Blog – Page 19 – Windhoek Observer

03 Mar

Community hunting yields over 250 tonnes of meat

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Hunters provided 254 038 kilograms of meat to communities during the 2024/2025 financial year as communal conservancies continued to support rural livelihoods and conservation efforts. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism said conservancies generated N$81.1 million in revenue during the year. Of this amount, 15.4% was reinvested into community development projects. The sector sustained 2 037 jobs. Just over half of conservancies met the five key compliance requirements. Annual game counts and audits were conducted to guide wildlife management. Tourism’s contribution to gross domestic product is projected to increase to N$15.4 billion in 2025/2026 and N$16 billion…

03 Mar

FNB announces top leadership changes

Observer Money

Staff Writer FNB Namibia and RMB Namibia have announced changes to their leadership teams. Philip Chapman, previously chief executive officer of RMB Namibia, has been appointed CEO of FNB Commercial. RMB Namibia is part of the FirstRand Namibia Group. Chapman has built his career in corporate and investment banking. During his time at RMB Namibia, he oversaw growth and performance in the business. “His ability to build high-performance teams and drive strategic transformation uniquely positions him to strengthen FNB Namibia’s commercial business and reinforce its market leadership.” Speaking on his appointment, Chapman said, “My career has been firmly rooted in…

03 Mar

IAEA to submit Stampriet uranium review

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will compile its findings and submit recommendations to the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism following a technical review of the proposed Stampriet uranium in situ leaching (ISL) test mining project in the Omaheke region. The review focuses on an application for an environmental clearance certificate submitted by Headspring Investments. The application covers a four-year test mining phase using ISL technology. Environmental commissioner Timoteus Mufeti convened the engagement as part of the ongoing assessment. A final decision is expected by June 2026. An IAEA delegation of six representatives visited Namibia from 9…

03 Mar

New regional manager appointed at Momentum Metropolitan

Observer Money

Staff Writer Momentum Metropolitan Namibia has appointed Joggie van Schalkwyk as regional manager in its Metropolitan Retail business unit. Van Schalkwyk joins the company from Old Mutual Broker Distribution, where he served as business support manager. He brings more than 15 years of experience in financial services, with roles in direct sales, operational support and functional leadership. The company said his experience across the value chain has given him insight into how different roles contribute to business performance and client outcomes. He holds an Advanced Diploma in Management from Stadio and is currently studying toward a Bachelor of Business Administration…

03 Mar

Given MAGA Jackson’s death cannot but be untimely!

Opinions

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro A lifetime of 85 years was literally reduced to 30 minutes in Namibia during which Namibia, including President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, last Thursday, paid homage and tribute to civil rights leader, the late Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson. A tribute that had all signs of a hurried job and thus was reluctantly hosted. Worst of all and ironically but not strangely, late Jackson’s life was reduced by the United States of America's (USA) ambassador to Windhoek to a mere two minutes or so. Perhaps a reflection of the reality that few of his contemporaries are now around, especially in Namibia,…

03 Mar

Between arithmetic and transformation, fiscal discipline and growth: The budget anchors the ship without charting a new course

Opinions

Paul T. Shipale (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) Namibia has just paid off the largest external debt obligation in its history. Yet today, it spends more than twice as much on interest payments as it does on development. That is not a crisis. It is a crossroads. When Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah tabled the N$104 billion 2026/27 national budget, she did not promise miracles. She promised stability. The deficit narrows from 6.6% to 5.5% of GDP. Public debt, projected at 65.2% of GDP, is expected to stabilise and gradually decline. There are no reckless giveaways, no fiscal fireworks,…

02 Mar

No Namibians reported injured in Middle East strikes

National News

Justicia Shipena No Namibian national has been reported affected by the recent US-Israeli attacks in the Middle East, according to the Namibian Embassy in Cairo. The Embassy said it has not received reports of any Namibians directly impacted in the affected areas. It noted that the security situation remains volatile and may change without warning. "All Namibian citizens residing in, transiting through, or travelling within the region, their safety and well-being remain a priority. The embassy will continue to provide timely updates and relevant information to keep Namibians informed as the situation unfolds,” it said in a statement yesterday. The…

02 Mar

Mistrust overshadows PSC vote in NA

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Political analysts say a growing mistrust in Parliament lay behind last week’s opposition walkout in the National Assembly, which halted the approval of four nominees to the Public Service Commission (PSC). The vote, tabled by prime minister Elijah Ngurare, could not proceed after opposition members left the chamber. Their exit left the House without a quorum to continue. This comes as the terms of the current commissioners expired at the end of last month. The new appointees are expected to be sworn in to ensure continuity at the constitutional body. Political analyst Sackaria Johannes said the conduct of…

02 Mar

Immanuel cracks down on NMW compliance

National News

Renthia Kaimbi The minister of justice and labour relations, Fillemon Wise Immanuel, has directed all government ministries to verify that every state-contracted service provider complies with minimum wage laws. Immanuel warned that the government cannot be linked, even indirectly, to the exploitation of workers. He issued the directive in a circular dated 24 February addressed to the line ministers. “Representations received from various unions and employees confirm that a number of security companies rendering services to state institutions, including your respective ministries, continue to pay their employees below the legally mandated minimum wage,” he stated. He said paying below the…

02 Mar

Defence Ministry leaves S&T unsettled

National News

Staff Writer The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs paid out subsistence and travel advances amounting to N$ 54 632.40 to seven staff members by 31 March 2025, with N$ 23 253.40 still outstanding at year-end. This is contained in the auditor general Junias Kandjeke's report on the accounts of the ministry's department of veterans affairs for the financial year ended 31 March 2025. Despite the outstanding advances and other control issues, Kandjeke issued an unqualified audit opinion. The audit shows that under the Veterans Welfare Programme, the department exceeded its performance target. The target was to support 530 veterans.…