Blog – Windhoek Observer

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…

04 Mar

FNB eyes growth on oil and gas investment prospects

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira FirstRand Namibia has reported strong interim results for the six months ended 31 December 2025, as it positions itself to benefit from expected growth in oil and gas investment and an improving domestic outlook. Namibia’s economic prospects hinge on improved agricultural yields, rising uranium production and renewed activity in mining, exploration and infrastructure. The anticipated final investment decision (FID) by global oil and gas companies could reshape the investment landscape. A positive FID could attract foreign capital, drive further investment and create opportunities across sectors. The group said robust monetary policy and improving consumer sentiment should support household…

04 Mar

Nedbank Group posts R17.2bn headline earnings

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Nedbank Group Limited reported a 2% increase in headline earnings to R17.2 billion for the year ended 31 December 2025, describing the period as a transformative year marked by strategic restructuring, portfolio repositioning and balance sheet resilience. Headline earnings per share increased by 2% to 3 706 cents, while diluted headline earnings per share rose by 3% to 3 628 cents. Return on equity measured 15.4%, slightly down from 15.8% in 2024 but still above the group’s cost of equity. Revenue grew by 3% to R73.9 billion. Expense growth of 7% to R43.4 billion pushed the cost-to-income ratio…