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Ester Mbathera Residents of Walvis Bay have resorted to unconventional methods to collect money to clear their debt to the harbour town’s municipality. Two women shared their ordeals with the Windhoek Observer on how they paid their water, as well as rates and taxes after they were disconnected by debt management company RedForce recently. While the Windhoek Observer is aware of their identity, it was decided not to disclose their names in order to shield their families from the potential consequences of public condemnation. "I am not able to look my husband in the eyes because of what I did…

Ester Mbathera and Stefanus Nashama For years, the Northern Regional Electricity Distributor (Nored) has been leaving its shareholders in the dark by remaining mum about its financial status. Nored was established in 2001 as an electricity distribution company for the Kunene, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Ohangwena, Kavango East, Kavango West, and Zambezi regions. The shareholders are Nampower, Local Authorities Electricity Company (Pty) Ltd. (LAEC), and Regional Councils Electricity Company (Pty) Ltd. (RCEC). Kavango East region chairperson Damian Maghambayi said he has never seen the company’s financial reports since taking office in 2020. “We have many issues with Nored. They have not…

Ester Mbathera Employees of Beifang Mining Services have accused their employer of not adhering to labour laws and subjecting them to bad working conditions. Employees spoke to the Windhoek Observer on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation "Things at Beifang are worse, victimisation, tribalism, racism, favouritism, discrimination, unfair dismissal, and underpayment are the order of the day. We are forced to work on weekends continuously with no overtime unless on a public holiday," said one employee. The employee added that the safety of the workers is their biggest concern. The employee claims that those who speak up face suspension.…

Ester Mbathera As the world commemorates World Press Freedom Day, Namibia’s online newspaper Windhoek Observer and community radio station Shipi FM signed a collaboration agreement. The agreement signed by Paragon Media’s co-founder, Lazarus Jacobs and Shipi FPM executive chairperson Martin Shipanga focuses on gathering and sharing news. The two organisations also agreed on sharing human resources and infrastructure, as well as human capital and training. Jacobs explained that the sharing of resources in a small country such as Namibia is the way to go. He cautioned Namibians to guard against allowing nonNamibians to control the narrative and news cycle. “We…

Ester Mbathera Meatco has reported an operational loss of N$258.1 million in its group performance for the year-to-date period that started in January 2024. This loss, excluding a government grant, amounted to a budgeted loss of N$61.5 million. The company's bottom line reflects a reduced loss, primarily due to accounting for a state grant of N$135 million received in April, June, and July of 2023. Meatco during the period under review (2022-2023) slaughtered more than 60 820 cattle including animals behind the red line, compared to a budget of 50 000. According to the group report, the revenue generation fell…

Niël Terblanché On Workers' Day, President Nangolo Mbumba and Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila honoured Namibian workers, celebrating their indispensable role in nation-building and the pursuit of socio-economic growth. In his message to the nation, President Mbumba stressed the critical role workers play in driving Namibia's development trajectory towards a prosperous future. This year’s commemoration was presented under the theme "Namibian Workers United for Economic Growth and Development and the President added that it has a significant role to play in the Year of Expectations. President Mbumba acknowledged the sacrifices and contributions of workers. "Without workers, there can be no construction,…