Windhoek Observer

03 Jun

Adultery no longer grounds for divorce…as ‘no-fault’ divorce law takes effect today

Main, National News

Renthia Kaimbi Namibian spouses can no longer be forced to prove adultery, cruelty or desertion to end their marriage, according to a guidance note issued by Judge President Petrus Damaseb to the public on the new divorce dispensation. The guidance note, dated 2 June 2026, explains that the long-awaited Dissolution of Marriages Act, 2024 (DoMA) comes into effect on 3 June 2026 (today), abolishing a fault-based system that had previously governed divorce, thereby replacing it with a single ground of “irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.” According to the document, the DoMA represents one of the most significant reforms in the…

03 Jun

Calls grow for new ACC boss

National News

Allexer Namundjembo With the tenure of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Director-General Paulus Noa set to end this month, a growing number of voices are calling for new leadership at the agency. Noa, who has led the ACC since its inception in February 2006, is completing his fourth five-year term later this month. His anticipated departure has opened a debate over the future direction of the institution. Former member of parliament Hidipo Hamata said the leadership change presents “a clear opportunity to strengthen” the Commission. Speaking to the Windhoek Observer, Hamata endorsed legal practitioner Norman Tjombe for the role, describing him as…

03 Jun

NNN hails green scheme gains amid food security push

National News

Patience Makwele President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has welcomed improved agricultural production at government-supported green schemes, describing the progress as a positive step toward strengthening national food security and rural economic development. The president made the remarks during her visit to the Shadikongoro and Ndonga Linena green schemes in the Kavango East Region on Tuesday, where farm managers reported increased crop yields and improved operational performance compared to previous seasons. At the Shadikongoro Green Scheme, assistant farm manager Lima Kativa told the president that despite exceptionally heavy rainfall experienced during the current season, the project had recorded encouraging results. Kativa said the…

03 Jun

Edelweiss launches nonstop Zurich-Windhoek route

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Swiss carrier Edelweiss has launched non-stop flights between Zurich and Windhoek, starting with two weekly services and adding a third frequency in July to meet rising demand. The inaugural flight landed at Hosea Kutako International Airport on Monday at around 19h30 with 285 passengers on board, according to the Namibia Airports Company (NAC). The return flight to Zurich departed later that evening with 261 passengers. Edelweiss marked the start of what it called “a special new chapter” with a cake ceremony and ribbon-cutting at Zurich Airport. The airline said it will operate the route using its new Airbus…

03 Jun

Banking sector remains an attractive investment destination

Observer Money

CHAMWE KAIRA Namibia’s banking sector continues to attract investors, though differences in earnings quality among listed banks have become structural rather than cyclical, according to the latest Banking Report 2026 by Simonis Storm. The report identifies FirstRand Namibia as the preferred banking stock on the Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX), citing its ability to consistently generate returns on equity above the current cost of equity across a range of economic scenarios. According to the report, the investment case for FirstRand Namibia does not depend on an improvement in the economic cycle, making it the strongest banking franchise for investors seeking exposure…

03 Jun

Swakop pushes for major housing, infrastructure expansion

Observer Money

CHAMWE KAIRA The Municipality of Swakopmund is advancing a series of housing, land servicing and infrastructure projects aimed at accommodating the town’s rapid growth, while creating new investment opportunities and addressing housing needs in informal settlements. Swakopmund Municipality chief executive officer Alfeus Benjamin outlined progress on the town's long-term development agenda under the 20-Year Structure Plan (2020-2040), which was approved by the National Planning Board (NPB) and the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development (MURD) in October 2022. Portions of land were identified in October 2024. The parcels, ranging between 20 and 40 hectares, have been earmarked for low-income, middle-income…

03 Jun

Short-term borrowing surges as inflation erodes household spending power

Observer Money

CHAMWE KAIRA Namibia’s inflation outlook has become increasingly uncertain as rising fuel costs and geopolitical tensions threaten to place renewed pressure on households and businesses, even as private sector credit growth showed signs of improvement in April. According to FNB Namibia’s latest Private Sector Credit Extension report, headline inflation accelerated to 3.1% year-on-year in April, up from 2.1% in March, largely driven by higher transport costs following fuel price increases. FNB Namibia Graduate Analyst Ndateelela Amukuhu said the increase was largely anticipated and reflected supply-side pressures linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The report warns that inflationary pressures…

03 Jun

Mediclinic records strong results amid restructuring plans

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Mediclinic Holdings Limited reported solid revenue and earnings growth for the year ended 31 March 2026, even as the healthcare group navigates major restructuring plans. Although Mediclinic is no longer required to publish standalone results following its acquisition by a consortium comprising Remgro Limited and MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company Holding SA, Remgro said the disclosure was made due to the group’s significant contribution to its own financial position and net asset value. Group adjusted revenue rose 11% to US842 million. The EBITDA margin improved to 15.7% from 15.3% in the prior year, and adjusted earnings increased 45% year-on-year.…

03 Jun

Namibia helps lift Momentum Africa earnings by 60%

Observer Money

CHAMWE KAIRA Momentum Africa’s operations in Namibia helped drive a strong earnings performance for financial services group Momentum Group during the nine months ended 31 March 2026, with the country contributing to growth in life insurance, new business volumes and contractual service margins across the group’s African operations. The group reported a 15% increase in normalised headline earnings (NHE) to N$5.54 billion, while NHE per share rose 20% to 414 cents from 346 cents in the comparable period. The performance was supported by contributions from all major business units, including Momentum Investments, Metropolitan Life, Guardrisk and Momentum Insure. Momentum Africa,…

03 Jun

“GENOCIDE TO RENAISSANCE”

Opinions

REFLECTIONS ON THE REMEMBRANCE PROGRAMME HELD IN LÜDERITZ BY THE NAMIBIAN GOVERNMENT FOR 27 MAY 2026 Background The Programme frames itself as an inclusive developmental dialogue. It states:“As development partners we recognize that there has been misinformation circulating, leading some in the region, particularly our respected elders, to believe that these initiatives threaten their dignity and heritage.” At first glance, this language appears conciliatory. Yet beneath it lies a deeper political tension between contemporary technocratic development narratives and the longstanding constitutional, historical, and sociocultural concerns consistently raised by the NTLA. What is striking about the Programme is not merely its…