Page 49 – Windhoek Observer

30 Apr

Unity and the political economy of power: At a 2026 crossroads

Opinions

Paul T. Shipale (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) At a moment of visible internal strain, the appeal for unity by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on the occasion of the inauguration of the new building for the Swapo party national headquarters is not routine rhetoric. It was a diagnosis and, signals more importantly, exposure. Unity, once embedded in the ruling party’s historical DNA, must now be actively produced, defended, and, crucially, legitimated. The significance of the crossroads of 2026 lies precisely here. It is a threshold. It will test whether the ruling party can complete a transformation that has eluded…

30 Apr

“Win-win” needs clear ideological delineation!

Opinions

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro Since the discovery of oil in Namibia, the country, for better or worse, has been of particular interest to many developed countries and their so-called investors or explorers – you can call them what you wish. Only then do they know what and who they are and what their interests in Namibia are. But does Namibia actually know what the various interests of these countries and their citizens, foremost the so-called explorers and investors and what-have-you, are with regard to Namibia other than what they are pretending to be and which we as a country have been tempted…

29 Apr

Salary hike for politicians raises eyebrows

Main, National News

Patience Makwele Public anger is growing over salary increases for politicians, with many questioning the timing and priorities for salary increment. The debate follows a proclamation by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Monday, approving new salaries and benefits for ministers, governors and members of parliament. The changes took effect from 1 April and were based on recommendations from the Public Office Bearers (Remuneration and Benefits) Commission. The increases come as public servants receive a 5% salary adjustment, while many face higher deductions, including contributions to the Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme (Psemas). The government has also cited limited funds when…

29 Apr

Thousands of cases stall in Magistrates’ Courts

National News

Patience Makwele Thousands of criminal cases continue to stall in magistrates’ courts, with backlogs raising concern about delays and public confidence in the justice system. The office of the judiciary on Tuesday said magistrates’ courts recorded 11 892 postponed cases in March. Many were linked to incomplete police investigations, while others were caused by missing dockets, administrative delays and limited resources. Judiciary spokesperson Vikitoria Hango said delays occur at different stages of the process. “The time it takes to finalise a case depends on its complexity and seriousness. Some matters are resolved quickly, particularly where there are guilty pleas while…

29 Apr

Zurich–Windhoek route expands to three weekly flights

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Swiss leisure airline Edelweiss Air will increase its non-stop service between Zurich Airport and Hosea Kutako International Airport from two to three weekly flights. The route is scheduled to launch on 1 June with two weekly flights and will expand to three weekly frequencies from 15 July. The service will be operated using an Airbus A350-900. Namibia Airports Company chief executive officer and Air Connect Namibia chairperson Bisey /Uirab said the increase follows engagement with airline partners. “The Edelweiss announcement is a strong vote of confidence in both our country and the long-term potential of the Zürich–Windhoek service,”…

29 Apr

Local goods missing from global shelves

National News

Staff Writer International relations and trade minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi has questioned why Namibian products are not widely available beyond the country’s borders. “If I can buy West African Shea Butter in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, why can't I buy products from the Oshana Region beyond the borders of Namibia?” she said. Ashipala-Musavyi made the remarks at the opening of the Ondangwa Trade and Industrial Exhibition (OTIE) 2026 on Tuesday. She said Namibia must position its products competitively in regional and global markets and improve access for local businesses. “The success of every country’s economy increasingly depends on how effectively…

29 Apr

Hamata: Court delays costing ordinary Namibians

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Ordinary Namibians are carrying the burden of delays in the High Court, former member of parliament Hidipo Hamata has said. Hamata said prolonged court cases are placing financial and emotional pressure on citizens. “In practical terms, ordinary Namibians are the ones carrying the burden of delays in our courts. Litigation is already expensive, and when matters take too long to be finalised, justice becomes financially and emotionally out of reach," he said. He said families in inheritance disputes, workers in labour cases and individuals in civil matters are among those affected. “This situation is inconsistent with the constitutional…

29 Apr

Namibia produces 556 000 carats of diamonds in Q1

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Namibia produced 556 000 carats of diamonds in the first quarter ending 31 March 2026, up from 459 000 carats in the fourth quarter of 2025. Production, however, was down 12% compared to the first quarter of 2025. The decline was linked to scheduled maintenance on two vessels at Debmarine Namibia and the decommissioning of two vessels in 2025. Debmarine Namibia produced 354 000 carats in the first quarter, compared to 286 000 carats in the previous quarter. Namdeb land operations produced 202 000 carats in the first quarter, up from 173 000 carats in the fourth quarter…

29 Apr

‘Era of single-supplier airport concessions must end’ — AOPA

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Namibia (AOPA Namibia) has warned that Namibia’s aviation sector is exposed to fuel supply and pricing risks due to single-supplier concessions at airports. AOPA Namibia chief executive officer Matt Totten Jr said airports operated by the Namibia Airports Company rely on one fuel provider at each facility. He said this leaves airlines, charter operators and general aviation users exposed to supply disruptions and price pressure. “The era of single-supplier airport concessions must end,” Totten said. He said recent regional fuel concerns have highlighted a long-standing weakness in the airport operating model.…

29 Apr

Investor confidence in Govt bonds holds firm

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Investor confidence in government bonds remains firm, with yields holding steady across the curve, according to a Namibian Securities Exchange (NSX) bond price report released on Monday. Monday was a non-trading day for the equity market, but bond market data was still published. Short-term government bonds continued to show stable yields. The BN25, maturing in November 2026, held a yield of about 10% with a price of 96.29. The GC27 bond stood at 98.45, with a yield of 7.27% ahead of its January 2027 maturity. Medium-term bonds also remained steady. GC28, maturing in October 2028, recorded a yield…