Windhoek Observer – Page 4 – Windhoek Observer

27 Feb

Energy decisions could lift construction sector

Observer Money

Staff Writer Construction will continue to support economic growth in 2026, though expansion is expected to slow from the rebound seen in 2025. According to Simonis Storm, construction growth is likely to moderate to between 4% and 6% under the base case. The slowdown reflects tighter fiscal conditions and more selective private-sector investment. Public infrastructure spending remains the main driver of activity. Investment in water, energy, transport and urban infrastructure continues to support demand. “Projects already in the pipeline include continued upgrades to bulk water supply systems, pipeline replacement and extension projects in northern and coastal regions, electricity transmission strengthening,…

27 Feb

Namibian, SA shares extend upward run

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Equity markets in Namibia and South Africa extended gains over the three trading sessions ending 25 February. The Johannesburg Stock Exchange All Share Index closed at 126,742.36 points on 25 February. This was up 1.26% on the day and 9.42% higher than its December 2025 level of 115,832.00. The index has traded between a 2026 low of 116,092.00 and a high of 126,742.36. On the Namibian market, the Namibian Securities Exchange Overall Index rose to 2,407.32 points on 25 February. It gained 0.91% on the day and 12.42% since December 2025. The index reached a new 2026 high…

27 Feb

Green economy summit charts course to viability

Observer Money

Staff Writer The Africa’s Green Economy Summit 2026 opened in Cape Town this week, bringing together policymakers, investors and business leaders to focus on turning green ambitions into practical projects. Held under the theme “From Ambition to Action: Scaling Opportunities in Africa's Green and Blue Solutions,” the summit aims to accelerate Africa’s transition to a sustainable and climate-resilient economy. Organisers said the event is designed to move beyond discussion and promote deal-making and partnerships. The focus is on converting environmental challenges into economic opportunities. “Ambition lights the path, but it does not pave it. To transform our economies and uplift…

27 Feb

Petroleum Amendment Bill: much ado about nothing!

Opinions

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro It is not its intrinsicality that has attracted Yours Truly Ideologically’s attention to the ongoing debate in the National Assembly over the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill. But the attendant hullabaloo in the august house, especially against the position and disposition of some would-be honourable members from respective sides of the house’s aisle as it would be. Positions and dispositions that, on the face of it, seemed diametrically opposed to one another. But unfortunately on close observation, they seem not so much fundamentally and ideologically. Depending on any member’s blind political loyalty instead of conscious ideology and/or…

27 Feb

Response to the editorial: “Defending the defenders of the Law”

Opinions

Paul T. Shipale (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) Protecting Justice Without Redesigning Power: A Reflection on Judicial Security, Executive Incentives, and Constitutional Balance the tragic death of Prosecutor Justine Shiweda is a national wound. She was a regional control prosecutor at the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court, a senior prosecutorial position indicating that she likely managed a significant caseload while supervising other prosecutors. She indeed stood at the front line of criminal accountability. No magistrate. No prosecutor. No judicial officer should face mortal danger for fulfilling a constitutional duty. In this regard, both the president and the chief justice said…

26 Feb

Beifang must not put profits before people

Editorial, Featured

At the heart of the latest labour unrest at Beifang Mining Technology Services (BMTS) at the Husab project is a question far larger than shift rosters or bonus formulas. It is a question about corporate citizenship, respect for Namibian labour law, and whether profitability can ever justify practices that workers experience as punitive and unfair. BMTS, a contractor operating at the Husab Mine, has in recent weeks found itself once again at odds with its workforce and the Mineworkers' Union (MUN). While earlier tensions centred on a revised shift roster that led to the dismissal of approximately 11 workers, the…

26 Feb

What will be inside Erica’s purse?

Main, National News

Chamwe Kaira All eyes will be on revenue projections when finance minister Erica Shafudah tables the 2026/27 national budget in Parliament today, as economists warn that limited income growth could force tough spending decisions. Capricorn Group chief economist Floris Bergh said the key issue will be how much revenue the government expects to collect in the 2027 financial year. He noted that the October 2025 estimate projected almost no growth, with revenue at N$90.5 billion. “If that is still the case, expenditure will have to be curtailed decisively; otherwise, the deficit will balloon to a confidence-eroding level that will be…

26 Feb

Psemas transition sparks capacity questions

National News

Allexer Namundjembo A member of parliament has raised concerns about the readiness of the public health system ahead of the planned transition of senior public servants to public facilities from 1 April 2026. Rosa Mbinge-Tjeundo of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) gave a notice of questions directed at the government, asking whether hospitals can absorb the expected influx of senior officials currently covered under the Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme (Psemas). The reform follows a directive by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah requiring senior government officials to use public healthcare facilities. Mbinge-Tjeundo said public hospitals already face overcrowding, staff shortages and…

26 Feb

Beifang workers oppose sick leave bonus cuts

National News

Renthia Kaimbi Workers at Beifang Mining Technology Services at the Husab Project are challenging a bonus policy that links sick leave to incentive payments. The dispute follows the company’s introduction of a new shift roster on 3 February. The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations has confirmed the roster's lawfulness and compliance with Namibia's Labour Act, according to management. The change triggered unrest among workers. Soon after the new roster took effect, the company recorded a rise in sick leave. An internal memorandum shows that between 3 and 22 February, employees recorded 322 sick leave days. Management described the figure…

26 Feb

Fisheries agency chief warns on AI sovereignty

National News

Renthia Kaimbi As Namibia continues to battle illegal fishing in its Exclusive Economic Zone, chief executive officer of the Fisheries Observer Agency, Stanley Ndara, says the country must adopt artificial intelligence to strengthen monitoring, but he warns against losing control over critical systems. Ndara said AI can play a key role in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. He stressed that technology alone is not enough without strong governance. “However, there is a caveat to this, and it relates to AI governance and trust,” Ndara warned in an interview with the Windhoek Observer. Namibia currently uses monitoring, control, and surveillance…