Windhoek Observer – Page 160 – Windhoek Observer

24 Jul

Fuelgate: ‘Fuel supply deal meant to benefit both parties’- Mulunga

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Former Namcor managing director Immanuel Mulunga testified in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday that the ten-year fuel supply agreement between Namcor Petroleum Trading and Distribution Pty Ltd and Enercon Namibia was a commercially motivated deal intended to generate profits for both companies. Mulunga, who is seeking bail following his arrest two weeks ago on charges related to corruption and money laundering, said the contract required Namcor Trading to supply Enercon Namibia PTY Ltd with a minimum of 700 000 litres of fuel per month. “The investment would be paid back in four years, and the next six…

24 Jul

Teacher suicides prompt ministry action

National Newsmental health and psychosocial well-being assessment

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The ministry of education, arts, and culture will conduct a mental health and psychosocial well-being assessment among teachers following the recent suicides of three educators in the Ohangwena region. Education minister Sanet Steenkamp on Wednesday confirmed that Titus Nuuyi from Enyana Combined School, Nestory Namhindo of Eenhana Secondary School, and Lukas Kalwenya of Ohehonge Combined School had died by suicide. She said their deaths have left a painful mark on both the education sector and the country. "The alleged reported suicides of these teachers reflect a heart-wrenching and urgent need for comprehensive mental health support and financial literacy…

24 Jul

When the Cost of Living Becomes the Cost of Life.

Editorial, Featured, Opinions

In recent months, Namibia has borne witness to a heartbreaking and deeply troubling trend: a spate of suicides among teachers — the very custodians of our children’s futures. These tragedies are not isolated incidents. They are echoes of a deeper national pain — one rooted in financial strain, psychological isolation, and a silent war waged every day in households across this country. The teaching profession has always demanded sacrifice: long hours, modest salaries, and an unwavering emotional investment in others. But when those giving so much to society find themselves drowning in debt, struggling to feed their families, and confronting…

24 Jul

Namibia must embrace its indigenous languages for unity, identity and justice

Featured, Opinions

Ndaindila Allexer Namundjembo In the heart of every nation lies its language. It shapes how people think, relate to one another, and understand the world around them.In Namibia, a land blessed with rich linguistic and cultural diversity, our languages are fading into silence, not because they are unworthy, but because our systems continue to elevate the colonial tongue above our own.It is time for Namibia to radically reimagine its language policy. We must embrace and institutionalise our indigenous languages, not just as national symbols, but as living and functional communication tools in governance, education and public life.Each region should be…

24 Jul

EIF secures access to N$370m for climate financing

National NewsEIF secures access to N$370m for climate financing

Justicia Shipena Namibia can now access up to US$20 million (approximately N$370 million) in international climate finance through the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF). This follows EIF's accreditation as a National Implementing Entity (NIE) of the Adaptation Fund, which was announced on Wednesday. The decision was made by the Adaptation Fund Board during the intersessional period between its 44th and 45th meetings. It recognises EIF's compliance with the fund's fiduciary standards, environmental and social safeguards, and ability to deliver impactful climate adaptation projects. "This accreditation is a testament to EIF's strong governance and commitment to impactful climate solutions," said EIF chief…

24 Jul

Kavango council fails to return unused funds

National NewsKavango West Regional Council

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Kavango West Regional Council failed to properly record and return funds received for delegated functions from the ministry of gender equality and child welfare, a public hearing held in October 2024 has revealed. According to questions posed at a public hearing in October 2024, the council did not record transactions amounting to N$819 500 in its general ledger. The payments were made during the 2019 financial year on behalf of the ministry of gender equality and child welfare to Edu-careers for the months of July to September 2018, October and December 2018, as well as January and…

24 Jul

NDF says chopper at Miss Namibia was no free ride

National Newsthe Namibian Defence Force (NDF) is meticulously preparing for a parade that is expected to be a centrepiece of the celebrations.

Allexer Namundjembo The ministry of defence and veteran affairs has confirmed that the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) paid N$22,470 to use a Namibian Defence Force (NDF) helicopter during the recent Miss Namibia pageant in Ongwediva. Public backlash followed the use of the military helicopter to transport Queen Adelheid Nangolo of the Ondonga Traditional Authority and patron of the pageant, along with Miss Namibia CEO Umbi Karuaihe-Upi. On Tuesday, ministry spokesperson Colonel Petrus Shilumbu said NBC submitted a written request on 10 July for a helicopter and pilot crew to transport the two individuals to the event. NBC owns the Miss…

24 Jul

Youth entrepreneurs not tapping DBN funds

Observer Moneyyouth financing products

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) there is a low uptake of its youth financing products. DBN chief of marketing and corporate affairs, Jerome Mutumba, said the trend is concerning. This comes as the bank approved N$74.6 million in total SME funding in the past financial year. Of that amount, only N$170 000 was allocated to skills-based finance. “It is worrisome that despite Namibia’s high youth unemployment and the bank’s efforts to develop solutions tailored for young people, the uptake remains low,” he said. In the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, the bank approved two applications,…

24 Jul

Namibia tops Africa in Tax-to-GDP ratio for second year

Observer Money

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Namibia has recorded the highest tax-to-GDP ratio on the continent for the second year in a row, according to data from the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF). This was revealed by Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) commissioner and ATAF vice chairperson Sam Shivute during a panel discussion at the ATAF Heads of Tax Administrations Leadership Masterclass, which is taking place this week in Rabat, Morocco. Shivute said the country's performance results from a series of domestic reforms and strategic interventions undertaken in recent years. During the panel session titled 'Embracing Collaboration and Enhanced Transparency for Domestic Resource Mobilisation', he…

24 Jul

The role of traditional authorities in agriculture

Observer Money

Hanks Saisai Namibia is home to many communal areas under the administration of Traditional Authorities. The country's aspirations of achieving food security and the crucial role of land in this endeavour, emphasise the influence of Traditional Authorities in overseeing land for Agricultural Production. For instance, during a recent potato harvest, King Omukwanilwa Fillemon Nangolo and the leadership of the Ondonga Traditional Authority demonstrated the vital role these authorities play in agriculture. Land is considered a crucial factor of production in any agricultural business. To this end, Traditional Authorities that oversee communal land are essential stakeholders that can help transform communal…