Windhoek Observer – Page 109 – Windhoek Observer

12 Dec

Governments block US$1.2 billion in airline funds

Observer Money

Staff Writer The International Air Transport Association (IATA) says governments are blocking US$1.2 billion in airline funds from repatriation as of the end of October. The figure shows a small improvement of US$100 million since April, but 93% of the trapped funds remain in Africa and the Middle East. IATA has urged governments to remove all restrictions on currency repatriation and allow airlines access to their revenues in US dollars. These revenues come from ticket sales, cargo sales and other activities and are protected under bilateral air service agreements and treaty commitments. Restrictions affecting airlines include delays in approval, inconsistent…

12 Dec

IDC lists bond worth N$500 million

Observer Money

STAFF WRITER The Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC) has taken another step in its drive to finance industrial growth after receiving approval from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) Limited to list a new financial instrument under its Domestic Medium Term Note Programme. The listing signals investor confidence in IDC and supports the organisation’s continued focus on development funding. The programme has an authorised size of N$50 billion, with more than N$36 billion already issued. The IDC’s latest note, designated IDC01, carries a nominal value of N$500 million. It was issued at par and structured as a floating-rate note.…

12 Dec

Employee benefits as a key driver of financial stability in Namibia

Observer Money

Emda Fourie Financial security is no longer just about retirement; it’s about resilience throughout life. Rising living costs, evolving family structures, and longer lifespans mean that financial planning must address both the present and the future. What happens during a person’s working years is just as important as what happens after retirement. Employee benefits are central to this conversation. Too often underestimated or misunderstood, they provide practical protection for working Namibians and their families. When well-designed and clearly communicated, these benefits help individuals navigate both expected and unexpected events without falling into financial distress. Globally, pooled retirement arrangements improve access…

12 Dec

Are JD chickens coming home to roost?

Opinions

Kae-Matundu-Tjiparuro Yours Truly Ideologically, admittedly struggled to find an appropriate and apt heading for this week’s column. Which is about the International Conference in Algiers, Algeria, from 30 November to 1 December, 2025. At this conference Namibia was represented by International Relations and Cooperation and Trade minister Selma Ashipala-Masavyi. Its outcome is the Algiers Declaration. Notably, the motion for the African Union summit, next February, to resolve that all colonial crimes committed against former African colonies become crimes in international law. Certainly the Algiers Declaration did not fall from heaven, but intense preparatory work must have preceded it. Mentioning, amongst…

11 Dec

Over 100 dentist graduates still waiting for jobs

Main

Allexer Namundjembo More than 100 qualified dentists remain unable to secure work in either the public or private sector. This is despite them completing their studies and internships under the Ministry of Health and Social Services. Many say they have been unemployed for more than three years while waiting for government placement. The graduates said they have repeatedly written to the ministry, engaged with human resources and contacted national leadership but have not received answers. “It has now been over three years since our graduation. Many of us remain unemployed while awaiting government placement,” a letter sent by the graduates…

11 Dec

Okahandja stuck as magistrate unavailable to swear in council

National News

Renthia Kaimbi The municipality of Okahandja is in an administrative deadlock, as the swearing-in of its newly elected council has been delayed due to the unavailability of the local magistrate. The delay has frozen all municipal decision-making, leaving the town without a mayor or a legally constituted management committee. Outgoing mayor Beatrice Katungondo said the council wrote to the Okahandja Magistrate’s Court on 10 November to schedule the ceremony. Although the law requires councillors to be sworn in seven days after elections, urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa postponed all swearing-in ceremonies from 3 December to 5 December 2025.…

11 Dec

Namibia cannot claim human rights while women live in fear – NNN

National News

Renthia Kaimbi President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said gender-based violence is a violation of human dignity and a betrayal of the nation’s liberation values. She said the country can't claim to honour human rights while women continue to live in fear. “Our nation cannot claim to honour human rights while its mothers, sisters, and daughters continue to live in fear,” she said, calling for safety, respect, and full legal protection for all women. She delivered her message as Namibia marked International Human Rights Day and Namibian Women’s Day, observed under the theme “Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials.” She emphasised the close link…

11 Dec

Outapi opposition left out of meeting with Sankwasa

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Opposition councillors in the Outapi Town Council say they were excluded from a meeting held on Tuesday in Windhoek between council representatives and the management of the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development. The councillor said the meeting was with the minister of urban and rural development, James Sankwasa, along with deputy minister Evelyn !Nawases-Taeyele. The meeting also included the ministry’s executive directors, Wilhelmine Shivute and Petrus Sikongo Sindimba. According to the council’s official Facebook page, a delegation led by Outapi mayor Victorina Neingo attended the engagement. The delegation included councillor Gerson Dumeni, chairperson of the management committee,…

11 Dec

NAPHA says blocked rhino horn bid undercuts community conservation

National News

Allexer Namundjebo Rejection of Namibia’s proposals on rhino horn trade at the 20th Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) effectively communicates that even countries with proven conservation records will not be supported. This was the message from the Namibia Professional Hunting Association (NAPHA), which has criticised the outcomes of the conference which was held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. CITES rejected Namibia's proposals last week to lift the ban on the international trade in black and white rhino horns. The conference adopted the voting results on Thursday. NAPHA's president, Hannes du Plessis, said the decisions…

11 Dec

Youth demand improved local services from newly elected councillors

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The United Democratic Front (UDF) Youth League and Oshikuku community activists are calling for accountability and better service delivery from newly elected regional and local authority councillors. Both say communities expect leaders to prioritise basic services, transparency and public welfare. UDF Youth League secretary Reinold #Goseb urged councillors to focus on clean water, proper roads, electricity, healthcare and education. He said political theatrics should not overshadow service delivery and reminded office bearers that public institutions must work in the interest of citizens. #Goseb also questioned how public resources are managed, especially in the awarding of tenders and the…