Windhoek Observer

Patience Makwele  As Namibia marks 36 years of independence, many citizens say political freedom has not yet brought economic opportunity. “We are free, but not economically free,” said Maria Nghipandulwa, a 47-year-old unemployed graduate and mother of three. The country celebrates independence on Saturday, just over a year after President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah took office. She became Namibia's first female head of state in March 2025. Since then, her administration has introduced reforms aimed at improving governance and managing public finances. Nandi-Ndaitwah cut cabinet from 21 ministries to 14.  More women were appointed to senior roles, including Lucia Witbooi as vice…

Justicia Shipena  Hackers have threatened to release about 500GB of data stolen from the Namibia Airports Company (NAC).  On Thursday night, Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) executive for communication and consumer relations, Mufaro Nesongano, said unauthorised activity was detected within NAC’s network systems. Mufaro said the attack has been linked to the INC Ransomware Group, which claimed on 19 March 2026 to have extracted large volumes of data and plans to make it public. Mufaro said the group alleges it accessed financial records, human resources information, customer data and contact details, although none of the information has been released…

Justicia Shipena  The ||Karas region has become the 12th region in Namibia to have a vocational training centre.  On Thursday, vice president Lucia Witbooi inaugurated the centre on Keetmanshoop Vocational Training in Keetmanshoop. She said the facility reflects the government's plan to expand access to technical and vocational education. She stated that the government is strengthening the sector to enhance training quality, broaden access, and align skills with industry requirements. The government aims to increase the number of graduates whose skills match labour market demand from 65% to 70% by 2030. Witbooi said the centre will prepare young people for…

Allexer Namundjembo National Democratic Party (NDP) leader and member of parliament Martin Lukato has tabled a motion in the National Assembly which calls on the government to track and arrest all suspects linked to the fishrot corruption case. Lukato said some individuals connected to the case are still at large and have not appeared in court. “All suspects should be traced, apprehended and interrogated, and when the suspects are proven guilty for the missing resources of Namibia, they should face the law for justice to be served,” he said. He also called for international cooperation to locate suspects who may…

Allexer Namundjembo SNC Incorporated has been named Namibia’s National Law Firm of the Year at the IFLR Africa Legal Awards 2026, while its managing partner, Shakwa Nyambe, was awarded Lawyer of the Year for Namibia. The awards were held in Cape Town on Wednesday. They recognise legal work linked to major deals across Africa. SNC Incorporated was recognised for advising on corporate and energy matters. Judges noted the firm’s role in cross-border transactions in Namibia’s commercial, energy, and oil and gas sectors. The firm has been involved in transactions linked to investment in the country.  Its work has also supported…

Patience Makwele  As Namibia marks 36 years of independence, the meaning of freedom remains uncertain for some, especially those leaving prison and trying to rebuild their lives. For Haufiku Johannes, freedom began the day he walked out of prison after serving three years for robbery and firearm possession. He expected a new start. Instead, he faced rejection. “The biggest thought on my mind when I left was, where do I even start?” Haufiku said.  “My family had stopped visiting years ago, and suddenly I was out in the world with nothing but a bag and N$200. No homecoming, no job,…

Patience Makwele  Young Namibian Arvashni Gorases’ interest in numbers started when she was a teenager. What began as curiosity grew into a focus on problem-solving and helping others manage money. “I have always loved numbers and figuring out how they work. Over time, that interest became about helping people manage their money and achieve their goals," Gorases said.  She entered the banking sector in 2020 as a temporary employee. Her role grew into a full-time career through consistency and performance. She works in a field where women are still building their presence. “Banking has changed. Women are taking leadership roles…