Windhoek Observer

Ester Mbathera  Women journalists in sub-Saharan Africa face persistent barriers that hinder their careers, a new report reveals.  The study, conducted by the Fojo Media Institute and African Women in Media (AWiM), identifies gender discrimination, unequal pay, sexual harassment, and limited career progression as key challenges in the industry. The primary researcher for the study, Yemisi Akinbobola, an award-winning journalist, academic, consultant, and co-founder of African Women in Media (AWiM), found that many female journalists are confined to roles deemed less significant, while their male counterparts dominate decision-making positions.  “I got an opportunity to replace my boss, who was transferred…

Stefanus Nashama  The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform urged farmers to stay alert and report any pest outbreaks following concerns over the spread of armyworms in the Oshikoto and Oshana regions. The ministry’s spokesperson, Regina Valombola told the Windhoek Observer on Thursday that early detection and reporting are critical in the process of managing pests. “After significant rainfall, many pests, including armyworms, are more likely to infest green vegetation, including cultivated crops. While this is a natural occurrence, it’s crucial for farmers to regularly monitor their fields and report any findings to the nearest ministry branch,” she explained.…

Hertta-Maria  Member of Parliament, Jerry Ekandjo has rejected calls for an apology regarding past remarks made by late Founding President Sam Nujoma against the LGBTQI+ community. Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Ekandjo dismissed any obligation to apologise, stating that neither he nor the party owed anything to the LGBTQI+ community. "The lesbians engaged in yesterday's newspaper say we must apologise. Nujoma never owed them anything. In Swapo, we don’t need their votes either. We don’t need them," Ekandjo said. He further added that the LGBTQI+ community should seek forgiveness from God rather than expecting an apology from political leaders. "They must…

Niël Terblanché The weighbridge at the Katima Mulilo border post will commence with 24-hour operations from 1 April. This decision was approved by the Cabinet to streamline the flow of heavy transport trucks between Namibia and Zambia and address the persistent congestion at the border post. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Transport, John Mutorwa, presented a proposal to the Cabinet that encompassed both immediate and long-term strategies to enhance efficiency at this port of entry.  Among the short-term interventions is the implementation of documentary pre-clearance procedures. According to the Mutorwa, this approach ensures that all necessary…

Stefanus Nashama Uukwiyuushona Constituency Councillor Andreas Amundjindi has called on residents to support the ongoing construction of a tarred road, emphasizing that cooperation is essential for timely completion. In an interview with The Windhoek Observer on Thursday, Amundjindi confirmed that progress is being made despite challenges that could cause delays. “The work is going well, however, there are a few challenges, such as vehicles driving on the work layout, causing extra work for the construction company.  This happens mostly after heavy rainfall, and it forces the company to redo work that was already completed,” he said. He suggested that the…

Allexer Namundjembo Founding President Sam Nujoma was remembered for his contributions to Namibia’s independence and development.  His leadership was closely tied to infrastructure projects, particularly the construction of the railway from Tsumeb to Ondangwa, which symbolised industrial progress and his commitment to improving livelihoods. Swapo stalwart and member of parliament, Jerry Ekandjo praised Nujoma for his active involvement in infrastructure development.  Speaking at Nujoma’s residence on Monday, Ekandjo highlighted his physical presence at the railway construction site. “Nujoma was physically involved in the railway construction. He was there. He engaged those who were constructing the railway, and that shows how…