Windhoek Observer

19 Jun

Ghana was the perfect stage for Africa’s unfinished conversation

Editorial

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s remarks in Accra, Ghana, this week deserve praise not merely because of what she said, but because of where she said it. Speaking at the High-Level Consultative Conference on Reparatory Justice, the president articulated a truth that generations of Africans have struggled to have acknowledged: Africa is not asking the world to carry its pain; it is asking the world to recognize that the pain existed in the first place. It was a measured but powerful statement. In a world increasingly divided by competing narratives, President Nandi-Ndaitwah reminded the international community that reconciliation without acknowledgement is impossible.…

19 Jun

African Child Day inspires youth to dream big

Featured, Uncategorised

Patience Makwele Young Namibians have been encouraged to dream beyond their circumstances and make full use of the opportunities available to them as the country joined the rest of the continent in commemorating the International Day of the African Child on Tuesday. In her message marking the day, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the courage of the children who participated in the Soweto Uprising of 16 June 1976 should continue to inspire young Africans to pursue education, embrace opportunity and work towards a better future. “Their sacrifice helped pave the way for the freedoms many African children enjoy today,” she said.…

19 Jun

YOUNG OBSERVER | Young Namibians urged to break cycle of GBV

Featured, Uncategorised

Patience Makwele Young Namibians have been urged to confront gender-based violence (GBV), challenge harmful social norms and prioritise mental wellbeing as the country continues to grapple with high levels of abuse and violence against women and children. Through her work with advocacy organisation Victims 2 Survivors, Namibian activist and educator Lizette Feris says many forms of abuse are rooted in unresolved trauma and unhealthy attitudes that are often passed from one generation to another. “Generational trauma has affected millions of Namibians,” Feris said. “If we can help children manage emotions early, the ripple effects can transform families and communities.” Feris,…

19 Jun

YOUNG OBSERVER | Young women encouraged to dream beyond borders

Featured, National News

Patience Makwele Young Namibian women have been encouraged to pursue entrepreneurship, embrace uncertainty and create opportunities for themselves after the founder of Lazilia Travels shared how she built a growing travel business despite having no background in the tourism industry. Lazilia Travels founder and registered quantity surveyor Lidiinikeni Ndapewoshali said she was only 22 when the idea of organising trips for Namibians first came to her. “Honestly, there’s no dramatic or ‘wow’ story,” she said. “After completing my studies, I worked as a vacation assistant at my university residence and was exposed to the idea of organising group trips. I…

19 Jun

Furnmart strike set to hit all branches nationwide

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The acting deputy general secretary of the Metal and Allied Namibian Workers Union (MANWU), Lukas Matias, has confirmed that a planned strike by Furnmart employees will proceed across all branches nationwide, following a breakdown in negotiations over salary increases and the introduction of a housing allowance. Speaking to the Windhoek Observer on Thursday, Matias said the industrial action stems from long-standing unresolved demands despite continued engagement between the union and management since last year. According to Matias, 467 employees voted in favour of the strike. “The strike is about both the salary increase and the introduction of a…

19 Jun

NNN takes Namibia’s reparations fight to global stage

National News

Patience Makwele President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says Namibia remains committed to securing a resolution on reparations for the genocide committed against the Ovaherero and Nama people during German colonial rule, insisting that justice and reconciliation can only be achieved through truth, acknowledgement and sustained dialogue. Addressing the High-Level Consultative Conference on the Next Steps for United Nations Resolution A/RES/80/250 on the Transatlantic Slave Trade in Accra, Ghana on Thursday, Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia’s pursuit of restorative justice forms part of a broader African effort to confront the enduring effects of slavery, colonialism and historical injustices. She said Namibia’s engagement with Germany stems…

19 Jun

Ngurare defends petroleum bill as MPs push for worker protections

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has defended the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill, saying the proposed reforms are necessary to safeguard Namibia's emerging oil and gas industry and ensure the country's petroleum resources are managed in the national interest. Contributing to the debate in the National Assembly on Tuesday, Ngurare urged lawmakers to put aside political differences and support the legislation, drawing parallels with the passage of the original Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act in 1991. Recalling discussions with ambassador Heiki Ausiku, a member of the first National Assembly, Ngurare said that lawmakers from across the political spectrum…

19 Jun

Breaking the silence on men’s mental health

National News

Eugenia Moche Men's Mental Health Awareness Month in June marks a time dedicated to breaking the silence and stigma around issues that many men face but rarely discuss. Across Namibia and globally, advocates are calling for greater recognition of men's mental wellbeing and for more support systems to help them cope. Research shows that men are far less likely to seek professional help for mental health compared to women. Globally, men account for nearly 70% of suicides, and studies indicate they are three to four times more likely to die by suicide than women. Geluk Psychology services psychological counsellor Simone…

19 Jun

Omaruru acting CEO suspected of ‘cooking the books’ …as he’s found in office on a Saturday with an accountant amid financial probe

Main, National News

Renthia Kaimbi Finance manager of the Omaruru municipality, Phillip Domingos, is suspected of “cooking the books” after he was found in office on Saturday with an accountant, amid a pending investigation into financial irregularities that led to the suspension of the council's substantive chief executive officer, Valentinus Sindongo, about two weeks ago. Domingos, who was appointed acting CEO of the council following Sindongo's suspension, denied any wrongdoing, saying they were busy preparing annual financial statements. However, Omaruru mayor Eberth Gariseb told the Windhoek Observer that the council was looking to replace Domingos in his acting duties, as the situation has…

19 Jun

De Beers CEO says sale could be completed within weeks

Observer Money

CHAMWE KAIRA De Beers chief executive officer, Al Cook says the long-running sale of the diamond producer could be concluded within weeks, with governments from southern Africa and experienced industry investors expressing interest in acquiring stakes in the company. In Namibia, De Beers is a 50/50% partner with the government in Debmarine, Namdeb and the Namibia Diamond Trading Company. Speaking at the Reuters NEXT Europe summit in London, Cook said negotiations had reached their most advanced stage after two years of discussions. “I am hopeful that the sale of De Beers will happen in weeks rather than months going forward,”…