Windhoek Observer

The festive season promises a significant boost to Namibia’s hospitality sector, with domestic and SADC visitors expected to drive demand, particularly in the northern and coastal regions, which remain key holiday destinations. This anticipated surge presents an opportunity to enhance economic performance through targeted promotional campaigns and service improvements in these high-traffic areas. NWR ’s initiatives, such as the Namleisure card and upcoming Black Friday specials, are well-aligned with the need to foster domestic and regional tourism. By addressing affordability and accessibility, these efforts are likely to stimulate greater interest in exploring Namibia’s diverse landscapes and cultural offerings. South African…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja, Allexer Namundjebo, Martin Endjala Namibians across the country faced long waits and numerous challenges on election day for the 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections. Amid the heat, logistical issues at polling stations, power outages, and frustrations among voters created a tense atmosphere that hindered the smooth running of the process. People started lining up at polling stations as early as 04:00 on Wednesday, hoping to be among the first to cast their vote. Many of them were unprepared for the delays and chaos that plagued election day. The voting process in the Oshikoto Region, specifically at Omuthiya,…

Hertta-maria Amutenja, Martin Endjala, Allexer Namundjembo The 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections were overshadowed by logistical issues, including ballot paper shortages and operational delays at various polling stations. Polling stations such as Omeya Golf Estate, Mix Settlement, Finkenstein, Brakwater Shopping Centre, and Centaurus High School in the Khomas Region, as well as Omudaungilo Constituency in the Ohangwena Region, reported running out of ballot papers by 15h00. These challenges have frustrated voters and prompted calls for urgent action from political stakeholders and civil society. The Independent Patriots for Change’s (IPC) leader, Panduleni Itula, has accused the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN)…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The High Court has ordered the former Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) chairperson for Swakopmund, Milton Augumeb, to retract defamatory statements he made about the leadership of the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN). On 25 November, the court also instructed Augumeb, who had claimed that the union's leadership was in crisis and that the national executive committee (NEC) was involved in the misappropriation of funds, to issue a public apology. Augumeb was also ordered to unconditionally retract the said defamatory statement. In addition, he must issue a public apology for the aforementioned defamatory statements within 14 days. Augumeb…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The United States Embassy in Namibia has issued a safety advisory to its citizens, urging them to remain vigilant during and after the country’s presidential and national assembly elections. The elections were held on Wednesday. In a statement shared on its social media platforms, the embassy highlighted the potential for heightened activity during the election period. “Throughout this period, as well as over the days following the elections, rallies and demonstrations may occur,” the statement read. The embassy advised American nationals in Namibia to avoid large crowds and stay alert. “Maintain a low profile, carry proper identification, review…