Blog – Page 5 – Windhoek Observer

21 Jan

Hishoono burial draws scrutiny over veterans’ honours

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The burial arrangements of late liberation struggle veteran Kanana Matias Hishoono have sparked debate over how Namibia treats its war veterans, particularly after death. Whether those who played a key role in the country's independence receive the dignity they deserve has been a subject of debate. Hishoono, who died earlier this month, was a respected freedom fighter and a founding member of the Ovambo People’s Organisation, the precursor to Swapo. He later served in senior advisory roles within the ruling party and was known for issuing and signing membership cards for prominent figures, including the late president Hage…

21 Jan

Funding shortage limits expansion of Windhoek bus services

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The City of Windhoek says the lack of dedicated national funding remains the main barrier to expanding and improving municipal bus services. The municipality raised concerns over transport shortages and damaged bus stop shelters. Responding to questions from the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday, city spokesperson Lydia Amutenya said public transport is an essential social service but operates without support from the national social budget. “While public transport is widely recognised as an essential social service, it is currently still not supported by any dedicated funding allocation from the national social budget as should be the case,” Amutenya said. …

21 Jan

Fishrot accused’s ACC investigation challenge stalls

National News

Justicia Shipena A High Court review case in which the fishrot accused are challenging the Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) investigations remains delayed. This comes as the court is still waiting for a review record needed for the matter to move forward. The delay has prevented respondents from filing their answering affidavits and has stalled further progress in the case. The issue came before deputy judge president Hannelie Prinsloo during a status hearing on Tuesday, following a joint status report dated 16 December 2025. In the report, the accused and several state institutions and private entities told the court that only some…

21 Jan

Water treatment installed at 17 boreholes nationwide

National News

Justicia Shipena Seventeen borehole sites across Namibia have been equipped with water softening and treatment systems, improving access to safe drinking water for rural communities. This is through a programme that rolled out the systems in several regions affected by high groundwater salinity by the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia (EIF), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform. EIF on Tuesday announced that it has completed the four-year programme. The programme began in January 2023 to address long-standing water quality problems in Namibia’s arid and semi-arid areas. It grew from an EIF-led innovation and pilot…

21 Jan

Education starts with a safe place to sleep

Featured, Opinions

Valontino James Every year, thousands of young Namibians walk onto university campuses with the same mix of hope and nerves. They’re ready to study, ready to grow, and ready to build a future for themselves. But for many, the very first hurdle they face isn’t in a classroom. It’s finding a place to stay. At the University of Namibia’s main campus alone, 2 389 students applied for only 1 150 beds for 2026. That means more than half of the students who need accommodation simply won’t have it on campus. The pressure is coming from all sides. Of the applicants,…

21 Jan

DBN reports 42% increase in operating profit

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) recorded a 42% increase in operating profit to N$88.3 million, according to its 2024/25 integrated annual report. The bank said the performance reflects disciplined cost management, improved recoveries, and the resilience of its teams during a challenging economic environment. “While pressures related to asset quality and a contracting loan book persist, the Bank has taken decisive steps to stabilise risk and position itself for renewed growth,” the bank said. During the year, DBN began implementing the first year of its 2024–2029 integrated strategic business plan. It secured N$607 million through the KfW…

21 Jan

NSX closes week lower as overall index declines

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX) closed the week ending 16 January 2026 on a mixed note, with the Local Index edging slightly lower while overall market activity remained steady. The NSX Local Index closed at 808.31 points on Friday, down slightly from 808.64 points at the end of the previous week. The index moved within a narrow range throughout the week, reflecting limited price movement in locally listed shares. The NSX Overall Index ended Friday at 2,174.39 points, down from 2,184.55 points a week earlier, following softer performances in some dual-listed stocks. Trading activity increased during the week.…

21 Jan

Pepkor updates investor disclosures before AGM

Observer Money

Staff Writer Pepkor Holdings Limited has updated disclosures linked to its N$10 billion Domestic Medium Term Note (DMTN) Programme and confirmed the availability of key financial and governance documents ahead of its annual general meeting. In a notice issued on 19 January 2026, the South African retail group informed noteholders that the information statement incorporated by reference in the DMTN Programme has been updated and dated the same day. The update was made in line with the JSE Debt and Specialist Securities Listings Requirements. Pepkor said the changes mainly relate to investor considerations and risk factors, the group’s organisational structure,…

21 Jan

MTC marketing awards to be held in April

Observer Money

Staff Writer The MTC Branding and Marketing Indaba has announced 18 excellence award categories aimed at recognising innovation and strong performance across branding, marketing, communications and advertising in Namibia. The awards will be presented at the MTC Branding and Marketing Indaba Gala Dinner on 10 April 2026 at the Mövenpick Hotel in Windhoek. MTC's chief brand, marketing, communications, and sustainability officer, Tim Ekandjo, said the awards will recognise individuals and organisations that have made meaningful contributions to the industry. “The award ceremony will honour outstanding individuals and corporates that have demonstrated exceptional achievements and have made vital contributions and impact…

21 Jan

De Beers to hold the usual 10 sales across the 12-month period

Observer Money

De Beers has released its sales schedule for the coming year, with plans to hold the usual 10 sales across the 12-month period. The miner sells around 90% of its rough diamonds to sightholders that agree to buy a set volume of rough in return for consistent supply. Amid ongoing uncertainty in the diamond industry, De Beers will extend its current sightholder agreement through June 30, 2026. The contract regulates the company’s rough-diamond sales to customers via its sight system. The rough diamonds originate from the company’s owned and joint-venture operations. The sales will take place in Botswana, Namibia and…