Page 352 – Windhoek Observer

14 Jul

‘State came to court with dirty hands’ – Namandje

National News

Justicia Shipena Defence lawyer Sisa Namandje has accused the state of abusing its power in the multi-million dollar Namcor corruption and bribery case. He argued that the arrests were unnecessary and done to satisfy public pressure, not based on legal grounds. “The state, with respect, came to Court with dirty hands. It used the legal processes for an ulterior purpose. Accordingly, it will be against public policy to assist the state in such circumstances,” Namandje told the Windhoek Magistrates Court on Monday. He is representing businessman Peter Elindi, his brother Malakia Elindi, and Malakia’s wife, Lydia Elindi. The three are…

14 Jul

Luvindao says tobacco quit programmes need improvement

National NewsDr Richard Banda, World Health Organisation

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Health minister Esperance Luvindao says while tobacco cessation programmes exist in Namibia, they are not yet effective or systematic. She made the remarks on Monday, during a parliamentary workshop on tobacco and alcohol tax reforms held in Windhoek. “Cessation is integrated into the substance use disorder treatment programme. However, application is not systematic, and we are committed to finalising the guidelines for tobacco cessation and strengthening the tobacco cessation programme,” Luvindao said. The tobacco product control act of 2010 and its 2014 regulations provide a legal framework for tobacco control, including bans on advertising and health warnings on…

14 Jul

Energy conference rolls out career platform for youth

Energy, National NewsFuture Generations Masterclass, Namibia Oil and Gas Conference, Namibia Youth Energy Forum

Staff Writer The third Namibia Oil and Gas Conference (NOGC 2025) will introduce a half-day programme aimed at preparing young Namibians for careers in the country’s energy sector. The new initiative, Future Generations Masterclass, was launched in partnership with the Namibia Youth Energy Forum (NYEF). It designed to equip students, graduates, and young professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the evolving oil and gas industry. The conference, which runs from 12 to 15 August in Windhoek, is themed “From Exploration to Action – Positioning Namibia as the Next Energy Frontier”. It will feature global energy leaders, investors,…

14 Jul

New study aims to reform Africa’s data policies

National NewsDeutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, Mozilla Foundation

Allexer Namundjembo A new research project has been launched to rethink data governance in Africa. The six-month project, led by Mozilla Foundation senior fellow Kiito Shilongo, brings together four researchers from across the continent. It is supported by the Mozilla Foundation and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). Launched in June 2025, the project investigates how data is collected, used, and protected in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, and Eswatini. It aims to provide practical recommendations that can shape national policies and improve digital rights, privacy, and innovation. “This is not about copying models from elsewhere. It’s about building from the…

14 Jul

WHO guidelines endorse Gilead’s HIV injection

National NewsInternational AIDS Society, Lenacapavir, Tedros Ghebreyesus

Justicia Shipena The director-general of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Tedros Ghebreyesus, has endorsed new WHO guidelines recommending long-acting injectable lenacapavir for HIV prevention. He described it as a critical step in expanding access to a powerful tool that could prevent most HIV infections among at-risk populations. Lenacapavir, developed by Gilead Sciences, is a long‑acting antiretroviral for HIV prevention and treatment. “While an HIV vaccine remains elusive, lenacapavir is the next best thing,” Dr Tedros said in a statement. He said WHO is committed to working with countries and partners to ensure this innovation reaches communities as quickly and safely as…

14 Jul

MTC bags five awards for brand excellence

Observer Money

Allexer Namundjembo Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) won five awards at the 2025 Brand Africa Awards held in Windhoek. The top award was the grand prix most admired African brand – telecommunications, which recognises the company's focus on innovation, customer empowerment, and its broader impact across Africa. MTC also received the awards for grand prix most admired Namibian brand, the most admired Namibian brand doing good for society and the environment, the most admired Namibian brand contributing to a better Africa, the most admired African brand (aided recall), and the most admired telecommunications brand in Namibia. Speaking after the announcement, MTC’s…

14 Jul

COSAFA course sharpens Namibia’s football admin team

SportsNFA

Erasmus Shaliahxwe The Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA), in partnership with the Namibia Football Association (NFA), has trained 30 football officials through a week-long administration and management course held in Windhoek. The NFA confirmed over the weekend that the participants included members from its regional associations and staff from the secretariat. The five-day course was facilitated by Ashford Mamelodi, a former FIFA development officer and a seasoned instructor accredited by both FIFA and CAF. NFA interim secretary general Cassius Moetie said the training was crucial for football personnel involved in the daily operations of football in Namibia. “This…

14 Jul

Welwitschias one win away from World Cup spot

Sports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The national rugby team, the Welwitschias, are one win from qualifying the next Rugby Africa Cup final and book their place at the next Rugby World Cup. Head coach and director of rugby Jacques Burger said the team is focused and ready to finish the job. Burger spoke after Namibia beat Algeria 21–7 in the semi-finals over the weekend. The tournament is taking place in Kampala, Uganda. Namibia will face Zimbabwe in the final on Saturday. “The match was very tough. Big up to them. They came out and really took the game to us,” Burger said. “But…

14 Jul

Fuelgate: Namcor millions powered Elindi son’s firm

Main

Justicia Shipena Some of the funds misappropriated in the Namcor corruption and bribery case were used to finance operations of a company owned by the son of one of the Elindi brothers. This was revealed in court as the state laid out charges against Leo Nandago Stefanus, one of the accused in the high-profile money laundering and corruption case involving millions of dollars. The state alleges that the funds were used to support the activities of Erongo Petroleum CC and Quality Supplies CC. Erongo Petroleum is owned by Austin Elindi, son of businessman Peter Elindi, who has also been arrested…

14 Jul

NamRA rakes in N$19.9 billion in first quarter

National NewsN$19.9 billion

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) collected N$19.9 billion in net revenue by 30 June. This represents 22.40% of the government’s total revenue target for the 2025/26 financial year. This was revealed in NamRA’s quarterly bulletin, NamRA in Numbers, which showed gross revenue for the first quarter stood at N$22.5 billion. After processing refunds of N$2.6 billion, the agency’s net collection came to N$19.9 billion against the annual target of N$88.99 billion. NamRA commissioner Sam Shivute has said the agency is intensifying efforts to increase domestic revenue through improved compliance and operational efficiency. In a previous update, he said…