Observer – Page 8 – Windhoek Observer

27 Oct

Mayors meet to tackle urban challenges

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché Fifty-seven mayors from across the country convened at Swakopmund to discuss the future of local governance challenges last week for their annual general meeting (AGM) of the National Mayors Forum. The discussions at the AGM centred on a wide range of issues, including governance, infrastructure, economic development, and sustainability. The forum was hailed by Swakopmund mayor Dina Namubes as an opportunity for productive discussions aimed at enhancing the sustainability and progress of Namibia’s municipalities. In her opening address, Namubes highlighted the significance of the gathering, describing the mayors as “vibrant leaders” committed to creating a better future for…

27 Oct

CoW to generate electricity from waste

ObserverObserver Money

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The City of Windhoek (CoW) is planning to build a waste-to-energy plant to generate bulk electricity and improve waste management. The municipality explained this in a statement issued over the weekend where it said that the initiative aims to diversify energy supply, enhance the security of electricity provision, and reduce carbon emissions. “The proposed facility is expected to process 250 tons of waste per day, equivalent to 8.5 MW of electricity and 17.5 MW of heat, with the possibility to increase capacity to 400 tons per day by incorporating waste from neighbouring urban centres,” reads the statement. According…

27 Oct

No permit for Air Botswana Windhoek and Durban route

ObserverObserver Money

Allexer Namundjembo The anticipated launch of Air Botswana’s new flights to Windhoek and Durban, originally set for October 1, will not happen anytime soon as the airline is reported to yet to apply for operational permits in South Africa and Namibia. Media in Botswana reported last week that Air Botswana also lacks both the crew and aircraft needed to service these routes, with the newly acquired E175 aircraft still grounded. According to the Tuesday Grill newspaper, a source explained that the ERJ145 aircraft, planned for Namibia operations, will be registered with Namibian authorities and operated by FlyNamibia. Furthermore, FlyNamibia’s crew…

27 Oct

Otjimbele grape project aims to fill gaps in Namibia

ObserverObserver MoneyAsparagus Agro-Processing Project, Carlos Lertxundi Aretxaga

Martin Endjala The Otjimbele grape project in the Omusati region is planning on growing crops that are not readily available in the local market as part of its long-term strategy. The project will grow watermelon, maize, wheat, spanspek, sweet potato, and butternut to substitute imports and meet local market demands. The founder and chief executive officer of the project, Carlos Lertxundi Aretxaga, last week told the media that this is part of a N$120 million investment to revitalise the former Asparagus Agro-Processing Project. “Namibia is a net importer of some of these products. So what we want to do is…

27 Oct

Green hydrogen revolution driven by strong partnerships

ObserverEnergy, Observer MoneyGreen Industrialisation Blueprint

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s ambition to lead Africa’s energy transition, aligning with its Green Industrialisation Blueprint has taken another step forward with the visit by Lei Zhang, founder of Envision last week. Collaboration with Envision, a global leader in renewable energy established in China, will boost Namibia on its journey towards becoming a key player in green industrialisation. Zhang met with government officials to explore opportunities to position the country as a major hub for green hydrogen production. During his visit, Zhang engaged with key figures such as Obeth Kandjoze, chair of the Green Hydrogen Council, and Lucia Iipumbu, minister of…

27 Oct

Job Opportunities in Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Sector

ObserverOpinions

Joseph Mukendwa Namibia's Green Hydrogen sector isn’t just about producing energy—it represents a full value chain that involves producing, handling, storing, and transporting hydrogen. More than that, it has the potential to boost local industries, such as producing Green Hot Briquetted Iron and processing critical raw materials, which can drive the country’s industrial growth. According to the Green Industrialisation Blueprint, fully developing Namibia's synthetic fuel strategy could create up to 250,000 jobs. This includes about 185,000 direct jobs from green hydrogen activities, like building wind and solar farms, operating pipelines, and assembling electrolysers, and around 70,000 jobs related to concrete…

27 Oct

Unpacking Netumbo’s leadership vision for Namibia

ObserverOpinions

Toini Sam Netumbo Ndemupelila Nandi-Ndaitwah ( NNNN) has served in various leadership positions and demonstrated her dedication to the Namibian nation. Her leadership vision is forward-looking and centered on a social economic developmental model grounded in five key principles: Pragmatism, Integrity, Accountability, Meritocracy, and Inclusivity, abbreviated as (PIAMI), which she relates to Namibia’s context - simple yet effective and efficient. Netumbo aims to build on her predecessors’ legacy with creativity and innovation while promoting these principles. Despite numerous challenges, she has remained resilient and committed to serving her people beyond the call of duty. She is a tried and tested…

27 Oct

Namibia and South Africa – Partners in History, Allies in the Future

ObserverFeatured, OpinionsNamibia and South Africa’s bond, Namibia’s history, Robben Island

Bo Mbindwane As Namibia moves toward elections, it’s a critical moment to recognize not only the nation’s historical legacy but also its potential future. A strikingly important yet often overlooked aspect of Namibia’s past is its experience under apartheid—a story as profound and painful as that of neighboring South Africa. Like Nelson Mandela, Namibian leaders sacrificed their freedom on Robben Island for decades to dismantle an oppressive system, striving for independence and equality for all Namibians. But while South Africa’s apartheid struggle is rightly honored on the world stage, Namibia’s history is frequently marginalized, often omitted from discussions about global…

25 Oct

Dr. Julita-Kitwe Mbangula is shaping the future of women in medicine

ObserverFeaturedDr. Julita-Kitwe Mbangula

Dr. Julita-Kitwe Mbangula, Miss Supranational Namibia 2022, is a trailblazer in women’s empowerment and the founder of The Hermosa Mimosa Affair. Beyond her beauty and grace, she is recognized for her dedication to uplifting young women in the medical field. This weekend, on 27 October, she will host an all-female gathering in Windhoek, aimed at connecting aspiring medical students and interns with experienced female leaders in the profession. Windhoek Observer had the opportunity to engage with Dr. Mbangula to learn more about her inspiring journey and the impact of her work. WO: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind…

24 Oct

What fundamental socio-economic principles underpin political manifestos?

ObserverOpinions

Kae Matundu YOURS Truly Ideologically has lately been glancing through the election manifestos of some of the political parties and formations taking part in next month’s Presidential and National Assembly elections, thereby staking with them the claim to be the next government after the elections depending on their performance at the polls. The changes they are promising to bring about are equally premised on one cardinal aspect, which may be motivating them to stake their claims to power. The Swapo Party of Namibia, the ruling party for the past 34 years since Namibia's independence, has been accused of perceived inability…