Blog – Page 29 – Windhoek Observer

22 Aug

Sankwasa cites land-for-vehicles deal in dissolution of Katima Council

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa has defended his decision to dissolve the Katima Mulilo Town Council, saying councillors failed to carry out their functions and engaged in an unlawful land-for-vehicles transaction. Speaking in Katima Mulilo on Wednesday, Sankwasa said the deal was invalid because land gains value while vehicles lose value. In May, Sankwasa accused councillors of selling land without approval and ordered the return of vehicles acquired in the land-for-vehicles deal. Councillors, including mayor John Ntemwa, denied wrongdoing and accused the minister of tribalism and interference. Last month, more than 1 000 residents protested against…

22 Aug

Theofelus encourages youth to innovate through connectivity

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The minister of information and communication technology Emma Theofelus, has urged the youth of Etayi Constituency in the Omusati region to see network connectivity as a gateway to the world. Speaking at Oikoka village on Thursday during the launch of 25 new network towers by PowerCom, Theofelus told the young people to use connectivity to innovate, learn, create, and engage globally. “The future of Namibia rests in your ability to take the tools and transform them into opportunities,” she said. She stressed that connectivity should also serve farmers and traders. "To every resident of Oikokola, Omusati Region, and…

22 Aug

DAILY OBSERVER | Let Netumbo Be Netumbo

Editorial, Featured, Opinions

In Namibia, politics is as much a national pastime as it is the engine of governance. The moment a new president assumes office, our collective curiosity shifts into high gear. Who will be appointed to Cabinet? Which familiar faces will be retained, and which newcomers will find themselves elevated to positions of influence? For weeks, conversations across dinner tables, taxis, shebeens, and WhatsApp groups circle around the same subject: who’s next? Who are the new ambassadors? This chatter is not unique to Namibia. In every democracy, the arrival of a new leader generates speculation, innuendo, and even misinformation. But in…

22 Aug

Outapi by-election seen as test run for November polls

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Political analyst Sackaria Johannes has described the Outapi Constituency by-election as a “research pilot study”. He believes that the contest, scheduled just weeks before the national polls, will serve as an early test of voter sentiment in Omusati, a region long regu as a Swapo stronghold. Only two political parties, the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) and Swapo, will contest the by-election set for 29 September 2025. The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) this week announced Selma Asino, the current mayor of Outapi, as Swapo's candidate, while IPC fielded Fillemon Shikwambi. “The results will determine how those specific…

22 Aug

472 street kids reintegrated into schools

National News

Renthia Kaimbi The ministry of gender equality and child welfare (MGECW) has reintegrated 472 children into formal education as part of efforts to address the plight of street kids. About 425 of them have remained in school, reflecting a 90% retention rate. Control social worker Enjouline Kole and the children's home superintendent Maggy Katimba speaking at the after-school centre, said the programme goes beyond enrolment. They described it as a “continuum of support” designed to help children not only return to school but succeed long-term. Children receive bridging classes to close learning gaps and are given uniforms and stationery. “This…

22 Aug

Diamond of the Month: August 2025 Celebrating Namibian Excellence

Opinions

Diamond Training Institute Diamond Training Institute proudly recognizes Chef Elizabeth Puleni Taati Isai as the Diamond of the Month for August 2025, honouring her remarkable achievement at the World Chefs Global Chefs Challenge—Africa and Middle East Semi-Finals in Sharjah, where she secured first place. Her victory is a shining moment not only for her career but also for Namibia, as it underscores the nation’s ability to produce world-class talent capable of competing at the highest levels of excellence. Chef Isai’s story is one of perseverance, growth, and an unyielding dedication to her craft. From the early days of her career,…

22 Aug

NFA congratulates Shalulile on 129 goals

Featured, Sports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Namibia Football Association (NFA) has congratulated Brave Warriors captain Peter Shalulile for equalling the South African Premier League’s all-time goal-scoring record. Shalulile, who plays for Mamelodi Sundowns, scored in his team’s 2–0 win against Magesi FC on Wednesday night. His goal brought his tally to 129, matching the record set by South African football legend Siyabonga Nomvethe. In a statement, the NFA described Shalulile as an ambassador for Namibian football. “Peter, your dedication and passion are an inspiration to us all. We are incredibly proud of your achievement and your role as an ambassador for our nation.…

22 Aug

EU pumps N$400m into NCA livestock sector

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The European Union (EU) delegation in Namibia is funding the 1 000-cattle capacity Etunda Feedlot, valued at N$80 million, as part of a N$400 million support package to the livestock sector in the Northern Communal Areas (NCA). EU deputy head of mission in Namibia, Ian Dupont, told Observer Money that the feedlot addresses low throughput and livestock quality challenges faced by NCA abattoirs. It will provide better-quality cattle for slaughter and allow farmers in regions such as Omusati, Kunene, and Oshana to access more diversified markets. “It is expected to strengthen the livestock value chain, improve business viability…

22 Aug

Newco acquires Barloworld for N$23 billion

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The South African Competition Tribunal has approved Newco’s N$23 billion acquisition of Barloworld, subject to public interest conditions, including the implementation of a broad-based black economic empowerment structure after delisting. Barloworld Equipment, a subsidiary of Barloworld, operates across Namibia, Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Katanga province. In Namibia, Barloworld Equipment distributes and supports Caterpillar and other heavy machinery used in mining, construction, and other industries. The company has operations in Windhoek, Walvis Bay, and Swakopmund. Its services include oil and gas ratings, marine power solutions, industrial engine…

22 Aug

NHE has 110 000 people on its waiting list

Observer Money

National Housing Enterprise (NHE)’s manager of corporate communications and marketing, Mutonga Matali, talks to Observer Money about the company’s financial status, housing projects and the housing backlog on its books. Observer Money (OM): Does the NHE sustain itself or make profit? Mutonga Matali (MM): NHE sustains its operations through revenue generated from property sales, loan repayments and rental income, which is reinvested to expand the housing portfolio for the benefit of prospective clients. During the launch of the 2023/2024 annual report, NHE announced a N$6 million profit realised in 2024. OM: Does the NHE depend on government funding to fund…