Windhoek Observer – Page 31 – Windhoek Observer

14 Aug

Namibia’s Eurobond Redemption: A Fiscal Win with Real-Life Benefits

Editorial, Featured, Opinions

In a time when news about public finances often comes wrapped in alarm bells and warnings, Namibia has given us a story worth celebrating. The country is on track to fully redeem its US$750 million Eurobond when it matures in October 2025. This is not just a technical achievement in debt management; it’s proof that disciplined planning and consistent follow-through can pay off, and it’s the kind of success that can have real meaning for ordinary Namibians. Nicholas Mukasa, Director of Financial Markets at the Bank of Namibia, confirmed recently that “we are on target to redeem that bond when…

14 Aug

Hon Sankwasa and Swapo need the ideal ideological disposition!

Opinions

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro FOR what it is worth! Yours Truly Ideologically could not but title this week’s column as such. Urging to join the ongoing debate pertaining to the dichotomy between the Minister of Urban and Rural Development and elected local authority councils. Thinking whether the debate is worth the time and energy that seems to be expended on it. As if there’s ever any unclarity between the functions of these councils and the central government, and thus ministers and/or Cabinet if you wish, let alone the Minister of Urban and Rural Development (MURD). As far as Yours Truly is concerned,…

14 Aug

Responding to Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro alleging that Swanu-trained cadres never engaged in combat due to the reluctance of Swapo to facilitate their infiltration into the country

Opinions

PAUL T. SHIPALE (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) Abstract In his column Yours Truly Ideologically, Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro wrote a moving tribute in honour of the late Comrade Charles Kauraisa, who was at one point SWANU's Chairperson and Foreign Affairs Secretary at its External Council, established in Sweden in 1965. I don't personally know him, but I know my niece Ujama's father, also a Kauraisa, and I am not oblivious to the fact that they are truly grounded in revolutionary and Marxist theory. May his soul rest in peace. Sentimentality apart, what prompted us to write this piece is…

14 Aug

Over 12 000 voters update constituency details

Uncategorised

Justicia Shipena During the first week of the 2025 supplementary registration of voters (SRV), 12 270 voters changed their constituency, and 4 181 applied for duplicate voter registration cards, the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) said on Wednesday. This comes as ECN's chief executive officer, Peter Shaama, revealed that a total of 19,359 eligible voters registered between 4 and 10 August. The registration covers all 121 constituencies and 59 local authorities and will conclude on 19 August. Shaama expressed concern over the low turnout and urged all eligible voters.Namibians will vote on 26 November in the regional council and local…

14 Aug

Over 4 000 Namibians sue each other for online attacks

Main

Allexer Namundjembo More than 4,000 Namibians have sued each other for defamation of character in cases linked to social media. The inspector general, Joseph Shikongo, revealed the figures during the launch of the Ethical Use of Social Media Campaign on Wednesday at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust). Between April 2022 and April 2025, the police recorded 4 835 defamation cases, many involving public figures and social media influencers. Defamation cases have been on the rise. One of the current cases before court involves the chief of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF), Martin Kambulu Pinehas, who is suing…

14 Aug

Nandi-Ndaitwah vows to guard citizens’ share of oil wealth

Energy, National News

Justicia Shipena Namibia will not tolerate practices in the oil and gas industry that deny citizens their fair share of benefits, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has warned. She said the government will strictly monitor activities to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and the local content policy. Nandi-Ndaitwah made the remarks at the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference on Wednesday in a speech delivered on her behalf by Kornelia Shilunga, head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit in the Presidency. The third edition of the conference draws 1,161 delegates and 73 exhibitors and takes place in Windhoek under the theme “From Exploration to…

14 Aug

MUN wins case against Tsumeb smelter

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Mine Workers Union of Namibia (MUN) has won a dispute with Sinomine Tsumeb Smelter over its voluntary separation programme (VSP). A recent ruling found the company must comply with section 34 of the Labour Act. The decision followed two days of conciliation talks on 12 and 13 August 2025. Section 34 requires companies to consult employees and unions and give proper notice before asking workers to leave for economic, technological, or operational reasons. The dispute began when MUN accused Sinomine of bypassing fair labour practices by pushing ahead with the VSP without engaging the union. The union…

14 Aug

Kauandenge warns Sankwasa on overstepping authority

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The president of the Association for Localised Interest (ASOLI) and former member of parliament Joseph Kauandenge has cautioned urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa against overreaching in his role. He said the functions of ministers are outlined in the constitution, while the roles of regional and local authorities are clearly stated in various acts. “The minister’s directives therefore must embody the spirit of separation of powers and, more importantly, recognise the aspect of decentralisation, where these entities must be allowed to make their own decisions, especially so on the side of councillors as elected leaders and representatives…

14 Aug

Uukwangali gets recognised chief after 10 years

National News

Allexer Namundjembo After nearly a decade of leadership uncertainty, Eugene Siwombe Kudumo has been officially appointed as the new chief of the Uukwangali Traditional Authority. Minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa confirmed the decision in a letter dated 12 August 2025, addressed to Sisindi Mbambero, a member of the Uukwangali Chiefs Council. The Uukwangali community has been without a recognised chief since the passing of chief Daniel Sitentu Mpasi on 17 December 2014. Leadership succession was delayed due to disputes within the royal family and legal challenges, including a 2019 High Court ruling that set aside Siwombe’s initial…

14 Aug

Finding Common Ground: Sustainable Development in Namibia

Opinions

Mandy Hattingh Namibia is well known for its biodiversity and ecotourism appeal. Equally, its rich endowment of mineral resources has, for over a century, fuelled economic growth, infrastructure development, and job creation. As the government considers the Revised National Policy on Prospecting and Mining in Protected Areas and Other Environmentally Sensitive Areas, it does so at a moment that demands nuance and pragmatism. This policy will test whether Namibia can meaningfully balance two cornerstones of its national identity: its global conservation standing and its status as one of Africa’s most stable, investment-friendly mining jurisdictions. Achieving this balance is both possible…