Windhoek Observer

11127 Posts
High Court keeps Linden Beef hanging by a thread

High Court keeps Linden Beef hanging by a thread

Justicia Shipena The High Court has given Linden Beef Close Corporation, owned by David van der Linden, more time to fight off liquidation.  High Court acting judge Andrew Corbett extended the provisional order against the company to 3 October 2025. Van der Linden, who is already linked to the disappearance of 400 Meatco cattle worth about N$7 million from his Linden Beef Feedlot, faces additional financial trouble.  Bank Windhoek is seeking to liquidate his company over N$28.8 million in unpaid loans dating back to 2022.  A provisional liquidation order was granted in August, but Van der Linden, who has been…
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NCBN leaders allegedly cashing in on youth dreams

NCBN leaders allegedly cashing in on youth dreams

Renthia Kaimbi The National Collaborative Board of Namibia (NCBN) and its president, Ingashipola Lucas, face allegations  of misusing donor funds, faking documents, and covering up internal corruption. An internal letter seen by the Windhoek Observer details claims that millions meant for youth programmes were diverted for personal gain.  The letter alleges that senior leadership  misused donor funds, forged documents, and engaged in a cover-up. Lucas, who previously served as National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo)’s regional branch administrator in Ohangwena and Oshana, resigned from the party in April.  In the same month, he also withdrew his candidacy for the upcoming local…
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Youth fund to digitally track youth businesses

Youth fund to digitally track youth businesses

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The ministry of finance will establish an integrated data platform to track the National Youth Entrepreneurship Fund (NYEF) in real time. Minister of finance Ericah Shafudah announced the plan during a briefing to the National Assembly this week.  “This platform will enable real-time monitoring, improve decision-making, and ensure that the Fund remains adaptive and responsive to the needs of the youth segment,” Shafudah said. The system will link all development finance institutions (DFIs) responsible for disbursing funds, including the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN), the Agricultural Bank of Namibia (Agribank), and the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF).  Namibia Post…
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​​Japan donates ambulances as shortages persist

​​Japan donates ambulances as shortages persist

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  The Japanese government has donated three fully equipped truck ambulances to Namibia’s ministry of health and social services (MoHSS) to strengthen emergency medical response.  The handover took place in Windhoek on Thursday. Health minister Dr Esperance Luvindao said the donation comes at a critical time when many regions continue to face ambulance shortages.  “An ambulance is more than just a vehicle; it represents hope, urgency, and the ability to save lives when every second matters,” Luvindao said. She described the donation as “a gift of health, dignity, and renewed strength for our emergency medical system.” The ministry confirmed…
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Hamutumwa scammed by fake student plea

Hamutumwa scammed by fake student plea

Allexer Namundjembo The Ohangwena regional governor Kadiva Hamutumwa has revealed that she was recently defrauded through an eWallet scam. Speaking during a community engagement at Endola on Thursday, Hamutumwa said she was contacted by someone claiming to be a student stranded in Namibia after attending their father’s funeral. The individual said they were studying at Cavendish University in Zambia and needed money to return.  “The person texted me saying they came to Namibia for the father’s funeral, and the family was not willing to assist with funds for going back,” Hamutumwa said.  “At first, I ignored the messages, but the…
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Education ministry confirms site for Ndama East school

Education ministry confirms site for Ndama East school

Allexer Namundjembo The ministry of education  has confirmed that land has been allocated for the construction of a new school for learners of Ndama East Primary School in Rundu. In a press release issued on Tuesday, the education executive director, Erastus Haitengela, said consultations were held with the community before the Ndama South site was legally allocated by the Rundu Town Council.  The site measures 75 000 square metres.  “In contrast, the currently occupied ground is not legally registered. The two sites are 900 metres apart, which falls within the accepted planning standards for school establishment,” Haitengela said. The announcement…
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City warns against disruptions at public meetings

City warns against disruptions at public meetings

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  The City of Windhoek has warned against disruptions at its 2025/2026 public meetings, saying the gatherings are meant for dialogue on service delivery and development, not political lobbying. The first meeting was held on 3 September at the Rocky Crest Multi-Purpose Centre for the Windhoek West Constituency.  According to the municipality, most residents engaged constructively, but “a few individuals deliberately attempted to disrupt the proceedings.” “These meetings are convened to provide a platform for open engagement between the council and the community on developmental and service delivery matters, not as an avenue for lobbying or political campaigning,” the…
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Swedish envoy visits SADC Parliamentary Forum

Swedish envoy visits SADC Parliamentary Forum

Moses Magadza  The newly appointed minister counsellor and deputy head of mission at the Embassy of Sweden in Pretoria, Kristian Olsson Selerud, has hailed parliaments in the SADC region as the “beating hearts of democracy”.  He spoke on Tuesday during his first official visit to the secretariat of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) in Windhoek, Namibia. “If our parliaments don’t function, neither the executive nor the judiciary can do their work. Parliamentarians are there to represent and serve the people, and their role is indispensable,” Selerud told SADC PF staff at the Forum’s Secretariat and project…
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OBSERVER DAILY | GIPF-backed home loans: Hope or hidden risk?

For many Namibians, home ownership remains more of a dream than a reality. The numbers are sobering: a housing backlog of 300,000 units, more than 200,000 shacks in Windhoek alone, and an average three-bedroom house in the capital costing around N$1.2 million. Against this backdrop, the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) has launched its Pension-Backed Home Loan Scheme (PBHLS), which will take effect next January. The scheme allows civil servants and other GIPF members to use up to one-third of their pension savings as collateral for a home loan. On paper, it promises cheaper financing, easier access, and the dignity…
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Santam Namibia adds N$675m more to group earnings

Santam Namibia adds N$675m more to group earnings

Chamwe Kaira Santam Namibia contributed N$675 million to the revenue of Santam Limited in South Africa for the financial year ended 30 June 2025, up from N$600 million in 2024. The group reported conventional insurance net earned premium growth of 16% to N$17.9 billion, with a net underwriting margin of 11.3% compared to 6.5% in June 2024.  The alternative risk transfer (ART) business recorded a profit before tax of N$417 million, up from N$326 million a year earlier. Santam said it delivered a strong first-half performance, exceeding long-term targets across key financial indicators.  An interim dividend of 590 cents per…
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