Observer Money

Ian Coffee  Namibia’s property market is undergoing a structural transformation that few anticipated. The past year has revealed stark contrasts between luxury real estate, affordable housing, and rental dynamics. These shifts are not merely cyclical; they reflect deeper economic and social forces that will shape investment strategies for years to come. The luxury segment has entered a pronounced downturn. Only six transactions were recorded in the second quarter of 2025, and prices have fallen by 32.5% year-on-year. This decline signals more than temporary weakness; it underscores a collapse in speculative demand and a sharp reduction in mortgage uptake. For investors…

Staff Writer Pepkor Holdings has received a boost from Moody’s Investors Service after the agency completed its latest review of the retail group.  The review resulted in no changes to Pepkor’s credit ratings, confirming the company’s solid financial position in a difficult economic climate. Moody’s kept Pepkor’s Corporate Family Rating at Ba2 and its National Scale Long-Term Rating at Aa1.za.  Both ratings carry a stable outlook. The agency said the ratings reflect Pepkor’s strong position in South Africa’s retail sector, supported by conservative financial management, good liquidity, and strong credit metrics. Moody’s noted that the group continues to deliver growth…

Staff Writer Curro Holdings has issued an update on the proposed deal that will see the Jannie Mouton Stigting acquire all issued shares in the private schools group and delist the company from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The company reminded shareholders that the transaction, first detailed in a circular on 2 October, is still subject to outstanding conditions. Only one approval remains: clearance from the South African Competition Authorities, either unconditionally or with conditions acceptable to the offeror. Curro said the offeror has been in discussions with the Competition Commission and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC).…

Jurie Strydom, the new CEO of Old Mutual, could earn as much as R300 million under a new outperformance plan designed to “unlock significant and sustained shareholder value”. The board admits that “since 2018, the company’s share price has not met expectations and continues to trade at a discount to group equity value.” This new incentive is “structured to align executive performance directly with the long-term interests of shareholders”. Strydom, who joined as CEO earlier this year after Iain Williamson indicated his decision to retire, was previously CEO of Alexforbes Life, Regent Insurance, and Sanlam Life and Savings. He was…

Staff Writer  Telecommunication giant MTC has opened its first mobile home in Divundu, bringing its national footprint to 39 outlets.  The shop was officially opened by information and communications technology minister Emma Theofelus. Speaking at the event, Theofelus said access to information and communication services depends on deliberate investment in infrastructure.  “Inclusivity can only be achieved when we intentionally invest and make information and communication infrastructure easily and affordably accessible,” she said.  She noted progress in network coverage and digital transformation and urged MTC to continue expanding services. This year, MTC opened five new mobile homes. Omuthiya and Divundu received…

Chamwe Kaira Vehicle sales opened the fourth quarter on a soft note, with new vehicle sales declining for the seventh straight month in October. Sales fell to 1 267 units, a 2.8% drop from the 1 303 units recorded in September.  This followed a 3.3% rebound in September. Despite the monthly dip, the broader trend is positive. October sales were 10.7% higher year-on-year, extending the recovery that began after the 9% annual drop recorded in March. The year 2025 continues to outperform 2024. Sales have fallen below the 1 000-unit mark only once this year, with January recording 966 units.…

Staff Writer Namibia’s vehicle market is set to face new cost pressures as proposed changes to the road funding model gain momentum.  The Road Fund Administration (RFA) has indicated that the fuel levy needs to rise to N$4.46 per litre to close the growing gap in funding for road maintenance. This would be an increase of N$2.06 per litre. Simonis Storm said the adjustment comes as ownership costs remain high due to expensive fuel, rising insurance prices, and increased vehicle maintenance costs. The firm said the levy increase would have a clear impact on the total cost of vehicle ownership.…