Windhoek Observer

Martin Endjala In response to the persistent drought in Namibia, First National Bank has launched a drought relief initiative to support the agricultural sector. Sepo Haihambo, the bank’s commercial chief executive officer, said that the initiative aligns with the Bank of Namibia’s recent policy changes aimed at promoting economic and financial stability amid the ongoing drought. “FNB Namibia is pleased to offer loan moratoriums, loan restructuring, and emergency funding with preferential terms to qualifying farmers and agricultural clients affected by Namibia’s drought,” said Haihambo. The move follows the Bank of Namibia’s new determination requiring banks to implement drought relief measures.…

Mallex Shipanga Legal experts from Namibia’s Society of Advocates have raised objections to the “Definition of Spouse Bill,” which was passed in July 2023. The society is arguing that the bill contravenes the Namibian Constitution. In a statement issued on 3 December, the president of the Society of Advocates, Natasha Bassingthwaighte addressed the bill. She explained that the constitution does not allow the parliament to pass this law. “The constitution specifically states that parliament shall not make any law that abolishes or abridges the fundamental rights and freedoms conferred by the constitution and that any law that does so is…

Martin Endjala TransUnion Namibia’s country manager, Lara Enslin has urged consumers to avoid taking on additional debt during the festive season, emphasising the importance of maintaining a good credit score. In an interview with the Windhoek Observer on Wednesday, Enslin advised individuals to avoid maxing out credit facilities and to monitor their credit usage. She recommended keeping credit utilisation below 35% of the limit and prioritising the repayment of outstanding balances. “So if you check the credit limits on your loan accounts, credit cards, and overdrafts, see how much you owe on each. You plan to maintain a healthy amount…

Stefanus Nashama Matheus Mhani, the presiding officer for the Windhoek Rural Constituency during the 2024 presidential and national assembly elections, has denied allegations of election rigging involving 500 000 ballot papers reportedly filled in favour of Swapo. The allegations, circulating on WhatsApp and other social media platforms, accuse Mhani, a member of the Namibian Police, Gidein Shino, and the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) officials of plotting to manipulate results. "Those are false allegations. I am not the author. I do not know who is trying to use my name in connection with things that are not true. Even the…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The homestead of Chief Hosea Kutako in the Toasis village near Aminius in the Omaheke region was officially declared a national monument during a special ceremony on Tuesday. The event led by President Nangolo Mbumba also marked the inauguration of the Hosea Kutako Memorial Museum and Homestead Shrine. Mbumba emphasised the significance of the site in Namibia's history. “It represents the unity of the Namibian people, which carried them during the fight against racism, German colonialism and illegal apartheid occupation,” said Mbumba. The President praised Chief Kutako as an iconic nationalist who championed peace, unity, and justice for…

Mallex Shipanga The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) have called on the nation to strengthen efforts to combat corruption. The two institutions issued the call on 9 December, which is observed as International Anti-Corruption Day. The United Nations (UN) established International Anti-Corruption Day on 9 December to raise awareness about and combat corruption. According to the IPPR’s executive director, Graham Hopwood, corruption exacerbates inequality, undermines development, and weakens public trust by diverting resources meant to improve lives. Through the Integrity Namibia Project, he encouraged the public to combat corruption and strengthen integrity in various…

Niël Terblanché Namibia has achieved a new historic milestone in addressing past land disparities with the establishment of the first communal land in the Khomas Region. The Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Calle Schlettwein, officially handed over 8 132 hectares of land to the !Khomanin Traditional Authority on a historic day for the community and the nation. Schwlettwein said that the land, which comprises the farms Groot Korasieplaats and Portion 1 of Groot Korasieplaats, was acquired by the government at a cost of N$33.9 million. “Today, I am a happy man. It is an emotional moment because we…

Stefanus Nashama Paulus Shimooshili, a member of the Affirmative Repositioning (AR), accused the Okahandja Town Council of mismanaging funds and neglecting essential services. He highlighted the non-functional state of public toilet facilities as a glaring example of the municipality's failure to address basic needs. The accusations stem from the state of public toilet facilities in the municipality, which have reportedly been out of service for over three years. The facilities were built to serve the public when visiting the municipality for services. “These toilets have remained non-functional despite repeated complaints,” Shimooshili said. Shimooshili said he found out that the toilets…