saturday at Kamunu Hall in Katima Mulilo. Party supporters and community leaders attended the event. In a telephonic interview with the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday, NDP president Martin Lukato said the recognition reflects the contribution members have made in building the party. “These members have gone beyond ordinary participation. They have inspired peers, led campaigns, and ensured that our message of…

04 Mar

Are we outsourcing the bench ?

Editorial, Featured

The Office of the Judiciary this week announced the appointment of former judges from the region to Namibia’s High Court. A former judge of the High Court of Botswana, Gabriel Komboni, has been appointed on contract for two years and five months. Two Zimbabwean jurists, retired High Court judge David Mangota and former High Court judge James Devittie, have been appointed as acting judges for three years. On paper, these are distinguished legal professionals. Their experience is not in question. Regional judicial exchange is not uncommon, and cross-border appointments can, in certain contexts, strengthen jurisprudential coherence within the Southern African region. Yet the announcement…

04 Mar

Debmarine vessel shutdown cuts diamond output

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Namibia’s diamond production fell by 7% to 2.1 million carats in 2025 as Anglo American continued restructuring its diamond unit, De Beers, amid weaker global demand for rough stones. According to Anglo American’s 2025 Integrated Annual Report, De Beers produced 21.7 million carats during the year, down 12% from 24.7 million carats in 2024. The company cut production across Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Canada to align outputs with market demand. In Namibia, output declined mainly due to lower production at Debmarine Namibia. The decommissioning of the Coral Sea and Grand Banks mining vessels reduced volumes. Higher-grade ore…