National News – Windhoek Observer

04 Mar

‘Oil security not a concern for now’ – Amutse

National News

Justicia Shipena Namibia’s fuel supply remains stable for the next few months despite rising global oil prices linked to tensions in the Middle East, industries, mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse told parliament on Tuesday. He responded to an urgent oral question from the South West Africa National Union (Swanu) president and member of parliament Evilastus Kaaronda, who asked how prepared the country is for a possible fuel price increase after crude oil prices surged. This follows as brent crude oil prices rose sharply by 10% to around US$80 per barrel on Sunday. Analysts say prices could increase even further…

04 Mar

Double dipping questions hang over finance ED

Main, National News

Renthia Kaimbi The appointment of Oscar Capelao as executive director of the Ministry of Finance has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest, as he continues to serve on the board of the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor). Capelao was appointed executive director in December 2025, a role that places him at the centre of government oversight of public enterprises, including Namcor. He has served as a Namcor board member since July 2024. His dual position has drawn scrutiny from governance expert Johannes Coetzee, who cautioned that the arrangement presents structural risks. “If the same person is on the…

04 Mar

Windhoek rent takes a big bite out of youth salaries

National News

Staff Writer Young working professionals in Windhoek are spending up to half of their monthly income on rent as housing costs continue to rise faster than wages. A one-bedroom unit now ranges between N$4 500 and N$7 500 per month, excluding utilities. For many tenants, rent is their largest expense. An upfront payment of between N$8 000 and N$12 000, including deposits and utility charges, is often required to secure a one-bedroom apartment. For entry- and mid-level earners taking home less than N$10 000 per month, the financial pressure begins before they move in. A 27-year-old marketing assistant, who spoke…

04 Mar

Parliament still in turmoil over PSC appointments

National News

Justicia Shipena The National Assembly descended into disorder on Tuesday after opposition members once again objected to the voting process over the approval of four nominated Public Service Commission (PSC) commissioners. Parliament had resumed debate on the nomination and re-nomination of PSC members for a five-year term. When the House adjourned last Thursday, the matter had not been concluded. The motion, tabled by prime minister Elijah Ngurare, sought approval for the appointment and re-appointment of commissioners nominated by the President. The matter carried urgency, as the current commissioners’ terms expired on Friday and new members were expected to be sworn…

04 Mar

‘We did our part’ – Kapofi on veterans camping outside Swapo HQ

National News

Allexer Namundjembo A standoff between the government and a group of liberation struggle veterans camping outside Swapo Party headquarters has drawn fresh attention, with defence and veterans affairs minister Frans Kapofi saying his ministry has fulfilled its responsibilities. Kapofi said the veterans’ grievances are not directed at his ministry but at the United Nations. “They are citing the UN in their demands,” he said. He added that the group is demanding answers from the UN, not from the ministry. “We are trying to read what the law is saying because it is in the law,” he said. Kapofi said he…

04 Mar

NDP honours members for grassroots work

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The National Democratic Party (NDP) over the weekend honoured a group of long-standing members for their role in strengthening grassroots structures, driving campaign strategies and supporting community development. The awards were presented during a ceremony held on Saturday at Kamunu Hall in Katima Mulilo. Party supporters and community leaders attended the event. In a telephonic interview with the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday, NDP president Martin Lukato said the recognition reflects the contribution members have made in building the party. “These members have gone beyond ordinary participation. They have inspired peers, led campaigns, and ensured that our message of…

03 Mar

Namibia’s restricted fishing zone not gazetted

Main, National News

Renthia Kaimbi The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform (MAFWLR) has confirmed that the official coordinates of Namibia’s 200-metre isobath restricted fishing zone have never been formally gazetted. The 200-metre isobath restriction has been in place since 1990. It prohibits trawling and longlining in shallow waters along Namibia’s coast. The measure protects juvenile hake and horse mackerel, limits sardine bycatch, and preserves bottom habitats that serve as biodiversity hotspots. Unlike formally declared protected areas such as the Namibian Islands Marine Protected Area (NIMPA), established through detailed coordinates in Government Gazette No. 4210 of 16 February 2009, the isobath…

03 Mar

Pensioners disappointed by N$100 grant increase

National News

Staff writer Pensioners have expressed disappointment and frustration at the N$100 increase in the monthly old-age grant, saying it does little to ease rising living costs. Finance minister Ericah Shafudah announced in the 2026/27 budget last week that the pension will increase from N$1 600 to N$1 700 from 1 April. The government said the adjustment reflects fiscal constraints and competing national priorities. Beneficiaries in Windhoek and the Zambezi region say the increase will not stretch far. “A N$100.00 cannot even afford enough electricity to last a day; it cannot even afford to buy enough food,” said 72-year-old Mary Nyambe…

03 Mar

Women, youth grapple with online gambling

National News

Staff Writer Online gambling is becoming a growing concern among young people, with more women affected as betting platforms expand through smartphones and social media. Psychologists and counsellors say easy access to betting apps and online advertising has normalised gambling among youth, many of whom face unemployment and financial pressure. Psychologist Margaret Liswaniso said the pattern of gambling has shifted in recent years. “What we are seeing is not just casual betting anymore,” she said. “For some young women, gambling has become a coping mechanism for stress and economic frustration. They are less likely to seek help early because of…

03 Mar

EU and FIC launch national risk assessment workshop

National News

Renthia Kaimbi Namibia has stepped up efforts to fight illicit finance, as the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), in partnership with the European Union (EU), launched a week-long national risk assessment workshop in Windhoek on Monday. The workshop runs until 6 March 2026. It focuses on strengthening how Namibia identifies and responds to money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing risks. Illicit financial flows remain a concern across Africa. According to background information shared at the event, these flows are estimated at about USD 88.6 billion a year on the continent. They stem from tax evasion, corruption, organised crime and human…