Windhoek Observer

12983 Posts
Parliamentary committee irks Stampriet water group

Parliamentary committee irks Stampriet water group

Staff Writer The Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association (Sauma) has raised concerns about a report tabled in Parliament by the standing committee on natural resources recommending that Headspring Investments be allowed to drill and carry out in situ uranium extraction at its Omaheke sites in the transboundary Stampriet Artesian Basin. Sauma said it was surprised by the committee’s findings and stated that it was not consulted during the process despite efforts to engage with the committee. The association said the committee appeared to have engaged only with Headspring Investments, a foreign-owned company. “This raises fundamental questions about the transparency, balance,…
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Bannerman appoints Chamberlain as managing director

Bannerman appoints Chamberlain as managing director

Staff Writer  Bannerman Energy Ltd has strengthened its board with the appointment of chief executive officer Gavin Chamberlain as managing director and Danny Goeman as an independent non-executive director. Chamberlain joined Bannerman as chief operating officer in February 2023 and was promoted to chief executive officer in March 2024. He has experience in construction, engineering and project management in the mining sector in southern Africa. Chamberlain previously served as project director for the development of the US$2 billion Husab Uranium Project in Namibia, which is now one of the world’s largest operating uranium mines. Goeman joined Bannerman in May 2025…
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MultiChoice to discontinue Showmax

MultiChoice to discontinue Showmax

Staff Writer  MultiChoice, part of CANAL+ SA, has announced that the Showmax streaming service will be discontinued following a review of its streaming operations. The decision was taken by the Showmax Board of Directors as the company reassessed its position in the global streaming market. MultiChoice said the review focused on financial sustainability and investment priorities in a competitive and capital-intensive streaming environment. The company noted that the Showmax business has recorded substantial annual losses that are no longer sustainable. “The decision to phase out Showmax reflects our focus on building a sustainable, competitive business for the long term in…
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Standard Bank named best trade finance provider 

Standard Bank named best trade finance provider 

Staff Writer  Standard Bank Namibia has been named the Best Trade Finance Provider in Namibia in the 2026 Global Finance Best Trade Finance Providers Awards. The award recognises the bank’s role in supporting cross-border trade, investment flows and business expansion. It comes as Namibia prepares for increased activity in sectors such as mining, energy, oil and gas, logistics and export agriculture. As global trade conditions shift and competition increases, businesses are seeking stronger risk management tools, efficient working capital solutions and reliable cross-border support. Standard Bank Namibia said its Corporate and Investment Banking division has expanded its trade finance services…
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Nekundi turns to AG over illegal Yango operators

Nekundi turns to AG over illegal Yango operators

Justicia Shipena The government is engaging the office of the attorney general on what legal route to take to hold e-hailing companies accountable for allowing illegal operators on their platforms. Works and Transport minister Veikko Nekundi revealed this in the National Assembly on Thursday while responding to questions from Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) member of parliament Nelson Kalangula about compliance by e-hailing drivers with Namibian transport laws. Nekundi said the Ministry of Works and Transport conducted inspections at the Windhoek offices of Yango to determine whether drivers on the platform comply with Namibian regulations. “It follows that the Ministry…
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Is this what the youth is telling us about the future?

Is this what the youth is telling us about the future?

Chaos in the National Assembly is no longer shocking. It is becoming routine. This week, proceedings descended into disorder after National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) member of parliament Vetaruhe Kandorozu questioned the citizenship of deputy minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Dino Ballotti and told him to “go back to Italy.”  The deputy speaker, Phillipus Katamelo, ruled the remarks unparliamentary. Swapo members of parliament walked out in protest after the matter was referred to the standing committee on rules. The session collapsed. We have written before about the conduct of our parliamentarians, on both sides of the…
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Tempers flare over Kandorozu’s racist remarks 

Tempers flare over Kandorozu’s racist remarks 

Justicia Shipena  Political analyst Ben Mulongeni says the conduct of National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) member of parliament Vetaruhe Kandorozu in the National Assembly on Wednesday appears to be an attempt to gain popularity. During the session, chaos erupted in the chamber after Kandorozu refused to withdraw comments questioning the citizenship of deputy minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Dino Ballotti. “Now he is trying to wake up when the fight is over. That fight is over; that era is over. I think he’s trying to be popular,” Mulongeni said in an interview with the Windhoek Observer. …
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Graduates’ degrees continue collecting dust 

Graduates’ degrees continue collecting dust 

Staff Writer  When Maria Nghipandulwa graduated with a Bachelor of Education in 2022, her family believed years of sacrifice had finally paid off. Her framed certificate hangs on the wall of her parents’ home in Katutura. It remains a symbol of an achievement that has not yet translated into employment. At 29, she told the Windhoek Observer that she has submitted more than 40 job applications. “Schools say there are no posts or they want experience,” she said. “How do you get experience if no one gives you a first chance?” Three years after graduating, she remains unemployed. She relies…
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Regional development fund spends only 21% of housing budget

Regional development fund spends only 21% of housing budget

Renthia Kaimbi The Trust Fund for Regional Development and Equity Provisions underperformed on its housing mandate in the 2024/25 financial year.  This despite auditor general Junias Kandjeke issuing an unqualified opinion on the fund’s financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.  Kandjeke's latest audit showed the fund struggled to convert its financial position into results for communities waiting for houses and serviced land. The fund spent only 21% of its approved project budget against a target of 100%. The audit attributes the low spending rate to new projects being planned late in the financial year.  Many projects were…
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Luvindao promotes positive parenting to protect children

Luvindao promotes positive parenting to protect children

Allexer Namundjembo Minister of health and social services Esperance Luvindao says positive parenting remains the strongest tool to address violence against children, poor child development and long-term poverty. She spoke at the launch of the national parent and caregiver handbook and facilitator guide at the Hilton Hotel in Windhoek on Wednesday. Luvindao said investment in families must be treated as a national development priority. “The family unit is the bedrock of our national development. If the family is weak, the nation is weak. But if the family is strong, supported and nurtured, our potential is limitless,” she said. She said…
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