Blog – Page 11 – Windhoek Observer

14 Oct

Old Mutual customers redeemed over N$2m in rewards

Observer Money

Staff Writer Old Mutual Namibia has announced that customers have redeemed more than N$2 million worth of rewards points through its rewards programme. The milestone highlights the programme’s growing role in providing real value for customers’ financial engagement. Of the total redemption value, nearly N$1 million was redeemed through MTC Namibia. “This partnership has proven to be incredibly impactful, allowing members to convert their points into airtime and data, essentials in today’s digital world. The Foschini Group redemptions make up the other N$1 million redemptions, offering Rewards members multiple redemption options in stores,” the company said. The rewards programme encourages…

14 Oct

Supply chain challenges could cost airlines US$11 billion

Observer Money

Staff Writer The International Air Transport Association (IATA), in collaboration with management consulting firm Oliver Wyman, has launched a joint study titled Reviving the Commercial Aircraft Supply Chain. The report examines the ongoing challenges in the aerospace supply chain, their impact on airlines, and strategies to address the global supply-demand imbalance. Delays in aircraft and parts production are forcing airlines to reconsider their fleet plans and keep older planes in service for longer. The global commercial aircraft backlog reached a record high of over 17 000 aircraft in 2024, up from an average of 13 000 between 2010 and 2019.…

14 Oct

Namibia’s glorious David moment

Editorial, Featured, Opinions

There are sporting victories that fill us with joy, and then there are victories that alter the very texture of national identity. Namibia’s stunning triumph over South Africa is one of those seismic moments when a nation’s pulse quickens, its spirit expands, and its people, regardless of tribe, class, or geography, breathe as one. On that unforgettable day, before more than 4,000 roaring fans, Namibia did the unthinkable: they toppled the mighty Proteas. Scenes from that match tell it all, Namibian flags waving wildly in the evening air. It wasn’t just a cricket match. It was poetry. It was payback…

13 Oct

Savva remembered as builder of Walvis Bay’s economy

Main

Renthia Kaimbi The late Walvis Bay business leader and honorary consul for Cyprus and Greece, John Savva has been described as a man who contributed greatly to the town’s economic and social development. He owned Venus Supermarket, the Atlantic Hotel in Walvis Bay, and the Afrodite Beach property development near Dolphin Beach. His passing on Saturday has drawn tributes from national leaders and the Walvis Bay community, who remembered him as a builder, mentor, and leader. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah conveyed her condolences, describing Savva as a key figure in the Walvis Bay business community who played a major role in…

13 Oct

Magistrates’ body cries foul over job Ads

National News

Renthia Kaimbi The Magistrates’ and Judges Association of Namibia has issued a letter of demand to the Magistrates Commission through its lawyers, Metcalfe Beukes Attorneys. The association accused the commission of unfair and irrational appointment practices that threaten the integrity of the justice system. The dispute stems from two job advertisements, one for the position of deputy chief magistrate (training) and another for several temporary magistrate posts, which the association claims create a “two-tier system” and disadvantage career magistrates. The conflict began with the advertisement for the deputy chief magistrate (training) post on 30 April 2025. In June, the association…

13 Oct

Amupolo’s decisions led to Namdia losses

National News

Justicia Shipena Operational decisions taken by former Namib Desert Diamonds (Pty) Ltd (Namdia) chief executive officer, Alisa Amupolo, led to financial losses for the company between April 2023 and July 2024, an independent disciplinary hearing has found. On Friday, Namdia announced that it had terminated Amupolo’s employment with immediate effect. The decision followed the conclusion of a disciplinary hearing that began in November 2024 and ended on 23 September 2025. Namdia’s public relations and communications officer, Beverley Coussement, confirmed that the hearing found Amupolo guilty of two counts of gross negligence and one count of gross insubordination. “The hearing established…

13 Oct

MEFT defends decision to put down elephant near Onawa

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) has defended its decision to put down an elephant bull near Onawa village in the Omusati region. The ministry said the move was necessary to protect human lives after several failed attempts to guide the animal back into Etosha National Park. MEFT spokesperson Ndeshipanda Hamunyela told the Windhoek Observer on Saturday that the elephant had been under observation for several days after it was first spotted in the Otjivarunda area. It is believed the elephant strayed from Etosha following the recent wildfires that destroyed thousands of hectares of vegetation in…

13 Oct

Meatco fulfils Norway beef quota for 2025

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) fulfilled its 2025 beef export commitments to Norway. This marked the completion of the country’s 1 200-tonne quota under the European Free Trade Area (EFTA) agreement. The final shipment left last Wednesday, marking the full utilisation of Namibia’s export allocation to one of its most profitable international markets. In a recent statement, Meatco said Norway continues to be one of its most important destinations, contributing over 20% of its annual turnover. The EFTA agreement between Norway and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) allows Namibia to export premium-quality beef duty-free. To meet…

13 Oct

Minister laments Namibians’ reluctance to replant trees

National News

Justicia Shipena Environment, Forestry and Tourism minister Inidelni Daniel says she concerned over Namibians’ reluctance to replant trees despite the country losing thousands of hectares of forest each year to agriculture, mining, urban development, and infrastructure expansion. Daniel said the continued loss of forests poses a serious threat to Namibia’s ecosystems and sustainability. She said the practice of clearing land without replanting must stop. “The Ministry has a responsibility to act and will begin enforcing a requirement for all individuals or entities that remove trees to replant them,” Daniel said during the 2025 Arbor Day commemoration at Michelle McLean Primary…

13 Oct

Namibia gets N$60.7m worth of FMD vaccines from Botswana

National News

Justicia Shipena Botswana has supplied Namibia with over 3.8 million doses of foot and mouth disease (FMD) vaccines worth N$60.7 million to strengthen livestock protection and regional food security. The vaccines were delivered through the Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI), which has long supported Namibia's animal health programmes. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the vaccines are vital for safeguarding livestock and sustaining farming communities. She noted that the first batch under a three-year agreement was delivered in February 2025, describing the partnership as a sign of trust and cooperation between the two countries. “This partnership reflects our shared vision for a region…