Blog – Page 4 – Windhoek Observer

20 Nov

Langer Heinrich contracts 24.5 million pounds of production

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The Langer Heinrich Mine (LHM) in the Erongo region, owned by Australia-based Paladin Energy, has maintained strong operational performance and reinforced its role in the company’s global uranium portfolio. Latest updates show that Langer Heinrich delivered 3 million pounds of uranium oxide (U₃O₈) during the 2025 financial year. This marks its full return to large-scale production after years under care and maintenance. The mine recorded a cost of production of US$40.2 per pound, reflecting improved efficiency as its processing systems stabilised. The momentum continued into the first quarter of the 2026 financial year. The mine produced 1.06 million…

20 Nov

New USF tower brings 4G to Ohangwena community

Observer Money

Staff Writer Phase one of the Universal Service Fund (USF) rollout has begun, with MTC handing over the first completed network tower under the programme. The tower was officially commissioned this week by minister of information and communications technology Emma Theofelus at Epinga village in the Ohangwena region. MTC managing director Licky Erastus said Epinga is one of four USF sites completed so far. “In addition to Epinga, we have completed sites in Hedimbi, Ehomba, and Ongongo. While pending completions are Naimanya, Kudumbu/Mupapama, Owiwi in the Kavango West and Gwatjinga and Shinyashi in the Kavango East Region. Civil works have…

20 Nov

Property market faces rapid changes

Observer Money

Ian Coffee Namibia’s property market is undergoing a structural transformation that few anticipated. The past year has revealed stark contrasts between luxury real estate, affordable housing, and rental dynamics. These shifts are not merely cyclical; they reflect deeper economic and social forces that will shape investment strategies for years to come. The luxury segment has entered a pronounced downturn. Only six transactions were recorded in the second quarter of 2025, and prices have fallen by 32.5% year-on-year. This decline signals more than temporary weakness; it underscores a collapse in speculative demand and a sharp reduction in mortgage uptake. For investors…

20 Nov

Moody’s review shows Pepkor still on strong financial ground

Observer Money

Staff Writer Pepkor Holdings has received a boost from Moody’s Investors Service after the agency completed its latest review of the retail group. The review resulted in no changes to Pepkor’s credit ratings, confirming the company’s solid financial position in a difficult economic climate. Moody’s kept Pepkor’s Corporate Family Rating at Ba2 and its National Scale Long-Term Rating at Aa1.za. Both ratings carry a stable outlook. The agency said the ratings reflect Pepkor’s strong position in South Africa’s retail sector, supported by conservative financial management, good liquidity, and strong credit metrics. Moody’s noted that the group continues to deliver growth…

20 Nov

Curro share buyout faces final hurdle

Observer Money

Staff Writer Curro Holdings has issued an update on the proposed deal that will see the Jannie Mouton Stigting acquire all issued shares in the private schools group and delist the company from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The company reminded shareholders that the transaction, first detailed in a circular on 2 October, is still subject to outstanding conditions. Only one approval remains: clearance from the South African Competition Authorities, either unconditionally or with conditions acceptable to the offeror. Curro said the offeror has been in discussions with the Competition Commission and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC).…

20 Nov

THE TIDE LINE | Your vote, your region, your future

Featured, Opinions

In just a few days, on November 26, 2025, the people of the Erongo Region, indeed the entire nation, will head to the polls for the Regional Council and Local Authority Elections. The date has rightly been declared a public holiday by the President, ensuring that every eligible citizen has the time and opportunity to vote. This is not just another election; it is a defining moment for our communities, our local development, and our shared future. As Observer Coastal, we urge every resident of Erongo and every voter in Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Arandis, Henties Bay, Omaruru, Karibib, and surrounding…

20 Nov

OBSERVER COASTAL | Eviction battle at Doros Camp in disarray after Seibeb’s removal

National News

Renthia Kaimbi A resolution by the Dâure-Daman Traditional Authority to evict tourism operator Ultimate Safaris from the Sorris Sorris conservancy is now in limbo. This comes after the state confirmed the removal of former chief Zacharias Seibeb just two days after he signed it. On 11 November 2025, Seibeb and his council met in Khorixas and agreed to take legal action to remove Ultimate Safaris from its camp on communal land. The resolution, seen by this publication, authorised Seibeb to appoint lawyers and represent the traditional authority in court. The dispute stems from tensions between tourism activities and proposed mining…

20 Nov

OBSERVER COASTAL | Sankwasa nullifies HR shortlist at Walvis Bay municipality

National News

Renthia Kaimbi Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa has told the Walvis Bay municipality to restart the shortlisting process for the general manager of human resources and corporate communication services. He said the earlier process was tampered with and did not follow national rules. The directive follows a complaint from the Namibia Public Workers Union (NAPWU), which alleged that the council removed candidates who were properly shortlisted and replaced them with names not approved by the official committee. In a letter to Walvis Bay mayor Trevino Forbes, Sankwasa said he reviewed the complaint and found that the council acted…

20 Nov

OBSERVER COASTAL | New light towers light up Wagdaar in Swakopmund

National News

Staff Writer Two new light tower stands were switched on in the Wagdaar settlement in Swakopmund on 13 November. The project is a joint effort between the Swakop Uranium Foundation, Swakopmund Municipality and Erongo Red to improve safety in the area. The towers form part of the Foundation’s “Peace Swakopmund” initiative. During the handover, Swakop Uranium acting chief executive officer Irvinne Simataa said the N$800 000 structures signal the beginning of a ten-year plan to help create a safer community. Erongo governor Natalia |Goagoses welcomed the project and said it will help restore dignity and security. “This is about ensuring…

20 Nov

OBSERVER COASTAL | Walvis Bay revamps Independence Beach

National News

Renthia Kaimbi The municipality of Walvis Bay has opened the upgraded Independence Beach Promenade and launched a new e-governance tool called “Ovakalimo”. Both initiatives come from the European Union co-funded Erongo Sustainable Governance project, implemented with the municipality of Czerwonak in Poland. The promenade reopening shows the physical changes made to the public space. The launch of Ovakalimo marks a shift toward more direct engagement between residents and the municipality. The projects share one goal: building safer and more inclusive communities through participatory governance. The redesigned promenade follows new European Bauhaus principles. The space now serves as a multifunctional public…