Windhoek Observer

23 Jun

Starlink must respect Namibia’s laws

Editorial

The decision by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) to uphold its rejection of Starlink Internet Services Namibia’s licence applications should not be viewed as a victory against innovation, nor should it be interpreted as hostility towards foreign investment. Rather, it represents something far more fundamental: the principle that in Namibia, the rule of law applies equally to everyone. The debate surrounding Starlink has generated considerable public interest. Understandably so. Namibia remains a vast country with significant connectivity challenges, and many citizens, businesses and communities are eager for solutions that can bridge the digital divide. Satellite internet services such…

23 Jun

‘SPYL’s NYC endorsement is final’ – Ngurare

National News

Renthia Kaimbi Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has delivered a blunt ultimatum to the warring factions of the National Youth Council (NYC), insisting that the Swapo Party Youth League's (SPYL) endorsed candidate must be accepted and that any further disruption will spell the end of the institution's credibility. He made the statement on social media on Monday, following the violent collapse of the NYC’s general assembly in Swakopmund over the weekend. The youth league has thrown its weight behind Ester Simon for the position of NYC’s executive chairperson, with Ngurare declaring that this decision is non-negotiable. “Once such a decision is…

23 Jun

Vets urge puppy vaccinations as parvovirus remains a threat in Namibia

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Pet owners are being urged to ensure their puppies receive their full course of vaccinations as canine parvovirus, commonly known as ‘katgriep’, continues to pose a serious threat to unvaccinated dogs in Namibia. Veterinarian Dr. Mauricio Adelino recently issued a public awareness message highlighting the dangers of the highly contagious disease, which affects thousands of puppies worldwide each year and remains a recurring concern for veterinarians in the country. Speaking to the Windhoek Observer on Monday, Adelino said parvovirus can infect dogs regardless of breed, making vaccination one of the most important preventive measures available to pet owners.…

23 Jun

Iipinge demands service delivery during SORA

National News

Patience Makwele Oshana region Governor Hofni Iipinge has challenged government institutions to move from planning to delivery, saying residents are demanding tangible results as the region battles youth unemployment, infrastructure backlogs and delays in implementing strategic projects. Presenting the State of the Region Address (SORA) on Monday, Iipinge said people expect hospitals to be built, roads to be completed, water to reach communities and employment opportunities to be created. “The people of Oshana expect tangible results. They expect roads to be completed, hospitals to be built, water to reach communities, jobs to be created and opportunities to be expanded,” Iipinge…

23 Jun

Katima Mulilo Furnmart workers reject 5% pay offer, demand 8% salary increase

National News

Patience Makwele Furnmart workers in Katima Mulilo on Monday joined a nationwide strike after rejecting the company’s 5% salary increase offer, saying rising transport costs and food prices have made it increasingly difficult for employees to make ends meet. The workers who were represented by the Metal and Allied Workers Union of Namibia (MANWU), are demanding an 8% salary increment, a monthly housing allowance of N$500, one day off every month and safety boots for drivers and general workers. MANWU branch organiser Gift Machinga said negotiations with the furniture retailer started in August last year but eventually reached a deadlock,…

23 Jun

CRAN spectrum decisions draw scrutiny from industry players

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The telecommunications sector is under renewed regulatory scrutiny after major operators MTC and Paratus Telecommunications moved to seek changes to their spectrum allocations, as outlined in Government Gazette No. 8942 of 8 June 2026. Among the applications, Mainmast Electronics CC is seeking to expand its Ku-band allocation for fixed satellite services (VSAT), moving from a limited 1 MHz assignment to full Ku-band access covering 10.7–12.7 GHz downlink and 14–14.5 GHz uplink frequencies within Namibia's territorial waters. “The public may submit comments in writing to the Authority within a period of fourteen (14) days from the date of publication…

23 Jun

Men must declare customary wives under new Marriage Act

Main, National News

Renthia Kaimbi Men will be required to declare all their customary wives before entering into a civil marriage with someone else, according to the new Marriage Act of 2024. While still not in force yet, the Act somewhat introduces the recognition and regulation of customary marriages at the ministry of home affairs, immigration, safety and security. The legislation (Act No. 14 of 2024), signed into law on 2 October 2024, repealed the colonial-era Marriage Act of 1961 and mandated a uniform system for all marriages in Namibia. For the first time, customary marriages will be recognised through a formal process,…

23 Jun

NamPower advances major grid expansion under transmission master plan

Observer Money

CHAMWE KAIRA NamPower has outlined a pipeline of multi-billion-dollar electricity transmission projects aimed at strengthening Namibia's power grid and supporting future economic growth under its Transmission Master Plan. Speaking at the inauguration of the N$394 million SekelduinSubstation in Swakopmund on Monday, NamPower Managing Director Kahenge Haulofu said the utility is implementing several major transmission projects across the country to improve network reliability, increase capacity and prepare the grid for new power generation projects. Haulofu said the Transmission Master Plan provides for the construction of new transmission lines, substations and upgrades to existing infrastructure while coordinating with independent power producer (IPP)…

23 Jun

Starlink fails to overturn CRAN licence decision

Observer Money

CHAMWE KAIRA The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has dismissed all applications seeking reconsideration of its decision to reject the licence applications of Starlink Internet Services Namibia (Pty) Ltd, reaffirming that the company failed to comply with the country's communications laws. CRAN said it received 624 requests from members of the public asking the Authority to reconsider its 23 March 2026 decision. However, 622 of the requests were dismissed because they failed to meet the procedural and jurisdictional requirements set out in the Communications Act. According to the regulator, the submissions did not clearly identify the decision being challenged,…

23 Jun

Namibian companies invited to join South Africa business mission

Observer Money

CHAMWE KAIRA The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) has called on local companies to express interest in participating in a high-level business mission to South Africa that will take place from 17 to 18 July 2026. The business mission will be held on the sidelines of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's State Visit to South Africa from 14 to 17 July 2026 for the 4th South Africa–Namibia Bi-National Committee (BNC). According to the NIPDB, the mission is aimed at strengthening trade and investment ties between Namibia and South Africa by providing Namibian businesses with opportunities to engage potential partners and…