Windhoek Observer

07 May

Ghana seeks AU talks on xenophobic attacks

Latest

Ghana has formally asked the African Union (AU) to discuss xenophobic attacks in South Africa, citing concern over repeated violence against foreign nationals. The matter is expected to be discussed at the Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting scheduled for 24 to 27 June. In its submission to the AU, Ghana’s foreign affairs minister Samuel Ablakwa said the country is concerned about recurring incidents that have resulted in loss of life. The move follows recent protests in South Africa, where some groups called for undocumented immigrants to leave the country.Reporter: Allexer NamundjemboPhoto: Contributed

07 May

Public transport fares to rise by 15%

Uncategorised

Public transport fares will increase by 15% nationwide from 18 May 2026 following approval by the Ministry of Works and Transport. Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi announced the adjustment on Thursday, citing rising fuel prices and geopolitical tensions. The increase will raise the minimum taxi fare from N$13 to N$15. The adjustment follows a request by the Namibia Public Passenger Transport Association for a 30% fare increase. The Road Transportation Board of Namibia said public transport tariffs have not been adjusted in the past four years and called on operators and commuters to cooperate during the transition. Reporter: Renthia…

07 May

Fuel prices to increase in May

Uncategorised

Screenshot FUEL HIKE| As of tomorrow fuel prices will increase for the month of May.Industries, mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse announced this afternoon that the price of petrol will increase by N$1.40 per litre and diesel will rise by N$4.63 per litre.

07 May

MTC appeals to corporate Namibia for internship support

National News

Staff Writer Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) is calling on companies and institutions to create more internship opportunities for young Namibians through the Namibia National Internship Programme. The appeal follows a call made by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah during the University of Namibia (Unam) graduation ceremony last week, where she urged government institutions and the private sector to convert training budgets into internship and apprenticeship opportunities. MTC contributes N$2 million every year to the programme, which helps graduates and tertiary students gain workplace experience through paid internships. The Namibia National Internship Programme was launched in 2019 to address challenges graduates face when…

07 May

NHP admits to delayed claim payments

National News

Patience Makwele The Namibia Health Plan (NHP) has admitted that healthcare providers experienced failed claims processing and delayed payments. NHP said the disruptions followed the fund’s transition to a new managed care service system, which started on 1 April. NHP said the process caused operational disruptions that did not meet the fund’s expected standards. Last week, reports emerged that dentists under the Namibia Dental Association (NDA) stopped treating NHP members from 25 April because of delayed claim payments. NHP principal officer Dantago Garosas said the transition forms part of a plan to strengthen the fund’s long-term sustainability and improve healthcare…

07 May

Venaani defends President’s right to hire and fire

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader and member of parliament McHenry Venaani says President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has the constitutional authority to hire and dismiss senior officials without necessarily giving public explanations. Venaani made the remarks while responding to questions from the Windhoek Observer on Wednesday following the suspension of Joseph Shikongo as inspector general of the Namibian Police Force. “The President has the prerogative to fire and to hire at will without explaining herself,” Venaani said. He said critics calling for explanations may not fully understand the sensitive information available to the head of state. “A leader takes key…

07 May

Nampol tight lipped on Shikongo’s suspension benefits

Main

…as naked State House intruder’s family demands proof Justicia Shipena The Namibian Police (Nampol) is mum on whether inspector general Joseph Shikongo’s reported suspension comes with full benefits. Responding to questions from the media, Nampol spokesperson deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi did not directly address whether Shikongo remains entitled to his salary and benefits during the suspension. Instead, Shikwambi referred the media to the Presidency’s press release — a statement whose silence on the conditions of Shikongo’s suspension now speaks even louder. “Kindly refer to the press release by the Office of the President for further guidance on this matter,” Shikwambi…

07 May

Repo rate cut eases borrowing conditions

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The recent monetary stance by the Bank of Namibia (BoN) appears to have eased borrowing conditions, providing relief and supporting demand, particularly for long‐term and secured credit, which has been gaining traction since the previous rate reduction in December last year, FNB Namibia economist Cheryl Emvula has said. On 29 April, the Bank of Namibia (BoN) decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 6.50%, maintaining the 25-basis-point difference with South Africa. The central bank said the decision was influenced by weak economic activity, slow private sector credit growth, inflation risks and the recent strengthening of the rand.…

07 May

Govt sets 2026 hunting season up to August

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has announced the 2026 hunting season for game animals and game birds in Namibia, with some hunting activities allowed until the end of August. The hunting season was published in the government gazette dated 30 April. The notice was signed by environment, forestry and tourism minister Indileni Daniel. Namibia earns about N$400 million every year from professional hunting, according to government statistics. The ministry said communal conservancies earned N$292.5 million from hunting activities between 2013 and 2024. During the same period, joint-venture tourism activities generated N$166.3 million. The notice sets out…

07 May

Simonis Storm keeps hold rating on Paratus

Observer Money

Staff Writer Simonis Storm Securities has maintained a hold recommendation on Paratus Namibia Holdings after the company reported strong revenue growth but weaker profits in its interim results for the six months ended 31 December 2025. Paratus reported revenue of N$381.3 million during the period, up 16.5% from N$327.3 million recorded a year earlier. Underlying operational revenue growth, excluding dividend income from the previous period, stood at 23.4%. Despite the increase in revenue, the company recorded a total comprehensive loss of N$36.3 million compared to income of N$26.5 million in the same period last year. No interim dividend was declared.…