Blog – Page 48 – Windhoek Observer

03 Oct

YOUNG OBSERVER | Theofelus named among TIME’s 100 Next: A moment of global pride for Namibia

Featured, Latest

In a proud and historic moment for Namibia, Emma Theofelus, the country’s Minister of Information and Communication Technology, has been named on TIME magazine’s prestigious list of the 100 Next, a global recognition of the world’s most influential rising leaders. This recognition places Theofelus among a cohort of extraordinary young visionaries who are not only leading change today but shaping the future across politics, innovation, activism, the arts, and more. The list, curated annually by TIME, celebrates those who have demonstrated unwavering courage, groundbreaking vision, and tangible impact in their respective fields. For Namibia, this accolade is more than a…

03 Oct

Shocking lapse: NSFAF clueless about cyberattack …Over 7 000 students’ data exposed online

Main

Justicia Shipena and Shelleygan Petersen The Namibia Student Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) says it was unaware that personal information of more than 7 000 students had surfaced publicly. The Windhoek Observer obtained a document containing names, surnames, NSFAF identity numbers, Namibian IDs, mobile numbers, email addresses, academic details, country and institution of study, student numbers, loan and grant information, as well as non-tuition fees. When approached on Tuesday, acting NSFAF chief executive officer Kennedy Kandume denied any data leak or hack. “I am not aware of such,” he said. After being shown the document, Kandume denied that the information came…

03 Oct

Army to cut links with Windhoek butchery over rotten meat

National News

…NIP finds meat supplied to Grootfontein base was contaminated Renthia Kaimbi The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs wants to cancel its subcontract with Klein Windhoek Schlacherei (Pty) Ltd. This comes after laboratory tests found bacteria in the boerewors the company supplied to the Grootfontein Air Force Base. In a letter dated 3 September 2025, the ministry’s executive director, Annely Haiphene, ordered the termination. Haiphene said the discovery raised “serious questions about the supplier’s reliability.” This follows when, on 24 July, a complaint about spoilt meat triggered an inspection at the airbase. Inspectors found 174 boxes of assorted meat declared…

03 Oct

NaCC suffers N$65m loss in three years

National News

Justicia Shipena The Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC) has recorded losses of N$65 million over the past three years. It lost N$20.9 million in 2023, N$18.5 million in 2024, and N$25.6 million in 2025. Auditor general Junias Kandjeke revealed the latest loss in his latest audit report on the NaCC for the financial year ending 31 March 2025. Despite the repeated shortfalls, the commission maintains that it remains financially stable. “The commissioners believe that the commission has adequate financial resources through the grant allocation to continue in operation for the foreseeable future,” the report stated. Despite these losses, Kandjeke said NaCC…

03 Oct

YOUNG OBSERVER | #UNMUTED

Opinions

Last month, Namibia lost a legendary icon: Ras Sheehama. Beyond doubt, he was one of the very best among us. He didn’t just make music but used it as a vehicle for political awareness and encouragement. He spoke for the marginalised, challenged the status quo and really just made sure you were having a good time while listening to his music. His talent was undeniable, his influence profound, and his loss is truly a national tragedy. When news broke that he had died by suicide, the nation collectively mourned. Social media lit up with shock and grief, but also with…

03 Oct

YOUNG OBSERVER | Why the land bill matters for young people

Featured, National News

On 30 September 2025, the minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Inge Zaamwani-Kamwi, tabled the motion for a comprehensive land bill. The bill seeks to overhaul Namibia’s land management framework. It proposes the creation of communal land boards and a Communal Land Development Fund, sets rules for demarcating and allocating communal land and clarifies the roles of chiefs, traditional authorities and land committees. It continues key institutions such as the Land Reform Advisory Commission, the Land Acquisition and Development Fund, and the Lands Tribunal. On commercial land, it gives the state a preferential right to purchase farmland, empowers…

03 Oct

YOUNG OBSERVER | Beyond the brush: A conversation with Lydia Matheus

Featured, National News

Lydia Matheus, widely recognised as Beauty by Carita, is a popular name in the Namibian beauty scene. With her artistry, she doesn’t just apply makeup; she inspires confidence, creativity and self-expression for every client who sits in her chair. As a young creative making her mark, Lydia’s trajectory is one of passion, precision, and purpose. In this Young Observer spotlight, we explore both the vision behind her craft and the path she has walked. Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started in the makeup business? A: My name is Lydia, popularly known as…

03 Oct

YOUNG OBSERVER | President Nandi-Ndaitwah at the United Nations: Why NamYouth should pay attention

Featured, National News

In a poll, many of you told the Young Observer what you expected President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to include in her maiden speech before the United Nations General Assembly on 24 September 2025; you hoped she would focus on Namibia’s economic and development priorities and give attention to youth empowerment and employment. On that day in New York, she delivered a speech that carried both symbolic resonance and concrete policy ambition. For young Namibians, it signals not only promise but also responsibility. The speech opened with history and humility. Nandi‑Ndaitwah reminded the world that Namibia’s independence, achieved through the tireless petitions…

03 Oct

‘Etosha fire was not an accident’ – Daniel

National News

Justicia Shipena Environment and tourism minister Indileni Daniel says the recent fire in Etosha National Park was no accident and was started by someone. “Fire doesn’t just emerge from nowhere. Somebody has started it, and I’m sure if he has got his right mind, he can feel the same and the damage that he has caused, not only to Etosha National Park, but to the whole Namibian nation,” she said on Thursday during a press conference at the ministry's offices. She stressed that Etosha is Namibia’s flagship park, adding that to have it destroyed like that, and definitely by someone,…

03 Oct

Government moves to secure new beef markets

National News

Justicia The government is engaging in bilateral discussions to secure and expand access to international beef markets, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah told farmers in the Omaheke Region this week. She said the efforts aim to help commercial farmers increase earnings from cattle farming while improving living standards for Namibians. “The government is deeply aware of the various challenges faced by the farmers. These challenges include diseases affecting cattle, the devastating impact of drought on livestock survival, persistent water scarcity, the scourge of cattle theft, and the ongoing need for improved market access,” she said. Nandi-Ndaitwah reassured farmers about the measures already…