Windhoek Observer

Stefanus Nashama McHenry Venaani, the leader of Namibia's official opposition party, the Popular Democratic Movement, has taken issue with comments made by President Hage Geingob on the topic of the genocide in 1904. The President delivered the remarks at the Paris Institute of Political Studies in France last week. During the lecture, President Geingob opined that the cruelties of the apartheid-era South African regime surpassed the severity of the genocide enacted by Germany against the Nama and Ovaherero peoples. Geingob said that some individuals, who collaborated with the regime during the apartheid era, are now prominent voices demanding reparations for…

Martin Endjala According to the New World Health report, Namibia is fast gaining recognition as Africa's emerging millionaire hub, owing to its favourable fiscal environment marked by low tax rates and a robust banking system. Economist, Theo Klein, believes that this positive international perception will be a boon for the country's tourism sector. “As Namibia becomes a magnet for the affluent, it is naturally set to attract a higher number of tourists. Despite a four percent decline in Europeans' intent to travel compared to the previous year, our outlook for the local tourism sector remains positive," Klein said. He noted…

Martin Endjala Utaara Mootu, a Member of Parliament from the Landless People’s Movement, emphasized the urgent need to reshape housing provision to further social justice, as stipulated in the Namibian Constitution and international conventions. Mootu made these comments in Parliament earlier this week while presenting a motion aimed at addressing the country's housing shortage and identifying suitable delivery solutions. She highlighted the importance of housing, describing it as a cornerstone of societal welfare and a fundamental aspect influencing multiple areas of human life. “Beyond merely providing shelter, housing plays a pivotal role in influencing physical and mental health, ensuring economic…

Niël Terblanché Namibia's dedication to fairness and impartiality in its legal proceedings saw to it that Justice Moses Chinhengo was inaugurated as Acting Judge of the High Court of Namibia this week. His specific mandate is to preside over the trial of the state vs. Ricardo Gustavo and 27 others, all embroiled in the notorious FishRot corruption scandal. President Hage Geingob, acting on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission, appointed Chinhengo to serve until December 2023. Judge-President Petrus Damaseb officiated the swearing-in, announcing Judge Chinhengo's primary assignment shortly after the ceremony. This appointment follows the earlier swearing-in of acting…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Namibia has earmarked N$26 million for the construction of the headquarters for the Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL) in Windhoek. The announcement came from Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, Anna Shiwedha, during the third Ordinary Meeting of the SASSCAL Council of Ministers in Luanda, Angola. Although the project has encountered challenges that have delayed progress, Shiwedha confirmed that construction is slated to begin in the first quarter of 2024. She emphasized that building the SASSCAL headquarters is a top priority for the member states involved, which include…

Martin Enjala President Hage Geingob has urged the International High-Level Panel on Water Investments for Africa to mobilise US$30 billion annually for water investments by 2030. Speaking at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Geingob highlighted that Namibia recently released a report titled “Africa’s Rising Investment Tide: How to Mobilise US$30 Billion Annually to Achieve Water Security and Sustainable Sanitation in Africa.” The Namibian leader emphasized that the report provides clear strategies for marshalling the resources needed to meet Africa’s goals on water security and sustainable sanitation. “As leaders, we must bridge the water…