Windhoek Observer – Page 231 – Windhoek Observer

01 May

Anglo American makes strong start

Observer Money

Duncan Wanblad, Chief Executive of Anglo American, has said group had a strong start to the year in copper and iron ore, with both businesses performing in line with guidance. “In copper, Quellaveco and Los Bronces (in Chile) are both performing well, helping to offset the expected lower grades and variability in recoveries at Collahuasi (in Chile). In iron ore, Kumba (South Africa) posted another solid quarter and increased iron ore sales as Transnet saw better rail logistics performance, and Minas-Rio had another excellent quarter. Our focus on operational excellence is delivering valuable stability to our simplified portfolio which provides…

01 May

Ocean earnings drop by 49%

Observer Money

CHAMWE KAIRA Oceana Group Limited has warned shareholders to expect a decline in earnings for the six months ending 31 March 2025, mainly due to lower fish oil prices and increased operating expenses in its Namibian operations. In a trading statement released this week, the group said earnings per share (EPS) are expected to range between 300 cents and 350 cents, a drop of 40% to 49% compared to 587.6 cents reported during the same period last year. Headline earnings per share (HEPS) are also expected to decline by 40% to 48%, compared to 578.8 cents in the prior comparative…

29 Apr

Workplace bullying leaves workers depressed and isolated

Main

Ester Mbathera When Lorain* joined her company as a divisional human resources manager four years ago, she arrived with energy, skills, and determination. Instead of support, she found isolation, intimidation, and emotional exhaustion. Today, Lorain is one of many workers battling depression caused by bullying at work. Ahead of International Workers’ Day on 1 May, she shared how her experience began. "When I came in, I came in very strongly. But some people felt threatened. They threw me to the shareholder side and made life impossible for me," she said. She said one colleague, closely connected to senior management, began…

29 Apr

Nursing graduates decry ‘high’ exam fees

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Nursing graduates are raising concerns over the high exam fees set by the Nursing Council, with many saying the N$2,000-plus cost is an unfair barrier to entering the workforce. Former lawmaker Hidipo Hamata condemned the charges, calling them unjust and harmful to the country’s health system. “How can unemployed graduates, most of whom still depend on their struggling parents, be expected to afford such exorbitant fees? It is completely wrong and unfair! These are the same nurses we desperately need in our hospitals and clinics, yet we are blocking them with expensive, unnecessary barriers,” Hamata said. He added…

29 Apr

Protests erupt after murder of three girls in Okahandja

National News

Ester Mbathera Protests broke out across the country on Tuesday as communities, especially children, voiced fear and frustration over their safety. The protests followed the murder of three young girls in Okahandja. In Okahandja, residents filled the streets demanding justice. The killings of young girls have shaken the town, once known as the garden town. The peaceful march was joined by Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture Dino Balloti, Swapo member of parliament Fenny Tutjavi, and LPM member of parliament Utaara Mootu. The leaders stood in solidarity with protestors and called for urgent action to protect…

29 Apr

Mining controversy spurs local development agreement in Epupa

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Following reports from traditional leaders in Ekungira, Epupa Constituency, that ongoing mining activities are illegal, community members have reached an agreement with mining companies to contribute to local development. This was revealed in a report by the Ombudsman, conducted after some traditional authorities complained that mining was taking place without their consent. The agreement includes conditions that the mining companies drill a borehole for the community, assist with a community garden, contribute to a community fund, and establish a school garden project. Media Ombudsman Basilius Dyakugha, in a report presented yesterday, stated that a complaint was lodged with…

29 Apr

Power supply issues prompt prolonged water rationing

National News

Niël Terblanché Water rationing in Walvis Bay will continue until 30 June 2025, following an extension announced by the Municipality of Walvis Bay. The extension adds 31 days to the initial measures, which were due to end today. The decision follows ongoing electricity supply problems affecting the Rooi Bank and Dorop South aquifer systems, which are key to the town’s water supply. NamWater spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata said the utility advised the municipality to maintain water rationing to avoid complete depletion of reservoir levels. Voltage drops and ageing infrastructure continue to limit water extraction from the boreholes. Daily water supply interruptions…

29 Apr

Snake kills toddler near Omatjete

National News

Niël Terblanché A three-year-old boy, Lihoneni Mingeli, died early Monday morning after being bitten by a snake at the Ovitapita farm near Omatjete. The incident happened around 04:00, according to Inspector Judith Shomongula, spokesperson for the Namibian Police in the Erongo Region. She said the child's mother was sleeping on a bed with her two children, while a visitor slept on the floor in the same room. "The visitor felt something moving on her blanket. She woke up, lit a torch and saw the snake," Shomongula said. The visitor tried to alert the mother, but the snake had already disappeared.…

29 Apr

Getaway car, N$55 000 found in Namcor fuel station robbery

National News

Niël Terblanché Police have recovered N$55 000 and a getaway vehicle used in an armed robbery at the Namcor Soweto Service Station in Katutura. According to Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, one of the suspects was arrested after being shot in the leg during a confrontation with city police officers. Four other suspects fled and remain at large, with a manhunt underway. The robbery occurred around 09h00 on Monday when five armed individuals arrived in a black sedan with a fake number plate. They stormed both the fuel station and the adjacent Pick n Pay Express store. A 39-year-old employee was…

29 Apr

GCR upgrades credit rating of Oryx Properties

Observer Money

Julia Heita Oryx Properties Limited has received an upgraded national scale credit rating from Global Credit Ratings (GCR), moving to BBB+(NA)/A2(NA) with a stable outlook. The new rating reflects the company’s financial position and growth strategy. Chief Executive Officer Ben Jooste welcomed the news, saying the upgrade confirms the company’s efforts in expanding its portfolio and maintaining solid financial controls. “This ratings upgrade reflects our successful expansion strategy, improved portfolio quality and sound financial management,” said Jooste. Jooste said Oryx Properties has grown its property portfolio to N$4.2 billion while maintaining conservative gearing and strengthening its performance metrics. “The vacancy…