Blog

OBSERVER DAILY | Namibia cannot look away from its vulnerable neighbours

Namibia is increasingly confronted with a reality that is at once heartbreaking and urgent: young children from Angola, some accompanied, many unaccompanied, are roaming the streets of our towns and cities, from the border provinces to Swakopmund, Mariental, and beyond.They are searching for food, safety, perhaps even a future. We see them, we hear them, often feel pity, but we have not yet responded with the resolve, the coordination or the compassion this challenge demands.Former leaders like governor Sabastian Ndeitunga of Ohangwena and former president Hifikepunye Pohamba have raised the alarm. They stress that these children’s health and safety are…
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Diplomatic appointments stir tribal storm

Diplomatic appointments stir tribal storm

Allexer Namundjembo  The recent appointment of ambassadors by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has sparked debate about tribalism, inclusivity, and merit in public service.  While the presidency's claim that the move aims to strengthen Namibia's diplomatic presence, critics argue that the appointments perpetuate old figures and lack ethnic balance. Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader and member of parliament McHenry Venaani said he plans to re-table a motion on tribalism.  “After my return from New York I will table a reflection on our nation’s status,” Venaani said on Sunday. He criticised the recycling of ambassadors, describing it as uncalled for.  "We can't recycle…
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Nursing student commits suicide for allegedly failing evaluation exam

Nursing student commits suicide for allegedly failing evaluation exam

Renthia Kaimbi Welwitchia University nursing student Karien Kaunapawa Nikanor died in an apparent suicide last week after allegedly failing the Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE).  Nikanor was a second-year, trimester student in the Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery Science programme.  The director of corporate engagement and international relations at Welwitchia University, Christel Nassauw, confirmed the tragedy but said that no suicide note was found.  She added that no direct link between Nikanor’s academic performance and her death can be established. "Yes, I confirm it to be true. The reasons behind the student's death are not confirmed and cannot be tied…
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High Court gives Goantagab green light to mine

High Court gives Goantagab green light to mine

Renthia Kaimbi The High Court has dismissed an urgent application brought by the Doro !Nawas Conservancy, Uibasen Twyfelfontein Conservancy, #Aodaman Traditional Authority and Ultimate Safaris to stop mining activities at the Goantagab tin mine. Judge Boas Usiku delivered the ruling on Friday, striking the case from the roll for lack of urgency.  The court ordered the applicants to pay the costs of the first respondent, Timoteus Mashuna, including fees for “one instructing and two instructed legal practitioners.”  The urgent application, filed on Thursday, sought to block scheduled blasting on Mashuna’s mining claims. The applicants argued that the activities violated a…
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Student bodies welcome recognition of Ndama East School

Student bodies welcome recognition of Ndama East School

Allexer Namundjembo  Student bodies have welcomed the government’s decision to officially recognise Ndama East Primary School in Kavango East. On Friday, prime minister Elijah Ngurare and minister of education Sanet Steenkamp visited the school, where it was formally declared legal.  The government also announced an infrastructure development project that will include 25 new classrooms, an administration block, two ablution facilities, and a perimeter fence.  Temporary shelters will be provided before construction begins next yetar. Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) spokesperson Jessy Abraham said the announcement validates what communities have long fought for.  “Nanso has always maintained that community-established schools are…
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Minister declares war on waste

Minister declares war on waste

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  Environment minister Indileni Daniel has declared a national war on waste, warning that pollution is harming public health, food security, tourism, and the economy. Speaking at the National Clean-Up Campaign in Nkurenkuru, Kavango West Region, on Saturday, Daniel said Namibia must act now to protect its environment.  “A clean environment is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It is the bedrock of public health, food security, tourism, and national dignity. Waste undermines our health, our food security, our economy, and even our national pride,” she said. Daniel announced that the government will push for stronger penalties against…
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Avoiding building project nightmares: Tips for property owners

Avoiding building project nightmares: Tips for property owners

 Johannes Hesekiel Building projects often start with exciting visions of what life will be like once the project or renovation is completed.  Unfortunately, for many starry-eyed property investors and homeowners, the dream very quickly descends into a nightmare as costs escalate to much higher levels than indicated in the original quotation and completion times extend well beyond initial expectations. This is also a nightmare that you cannot escape from quickly.  Once committed to a building project, it is very hard to leave it. Even once the building project has been completed, there is still scope for the nightmare to continue. …
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OBSERVER DAILY | Namibia’s moment on the world stage: What President Nandi-Ndaitwah should tell the UN

When President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah walks up to the marble podium of the United Nations General Assembly for her maiden address, she will not simply be speaking for Namibia. She will carry the voice of a young African democracy with a hard-won independence and a people who have known both the scars of colonialism and the exhilaration of self-determination. Her speech will be more than a ceremonial debut; it is an opportunity to show the world what Namibia stands for and what it demands of a multilateral system under strain. This is a moment heavy with symbolism. Namibia has travelled a…
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NBL’s revenue increases to N$2.1 billion

NBL’s revenue increases to N$2.1 billion

Chamwe Kaira  Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) has reported a strong set of interim results for the six months ended 30 June, with net revenue up 9.7% to N$2.1 billion from N$1.9 billion in 2024.  The company said the growth was driven by higher volumes, inflation-linked price increases, and benefits from local production. Gross profit margins improved on the back of fewer beer discounts, margin gains from locally packaged wine and cider, and tighter cost controls.  Operating expenses rose by 3.5% to N$1.82 billion from N$1.76 billion, reflecting continued investment in brands and strategic initiatives, including the rollout of the enterprise…
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Cattle production drops in second quarter

Cattle production drops in second quarter

Chamwe Kaira  Cattle production costs dropped by 1.9% over the last 12 months, according to the Namibia Agricultural Union’s (NAU) second quarter report for 2025.  NAU said the decline was mainly driven by a 10.29% fall in fuel prices, which helped offset a 2.72% rise in electricity costs during the same period. The report noted that 2025 is a herd rebuilding year, which has increased profitability for farmers by leading to higher producer prices.  At the same time, cattle marketing fell sharply, dropping by 56.24% from 211 610 in the first half of 2024 to 92 600 during the same…
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