Windhoek Observer – Page 8 – Windhoek Observer

13 Nov

Standard Bank upgrades digital lending

Observer Money

Staff Writer Standard Bank Namibia has upgraded its digital personal loan service as part of its push to expand responsible lending and improve financial access. The enhanced platform allows clients to apply for and top up loans instantly through Internet Banking or Cellphone Banking by dialling 1402345#. No paperwork, branch visits, or internet access are required. The bank said the improvements support national efforts to address financial exclusion, especially in rural and underserved areas. Many Namibians still struggle to access basic financial services, a challenge the bank aims to reduce through digital innovation. “Our enhanced Digital Lending platform is designed…

13 Nov

NNN’s power grip on oil tightens …Nahas labels oil licensing under Presidency a ‘big risk’

Main

Justicia Shipena and Shellygan Petersen Former prime minister Nahas Angula yesterday told the Windhoek Observer that President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is “taking a big risk” by assuming direct powers over the licensing of the oil and gas sector. Angula’s concerns originated from the decision by the executive to move the powers given to the minister of industries, mines and energy under the Petroleum Act to the office of the President. The transfer of these powers includes the authority to grant, renew, or revoke oil and gas exploration licences and production rights. Angula said the decision shifts critical responsibilities away from specialised…

13 Nov

Schlettwein to GIPF: ‘Tell us where the money is’

National News

Justicia Shipena Former finance minister Calle Schlettwein has called on the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) to explain the money lost in its investment in the South African-based Signal Structured Finance Fund (SSFF). Last week, it came to light that a tax claim by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) led to a major impairment in one of its offshore investment vehicles. The fund said the claim created “significant uncertainty” over its ability to recover the full value of its assets. The claim resulted in an impairment of N$815 million in its 2025 financial statements. GIPF chief executive officer Martin…

13 Nov

ECN powerless to call off Ogongo poll

National News

Justicia Shipena Calling off an election in a constituency or local authority can only happen when a candidate dies or becomes incapacitated. This is according to Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) chief electoral officer Peter Shaama, who was responding to the situation in the Ogongo Constituency, Omusati region, where a candidate withdrew, leaving only one person in the race. Shaama said reports suggesting the regional council election in Ogongo could be postponed were incorrect. On Friday, Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) candidate Ndalikutya Arkeleus Shonena withdrew from the race, leaving Swapo’s Daniel Iilende as the only remaining candidate. Shonena said…

13 Nov

Justice minister says only a court order can end magistrates’ strike

National News

Renthia Kaimbi Justice and labour relations minister Fillemon Wise Immanuel said an urgent court order and declarator is the only way to stop and fix the harm caused by the magistrates’ strike. Immanuel on Tuesday filed an urgent application case to compel the country’s magistrates to return to work, describing the strike as illegal and unlawful. He said the strike is causing serious and lasting harm to the justice system and is denying people their right to access justice. The application names the Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association of Namibia (MJAN) as the first respondent, along with the Magistrates Commission, the…

13 Nov

Swapo’s Omaruru candidate innocent until proven guilty — ECN

National News

Justicia Shipena “As you know, any person is not guilty until proven by the court of law.” These were the words of Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) chief executive officer Peter Shaama when asked by the Windhoek Observer about the arrest of a candidate in Omaruru ahead of the upcoming elections. The Windhoek Observer sought clarity from the ECN on how it would respond to a situation involving a candidate implicated in a criminal matter weeks before an election. This week, Swapo candidate for the Omaruru Constituency and former mayor Hendrina Magano Gebhardt was arrested by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). …

13 Nov

Ben 10 allegedly defrauds 82-year-old pensioner

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The Namibia Post Limited (Nampost) will release a report on the case of 82-year-old pensioner Petrina Shikela from Katutura in Windhoek, who lost thousands of dollars after a “Ben 10” was listed as her husband and beneficiary. “Ben 10” is a slang term used to describe a young man in a romantic relationship with an older woman. According to Windhoek social justice activist Shaun Gariseb, the young man allegedly withdrew money from her account without her permission. Gariseb told the Windhoek Observer that a meeting with Nampost management and the chief executive officer will take place on Thursday…

13 Nov

OBSERVER DAILY | The presidency must speak clearly or risk losing the nation’s confidence

Editorial, Featured, Opinions

In a move that sent shockwaves through parliament and beyond, the newly appointed interim minister of Mines, Hon. Frans Kapofi, announced that the government intends to urgently amend the Petroleum Act of 1991. The proposed changes, we are told, would grant significantly greater powers to the President in matters of petroleum licensing and oversight, an area already fraught with political tension and public scrutiny. On the surface, the intention might be practical: to streamline decision-making, enhance accountability at the top, and ensure strategic control over Namibia’s increasingly vital oil and gas sector. But the reaction in Parliament and among the…

13 Nov

OBSERVER COASTAL | Koevoet claims stir Walvis Bay election race

National News

Renthia Kaimbi The race for seats on the Walvis Bay Local Authority has taken a personal turn, with Sharon Roodt, a candidate for the Joint Walvis Bay Residents Association (JWBRA), facing questions over her military background. Roodt has denied allegations linking her to the Koevoet counterinsurgency unit, describing the claims as a political witch-hunt aimed at discrediting her. She confirmed that she served in the South African Defence Force (SADF) and later applied to join the Namibian Defence Force but said she was never part of Koevoet. Koevoet was a paramilitary police unit that operated during South Africa’s illegal occupation…

13 Nov

OBSERVER COASTAL | Teen team from Walvis Bay dominates Erongo football league

National News

Renthia Kaimbi The Desert Foxes Football Club, a team of teenagers from Walvis Bay, are gearing up for the FNB Women Super League playoffs. They earned their spot after finishing an unbeaten run to win the 2024/2025 NamPort Erongo Women Football League title. Founded and funded by coach Baron Brown, the team finished their season without a single loss, winning 16 of their 18 matches and drawing two. They scored 95 goals, collected 50 points, and ended with a goal difference of +94. Their defence, led by goalkeeper Albertina Mbuka Amoonga, was key to their dominance. Amoonga conceded only one…