Blog – Page 72 – Windhoek Observer

19 Sep

Namibia’s focus at UNGA80 may drift from Pact of the Future agenda

National News

Justicia Shipena Political analyst Henning Melber says Namibia has little to offer as a follow-up to the Pact for the Future in the wake of the post-government transition. Last year, Namibia, together with Germany, co-hosted the United Nations (UN) Summit of the Future, which led to the adoption of the Pact for the Future during the 79th UN General Assembly. The pact seeks to build a safer, more peaceful, and sustainable world. The summit also adopted the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations. Melber noted that Namibia’s focus at this year's assembly may shift toward its unique…

19 Sep

Indigenous Knowledge Fair showcases cultural exchange

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Two community representatives from South Africa, Jakob Makai of the !Kung people and Lukas Poemuru of the Khwe community, took part in the Indigenous People’s Knowledge Fair hosted by the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust). Their participation was supported by the organisation Palms For Life. The fair ran from 5 to 18 September at Nhoma village, Epupa village and Khorixas. It brought together 12 indigenous communities from different countries for 12 days of cultural exchange, dialogue and learning. Vice President Lucia Witbooi welcomed the participants at Naankuse on Thursday. “Indigenous people bring ecological and economic contributions,…

19 Sep

YOUNG OBSERVER | #Unmuted

Featured, Opinions

On the 16 September 2025, prime minister Elijah Tjitunga Ngurare announced through social media that “ministry of education, innovation, youth, sports, arts and culture and the ministry of health and social services entered a memorandum of understanding with the Namibia Training Authority (NTA) to facilitate TVET trainees repairing schools, clinics, construction of sanitation facilities, classrooms, etc. Other OMAs will follow suit.” In 2024, the Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) launched a programme called Fix My School, which also aimed at partnering with technical and vocational training trainees to improve the dilapidated state of schools, which is a reality they discovered…

19 Sep

YOUNG OBSERVER | Should Namibia consider mandatory paternity testing?

Featured, Opinions

It has been a dark and long week here in our beautiful Republic. From news of horrendous child murders in the growing battles for paternity to the ever-present gender-based violence cases, the question that has begged for response is whether it is time for Namibia to introduce mandatory paternity testing. This has become a clarion call that is viewed as a redeeming act to prevent crimes often termed as passionate and also to safeguard men from the emotional trauma that comes with caring for children who are not theirs biologically. In terms of benchmarking, it is important to highlight that…

19 Sep

OBSERVER DAILY | Balancing experience and renewal in Namibia’s diplomatic corps

Editorial, Featured, Opinions

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s latest round of ambassadorial appointments has ignited a lively national debate. All of the new envoys are seasoned diplomats, many of them retired, and their average age is noticeably high. For some Namibians, their appointment looks like a closed circle of trusted allies, an old guard rewarding loyalty and preserving networks built during the President’s long tenure as Minister of International Relations. For others, it is simply a pragmatic decision to deploy experienced professionals at a critical time for the country’s foreign policy. Both perspectives hold validity and underscore the intricate balance the President currently needs to…

19 Sep

YOUNG OBSERVER | How young Namibians are making money online

Featured, National News, Opinions

Online boutiques From bags to shoes and clothes, young Namibians have taken on the fashion industry through the popular “order with me”. Below are some boutiques you can check out: @sassy_styles @ester_s_closet Content creation Whether it is a wedding, proposal or birthday party, you no longer have to hire a professional videographer to capture moments on your special day because you can simply have a content creator who is well equipped with the latest iPhone and a ring light. Not only do you get content in real time, but online SBWL’ers can also watch your day unfold on Instagram. Here…

19 Sep

Capricorn profit inches to N$2 billion

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Capricorn Group Limited, with operations in Namibia and Botswana, posted a profit after tax of N$1.99 billion for the year ended 30 June, up from N$1.74 billion in 2024. Return on equity rose to 18.2% from 17.9% in the previous year. Group CEO David Nuyoma said the results reflect the strength of its business and the resilience of its teams. He credited prudent capital allocation, disciplined strategic execution, and investment in digital and data capabilities for the improved earnings and returns to shareholders. The group created a value of N$5.7 billion, an increase of 11.7% from the prior…

18 Sep

Debmarine crawler weighs as much as 60 elephants

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Debmarine Namibia has unveiled its Next Generation Crawlers after investing close to N$1 billion in their development. Head of projects and technology development, Danie van Aswegen, said the new crawlers are designed to be more robust and extend their lifespan. The mining vessel Benguela Gem is serviced every three years, while its crawler is replaced every 18 months. “It needs to be changed out because it is under so much load at the seabed. It’s not the best environment for equipment to operate. With the heavy load of moving material, it cannot last for long periods, so it…

18 Sep

Namibia losses drag down Choppies profit

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Namibia’s weak economy, marked by low consumer spending and high inflation, continues to strain regional retailers. For Choppies Enterprises Limited, losses in its Namibian operations have deepened an already tough trading year pressured by rising diesel costs, foreign exchange volatility, and the sale of its Zimbabwean business. The Botswana-headquartered retail group, listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange and Johannesburg Stock Exchange, issued a trading statement for the year ended 30 June 2025. Profit after tax from total operations is expected to fall between 25% and 35%, while profit after tax from continuing operations is projected to drop between…

18 Sep

Tax changes push City Lodge to impair N$13.5m

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira City Lodge Hotels has written down N$13.5 million in Namibia after new tax rules restricted how companies can carry forward assessed losses. The changes, communicated by the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) in September 2024 and from 1 July 2024, losses can only be set off against taxable income to N$1 million or 80% of taxable income, whichever is higher. Losses may also not be carried forward for beyond five years. “In light of these changes, a N$13.5 million impairment has been recognised,” the group said in its financial statements for the year ended 30 June. In the prior…