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Allexer Namundjembo and Ester Mbathera  The recent diamond heist at Namdia’s ‘Eumbo’ office in Windhoek, which resulted in the deaths of Namdia’s security chief, Francis Eiseb, and suspect Max Endjala, has reignited concerns over the security and management of Namibia’s diamond resources. Almost a week after the heist, Namdia has chosen to remain silent, postponing a media briefing that was initially anticipated to provide clarity on the incident. Namdia’s Chief Executive Officer, Alisa Amupolo announced on Wednesday that the company had delayed the briefing due to ongoing investigations.  “We will then be in a better position to provide you with…

Martin Endjala Namwater has identified poor performance by some local contractors as a key challenge in awarding capital projects, forcing the national water utility to consider alternatives. The head of corporate communications, Lot Ndamanomhata in a statement on Wednesday said NamWater awarded numerous projects to Namibian companies in line with its mandate to promote local participation and development. “Local contractors are given preference wherever they meet the required technical and financial criteria for project execution,” he said. Ndamanomhata was responding to claims by the Namibia Local Business Association (NALOBA) that local companies are being sidelined in tenders by Namwater. NALOBA…

Martin Endjala The City of Windhoek is in the hands of women after the election of Ndeshihafela Laranja of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) as the mayor, while PDM councillor Clemencia Hanases was chosen as the deputy mayor.  Ilse Keister, an Affirmative Repositioning (AR) councillor, was elected as the chairperson of the management committee. Laranja secured nine out of 12 votes during the elections held on Tuesday, defeating Swapo councillor Austin Kwenani, who received three votes.  Laranja, in her acceptance speech, pledged to serve with integrity and work collaboratively with all councillors to prioritise essential services like water supply…

Allexer Namundjembo Trustco Group’s decision to fly its company flag at half-mast for five days in honour of Max Endjala, a long-serving employee who died during the NAMDIA diamond heist, has sparked public criticism. The company announced the gesture on Monday saying that it is a long-standing tradition to lower the flag when an employee passes awayTrustco spokesperson Neville Basson on Monday explained that flying the company flags at half-mast is a longstanding tradition within the organisation. “For five days, we will be flying our company flag at half-mast, which is our tradition when the group loses an employee,” he…

Allexer Namundjembo National squash player and local financial firm auditor Max Endjala was found wounded at the scene of the violent diamond heist at Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) on Saturday. Endjala, Namibia's number-one men's squash player for several years, later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Endjala represented Namibia at the South African Country Districts squash tournament in Limpopo, South Africa, in May last year. According to authorities, Endjala is suspected to have attempted suicide as law enforcement moved in to apprehend suspected robbers involved in the heist. His connection to the robbery remains under investigation, and police are…

Ester Mbathera Over the years the residents of Tsumeb have complained about several illnesses that they blamed on exposure to arsenic, fumes and dust coming from the copper smelter operated on by Weatherly and later Dundee Precious Metals. Before Dundee’s departure in 2024, the community of Tsumeb asked for assurance that the environment was safe and that there would be no health-related consequences. Former deputy minister of information and communication technology and a resident of Tsumeb, Engel Nawatiseb, is among those who made the request. “We asked them to give us assurance that we are in safe hands and our…

CHAMWE KAIRA Namibia’s quest to become an oil producer has suffered another setback. Sintana Energy Inc. has announced that it has been notified by Chevron that while operations reached total depth 25% ahead of plan at its offshore Namibia exploration, the well did not find commercial hydrocarbons. This is the second setback suffered by Namibia in its quest to become an oil producer following the recent announcement by Shell that it will write down around US$400 million over an oil discovery offshore Namibia that it deemed commercially unviable. Shell said the oil and gas resources in offshore block PEL39 in…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The planned protest by the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has been described as premature given that the electoral court is still processing the case. The IPC planned to stage a protest on 15 January against the irregularities in the November 2024 presidential and National Assembly election process. The Supreme Court has scheduled the case's status hearing for 3 February. Political analyst Sacky Johannes expressed concerns about the timing of the protest, suggesting that it is premature given that the electoral court is still processing the case. “Why are they demonstrating while we have no results on something…

Martin Endjala The Bank of Namibia (BonN) has announced the granting of provisional authorisations to four entities to provide payment services and virtual asset services. Provisional authorisation to operate as a virtual asset service provider was granted to Mindex Virtual Asset Exchange (Pty) Ltd. and Landifa Bitcoin Trade CC for a period of six months. During this period, the companies will set up shop and procure the necessary equipment and software to be able to provide services such as cryptocurrency trading, exchanges, or ATMs. Kazembire Zemburuka, the central banks’ spokesperson, said the businesses have not been given authorisation to engage…

Niël Terblanché Michel Prud'homme Nzouba, an entrepreneur from Gabon, said the departure of the oil and gas giant Shell from Namibia is not good news for the country. Last week, Shell announced a US$400 million write-down on discoveries made within the license, citing commercial unfeasibility. “When majors like Shell pull out, perceived risk increases and appetite from other players diminishes. Having said that, there may still be hope for Namibia from other players such as TotalEnergies, who are still to conclude their appraisal work,” said Nzouba on LinkedIn. According to Nzouba, as some explorers pull out, the country will inherit…