Blog – Page 7 – Windhoek Observer

25 Nov

Congo fever kills one in Windhoek

National News

Justicia Shipena A patient has died in Windhoek after contracting crimean-congo hemorrhagic fever, commonly known as congo fever. The patient was admitted to a Windhoek health facility on 18 November with suspected congo fever and died the next day. Laboratory tests later confirmed the infection, health minister Dr Esperance Luvindao said on Sunday. This led to the Health Ministry declaring an outbreak in the Khomas region. “We wish to assure the public that we are taking all necessary steps to contain the spread of the virus and urge the community not to panic,” Luvindao said. She said the ministry has…

25 Nov

Silence is complicity

Editorial, Featured, Opinions

The Windhoek Observer has watched Namibian elections for decades. We have seen the rise and fall of political giants, the birth of new movements, and the ever-shifting theatre of campaign rhetoric. But every so often, something happens that forces us to pause, not because it is surprising, but precisely because it is not. It is depressingly familiar. It is predictable. And it is dangerous. This week, reports emerged from Keetmanshoop that Landless People’s Movement leader Bernadus Swartbooi and independent candidate Vernon Coleman became entangled in a confrontation that escalated into physical violence. What began, as these things often do, with…

25 Nov

The case for comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education

Featured, Opinions

Frieda Stefanus In today’s world, access to accurate and timely health information can mean the difference between thriving and surviving. Nowhere is this more urgent than in the realm of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), particularly for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). Without comprehensive education and youth-friendly services, young people face heightened vulnerability to unintended pregnancies, HIV infection, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), and gender-based violence (GBV). Knowledge is power and protection SRH education equips AGYW with the tools to recognise and reduce health risks. When young people understand how HIV is transmitted, how to access prevention tools like Pre-Exposure…

25 Nov

Why preserving your retirement money matters — and what to do when you change jobs

Opinions

Selby Sibeya If there is one financial decision that quietly makes or breaks a retirement journey, it is what you do with your pension when you leave a job. Cashing out feels tempting, while preserving the money feels boring. I mean, you are alive now; why not enjoy your money, right? Well, as tempting as that thought is, you need to consider various factors, like living longer, before you chop your money. Life expectancy in Namibia has risen to roughly 67 years. That means many workers who retire around 60 years old will need an income for a decade or…

25 Nov

Horse mackerel sustainability worries grow

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Sustainability concerns persist in Namibia’s horse mackerel industry, the Oceana Group has said. Cabinet reduced the horse mackerel total allowable catch (TAC) to 208 000 metric tonnes for the 2025 season, down from 270 000 metric tonnes. Oceana said Namibian horse mackerel vessels operated with similar fishing days and catch rates compared to last year. The company recorded higher profitability due to lower fuel costs and a 12% increase in average US dollar sales prices driven by strong demand for affordable protein. “Concerns persist about the sustainability of the framework for the horse mackerel industry in Namibia. Total…

25 Nov

Govt slips further into overdraft in October

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The government’s overdraft widened in October as the Bank of Namibia’s (BoN) balance sheet contracted sharply. This follows the redemption of the US$750 million (approximately about N$13 billion) eurobond last month and the government’s decision to borrow more from domestic markets. The central bank’s statement of assets and liabilities for 31 October 2025 shows the government’s overdraft moved deeper into negative territory, widening to -N$1.438 billion from -N$4.8 billion at the end of September. This marks a significant month-to-month change in the government’s liability to the Bank of Namibia. During the same period, BoN's total assets dropped to…

25 Nov

‘Swartbooi called me a c*nt, so I spat on him’ — Coleman

Main

Renthia Kaimbi Former Landless People’s Movement (LPM) member and independent candidate in Keetmanshoop Vernon Coleman says the confrontation with LPM leader Bernadus Swartbooi began after Swartbooi insulted him. Coleman told the Windhoek Observer that Swartbooi called him a ‘c*nt’, which led him to confront him [Swartbooi]. He said he spat on Swartbooi and reacted because Swartbooi had repeatedly referred to him as a drug dealer at campaign rallies. The incident took place in Keetmanshoop yesterday. Two years ago, LPM terminated Coleman’s membership with immediate effect, hours after he led a protest against LPM Keetmanshoop Urban Constituency councillor Joseph Isaack. The…

25 Nov

Mining giant BHP drops latest bid to buy rival Anglo American

Observer Money

BHP has walked away from another attempt to take over rival miner Anglo American after it was again rebuffed, failing in a last-minute effort to disrupt the planned merger with Canadian mining business Teck Resources. The Australian mining company reportedly became interested in making another offer for FTSE 100-listed Anglo last week, more than a year after abandoning a £39bn attempt to buy the business. The latest failed overture comes as Anglo and Teck shareholders prepare to vote on their $53bn (£39bn) merger on 9 December. BHP confirmed on Monday it had held preliminary discussions with Anglo but that it…

25 Nov

SA introduces new infrastructure and development finance bond

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The national treasury of South Africa has introduced a new infrastructure and development finance bond. The announcement follows the statement made by finance minister Enoch Godongwana during the 2025 medium term budget policy Statement. The bond is designed to raise funds to finance or refinance projects under the government’s budget facility for infrastructure. Absa Bank Limited and Tysys Capital Group will act as co-arrangers for the transaction. The issuance will take place under the domestic multi-term note programme. Two senior unsecured instruments will be offered: RI2036, with a 10.3-year tenor and maturity date of 31 March 2036, and…

25 Nov

Standard Bank launches online vehicle finance calculator

Observer Money

Staff Writer Standard Bank Namibia has launched a new online vehicle and asset finance calculator, giving customers an easy way to explore financing options from home. The tool lets users enter details such as vehicle price, deposit and loan term to see estimated monthly repayments instantly. The bank says it aims to bring more transparency and convenience to the car-buying process. Cicelia Hagen-Cloete, head of vehicle and asset finance at Standard Bank Namibia, said the tool is designed to support customers during the busy summer period. “Summer is all about freedom, and that includes financial freedom. Our new calculator empowers…