Windhoek Observer

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Environment and Tourism has improved conservation operations in the Etosha National Park with the handover of two new trucks, valued at just over N$7.1 million. The vehicles—a Mercedes-Benz 33 Series dropside truck and a Powerstar water tank truck—were officially delivered during a brief ceremony at Okaukuejo on Saturday. The trucks were procured through funds from the Game Products Trust Fund, which channels revenue from the sustainable use of wildlife resources back into conservation efforts. The fund has enabled the ministry to invest in essential infrastructure and equipment aimed at strengthening park management across Namibia. Environment…

Niël Terblanché President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged the mining industry to deepen its contribution to national development by investing more in local communities, youth empowerment, and value addition. During her visit to Rössing Uranium Mine in Arandis on Saturday, she stressed the need for mining operations to align with the government’s goals of economic transformation and sustainable development. “Mining contributes immensely to our fiscus. I am convinced that we have not yet exploited the full potential of our mining sector,” she said. She reiterated the importance of transforming the livelihoods of the nation through industrial and manufacturing bases built on value…

Allexer Namundjembo Residents in the Okongo Village council in the Ohangwena region are paying off loans for houses they cannot live in because the properties have no sewer, water, or electricity services. The houses were constructed in Block 103, allocated under Council Resolution number OKVC/ORD-02-07/03/2023-05, but remain unoccupied due to the absence of basic services. Some homeowners, through their lawyers Elago and Partners, sent a demand letter to the Okongo Village Council on 16 July 2024, accusing the council of having failed to provide essential services, as required by the Local Authorities Act and the Town Planning Ordinance. “Our instructions…

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s new administration is committed to enforcing a zero-tolerance policy on corruption. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, while addressing the first general staff meeting at State House on Thursday, urged staff in the Office of the President to hold themselves to the highest ethical standards while they are in the service of the Namibian people. Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed that those entrusted with public service must act with integrity, transparency and humility, without expecting anything in return. “Let us hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards and expect nothing in return in our quest to provide timely and excellent services to all…

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Grape Company (NGC) has declared and paid its first dividend since inception. The NGC transferred N$10 million to its sole shareholder, the National Youth Service (NYS), during a ceremony held in Windhoek on Thursday. According to the NGC board chairperson, Richwell Lukonga, the inaugural dividend represents a major turning point for the company, which has been on a path of recovery and expansion since its partnership with Capespan was renewed in 2024. He said that the renewed agreement, which will now run until 2045, redefined the terms of engagement between the two parties, with NGC now…

Niël Terblanché Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has called on the executive directors (Eds) of the various Offices, Ministries and Agencies (OMAs) to create a workplace culture that motivates public servants to deliver quality services without favour or prejudice. While addressing a gathering of senior government officials in Windhoek on Thursday, he urged the top government managers to act with integrity, dispel negative perceptions of public institutions, and drive the public service agenda with purpose and discipline. Ngurare outlined the expectations of the new administration, reminding the EDs that they are not only the custodians of policy implementation but also central…

Herrta-Maria Aumtenya Affirmative Repositioning (AR) Member of Parliament, George Kambala, has urged the National Assembly to take decisive action on youth inclusion, stating that young people demand dignity and not handouts. Delivering his maiden speech on Thursday, Kambala reflected on his own difficult journey to parliament, marked by protest, expulsion from Swapo, and public ridicule.  Alongside AR leader Job Amupanda and current Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, Kambala was suspended from Swapo for their radical stance on land and justice. “It has been a journey of protest and pain, accusations, ridicule and resistance. I know what it means to be humiliated…

Niël Terblanché National security, institutional reform, and resource optimisation are among the key priorities set out by Frans Kapofi, the Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, when he welcomed the Ministry’s new leadership team on Monday. During a ceremony held at the ministry’s head office in Windhoek, Charles Mubita was officially introduced as the new deputy minister, alongside Annelly Haiphene, the ministry’s newly appointed executive director. Kapofi, who was reappointed to the ministerial post with effect from 1 April, used the occasion to outline his strategic direction under the 8th Administration, in line with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s emphasis on integrity,…

Niël Terblanché Namibia is confronting an alarming surge in cyber threats, with over 1.1 million incidents recorded in 2024 alone. These attacks have targeted businesses, government entities, and individuals, leading to substantial financial losses and data breaches. Telecom Namibia suffered a major ransomware attack in December 2024, resulting in the exposure of sensitive customer data. The hackers, identified as the group Hunters International, leaked approximately 626 gigabytes of data after the company refused to pay the demanded ransom. In a related incident, scammers exploited the likeness of former First Lady Monica Geingos to perpetrate investment fraud. Using manipulated videos and…