info_e12wt4cs – Page 17

04 Jun

PM urges civil servants to drive implementation

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has urged civil servants across the country to take an active role in implementing the eighth administration’s development agenda. In a letter addressed to public servants this week, Ngurare said their work is central to achieving President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s vision of better service delivery and job creation. He referred to the “Service Delivery Compass” announced by the President during her inauguration and first State of the Nation Address. Ngurare said the directive brings new hope to the nation and outlines a clear path to improving living standards and creating jobs, especially for unemployed youth.…

04 Jun

Omuthiya at a crossroads: A Call to rescue Oshikoto

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Opinions

Isak Tuyoleni Haimbodi Omuthiya, the capital of the Oshikoto region, stands as a symbol of both promise and neglect. Despite its administrative status, the town suffers from poor infrastructure, limited economic activity, and a glaring absence of higher education institutions. Across the region, residents face crumbling roads, inadequate healthcare, and high unemployment, all worsened by political inaction. Oshikoto’s youth face major obstacles to accessing tertiary education. While most regions host institutions such as UNAM, NUST, or IUM, Omuthiya has none. A long-promised vocational training centre remains unrealised, despite land having been allocated. Only a few under-resourced private colleges operate in…

04 Jun

Photo book on Nujoma launched

info_e12wt4csNational News

Allexer Namundjebo A pictorial book capturing the life of founding president Sam Nujoma was launched on Tuesday evening at the Hilton Hotel in Windhoek. The publication is a joint effort by New Era Publication Corporation, the Sam Nujoma Foundation, and businesswoman Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun. Former president Nangolo Mbumba officiated the event. It was attended by former government officials, family members, and guests. Sam Nujoma died earlier this year at the age of 95. He passed away in a Windhoek hospital after being hospitalised for three weeks, and he was buried at Heroes’ Acre. Former prime minister and chairperson of the Sam…

04 Jun

Nasfed warns against over-hyping swimmers

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Sports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Namibia Swimming Federation (Nasfed) president Riaan Steyn has cautioned the public and media against over-hyping athletes who participated in the swimming competition for Angola's 50th independence celebration held in Luanda last weekend. Namibia's team performance was seen as exceptional, finishing with the most gold medals and being declared the overall winners of the competition. They collected 22 gold, 10 silver, and five bronze medals. Angola followed with 18 gold, 17 silver, and 30 bronze medals. South Africa came third with nine gold, seven silver, and one bronze medal. A total of ten teams took part in the event,…

04 Jun

Gurirab eyes redemption in COSAFA opener

info_e12wt4csSports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Brave Warriors striker Isaskar "Bio" Gurirab says he is happy to have returned to the national football team after a long absence. His last call-up was in October last year for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers under coach John Sikerete. Gurirab is currently in camp with the national team preparing for the Council of Southern Africa Football Association (COSAFA) tournament in South Africa. He said he has been working hard with his club and is hoping for a return to the national team. "It has been a long journey to come back to the national. The last…

04 Jun

Levy cut threatens leather industry revenue

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

Justicia Shipena Government revenue from the leather industry is expected to decline following a reduction in export levies. This week, the Ministry of Finance announced revised export levy rates on skins and hides, effective 1 May 2025. The levy on raw skins and hides was reduced from 60% to 15%, while the levy on pickled skins dropped from 15% to 10%. “Export levies on raw materials can have a detrimental effect on investment, which will lower the long-term supply of raw resources, by lowering domestic prices in the country while implementing the measures and raising uncertainty,” said economist Josef Sheehama.…

04 Jun

BoN, diplomats discuss wealth fund

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

Justicia Shipena The Bank of Namibia (BoN) met with the diplomatic community on Tuesday to discuss economic issues, including the operationalisation of Namibia’s Sovereign Wealth Fund. The meeting highlighted the Welwitschia Sovereign Wealth Fund as a tool for long-term fiscal sustainability and intergenerational equity. The fund, established in May 2022, was initially capitalised with N$260 million. By August 2023, it had grown to N$440 million. As of February of this year, the fund had reached N$453 million, reflecting an increase of N$193 million since its inception. The fund is structured into short- and long-term investments. It allocates 70% of its…

04 Jun

Letshego selects new regional leader

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

Justicia Shipena Letshego Holdings Namibia has named Cornelius Kamerika as regional manager for the central and southern regions, effective 1 May 2025. The company announced the appointment on Tuesday. According to Letshego’s communications manager, Ongame Mutorwa, Kamerika will lead regional growth and profitability. He will drive business development, improve operations, and execute sales strategies. “Successful banking is built on the great customer experiences we create and the impact we have on those we serve,” said Kamerika. He said he aims to build strong relationships with his team, customers, and stakeholders. Letshego Chief Commercial Officer Mbo Luvindao described Kamerika as a…

04 Jun

Namibia pension fund assets

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

Robert McGregor Namibia is one of the few countries with pension fund assets exceeding GDP (106.6% of nominal GDP in 2024). These long-term savings are highly regulated, both in terms of what they may be invested in and where they may invest. Following changes gazetted in August 2018, Namibian pension funds have been required to invest at least 45.0% of their total assets in Namibia since 31 March 2019. This requirement, however, was only met by the end of March 2021. Despite a large ‘domestic savings pool’, Namibia's investable universe is constrained. The size of these savings has led to…

03 Jun

HPV vaccine only in private facilities

info_e12wt4csMain

Allexer Namundjebo The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has arrived in Namibia and is currently available only in private healthcare facilities. The Ministry of Health and Social Services is finalising plans to roll out the vaccine nationwide through public health facilities. Walters Kamaya, the ministry’s public relations officer, confirmed the vaccine’s availability in the private sector. “The HPV vaccine is available in the private sector, and the government is currently determining a date to launch it in the public sector,” he said. This comes as the ministry postponed a media engagement that coincided with the vaccine’s arrival at Hosea Kutako International…