Blog – Page 4 – Windhoek Observer

29 Apr

Funding push puts Africa’s energy gap in focus

Observer Money

Staff Writer A funding commitment of more than US$1.1 billion by the European Investment Bank is set to support renewable energy projects across Africa, but experts say it addresses only part of a wider electricity gap affecting millions. More than 600 million people on the continent still lack access to electricity, a shortage that continues to limit basic services and economic activity. Dr Tebogo Kupi from the Centre for Applied Radiation Science and Technology at North-West University said the investment is important but not enough on its own. “This level of investment is important in catalysing renewable energy development, particularly…

29 Apr

Reclaiming Cuba-Africa solidarity and internationalism: From Cuito Cuanavale to the blockade, from archived historical achievements to strategic alliances in a fragmented world

Opinions

Paul T. Shipale (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) The Namibia-Cuba Solidarity Committee has recently joined growing global calls for solidarity as the island nation continues to feel the impact of US policies and launched the Namibians in Solidarity with Cuba campaign, which seeks to raise essential supplies and financial contributions to support Cuban nationals, especially with energy and medical equipment. Indeed, this is a highly commendable and noble initiative. Conversely, any serious engagement of solidarity between Cuba and Africa must begin by stripping it of sentimentality. This is not a relationship built on diplomatic courtesy or abstract moral…

28 Apr

NNN puts more cash in politicians’ pockets …Govt to pay utilities for PM and deputy

Main, National News

Justicia Shipena President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has approved new salaries and benefits for ministers, governors and members of parliament. The public office bearers (remuneration and benefits) commission recommended adjustments, which Nandi-Ndaitwah implemented through a presidential proclamation dated 27 April 2026. The proclamation amends the 2017 framework. The salary adjustment takes effect as of 1 April 2026. According to the proclamation seen by the Windhoek Observer, under the new structure, the prime minister earns a basic salary of N$1.3 million, with water and electricity covered, official transport and a housing allowance of N$351 175, bringing total remuneration to N$1.65 million. The deputy…

28 Apr

CoW contract workers left in the cold

National News

Patience Makwele More than 500 contract workers cleaning Windhoek’s streets face continued uncertainty after the High Court overturned a ruling that would have made them permanent employees. High Court judge Thomas Masuku on Monday set aside the arbitration award, stopping the immediate absorption of the workers into the City of Windhoek’s (CoW) permanent workforce. Masuku in his ruling brought attention to the municipality’s financial position and use of long-term contracts. Initially, the workers won at arbitration, where the court found that CoW's use of fixed-term contracts constituted unfair discrimination. Many have worked for years on rolling contracts without pension, medical…

28 Apr

Pressure builds over police pay and new intakes

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Police officers are expressing frustration over ongoing recruitment drives while salary and promotion concerns remain unresolved. A police officer who spoke to the Windhoek Observer on condition of anonymity said officers are often disappointed when new intakes are announced. “The government can never say it does not have money to increase our salaries. How do you explain hiring 1 500 new police officers while saying there is no money for salary adjustments?” the officer said. The officer said many junior officers struggle with living conditions and cannot afford housing. “We do not have proper houses. We cannot even…

28 Apr

Floating bridges criticised as president stresses delivery

National News

Patience Makwele Zambezi-based development analyst, Lipuwo Kathrine Nyambe, says floating bridges are not a long-term solution to recurring floods in the region. The Zambezi and Ohangwena regions continue to deal with the effects of recent floods. Water levels at Katima Mulilo reached about 6.7 metres, leading to flooding in low-lying areas. At the peak, some villages and schools were only accessible by boat. “Floating bridges are a practical emergency response, but they are not a long-term solution. Flooding in this region is seasonal and predictable, which means there should be more investment in permanent, climate-resilient infrastructure such as raised roads…

28 Apr

New aviation levies could raise ticket prices — Kalangula

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Independence Patriots for Change (IPC) member of parliament and works and transport shadow minister Nelson Kalangula says the introduction of a per-passenger aviation levy will likely lead to higher ticket prices for Namibians and international travellers. Kalangula said passenger-based charges are usually passed directly to consumers. “The introduction of a per-passenger levy will almost certainly lead to an immediate increase in ticket prices for ordinary Namibians and international visitors,” he told the Windhoek Observer on Monday. He explained that unlike fixed administrative fees, which airlines may absorb, passenger charges are added to the taxes and fees on a…

28 Apr

A national housing emergency demands a national response

Editorial, Featured

Namibia is facing a housing crisis of staggering proportions, one that can no longer be treated as a slow-burning concern or relegated to policy backrooms. Nearly one million people, representing roughly 42% of the population of Namibia, live in informal settlements. That figure alone should jolt policymakers, business leaders, and citizens alike into urgent action. It is not merely a statistic; it is a reflection of daily hardship, inequality, and a growing disconnect between policy ambition and lived reality. For years, housing has featured prominently in political rhetoric and development plans. Yet delivery has consistently fallen short. The reasons are…

28 Apr

Otavi electorate, remember, whatever you tolerate, you will never change since your tolerance levels are high

Featured, Opinions

Jefta McGregor Gaoab I am making inferences from the directive dated 02 December 2025, issued by the Office of the Secretary General of the Swapo Party to the Regional Coordinator of the Swapo Party. The directive pertains to the deployment of the elected regional and local authority councillors. I acknowledge that the mighty Swapo party has its own constitution that comprises rules and procedures which every member should subscribe to and abide by. However, on the other hand, I am equally disappointed when the same constitution, its rules and procedures are changed at will to appease a certain narrative or…

28 Apr

New surveillance infrastructure to cost N$500m

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The country's planned new surveillance infrastructure for air navigation services, including primary and secondary radar systems, an air traffic management system and wide multilateration, will cost about N$500 million, Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) executive director Toska Sem has revealed. Sem said civil aviation is a key enabler in the aviation industry, which requires Namibia to meet international standards and requirements. She said Namibia has achieved a safety audit score above 75%, exceeding the 60% benchmark set by the African Union. Sem spoke during the third edition of Aviation Week Africa held in Windhoek last week, where high-level…