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Niël Terblanché The absence of a robust Data Protection Act and more stringent regulatory oversight by Namibia’s Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) is partly to blame for the massive cyber terrorist attack on the country’s key telecommunications provider and other government institutions almost three weeks ago. Paul Rowley of My Digital Bridge Foundation, whose mission is to enrich the lives of marginalized communities through equitable access to technology, said a comprehensive data protection act in Namibia could have significantly reduced the damage caused by the attack. He explained that the Act could have established clear guidelines and obligations for…

Niël Terblanché and Ester Mbathera The minister of health and social service Kalumbi Shangula feels uncertain about the future after his sensitive information was leaked on the dark web. “Nobody can feel safe because you don't know what they (hackers) can do with the information. There are many ways that they can use the information. It's just terrible,” he said. Shangula whose ministry was also targeted said the IT officials are attending to the matter. The cyberattack that resulted in one of the largest known data security incidents in Namibian history is suspected to have been orchestrated by the ransomware…

Hertta-Maria Amutenya and Ester Mbathera The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has confirmed that an investigation into allegations surrounding a N$50 million lithium mining deal involving the Chinese company, Xinfeng Investments is ongoing. ACC Commissioner Paulus Noa, on Thursday, told the Windhoek Observer that while the investigation is underway, details of the case cannot be disclosed. “There is an investigation into the matter." Unfortunately, we are unable to share the finer details,” Noa said. The case involves allegations that Xinfeng Investments paid a N$50 million bribe to secure access to a sought-after lithium mining concession previously held by Karlowa Mining Enterprises. An…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja When the rest of the country went out to participate in the National Assembly and Presidential elections on 27 November, the employees of Olivia’s Kitchen in Windhoek were told to report for duty. This is despite the day being declared a public holiday. “Dear Team, as election day approaches, we want to remind everyone of the importance of participating in the democratic process. Voting is not only a civic duty but also an opportunity to make your voice heard. If you plan to vote tomorrow and it might affect your work schedule, please let your manager know as…

Martin Endjala The chief executive officer of August 26 Holdings, Ndajoina Shalumbu, has been suspended. On Friday, Board chairperson Brigadier General Fillimon Shafashike confirmed this to the Windhoek Observer. “I confirm that the CEO has been suspended in line with our governance processes,” said Shafashike. Shalumbu was suspended with immediate effect and Fanuel Haikuti is the appointed interim CEO. “This is a precautionary measure and does not imply any finding of misconduct or guilt. During this suspension, he remains entitled to all contractual benefits,” said Shafashike. The alleged fabrication of a quote for N$8 million in spare car parts for…

Ester Mbathera The dissolution process of Namibia Post and Telecom Holdings (NPTH) has commenced. The entity is expected to cease operations on 31 December. It is not clear why the company is ceasing operation when it has reported achieved a group revenue of N$5.3 billion with a consolidated net profit of N$1 billion for the 2022/23 financial year. This dismantling of the company follows the enactment of the Post and Telecommunications Companies Establishment Amendment Act of 2020, which came into force on 19 August. This process was initiated following a Cabinet decision in July 2014. The Dismantling Act (Act No.…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have condemned any form of electoral manipulation, including extending voting days from Wednesday to Saturday due to logistical challenges in the just-ended presidential and national assembly election in Namibia. “The will of the people must be respected, and no amount of manipulation should be allowed to undermine their voice,” reads a statement issued by Julius Malema’s party on Tuesday. The EFF has pledged to monitor developments and support efforts to address irregularities, calling for transparency, fairness, and true democracy in Namibia. It has expressed concern over the Electoral Commission of Namibia's (ECN)…

Ester Mbathera, Mallex Shipanga and Hertta-Maria Amutenja Namibia has entered a historic era with the election of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, aged 72, as the country's first female and fifth president. Having served as the country's deputy minister of foreign affairs, minister of information and broadcasting, minister of women and child welfare, minister of environment and tourism, deputy prime minister, minister of international relations and cooperation, and now as the vice president. Nandi-Ndaitwah secured 638 560 votes from 121 constituencies. In her acceptance speech, president-elect Nandi-Ndaitwah thanked Namibians for their trust and outlined her vision for the country. She emphasised her commitment…

Ester Mbathera Congratulatory messages have started to pour in for Swapo’s presidential candidate, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who was leading the polls in the presidential race with 249 158 votes by 19h00 on Monday. The closest contender, Panduleni Itula had 126 935 votes. The messages are coming from liberation movements and women's organisations from the African continent before the final election results have been officially declared. The president of the Socialist Party in Zambia, Fred M'membe, used his X account to congratulate Nandi-Ndaitwah. “The Namibian people have voted, and congratulations are due to you, Comrade President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Your remarkable victory symbolises…

Ester Mbathera Leading political analysts have expressed concerns about the elections that finally concluded on Saturday evening Analysts Rui Tyitende, Joseph Diescho, and Henning Melber have criticised the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) and questioned the legitimacy of the process. The trio called for urgent reforms, including the removal of ECN commissioners as well as the establishment of an electoral framework that ensures accountability, fairness, and public trust. Tyitende explained the flaws in the appointment and accountability mechanisms of the ECN. “There needs to be serious discussion about the involvement of the president in the appointment of commissioners. Can someone,…