Windhoek Observer

26 Jun

Windhoek fudge sellers on a mission to giving back

Featured, Uncategorised

Patience Makwele For many Windhoek residents, they are the young men selling fudge at traffic lights, office blocks and shopping centres. But for the volunteers behind Tent City Namibia, every sale represents more than a sweet treat, it is an opportunity to help vulnerable people and draw attention to social challenges often overlooked. Founded by four young entrepreneurs August Mathupi, Lungile Mathupi, Denzel Christiaan and Johannes Kampolo, the initiative is using fundraising and community outreach projects to support people affected by homelessness, poverty and substance abuse. Speaking to Young Observer on behalf of the team, August Mathupi said the idea…

26 Jun

From Policy to Pepper Soup: Secilia Okafor champions women through finance and food

Featured

Patience Mawele Known for her notable experience as one of Namibia’s financial inclusion and development experts, Secilia Nekwaya Okafor has carved a unique niche, balancing national policy influence with a culinary business rooted in empowerment. As the founder of Mrs Okafor’s Kitchen, a Windhoek-based Nigerian cuisine restaurant, Okafor is quietly transforming lives beyond the boardroom. “You know, I've never really seen purpose as just one thing,” she said. “I believe God gives us different gifts for a reason, and I've always felt this deep conviction that I can serve in the boardroom and also serve my community through business.” Explaining…

26 Jun

YOUNG OBSERVER | Oshana produces over 3,000 graduates …as young people call for more jobs and business opportunities

Featured, Uncategorised

Patience Makwele The Oshana region produced more than 3 000 graduates during the 2025/26 financial year, a milestone regional leaders say reflects growing investment in higher education and skills development. Presenting the State of the Region Address (SORA) on Monday, Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge said tertiary and vocational institutions operating in the region produced a total of 3 010 graduates during the reporting period. The graduates came from institutions including the University of Namibia (UNAM), the International University of Management (IUM), Welwitschia Health Training Centre and Valombola Vocational Training Centre. Iipinge said the figures strengthen Oshana’s position as a leading…

26 Jun

Conservation and development must not become enemies

Editorial

The dispute unfolding in the Kunene Region between the Dâure Daman Traditional Authority and tourism operator Ultimate Safaris is far more than a local disagreement over mining permits or conservation fees. It is a defining test of Namibia’s ability to balance environmental stewardship, economic development, traditional governance and the rule of law. At its heart lies a question that many developing nations continue to wrestle with: how does a country rich in natural resources create desperately needed jobs without destroying the very environmental assets that can sustain communities for generations? The arguments on both sides deserve careful consideration. The Dâure…

26 Jun

‘Veterans camped outside Swapo HQ are receiving their benefits’ – Kapofi

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Frans Kapofi, has rejected suggestions that veterans currently camped outside the Swapo Party headquarters are at odds with the government, saying they continue to receive all benefits and support due to them despite their ongoing protest. Kapofi made the remarks in the National Assembly following concerns raised by Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) Member of Parliament Alosius Kangulu, who questioned the government’s engagement with the group as they continue living in tents during the cold winter season. Addressing the minister, Kangulu praised Kapofi's leadership but questioned why he had not personally engaged…

26 Jun

Daure Daman TA objects ultimate.earth’s leasehold application

National News

By Renthia Kaimbi The Daure Daman Traditional Authority has formally objected to the leasehold application submitted by ultimate.earth, formerly known as Ultimate Safaris, for a vast tract of communal land in the Kunene Region. In a letter dated 23 June 2026 to the Kunene Communal Land Board, the traditional authority maintained its opposition to the application, raising concerns about the consultation process and the conduct of the tourism operator. The objection comes amid a protracted legal and regulatory battle between ultimate.earth and Goantagab Tin Mine, a local mining operation that accuses the tourism company of anti-competitive behaviour. The Daure Daman…

26 Jun

Eigub demands action on contractor payment delays

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Landless People's Movement (LPM) Member of Parliament Dawid Eigub has called on Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare to explain persistent delays in government payments to contractors and service providers, warning that the situation is threatening businesses and driving up the cost of public projects. In a notice of question scheduled for the National Assembly, Eigub said there is growing concern over outstanding payments for work that has already been completed and certified by government institutions. According to the lawmaker, some contractors have reportedly waited more than six months to receive payment. “These delays have far-reaching consequences. Contractors are increasingly…

26 Jun

RFA rolls out digital platforms to cut delays and boost efficiency

National News

Patience Makwele The Road Fund Administration (RFA) has launched a suite of new digital self-service platforms aimed at improving efficiency, accessibility and service delivery, as the institution moves to modernise how road funding is managed in Namibia. The rollout includes an online fuel levy refund portal, a prepaid cross-border charges system, a mobile application for mass distance charge clients, and an upgraded website designed to serve as the central access point for all RFA services. The initiative forms part of the organisation’s broader digital transformation drive aligned with national efforts to improve public service delivery through technology. Speaking during an…

26 Jun

RCC faces legal action over N$5m debt … as Nekundi labels the company ‘a mess’

Main, National News

Renthia Kaimbi The Roads Contractor Company (RCC) is facing mounting financial and governance pressures, just days after a stormy meeting where minister of works and transport Veikko Nekundi reportedly described the company as “a mess” and demanded answers from its leadership over a disclaimer audit opinion and widespread payment failures. In a letter dated 20 June 2026 addressed to RCC interim chief executive officer Dasius Nelumbu, Bruyns Legal Practitioners, acting on behalf of Dust Construction and Civils (Pty) Ltd, rejected the RCC's purported rescission of a lease-to-own agreement for construction equipment as “factually incorrect, legally unsound” and “a desperate and…

26 Jun

Economy grew 2% in the first quarter

Observer Money

CHAMWE KAIRA The country’s economy expanded by 2% in real terms during the first quarter of 2026. The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) announced that the country's gross domestic product (GDP) reached N$70.9 billion in nominal terms during the quarter, up N$4.7 billion from N$66.2 billion recorded in the first quarter of 2025. Statistician-General and chief executive officer, Alex Shimuafeni said the quarter's growth was primarily driven by the tertiary industries, which recorded real value-added growth of 5.1%, matching the performance achieved in the same quarter last year. The strongest-performing service sectors included wholesale and retail trade, which grew by 9.3%…