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Patience Makwele The government’s decision to award a three-month fuel supply arrangement worth an estimated N$7.2 billion to international energy trader Vitol has intensified scrutiny of governance at state-owned oil company Namcor, which remains without a substantive managing director months after applications for the top position closed. The arrangement has reignited questions over whether prolonged leadership uncertainty at Namibia’s national oil company may have affected perceptions of its ability to defend its strategic position in the country’s fuel supply chain. The concerns emerge amid claims that Namcor submitted a cheaper proposal than Vitol, with critics arguing that the decision to…

Allexer Namundjembo Political analysts say the Landless People's Movement (LPM) needs stronger grassroots structures after its community meeting in Keetmanshoop was disrupted on Saturday. Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah described the incident as “unfortunate and disappointing”. Speaking to the Windhoek Observer on Monday, he said political disagreements should be resolved through dialogue and internal democratic processes, not through actions that create division and instability. “What is even more concerning is that leaders and supporters appear to be spending more time fighting each other than building the party and advancing the interests of the landless people whom the party was created to…

Renthia Kaimbi The International Labour Organization on Friday adopted a landmark Convention on Decent Work in the Platform Economy, establishing a global framework to protect digital platform workers while ensuring fair wages, social protection, and respect for fundamental labour rights. On the same day, Namibia cemented its role as a continental leader by signing the Host Country Agreement for the 15th African Regional Meeting. The convention, passed at the 114th session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland represents the first binding international treaty specifically addressing the rapidly growing platform economy, including ride-hailing, delivery, and freelance digital work. In…

Allexer Namundjembo Environmental health practitioners and assistants across Namibia have petitioned the ministry of health and social services (MoHSS) to review and upgrade the profession's grading structure, arguing that their qualifications and responsibilities are not adequately reflected in the current public service framework. The petition, addressed to the health minister and copied to the Public Service Commission, the Office of the Prime Minister's human resources management division, and the Namibia Public Workers Union, calls for a comprehensive review of environmental health positions within the public service. According to the petitioners, environmental health practitioners, who hold honours degrees in Environmental Health…

Patience Makwele The City of Windhoek on Monday unveiled an ambitious 10-year blueprint seeking to reshape the capital through digital transformation, modern public transport systems, and technology-driven service delivery. The newly launched People-Centred Smart City Strategy 2026-2036 aims to commercialise the city's fibre-optic network, modernise public transport, and pursue a proposed commuter rail service linking Windhoek, Katutura, and Rehoboth. Municipal leaders describe it as a people-first approach to urban development. Speaking during the unveiling, the council's mayor, Sakarias Uunona, officially accepted the strategy, stating that the initiative represents a commitment to ensure technology and innovation improve residents' lives while creating…