Windhoek Observer – Page 311 – Windhoek Observer

01 Apr

Swakop River reaches the Atlantic Ocean after heavy rains

National News

Niël Terblanché The Swakop River has once again reached the Atlantic Ocean, drawing hundreds of residents of both Swakopmund and Walvis Bay to its banks to witness this rare natural event. Sustained rainfall over Namibia's interior replenished the river and its tributaries, enabling the flow to extend to the sea. The last occurrence of this phenomenon was on 16 February 2022, when the river flowed into the ocean after an 11-year pause. At that time, residents celebrated by gathering at the river mouth, with some assisting the flow by digging channels in the sand. The Swakop River, an ephemeral watercourse,…

01 Apr

The Impact of Colonial Borders on Post-Independence African States: A Case Study of the DRC and Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania, and South Africa and Zimbabwe

Opinions

Lot Ndamanomhata The artificial borders imposed by colonial powers during the Scramble for Africa have had profound and lasting effects on African states. The Berlin Conference (1884–1885) formalized the division of Africa among European colonial powers, often disregarding pre-existing ethnic, cultural, and political entities (Herbst, 2000). These arbitrary borders have led to fragmented communities, cross-border tensions, and challenges in governance. This article examines the effects of colonial borders on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania, and South Africa and Zimbabwe, highlighting the socio-political challenges that have emerged post-independence. Furthermore, the article explores international comparisons and…

01 Apr

Kavango deserves better: why appointed governors undermine true democracy

Featured, Opinions

Joseph Diescho The consternation or unhappiness about the appointment of brother Julius Hamunyera Hambyuka (Mukwanzadi) as 'governor' of Kavango East is not about rejecting him as a person or impugning the decision of the President who has the prerogative to appoint 'governors' under the current laws. The unhappiness is about the bigger picture of Namibian Democracy and Popular Political Participation. It reveals the awkward context of Kavango political participation in Namibian politics. The reality in which this appointment took place is most unfortunate. Here is why: The appointment of these so-called governors in the 35 years old Namibia must be…

01 Apr

GIPF assets grow to N$167 billion

Observer Money

Niël Terblanché The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) has reported robust growth for the 2023/24 financial year, with its asset value increasing to N$167 billion, up from N$151 billion the previous year. The figures were presented on Tuesday during the launch of the fund’s 2024 Integrated Annual Report (IAR) in Windhoek. The GIPF’s chief executive officer and principal officer, Martin Inkumbi, said the fund had successfully navigated uncertainties and continues to grow and meet its obligations whilst having consideration for the GIPF’s future performance and prospects. He added that the IAR reflects the fund’s financial and non-financial performance from 1…

01 Apr

Project to provide essential service launched in Wagdaar

National News

Niël Terblanché A project aimed at enhancing the living conditions of residents in the Wagdaar area has commenced with an official launch by the Swakopmund Municipality. On Monday, the municipal council handed over the site to Zero Six Five Trading JV Mawila Technical Services to begin infrastructure development in Extension 42, covering 310 erven. Wagdaar, situated northeast of Swakopmund and adjacent to the Democratic Resettlement Community (DRC), has historically lacked essential municipal and electrical infrastructure. While some community facilities have benefited from basic services such as streetlights and communal taps, the area remains largely unserviced. Municipality spokesperson Linda Mupupa said…

01 Apr

Young people sign up for MTC 4Life business skills and start-up capital programme

National News

Over 250 unemployed youths from the Erongo, Hardap, Omaheke, and Zambezi regions have applied for the 2025 edition of the MTC 4Life Project, which offers specialised business training and seed capital to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The MTC 4Life Project, launched in 2023, is a youth empowerment initiative aimed at tackling unemployment by equipping young Namibians with business and practical skills. So far, 91 youth have been trained through the programme, with a total investment of N$3.5 million over the past two years. For this year’s round, MTC has allocated N$1.5 million from its Corporate Social Investment (CSI)…

01 Apr

Windhoek taxi drivers blame potholes for worn tires

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Taxi drivers in Windhoek say pothole-riddled streets are wearing down their tyres, and they are calling on the City of Windhoek’s traffic law enforcement division to stop issuing fines for tyre conditions they believe are caused by poor infrastructure. Heavy rains have damaged many roads across the city, making driving conditions difficult and expensive for public transport operators. Frans Natangwe, a taxi driver, said he has replaced his tyres five times since the rainy season began. “To be honest, we want the roads fixed, but we understand that it’s difficult to repair them right now due to the…

01 Apr

Ballotti steps down from Julinho Athletic FC

Featured, Sports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Debmarine Namibia Premier League side Julinho Sporting Football Club has confirmed the departure of Dino Ballotti as chairman, following his appointment as deputy minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture. The club announced that Fabio do Rego will take over as chairman. The club vice president, Norton Luis, said the leadership change was necessary to avoid any conflict of interest and to uphold the integrity of the sport. Luis described Do Rego as a committed football supporter with a clear vision for the club’s future. “We are proud of Honourable Dino Ballotti and grateful for his…

01 Apr

Pension grants delayed amid payment uncertainty

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Senior citizens across the country have not received their pension grants as expected on 1 April, raising concern over delays in the disbursement of monthly social support. The Ministry of Finance and Social Grants Management says payments were processed on time, but the reason the funds have not reached recipients remains unclear. The finance ministry’s spokesperson, Wilson Shikoto, said the government had fulfilled its payment responsibilities. “The payment was done. So, whatever happened between us and NamPost, we cannot explain. But all we can say is that the payment is done. We are sure that the payment is…

01 Apr

Khomas100 gravel race gains UCI status

Sports

Niël Terblanché The Khomas100 gravel cycling race has earned a place on the international sporting calendar, following confirmation that the 2025 edition will not only serve as the Namibian National Gravel Championships but also as the African Continental Gravel Championship. In addition, it has been granted qualifier status for the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Gravel World Series, with top riders securing a coveted spot at the UCI Gravel World Championships in Europe this October. The news was announced at the official launch of the 2025 event at Hollard Namibia’s offices in Windhoek. Hollard has renewed its headline sponsorship of the…