Windhoek Observer – Page 54 – Windhoek Observer

09 Dec

Former NYC board members drag Steenkamp to court

Uncategorised

Renthia Kaimbi Four former interim board members of the National Youth Council (NYC) have taken minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Sanet Steenkamp to court, claiming she breached a settlement agreement by appointing a new interim board. The urgent application was filed last month and seeks to overturn the minister’s decision. The applicants, Hendrik Pandulomwene Theofilus, Vistoria Iita, Curtis Andrew and Serron Nghoshi, filed the case against 19 respondents, including the ministers of education and finance, the NYC and several former and current board members. They were appointed as interim board members by former minister of Sport,…

09 Dec

WBCG project manager quits after claiming toxic work environment

National News

Justicia Shipena Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG) project officer Verna Tjivera has resigned after accusing senior management of sexual harassment, bullying and forcing her into constructive dismissal. In a letter dated 1 December 2025, seen by the Windhoek Observer and written by her lawyer Richard Metcalfe to acting chief executive officer Edward Shivute of WBCG, Tjivera detailed her allegations. She said she faced sexual harassment and “disgusting chauvinistic behaviour” from former CEO Hippy Tjivikua and logistics manager Gilbert Boois, creating an “odious toxic environment” that made it impossible for her to work. Tjivera said she first raised a formal grievance…

09 Dec

Family beach day outing ends in tragedy at Swakopmund

National News

Allexer Namundjembo A family day at the beach ended in tragedy on Sunday when one 12-year-old girl drowned at Platz am Meer beach in Swakopmund. Another 12-year-old girl nearly drowned and is recovering in hospital. Erongo regional police said the incident happened between 13h00 and 14h00 on Sunday. The police report for the weekend stated that the family had travelled from Walvis Bay to spend the day at the coast. “Preliminary information indicates that the two girls were in the company of their parents around the mall area before they proceeded to the beach. They were reportedly playing in the…

09 Dec

Labour Law course builds worker confidence

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The deputy executive director of the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations, Aune Mudjanima, told labour law graduates that their qualifications strengthen workers’ ability to defend their rights and negotiate fair conditions in the workplace. She told graduates in Windhoek that a certificate in labour law equips them to take on meaningful roles in collective bargaining and worker representation. “This is a blueprint to progress, accredited at Level 4 by the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA). You have been empowered to do collective bargaining and to advocate for workers’ rights. An educated worker is a stronger negotiator who ensures…

09 Dec

Tribute to Her Excellency Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, a pan-African legacy of courage, leadership and feminine strength

Opinions

PAUL T. SHIPALE (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) With solemn respect and heartfelt sorrow, we stand with the people of Ghana, with the Rawlings family, and with all Africans whose lives were touched by the extraordinary legacy of Her Excellency Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings. Her passing marks not only the departure of a former First Lady but also the transition of a woman whose presence redefined service, transformed communities, and left an imprint on the very trajectory of African social and political progress. As Ghana grants her the honour of a state funeral, our reflections extend far beyond her…

09 Dec

Namibia’s diplomacy must serve the nation, not factional interests

Editorial, Featured, Opinions

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s commissioning of seven new heads of mission signals an important moment for Namibia’s diplomatic future. The appointments, to Nigeria, Belgium, Zambia, Ghana, Japan, Egypt, and Zimbabwe, arrive at a time when the nation is recalibrating its foreign policy to centre economic diplomacy, investment attraction, and strategic global partnerships. The President’s message was clear and firm: these envoys must prioritise national development interests and project a credible Namibian profile to the world. The newly appointed ambassadors deserve sincere congratulations. Walde Natangwe Ndevashiya, Alfredo Tjirimo Hengari, Goms Menette, Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, Rosina //Hoabes, Weich Murcle Uapendura Mupya, and David Thomas…

09 Dec

MTC unveils strategy to drive digital future

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) has announced a new strategy aimed at shifting the company from a traditional mobile operator to a regional digital powerhouse. MTC's managing director Licky Erastus unveiled the plan on Monday during the presentation of the 2025 annual results. He said the company has identified seven key pillars to protect its core business and expand into new digital markets. The roadmap focuses on protecting mobile revenue, winning the home market, growing enterprise services, building digital platforms, scaling fintech solutions, establishing a national data centre and expanding into local and regional markets. Erastus said the strategy…

09 Dec

FNB Namibia Retail announces Luvindao CEO

Observer Money

Staff Writer FNB Namibia Retail has appointed Mbo Luvindao as its new chief executive officer. Luvindao steps into the role with more than 20 years of senior and executive leadership experience in Namibia’s banking and financial services sector. He began his career at Bank Windhoek, where he held several leadership roles, including head of the SME segment. He later joined NamPost as executive for financial services, where he led the Savings Bank and helped shape and implement the organisation’s strategy. Before joining FNB, Luvindao served as chief commercial officer at Letshego Bank Namibia. He was responsible for driving the bank’s…

09 Dec

MTC will face competition from Paratus, Starlink

Observer Money

Staff Writer Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) has reported strong financial results for the 2025 financial year, supported by favourable operating conditions and ongoing strategic investments. Financial analyst Max Rix from Simonis Storm rated the stock a “measured buy,” pointing to its attractive valuation and strong cash flows, but also noting growing competitive pressure. MTC’s total income rose to N$3.71 billion, an increase of 14 to 15% year-on-year. The prepaid segment performed well, with subscriber numbers rising by 4.3% and average revenue per user growing by 14.6%. This lifted mobile revenue at a time when prepaid markets in many emerging economies…

09 Dec

Companies announce high-stakes decisions on NSX

Observer Money

Staff Writer The first week of December has been unusually active on the Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX), with listed companies reporting major share trades, corporate governance shifts and updates to executive incentive plans. Capricorn Group Limited confirmed a significant on-market transaction involving one of its directors. Marthinus Johannes Prinsloo sold 385,347 ordinary shares on 5 December at N$26 per share, a transaction valued at just over N$10 million. The group said the sale was direct and beneficial and that Prinsloo had received the necessary clearance in line with Namibian Securities Exchange rules. Global mining company Anglo American also issued a…