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Allexer Namundjebo Landless People’s Movement (LPM) youth leader Duminga Ndala says youth-owned businesses must continue to honour their loan obligations where possible.  This comes as the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) announced it had written off about N$579 million in non-performing loans during the 2024/25 financial year as part of a balance sheet clean-up. Responding to questions from the Windhoek Observer on Thursday, Ndala said the loan write-off reflects the severe economic pressures facing borrowers across the economy but does not justify a blanket approach to debt relief for young people. “Young people who owe the bank should continue to…

Allexer Namundjembo Community and political leaders have questioned the appointment of the City of Windhoek chief executive officer Moses Matyayi to Swapo's Think Tank.  Matyayi has been appointed to serve in the housing, sanitation, and social development portfolio. Windhoek-based activist Shaun Gariseb said it is inappropriate for a senior municipal official to serve in a party structure.  He said residents expect the head of the municipality to be apolitical and politically neutral. “He is now actively getting involved. He must resign from the City of Windhoek because he is conflicted. There are reports demanded that will have major consequences, like…

Renthia Kaimbi Newly appointed National Youth Council interim executive chairperson Patience Masua will earn N$100 000 per month during her three-month tenure. This has sparked debate among youth affiliates and raised questions about ministerial influence over the youth body. The Windhoek Observer has learnt that Masua’s predecessor, Kennedy Kariseb, earned the same monthly amount during his short tenure, from October until his resignation in December 2025. The disclosure has angered some NYC affiliates, who question why N$300 000 is being spent on an interim position instead of funding a General Assembly to elect a full-term board. Sources told the Windhoek…

Allexer Namundjembo Minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa has called for a “Namibia First” approach to government procurement, urging regional and local authority councillors to prioritise national interests. He also warned against the abuse of land allocation processes, procurement systems and public trust. “If Trump can stand and say ‘America first', we must also stand and say ‘Namibia first' and not second,” Sankwasa said. He was speaking at the opening of a five-day induction workshop for regional and local authority councillors, chief regional officers, chief executive officers and administrators in Rundu on Monday.  Sankwasa said that procurement practices…

Renthia Kaimbi Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa has asked protesters camping outside the party’s national headquarters in Windhoek to vacate the premises by Tuesday morning. This follows talks involving senior officials from the United Nations (UN) regarding funds for the repatriation process from exile.  In a notice to vacate issued on Sunday, which states that all tents and belongings must be removed from the premises by 10h00 on Tuesday.  The demonstrators, led by Joseph Amutenya, are Namibians who returned from exile under UN supervision in 1989.  They have been camping at the headquarters since 22 October 2025.  They demand clarity…

Renthia Kaimbi The Namibian Correctional Service (NSC) has defended the recruitment of Leefa Shikongo, the daughter of Namibian Police Inspector General Joseph Shikongo.  This comes in response to claims on social media that her hiring process was flawed. In a statement issued yesterday by NSC commissioner general Raphael Hamunyela, the NCS said allegations that Shikongo was recruited without the required qualifications, including claims that her highest grade was Grade 9, were “misleading”. Questions about whether she met the minimum requirements for her post sparked an online debate. The NCS said Leefa was recruited for a specific advertised position as a…

Renthia Kaimbi Transport and works minister Veikko Nekundi has dismissed social media claims alleging that he is betraying prime minister Elijah Ngurare and positioning himself to take over his job.  He described the claims as an attempt to create division within Swapo ahead of its 2027 congress. The claims circulate on social media under headlines that suggest rivalry and betrayal between the two leaders.  The posts refer to their time in the Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL), where Nekundi served as deputy secretary under Ngurare. More recently, speculation has surfaced that Nekundi is plotting to replace Ngurare as prime minister…

Justicia Shipena The Ministry of International Relations and Trade (MIRT) says it is aware of reports that young Namibians have been trafficked to Myanmar.  The confirmation follows a revelation by a member of parliament and Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement leader Job Amupanda that six young Namibians were trafficked out of the country and are currently being held in Myanmar.  The Windhoek Observer approached the ministry for comment and MIRT confirmed awareness of the situation.  MIRT spokesperson Rosalia Uushona said the ministry has received the report and will respond to the Windhoek Observer with more information today. She did not provide…

Allexer Namundjembo  Social grant beneficiaries have expressed disappointment with Namibia Post Limited (Nampost) over the way social grants are being distributed.  This has led to many calling for the return of Epupa Investment Technology (EIT). Beneficiaries who spoke to the Windhoek Observer said grant payouts have become slow and difficult since Nampost took over, unlike when Epupa handled the process.  Some beneficiaries reported that the situation escalated last week due to ongoing long queues and delays. Emma Amakali, a pension grant beneficiary, said distributions were faster and more organised under Epupa.  “It was never this chaotic. Now you go to…

Renthia Kaimbi The National Youth Council (NYC) is without leadership after interim board chairperson Kennedy Kariseb resigned, just a week after the contract of its director, Calista Schwartz-Gowases, ended. The Windhoek Observer understands that the council currently has no interim chairperson or director in place. Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture Sanet Steenkamp confirmed that she received Kariseb’s resignation letter in December 2025. “I do confirm that, indeed, I did receive the resignation letter from Dr Kennedy and we will always remain indebted and grateful for the time that he worked with us,” Steenkamp said. She confirmed…