Windhoek Observer

02 Jun

Whistleblower alleges corruption at NIPDB

Main, National News

Renthia Kaimbi An anonymous whistleblower complaint reportedly submitted to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has raised allegations of corruption, nepotism, favouritism and governance irregularities at the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) during the tenure of former chief executive officer Nangula Uaandja. The complaint, dated 5 May 2026 and seen by this publication, contains a series of allegations relating to recruitment, procurement, promotions and management decisions at the institution between 2021 and 2025. The allegations have not been independently verified and no findings have been made by the ACC or any court. According to the complaint, Uaandja, who left NIPDB…

02 Jun

Govt orders universities to allow NSFAF students to write exams

National News

Patience Makwele The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture has directed higher education institutions to allow Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF)-funded students to write examinations and access their academic results while funding processes are being finalised. The decision comes after weeks of uncertainty over delayed student funding payments and growing calls from student organisations for urgent intervention. In a letter dated 29 May and addressed to vice-chancellors, heads of institutions and TVET centre managers, executive director Erastus Haitengela instructed institutions to allow both continuing beneficiaries and newly approved students to sit for examinations and receive their…

02 Jun

IPC wants more mental health support for soldiers

National News

Patience Makwele The deaths of two members of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) at military bases in Otjiwarongo and Otavi have renewed calls for stronger mental health support, better housing and improved welfare programmes for soldiers. Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) on Monday urged the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs to strengthen support systems for military personnel. The party said the well-being of soldiers deserves the same attention as military readiness and infrastructure. IPC shadow minister of defence and veterans' affairs Alosius Kangulu extended condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased while calling for a greater…

02 Jun

Ndara reappointed to lead SADC fisheries surveillance board

National News

Renthia Kaimbi The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has renewed the board of directors of the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre (MCSCC) in Maputo, Mozambique, as the region strengthens efforts to combat illegal fishing and improve fisheries management. The decision was approved on 29 May during the Joint Meeting of SADC Ministers Responsible for Agriculture and Food Security and Fisheries and Aquaculture in Victoria Falls. The renewal keeps Namibia’s Fisheries Observer Agency chief executive officer, Stanley Ndara, as chairperson of the MCSCC board for a second term. Other board members are Antonio Francisco Jaime of Angola, Kagisanyo…

02 Jun

DStv and GOtv launch blockbuster movie showcase

Featured, Uncategorised

Staff Writer DStv and GOtv have launched a new “Movies Showcase” that will bring a wide range of films to viewers from June to August. The seasonal offering features blockbuster movies, popular favourites and classic films across various genres. The showcase aims to provide viewers with a steady stream of entertainment that families and friends can enjoy together at home. The platforms, operated by MultiChoice Group, said the campaign is focused on creating “must-watch” viewing experiences that audiences can enjoy together, with films that spark conversation long after the credits roll. The line-up includes international titles such as Spider-Man: Far…

02 Jun

Students should not pay the price for administrative failure

Editorial

The government’s directive ordering universities and other higher education institutions to allow Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF)-funded students to sit for examinations and access their academic results is both welcome and necessary. Education is a right, not a privilege reserved only for those whose funding paperwork has been processed on time. Any decision that prevents students from being punished for bureaucratic delays deserves support. Yet while the intervention may have prevented an immediate crisis, it does not erase the uncomfortable reality that the situation should never have reached this point. The current funding delays, following the integration of NSFAF…

02 Jun

Zeda looks to Namibia for growth rebound

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Zeda Limited expects a recovery in Namibia during the second half of its financial year, which it believes will help improve the performance of its wider African portfolio. The company anticipates that momentum in its leasing business, including public sector contracts, will continue, bolstered by a recovery in Namibia. “Performance recovery in Namibia, which is expected to result in a resurgence of the portfolio,” the company said in its interim results for the six months ended 31 March 2026. Zeda holds the licence for the Avis brand in South Africa and 10 other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. The…

02 Jun

Fitch: NamPower in better financial shape than Eskom

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Namibia Power Corporation (NamPower) has stronger liquidity and leverage metrics than South Africa’s power utility Eskom, according to a recent assessment by Fitch Ratings. The ratings agency said Eskom continues to depend heavily on support from the South African government to maintain its operations, while NamPower is viewed as having a stronger financial position and lower reliance on direct state intervention. In its latest ratings action commentary, Fitch affirmed Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd’s long-term local-currency issuer default rating at ‘B’ with a stable outlook. The utility’s standalone credit profile remained at ‘ccc+’. Fitch said Eskom’s rating is largely…

02 Jun

NamRA sharpens focus on extractive sector tax compliance

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) is strengthening its ability to identify tax risks and revenue opportunities in the country’s extractives sector as mining, oil and gas investments continue to grow. According to the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) 2025 Annual Report, Namibia was among 35 African countries that received technical assistance in areas such as transfer pricing, exchange of information, extractive sector taxation and measures to combat illicit financial flows. The report said Namibia participated in ATAF’s specialised programme on the taxation of the extractive sector. The programme aims to improve technical knowledge of tax issues linked to…

02 Jun

Anirep secures extension to publish delayed financial results

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Alpha Namibia Industries Renewable Power Limited (Anirep) has secured approval from the Namibia Securities Exchange (NSX) to delay the publication of its audited annual financial statements. The NSX-listed renewable energy company said it requires more time to complete its audit process due to complexities related to the valuation of goodwill. As a result, Anirep will not meet the three-month deadline for publishing audited financial results as required under the NSX listing requirements. In a statement, the company said the auditing process has taken longer than expected because of the work required to assess goodwill valuations. The NSX has…