Windhoek Observer – Page 112 – Windhoek Observer

31 Jul

Eco Fuel fights Engen over summons delivery

National News

Justicia Shipena Eco Fuel Investment CC has asked the High Court to set aside a N$5.46 million default judgment granted in favour of Engen Namibia (Pty) Ltd, arguing that the summons was not properly served. The company, co-owned by Namcor corruption accused Austin Elindi and fugitive Victor Malima, filed an urgent rescission application on Wednesday. Eco Fuel claims that Engen delivered the combined summons to an outdated address, Buffalo Signs on Werner List Street, despite having been notified on 16 April 2024 that the company’s new address was on Julius Nyerere Street in Windhoek. In court documents seen by the…

31 Jul

Presidency, defence warned to reconsider U.S. jihadists military help

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The office of the President and the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs have been warned against accepting military assistance from the United States to counter alleged jihadist groups near Namibia’s border with Angola. Social commentator Ben Mulongeni urged President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and defence minister Frans Kapofi to be cautious, arguing that U.S. involvement often leads to destabilisation rather than peace. Muloheni claimed that the U.S. has a track record of creating or supporting rebel groups in countries with valuable resources to secure access for its own interests. His comments follow reports that Minister Kapofi recently met with…

31 Jul

NHE rejects ceremony cost claims

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The National Housing Enterprise (NHE) has dismissed reports that it spends up to N$500,000 on site and house handover ceremonies, following the circulation of an internal memo that raised concerns about expenditure and financial management. In a media statement issued on 30 July 2025, NHE stated that, “no site handover has ever cost the enormous figures quoted in the memo and sensationally reported by the media.” This follows media reports based on an internal memo that raised concerns about high expenditure and financial management. In a statement issued on Thursday, NHE said, “No site handover has ever cost…

31 Jul

Job hunt frustrates 85% of youth in the southern regions

National News

Justicia Shipena A recent survey by the #BeFree Movement shows that youth unemployment, limited access to education, and lack of resources are among the main challenges facing young people in southern Namibia. Of the 51 participants, 85% listed unemployment as their main concern, followed by 72% who cited education and 68% who pointed to resource constraints. The findings informed the launch of the #BeFree Big Talk: Solutions Now initiative in the ||Karas region. The movement, in partnership with Active Youth Organisation Namibia (AYO), is running a three-day programme aimed at amplifying youth voices and driving community-led solutions. The programme, which…

31 Jul

Clerks urged to back SADC parliament shift

Africa / World, Featured

Moses Magadza The chairperson of the committee of clerks and secretaries general of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF), Xolile George, has highlighted the role of clerks and secretaries of national parliaments in transforming the forum into a fully fledged SADC regional parliament. George, who is the clerk of the Parliament of South Africa, did this on Tuesday when he officially opened a statutory meeting of the Committee under the theme “Ensuring Operational Continuity Post Elections in SADC Member States.” “We gather here as a special crop of clerks and secretaries to our national parliaments with a special call and…

31 Jul

GOVERNANCE: AN ANALYSIS OF SOE BOARD MEMBERS WINDOW DRESSING

Opinions

JOSEF KEFAS SHEEHAMA It's time to have an uncomfortable conversation and be honest with each other. It is upsetting and sad to watch Namibia's multiple scandals emerge, particularly those involving State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in an array of critical economic sectors. This piece will not pinpoint specific entities involved in corruption and mismanagement scandals that have threatened our citizens' livelihoods and service delivery. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah stated during her inaugural speech that corruption is treason and should be treated as such. As a result, corruption emerges as soon as new administrations take office as part of their commitment to improving transparency…

31 Jul

When Justice Feels Like Oppression: The Hidden Dangers of Blind Law Enforcement

Editorial, Featured, Opinions

The recent viral video of a deputy sheriff demolishing the home of a black woman has shaken Namibia to its core. Though the action was legally mandated, the optics were devastating: a white man enforcing the destruction of a black woman’s property. In a country still healing from a brutal racial past, such images carry weight far beyond the immediate event. They awaken memories many wish to forget, but as history teaches us, memory does not fade simply because we want it to. Yes, the deputy sheriff acted under a court order, he was doing his job. But there is…

31 Jul

NaCC finds no red flags in Mpact, Gondwana deals

Observer Money

Allexer Namundjembo The Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC) has approved two merger transactions without conditions, finding that neither poses a risk to market competition in the country. The decisions appear in government gazette No. 8691, dated 17July 2025. The first merger involves Mpact Operations (Pty) Ltd and Seyfert Corrugated Western Cape (Pty) Ltd. The commission received the merger proposal on 8 April . Mpact produces paper-based packaging in Southern Africa. Seyfert manufactures corrugated packaging. Both companies are based in South Africa. NaCC examined the potential impact of the merger on the Namibian market, focusing on corrugated boxes and packaging supply. After…

31 Jul

Tech startup leads OM SEED Otjozondjupa awards

Observer MoneyOM SEED Otjozondjupa awards

Justicia Shipena A business offering technical solutions for everyday challenges took first place in the Otjozondjupa Region as the Old Mutual Foundation announced the top three winners of its Sustainable Economic and Empowerment Drive (OM SEED). Kennedy Tobias, founder of Kensamos Engineering CC, claimed the top spot for his work repairing electrical appliances and developing innovative technical fixes. Meanwhile, Erna Naises, a skilled tailor and co-founder of Two Sisters CC, earned second place for her focus on custom clothing and using design to empower women. Third place went to Maria Shigwedha of Green Pastures Investment CC, a business distributing fresh…

31 Jul

BoN governors reunite for anniversary dialogue

Observer Money

Allexer Namundjembo The Bank of Namibia (BoN) will host a high-level intergenerational dialogue next month as part of its 35th anniversary celebrations. The event will bring together current and former governors in a discussion on leadership, policy, and institutional legacy. BoN governor Johannes !Gawaxab will be joined by former governors Tom Alweendo and Iipumbu Shiimi under the theme “Anchored in Stability, Advancing with Transformation.” The Governors’ Townhall, which will be attended by BoN staff, will explore the evolution of central banking policy and leadership while preserving institutional memory. “The intergenerational dialogue is a unique opportunity to reflect on the leadership…