Blog – Page 4 – Windhoek Observer

24 Oct

Namibia’s midterm budget: Walking the tightrope between prudence and pressure

Editorial, Observer Money

The midterm budget review delivered by minister of Finance and Public Enterprises Ericah Shafudah presents a careful balancing act, a fiscal plan that strives to maintain credibility and discipline, even as political realities and slowing growth threaten to derail consolidation efforts. The numbers tell a story of progress and prudence, but also one of fragility. The government’s ambition to keep public debt below the 70% of GDP threshold deserves recognition. Yet, as economic analyst Almandro Jansen from Simonis Storm Securities cautions, election-cycle spending pressures could soon test the state’s fiscal resolve. With the 2026/27 elections drawing near, Namibia’s ability to…

24 Oct

People pulling and shouldering on and only need a little push!

Opinions

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro Do people need to be developed, or can they evolve towards development and eventually self-sustenance? Yours Truly Ideologically cannot but pose this question, musing at the same time about the loose, indifferent and nonchalant, if altogether disconnected, use of the word 'development'. Surrounding the gimmick of developing the people. While and whereas indeed the people can develop themselves through evolving towards a self-defined level of evolution dictated by their own circumstances, conditions and environments. This is to invoke a paradigm shift in the supposed development trajectory. Prompted more by the so-called development to which people have been subjected…

24 Oct

Africa’s governance crisis: The coups contagion as mirror

Opinions

Interrogating military interventions through Ibrahim Traoré’s Pan-Africanist and governance lens PAUL T. SHIPALE (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) Introduction: The return of the barracks With the recent coup d’état in Madagascar on October 14, 2025, when the military seized power after weeks of protests largely driven by Gen Z, and the alleged failed coup plot in Nigeria, where a number of military commanders ranging from major to brigadier general were arrested after failing to topple President Bola Tinubu, Africa has between 2020 and 2025 witnessed a resurgence of military coups from Mali and Guinea to Burkina Faso, Niger…

24 Oct

Namibia’s new Public-Private Forum: A partnership of promise must not become a platform of platitudes

Editorial

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s inauguration of the Namibia Public Private Forum (NamPPF) marks an important milestone in the country’s ongoing attempt to bridge one of the most persistent gaps in our national development story, the divide between government intent and business execution. Described by the President as a “partnership of purpose,” the Forum aspires to create a unified platform where government, business, and other stakeholders can collaborate meaningfully to accelerate inclusive growth and job creation. The ambition is laudable, and the language inspiring. But if Namibia is to turn rhetoric into reality, the Forum must move beyond eloquent speeches and strategic…

23 Oct

Namibia can grow economy at 5% per annum

Observer Money

STAFF WRITER Chief Executive Officer of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) and vice-chairperson of the Namibia Public–Private Partnership, Titus Nampala has said its possible for Namibia to grow its economy by 5% per annum. He said meeting the aspirations of National Development Plan 6 (NDP6), of growing the economy by more than 5% annually, will needs slight tweaks. The tweaks must be in approach, mindset and in the rhythm with which, the country acts, Nampala said. “The private sector is ready to assure you, Your Excellency: it is possible. And our ask is very small, tiny dare…

23 Oct

Nandi-Ndaitwah calls for closer public, private partnership

National News

STAFF WRITER The Namibia Public Private Forum is not just another dialogue forum but is the institutionalising of a partnership of purpose, a bridge between government and business, united by the shared dream of building a prosperous Namibia. This was said by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said on Thursday when she opened the inaugural session of the Namibia Public-Private Forum and organised by Namibian Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB). “This gathering is a tangible demonstration of our collective resolve to strengthen collaboration, inclusivity and trust between the public and private sectors,” she said. The inaugural session of the Namibia Public-Private…

23 Oct

MP says learners being used for teachers’ online fame

National News

Justicia Shipena Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) parliamentarian Rosa Mbinge-Tjeundo has raised concern over teachers recording and posting videos of learners on social media during school hours without consent from parents. She said the practice violates the Child Care and Protection Act of 2015 and the constitutional rights of children to privacy and dignity. Mbinge-Tjeundo warned that exposing learners on platforms like TikTok and Facebook puts them at risk of cyberbullying, exploitation, and permanent digital footprints that could affect their future. “Such practices not only violate the rights of children but also divert attention from the primary mandate of schools, which…

23 Oct

Luvindao Threatens to Sue Windhoek Observer, Sparks Legal and Ethical Backlash…Conflict of interest and misuse of office allegations emerge

Main

Renthia Kaimbi Health and Social Services Minister Dr Esperance Luvindao’s threat to sue the Windhoek Observer for defamation, both personally and through her brother’s law firm, has drawn sharp criticism from legal and governance experts. They say the move raises concerns about ethics, conflicts of interest, and possible misuse of office. Through Dr Weder, Kruger & Haikali Incorporated, Luvindao issued an undated letter of demand to the Windhoek Observer threatening legal action over an article published on 17 October. The report stated that she had urgently reached out to foreign diplomatic missions for emergency anti-malarial supplies amid low national stock…

23 Oct

Usakos man sues police, state for N$2.9 million

National News

Allexer Namundjembo A Usakos resident, Melvin Areseb, is suing the Namibian Police, including the inspector general Joseph Shikongo and the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, along with three police officers, for more than N$2.9 million following his alleged unlawful arrest and assault in August this year. Court documents seen by the Windhoek Observer show that Areseb is claiming N$2 million for disability, loss of amenities of life and insult to dignity. He is also seeking N$500 000 for shock and trauma, N$300 000 for future medical expenses, and N$10 000 for destruction of property. Through his lawyer,…

23 Oct

Election season rekindles debate on delayed Omuthiya VTC

National News

Allexer Namundjembo As local authority elections draw near, new discussions about the long-delayed Omuthiya Vocational Training Centre (VTC) have caused mixed feelings among residents. This follows a post by the Omuthiya Town Council on its official Facebook page announcing that a team from the Namibia Training Authority (NTA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) visited the site earmarked for the project. The council stated that construction of the centre is expected to begin soon to help reduce the strain on vocational training opportunities in the Oshikoto region. During the visit, Omuthiya Town Council chief executive officer Petrus Shuuya noted that…