Windhoek Observer – Page 297 – Windhoek Observer

25 Jun

Union slams new home loan scheme as ‘another bank product’

National News

Justicia Shipena Financial experts and civil servant union representatives have warned that the newly endorsed Pension-Backed Home Loan (PBHL) scheme could push public workers deeper into debt if not properly managed and aligned with wage growth. The ministry of finance endorsed the scheme on Wednesday, describing it as a step toward affordable housing for government employees. Teachers Union of Namibia (TUN) secretary general Mahongora Kavihuha said the scheme is simply “another loan product” and fails to empower workers. “Yes, I’ve been saying all along, buying a house is a payslip issue; your income determines what you qualify for. If the…

25 Jun

CoW to take over recyclable waste collection

National News

Allexer Namundjebo The City of Windhoek (CoW) says it never had a formal contract with Rent-A-Drum for the collection and removal of the well-known clear recycling bags from residential areas. CoW spokesperson Lydia Amutenya told Windhoek Observer that the municipality is not ending any contract, as no official agreement was ever in place. Amutenya responded to growing public concern over the future of household recyclable waste collection in Windhoek. She explained that since 2010, Rent-A-Drum, a private waste recycling company, has voluntarily collected the clear recycling bags. She stressed that there was no binding contract between the company and the…

25 Jun

Shortages of doctors push ministry toward private sector support

Featured, National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Ministry of Health and Social Services has confirmed that ongoing staff shortages and high patient volumes during night hours at Katutura Health Centre have led it to request private doctors to offer their services for free. The ministry appealed to registered medical officers in private practice to volunteer for evening shifts at the busy Windhoek-based facility from 17h00 to 23h00, starting 1 July and continuing until further notice. Ministry spokesperson Walters Kamaya explained that while Katutura Health Centre has a good number of staff, the volume of patients at night often exceeds the current workforce's capacity. “At…

25 Jun

ECN unveils 2025 election roadmap

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) launched the 2025 electoral calendar and voter and civic education campaign on Wednesday in Windhoek. This marks the start of preparations for this year’s Regional Council and Local Authority elections. ECN chairperson Elsie Nghikembua described the electoral calendar as more than just a timeline. “This calendar is not merely the showcasing of dates; it is a beacon guiding us towards active engagement in our democratic rights and responsibilities,” she said. Nghikembua also confirmed that a post-election review of the 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections has been completed. "I wish to assure…

25 Jun

Cardiac unit places Namibia at the forefront in Africa

National News

Niël Terblanché Windhoek Central Hospital now hosts the country's most advanced cardiac care unit, placing the country among the top in Africa for specialised heart treatment. Only South Africa and Egypt have similar facilities. Namibia’s unit is the third of its kind on the continent and the first in the country to treat both adults and children under one roof. Prime minister Elijah Ngurare highlighted the achievement during a visit to the ministry of health and social services on Monday. He toured the cardiac unit and praised medical teams for serving both public and private patients. “I urge all of…

25 Jun

Kauandenge’s new party targets five local authority councils

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Association for Localised Interest (ASOLI), a political party formed three months ago, is planning to contest the upcoming local authority elections in Windhoek, Ongwediva, Swakopmund, Otjiwarongo, and Karibib. ASOLI president Joseph Kauandenge said on Wednesday that the party has seen rapid growth since its formation. He believes the party now has strong support in the five local authorities and is ready to compete with established political players. “In light of the fact that the Electoral Commission today made the election calendar for the 2025 elections public, we want to inform the nation that ASOLI will participate in…

25 Jun

SACU ministers forced to confront tariff threats

National News

Niël Terblanché Finance minister Ericah Shafudah opened the 52nd meeting of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Council of Ministers with a warning that the months ahead will test the bloc’s ability to protect export markets and drive industrial reform. Speaking in Windhoek on Wednesday, as Namibia’s term as SACU chair comes to an end, Shafudah told delegates, “This is indeed a critical period for SACU as we navigate these challenging times.” Ministers from the five SACU member states are meeting for two days to respond to the United States’ new tariff policies and prepare for the possible expiry of…

25 Jun

A year of calm borders, disaster relief and veteran support

National News

Niël Terblanché Defence and veterans affairs minister Frans Kapofi says Namibia remains calm and stable, with no major threats to national security detected over the past year. Speaking at a cabinet committee briefing at the Government Information Centre last week, Kapofi said the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) has supported the Namibian Police in maintaining law and order since 1 August 2024. “The Namibia Defence Force (NDF) has persistently assisted the Namibian Police in the maintenance of law and order,” he said. He noted that soldiers stationed along the Zambezi border helped curb wildlife poaching and cattle theft. Kapofi said the…

25 Jun

Task force begins work on free tertiary education rollout

National News

Niël Terblanché The ministry of education has launched a national task force to lead the rollout of free tertiary education at public institutions. The task force will develop a comprehensive roadmap, expected by August 2025, to guide how the subsidy will be phased in. This move follows President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s announcement during her State of the Nation Address in April. Nandi-Ndaitwah said that starting with the 2026 academic year, tertiary education will be fully subsidised by the government. At the time, Nandi-Ndaitwah said students will no longer have to pay registration or tuition fees at public universities, technical or vocational…

25 Jun

‘Women-owned businesses still struggle to access capital’ – Nandi-Ndaitwah

Observer Money

Hertta-Maria Amutenja President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has stated that limited access to capital and networks continues to hinder the growth of women-owned businesses in Namibia. This challenge, she said, persists despite ongoing efforts to support female entrepreneurship. “Nearly 40% of our SMEs are now women-owned, but many still face limited access to capital and networks. Accordingly, we have to bridge this gap,” she said during a panel discussion at the US-Africa Business Summit. The discussion, titled “Women in Leadership: Driving Innovation, Catalysing Investments and Shaping Policy”, was part of the 2025 summit, marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for…