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Navachab’s N$1.4m payback fight yields only N$149k

Navachab’s N$1.4m payback fight yields only N$149k

Justicia Shipena QKR Navachab Gold Mine has won a limited victory in the High Court in a case where it tried to recover more than N$1.4 million paid to former employee Petrus Nambondi under an arbitration award that was later set aside.  The court ruled that Nambondi must repay only N$149 838, plus interest.  He does not have to return the rest of the money he received during his reinstatement period. The matter began when Nambondi was dismissed and later won an arbitration case in May 2020.  The arbitrator ordered Navachab to reinstate him with full benefits and to pay…
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N/a’an ku sê founder loses appeal bid in N$2.6m lawsuit

N/a’an ku sê founder loses appeal bid in N$2.6m lawsuit

Justicia Shipena The Supreme Court has ruled that Dr Rudie van Vuuren’s irregularity claim in a lawsuit where he is being sued for N$2.6 million could not be considered because it fell outside the approved grounds of appeal.  The court said hearing that claim would have been unfair to Expedite Aviation CC. Van Vuuren, a medical doctor, conservationist and co-founder of the N/a'an ku sê Foundation, was challenging a High Court decision that removed his attempt to force the Expedite Aviation CC to hand over documents needed for the case.  This process is known as discovery, and it requires each…
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Shilunga warns: Oil boom comes with responsibility

Shilunga warns: Oil boom comes with responsibility

Staff Writer  Presidential advisor and head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit, Kornelia Shilunga, has warned that Namibia’s growing oil and gas opportunity comes with a responsibility to ensure citizens are prepared to participate in the sector.  She delivered this message at the launch of the Petroleum Training and Education Fund's (Petrofund) new brand and refurbished head office in Windhoek this week.  Shilunga said recent discoveries in the Orange Basin and the announcement from ReconAfrica on the Kavango West 1X well have repositioned Namibia as an emerging petroleum player.  She said the sector carries the potential to reshape the economy for…
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YOUNG OBSERVER | How December spending entrenches the January and February poverty cycle

YOUNG OBSERVER | How December spending entrenches the January and February poverty cycle

December has gradually become the most financially demanding month in many societies, and Namibia is no exception. The end of the year is a period marked by celebration, travel, gifting, relaxation, social gatherings, and elevated expectations of generosity.  While there is nothing inherently harmful about participating in the festivities of the season, the financial behaviours that accompany the month of December often produce long-term effects that continue to haunt young people well into January and February.  This article examines the deeper economic, social, and psychological factors that contribute to the January and February poverty cycle, with a particular emphasis on…
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Teacher arrested for asking hostel boys to make his private parts ‘angry’

Teacher arrested for asking hostel boys to make his private parts ‘angry’

Renthia Kaimbi A male teacher at Wilhelm Nortier Primary School in Grootfontein was arrested last month after being accused of sexually molesting boys in the school’s hostel.  The arrest of Alexis Awaseb came only after he attempted suicide, amid a case that has exposed serious concerns about child safety and institutional accountability. According to sources familiar with the incident, the alleged assault occurred on the night of 14 November 2025, during a widespread power outage in Grootfontein that lasted until after the learners' bedtime. It is alleged that Awaseb sneaked into the bed of a 13-year-old Grade 7 learner and…
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YOUNG OBSERVER | Budget-friendly activities in Windhoek during the festive season

YOUNG OBSERVER | Budget-friendly activities in Windhoek during the festive season

The festive season in Namibia is often associated with travel to rural areas, coastal holidays, and highly social events. However, a significant number of young people remain in Windhoek during December for work, financial reasons, or personal preference.  Contrary to common assumptions, staying in Windhoek does not have to be dull or expensive. The city offers a wide range of affordable and meaningful activities that allow young people to enjoy the festive season without placing financial strain on their already stretched budgets.  This article explores the reasons why many youth remain in the capital during December and provides a detailed…
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MTC plans to take its services to neighbouring countries

MTC plans to take its services to neighbouring countries

Chamwe Kaira Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) plans to expand its operations locally and enter regional markets.  Its managing director, Licky Erastus, said the company has spent the past year engaging neighbouring countries that need its services. He said MTC plans to set up a data centre and has invested heavily in its fibre backbone.  “We have a natural technology licence; we try to understand what the needs of customers are,” he said. MTC, Namibia’s first and largest mobile telecommunications operator, has grown into a communications service provider and aims to fully transform into a digital service provider. The company’s profit…
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YOUNG OBSERVER | Navigating grief and loss during the holiday

YOUNG OBSERVER | Navigating grief and loss during the holiday

The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, celebration, unity, and renewal. For many people, however, December intensifies feelings of grief, loneliness, exhaustion, and emotional heaviness.  Young people who have experienced the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a sense of stability, or even a part of their identity often find the festive season challenging.  This article examines the experience of grief during the holidays, the psychological and social factors that may worsen it, and the strategies that young people can adopt to navigate this emotionally complex period. Grief is not a single emotion. It is…
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Grindrod pushes ahead despite tough commodities market

Grindrod pushes ahead despite tough commodities market

Chamwe Kaira Grindrod Limited, the JSE-listed freight and logistics company that recently opened a new warehouse at the Port of Walvis Bay, reported a steady performance for the 11 months ending 30 November 2025. The company achieved this despite operating in a turbulent commodities market. The company said global mining commodity markets remained under pressure during the period due to shifting supply and demand, rising geopolitical uncertainty and seasonal patterns.  Prices for Grindrod’s dry-bulk commodities fell 12% compared to last year, but demand for key products such as iron ore and chrome remained firm. The new Walvis Bay warehouse is…
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AfDB approves N$190 million loan for Hyphen

AfDB approves N$190 million loan for Hyphen

Staff Writer  The African Development Bank’s (AfDB) board of directors has approved a US$10 million (approximately N$200 billion) loan to Hyphen Hydrogen Energy to support its green ammonia project, which is valued at more than US$10 billion.  The project aims to position Namibia as a leader in the global green hydrogen industry. The loan comes from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) and will fund front-end engineering design studies.  These studies cover solar and wind generation, battery energy storage, electrolyser capacity, and desalination infrastructure.  The support aims to reduce project risks and attract the large-scale financing needed for full…
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