Featured – Page 4 – News Stand

02 Feb

Amupanda calls for halt on N$1.7 billion TransNamib deal

info_e12wt4csFeatured, National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja TransNamib’s procurement of 23 new locomotives worth N$1.7 billion has come under scrutiny, with concerns raised about the transparency of the process. The Affirmative Repositioning’s leader, Job Amupanda has called for the cancellation of the acquisition of new locomotives, arguing that the use of direct procurement is inappropriate for a deal of this scale. He claims the process lacks transparency and is being rushed to benefit "white interests" before the new administration takes office in March 2025. Amupanda has also levelled accusations against TransNamib’s chief executive officer (CEO), Desmond van Jaarsveld, accusing him of orchestrating the deal for…

02 Feb

Namibians should brace for steep price hikes

info_e12wt4csFeatured, National News

Niël Terblanché Consumers across Namibia will soon feel the impact of rising global oil prices when they go shopping for essential goods. On Friday, the Ministry of Mines and Energy announced a sharp increase in fuel prices. The increase is set to take effect on Wednesday and will have an impact on the prices paid for food and other consumer goods. In its announcement, the ministry attributed the price hike to continued global geopolitical tensions, OPEC+ production cuts, and currency exchange rate fluctuations, which have driven up the cost of importing crude oil. The ministry said in its statement that…

27 Jan

Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup 2025 edition launched

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Sports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The 2025 edition of the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup was launched in Windhoek on Monday and is scheduled to take place during the Easter weekend in Outjo, Kunene Region. The tournament will feature football and netball teams from all 14 regions of Namibia. Speaking at the launch, Nedbank Namibia’s Managing Director Martha Murorua expressed the bank’s pride in being the title sponsor of the event, reaffirming its commitment to youth sports development. “We have a deep-set obligation to do so, but it is an obligation that we respect, embrace and cherish with every fibre of our being. This…

27 Jan

Goagoses calls for the inclusion of netball facilities in schools & public spaces

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Sports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Netball Namibia’s president, Rebekka Goagoses has called on the government, corporate partners, and local authorities to prioritise the inclusion of netball facilities in schools and public spaces. Goagoses made the appeal on Monday during the launch of the 2025 edition of the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup in Windhoek. The tournament will see netball and football teams competing. She said one of the most significant challenges netball has been facing over the years across the country, is the lack of netball facilities at primary schools and in many communities. According to her, this absence of infrastructure deprives children of…

23 Jan

MTC Maris Cup to go ahead despite boycotting threats

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Sports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The MTC Maris Cup competition round of 16 between Premier League clubs will proceed as scheduled, despite reports that some teams considered boycotting due to insufficient preparation funds. It was reported that several clubs intended to skip the games, citing that the N$30 000 provided to each team by the main sponsor, MTC, for preparations was inadequate to cover expenses such as transport and accommodation. Teams have also raised concerns about the distribution of the N$1.5 million prize money, arguing that the current winner-takes-all system does not fairly benefit all participating clubs. MTC’s corporate communication officer, Erasmus Nekundi…

23 Jan

Door open for Namibia to export to SA

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Observer Money

CHAMWE KAIRA South Africa’s improved trade balance and economic stability in 2024 carry significant implications for Namibia, given the strong economic linkages between the two countries. The N$150 billion trade surplus achieved by South Africa, driven by lower imports and declining oil prices, enhances its purchasing power, potentially increasing demand for Namibian exports, a Simonis Storm Securities report has said. South Africa’s reduced imports of minerals, metals, and machinery could limit Namibia’s import-driven growth, although declining oil prices may alleviate input costs for Namibia’s imported goods, the firm stated. Simonis said the strengthening of the rand, driven by improved market…

19 Jan

Beyond the game with MT – A call for a change in mindset for sports leadership

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Sports

Mathew T Haikali Am just saying, the dream of professionalizing sports in Namibia will remain out of reach unless there is a shift in the mindset of those leading the sector. Despite claiming to be passionate about sports, many leaders have failed to prioritize the long-term development of the industry. All I am saying is that this stagnation is evident in how teams, clubs and academies continue to rely on handouts and grants without showing genuine commitment or the accountability expected of professional organizations. I still remember a time when a major bank pledged N$2.5 million annually over three years…

17 Jan

Young author from Ongha seeks support to publish first novel

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Opinions

Mallex Shipanga Seventeen-year-old Julia Shaama from Ongha village in the Ohangwena region is seeking assistance to publish her debut novel, Behind Me. Shaama, a learner at Dr Abraham Iyambo Secondary School, has completed her manuscript but faces challenges in getting it published. “The book is complete, but I still have not published the book. I do not know where to publish the book. I have got no sponsors,” she said. She expressed her pride in completing the novel and her eagerness to see it published. “With happiness and a smile on my face, I will be proud to see that…

17 Jan

“QUIS CUSTODIET IPSOS CUSTODES?”

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Opinions“QUIS CUSTODIET IPSOS CUSTODES?”

PAUL T. SHIPALE “Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?” But who will guard the guardians? - Who watches over the watchdogs? In a letter advising a friend about marriage and infidelity in the second century CE, Juvenal posed the question: “Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?” (But who will guard the guardians?). He argued that since men were guilty of infidelity, they could not use marriage to police women into fidelity. In around 380 BC, Plato had tried to grapple with this question politically in the Republic through his Socratic Dialogue. In trying to explain Socrates’s views on the question, he argues that the…

17 Jan

Breaking Stereotypes and Embracing Vocational Education for a Brighter Future in Namibia

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Opinions

JUNIAS ERASMUS For too long, vocational education in Namibia has been seen as less important because of the pervasive belief that only university degrees lead to success. This misconception has not only limited opportunities for many young people but has also contributed to a mismatch between workforce needs and available skills. In reality, vocational education offers a practical and empowering path to personal fulfillment, financial stability, and national development. It is time for Namibians to break free from outdated stereotypes and embrace vocational training as a cornerstone of a brighter, more inclusive future. Vocational education equips individuals with specialized, hands-on…