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Rising debt threatens growth, warns economist

Rising debt threatens growth, warns economist

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  The country’s rising budget deficit and public debt levels pose long-term threats to economic growth and investor confidence. According to Simonis Storm economist Almandro Jansen, the country’s growing debt is increasingly limiting the government’s ability to invest in critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, and health. “The most immediate concern is that public debt is increasingly crowding out development spending, with interest payments now exceeding even capital allocations. This limits the state’s ability to invest in infrastructure, education, and health, all critical enablers of long-term growth,” he said. Jansen added that the persistent fiscal slippage risks weakening the…
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Telecom warns customers of scam surge

Telecom warns customers of scam surge

Niël Terblanché Telecom Namibia (TN) has warned its customers to be alert following a noticeable rise in cyber scam attempts that appear to be targeting unsuspecting users through impersonation and deceit. According to the warning issued on Monday by the company’s management, the scammers have been contacting individuals while posing as TN representatives. “In many instances, they claim to offer assistance with internet upgrades or connectivity problems, but their real intention is to gain access to customers’ personal devices or financial details,” the warning reads. TN’s management stressed that it will never request access to customers’ phones, bank accounts or…
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Agriculture minister unveils vision for agriculture and land reform

Agriculture minister unveils vision for agriculture and land reform

Niël Terblanché The minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform, Mac Hengari, has laid out a broad agenda for the ministry’s direction over the next five years, calling for committed teamwork and focused implementation to realise national development goals. Speaking during a meet-and-greet with officials and staff in Windhoek on Wednesday, Hengari described his appointment by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as an immense, yet exciting responsibility. He added that he was delighted to have been granted the opportunity to serve the nation through a portfolio that touches the core of rural development, food security and economic sustainability. According to Hengari,…
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MTC launches first branding indaba

MTC launches first branding indaba

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  The inaugural MTC Branding and Marketing Indaba kicked off in Windhoek yesterday, drawing more than 300 delegates and over 30 exhibitors from across the country and the region. Running from 9 to 11 April, the three-day event is the first of its kind in Namibia and aims to bring together professionals and experts in branding, marketing, communications, public relations, and advertising. The event is organised by MTC, seeks to offer a platform for learning, knowledge sharing, and professional networking. In his opening remarks, MTC’s Chief Brand, Marketing, Communications and Sustainability Officer, Tim Ekandjo, emphasised the need for a…
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Nghitumbwa eyes world title

Nghitumbwa eyes world title

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Local boxer Fillipus “Energy” Nghitumbwa says he must win his upcoming fight to move closer to a world title opportunity. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday ahead of the MTC Nestor Promotions boxing event, Nghitumbwa said victory is the only option. The event, set for Saturday at the Windhoek Showgrounds, is being held in honour of the late Founding President Sam Nujoma. Nghitumbwa will defend his World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Africa title against Zimbabwean challenger Hassan Milanzi. “We are ready for the fight and bring you a good fight. My opponent is here, and thank him for…
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Surgeries cancelled due to shortage of general anaesthesia

Surgeries cancelled due to shortage of general anaesthesia

Hertta-maria Amutenja  Elective surgeries at Katutura Intermediate Hospital have been cancelled due to a shortage of both depolarising and nondepolarising muscle relaxants needed for general anaesthesia. In a letter dated 7 April, addressed to heads of surgical departments, the acting head of anaesthesia, Linea Manyalo-Nashima, informed colleagues that the hospital had run out of essential drugs such as suxamethonium, atracurium, and rocuronium. These drugs are critical for muscle relaxation during procedures involving tracheal intubation. “Effective 8 April, all elective cases requiring muscle paralysis would not be carried out until the issue has been resolved,” she said. According to the letter,…
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Economist cautions against SACU, which holds Namibia’s fate

Economist cautions against SACU, which holds Namibia’s fate

Ester Mbathera  With the Namibian dollar pegged to the South African rand, the country finds itself caught in the eye of the storm as the trade dispute between the United States and South Africa intensifies. At the same time, with 40% of its public budget reliant on the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) revenue pool, Namibia has every reason to be concerned. These are the sentiments of economist Dr. Omu Kakujaha-Matundu, who warned that any shift in SACU's tariff structures could deal a severe blow to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's dream of job creation and economic growth. He cautioned that Lesotho,…
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Swapo MP calls for gradual end to redline

Swapo MP calls for gradual end to redline

Ester Mbathera  Swapo lawmaker Tobie Aupindi has called for substantial and gradual change to the veterinary cordon fence, commonly known as the “red line”.  Aupindi argued that it perpetuates economic inequality in the country. Speaking during a budget debate in the National Assembly on Tuesday, Aupindi said the red line effectively creates two separate economies within the same country. “We are literally maintaining two economic systems in one republic. One for the commercial rich, and the other one for the communal poor,” he said. The Swapo member of parliament said the National Assembly also recommended the removal because the ministry…
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Magistrate faces disciplinary hearing over conflict of interest allegations

Magistrate faces disciplinary hearing over conflict of interest allegations

Allexer Namundjembo Keetmanshoop District Magistrate Unchen Konjore is facing disciplinary action following a formal complaint that she presided over a maintenance case involving her former partner, raising concerns about a conflict of interest and judicial misconduct. The complaint, lodged by Lucia Sofia Hamana on 18 March 2024 with the Magistrates' Commission, accuses Konjore of failing to disclose her personal relationship with Heinrich Makanga Kambuli Karawora, the complainant in the matter she adjudicated. A letter of demand from Metcalfe Beukes Attorneys, seen by the Windhoek Observer, outlines the allegations. The attorneys argue that Konjore’s personal connection to the complainant compromised her…
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Flood challenges lead to water rationing for northern regions

Flood challenges lead to water rationing for northern regions

Niël Terblanché Water rationing has been introduced in northern regions as the national utility, NamWater, battles operational disruptions caused by floodwaters entering a key supply canal between Oshakati and the Callueque Dam. NamWater’s spokesperson, Lot Ndamanomhata, said the measures are essential to relieve pressure on the Oshakati Water Treatment Plant, which has seen both water quality and production capacity compromised in recent days. According to Ndamanomhata, the rationing, which came into effect on Monday and will continue until the end of May, affects areas serviced by the Oshakati facility. “Water supply to areas supplied by the Oshakati plant will have…
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