Page 6 – Windhoek Observer

24 Jun

IPS could narrow payment cost gap between Namibian banks

Observer Money

Staff Writer The rollout of Namibia’s Instant Payment Solution (IPS) is expected to reduce the cost of transferring money between banks, addressing a longstanding pricing gap that has encouraged customers to keep transactions within their own banking institutions, according to financial services company Cirrus. The platform, spearheaded by the Bank of Namibia, has recently completed pilot programmes involving Letshego, NamPost and Bank Windhoek. IPS is designed to enable real-time account-to-account payments that settle within seconds, replacing processes that can currently take days. According to an analysis by Fimanekeni Mbodo, electronic funds transfer (EFT) data highlights the potential impact the new…

24 Jun

Dean Brandt wins 2025/26 SanlamAllianz Bridge Programme

Observer Money

Staff Writer Five entrepreneurs graduated from the SanlamAllianz Bridge Programme in Windhoek this week, marking the completion of a five-month journey of business coaching and mentorship aimed at strengthening their enterprises and preparing them for growth. Implemented by SanlamAllianz in partnership with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), the programme equips entrepreneurs with the skills, networks and support needed to overcome business challenges, access markets and finance, and build sustainable businesses. Speaking at the graduation ceremony, NIPDB’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) business advisory services manager, Nankela Amupadhi, said the programme was designed to help entrepreneurs strengthen…

24 Jun

We are already in heaven, if not in hell

Opinions

Lazarus Kwedhi What if we are already in heaven? The question sounds spiritual, but it is deeply political and economic. Across religion, economics, and politics, the same moral lesson is preached in different languages: sacrifice now, be rewarded later. Clergymen promise heaven after death. Economists promise development after structural adjustment. Politicians promise prosperity after the next election. The vocabulary changes, but the structure does not. The reward is always deferred, and the gatekeepers remain the same. Christianity teaches Namibians to trade competing values - righteousness against sin - while waiting for judgment day. Believers endure poverty on earth so they…

24 Jun

The Polygamist and the politics of stewardship: The fragile relationship between today’s applauses and tomorrow’s judgements

Opinions

Paul T. Shipale (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) We could not let this remarkable gathering of Netflix series enthusiasts pass without sharing our reflections on the positive and negative lessons conveyed by this powerful production. The series took us on a profound journey through themes of leadership, public resource management, and the future. What particularly struck us was the fact that the story begins with the funeral of its main protagonist. This narrative choice prompted me to reflect on the paths many African nations have taken since achieving independence. In a somewhat ironic sense, while political independence was…

23 Jun

NUST to graduate new cohort of digital arts creatives

Uncategorised

Allexer Namundjembo The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) will host a graduation ceremony for its Department of Digital Arts and Animation on Friday at its Lower Campus in Windhoek. The event will see a new cohort of graduates recognised for completing specialised short courses in filmmaking, scriptwriting, and 2D and 3D animation. Established in September 2025, the department is Namibia's first dedicated digital arts programme, aimed at addressing skills demand in the creative industry. The ceremony, scheduled from 09:00 to 11:30 at the High-Tech Transfer Plaza Select (HTTPS) Building, is expected to bring together stakeholders from government, academia,…

23 Jun

Starlink must respect Namibia’s laws

Editorial

The decision by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) to uphold its rejection of Starlink Internet Services Namibia’s licence applications should not be viewed as a victory against innovation, nor should it be interpreted as hostility towards foreign investment. Rather, it represents something far more fundamental: the principle that in Namibia, the rule of law applies equally to everyone. The debate surrounding Starlink has generated considerable public interest. Understandably so. Namibia remains a vast country with significant connectivity challenges, and many citizens, businesses and communities are eager for solutions that can bridge the digital divide. Satellite internet services such…

23 Jun

‘SPYL’s NYC endorsement is final’ – Ngurare

National News

Renthia Kaimbi Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has delivered a blunt ultimatum to the warring factions of the National Youth Council (NYC), insisting that the Swapo Party Youth League's (SPYL) endorsed candidate must be accepted and that any further disruption will spell the end of the institution's credibility. He made the statement on social media on Monday, following the violent collapse of the NYC’s general assembly in Swakopmund over the weekend. The youth league has thrown its weight behind Ester Simon for the position of NYC’s executive chairperson, with Ngurare declaring that this decision is non-negotiable. “Once such a decision is…

23 Jun

Vets urge puppy vaccinations as parvovirus remains a threat in Namibia

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Pet owners are being urged to ensure their puppies receive their full course of vaccinations as canine parvovirus, commonly known as ‘katgriep’, continues to pose a serious threat to unvaccinated dogs in Namibia. Veterinarian Dr. Mauricio Adelino recently issued a public awareness message highlighting the dangers of the highly contagious disease, which affects thousands of puppies worldwide each year and remains a recurring concern for veterinarians in the country. Speaking to the Windhoek Observer on Monday, Adelino said parvovirus can infect dogs regardless of breed, making vaccination one of the most important preventive measures available to pet owners.…

23 Jun

Iipinge demands service delivery during SORA

National News

Patience Makwele Oshana region Governor Hofni Iipinge has challenged government institutions to move from planning to delivery, saying residents are demanding tangible results as the region battles youth unemployment, infrastructure backlogs and delays in implementing strategic projects. Presenting the State of the Region Address (SORA) on Monday, Iipinge said people expect hospitals to be built, roads to be completed, water to reach communities and employment opportunities to be created. “The people of Oshana expect tangible results. They expect roads to be completed, hospitals to be built, water to reach communities, jobs to be created and opportunities to be expanded,” Iipinge…

23 Jun

Katima Mulilo Furnmart workers reject 5% pay offer, demand 8% salary increase

National News

Patience Makwele Furnmart workers in Katima Mulilo on Monday joined a nationwide strike after rejecting the company’s 5% salary increase offer, saying rising transport costs and food prices have made it increasingly difficult for employees to make ends meet. The workers who were represented by the Metal and Allied Workers Union of Namibia (MANWU), are demanding an 8% salary increment, a monthly housing allowance of N$500, one day off every month and safety boots for drivers and general workers. MANWU branch organiser Gift Machinga said negotiations with the furniture retailer started in August last year but eventually reached a deadlock,…