Windhoek Observer – Page 95 – Windhoek Observer

15 Aug

Malaria kills 154 in eight months

Uncategorised

Hertta-Maria Amutenja A total of 154 people died from malaria in the past eight months. The deaths have increased from 50 in 2024 to 154 this year. This means the country has recorded 204 deaths in two years. Namibia declared a malaria outbreak on 23 December 2024, mainly affecting northern parts of the country. Health minister Esperance Luvindao said that as of 1 August 2025, 95 412 malaria cases had been recorded nationwide. She said 8 936 people were hospitalised as a result. Of the total cases, 17 164 were imported from Angola, making up 18% of the total. Luvindao…

15 Aug

Data protection bill heads to parliament next month

National News

Hertta- Maria Amutenja The ministry of information and communication technology (MICT) has confirmed that the data protection bill will be tabled in parliament in September. ICT minister Emma Theofelus announced the plan during the Standard Bank Anti-Financial Crime Conference in Windhoek on Thursday. She said the bill will protect personal data, safeguard privacy, and provide a legal framework for secure digital transactions. “The data protection Bill will ensure that personal data is protected, privacy is respected, and digital transactions are secure. It will also strengthen public trust in digital platforms and support innovation by providing clear rules for the ethical…

15 Aug

Police steps up measures to curb inmate escapes

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Inspector general Joseph Shikongo has ordered all regional commanders to tighten security at police facilities nationwide after a series of inmate escapes. The directive follows the breakout of seven inmates from Ngoma Police Station over the weekend. The escapees include Angolan national Xiaver Francisco (27), Namibian national Chester Yambwa (34), and Zambian nationals Muyokela Sinyinda (20), James Lisho (35), Monga Mubita (23), Nyambe Sililo (53), and Vincent Mwiya (38). They cut through the iron roof of the holding cells to get out. Namibian Police spokesperson, deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, confirmed the directive to the Windhoek Observer on Thursday. …

15 Aug

Amupanda demands rerouting of youth fund

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Affirmative Repositioning (AR) leader and member of parliament Job Amupanda has called on prime minister Elijah Ngurare to intervene in what he described as the “chaotic and disjointed” rollout of the National Youth Development Fund. In a letter dated 14 August, Amupanda criticised the use of different deadlines and processes across regions for a programme meant to operate uniformly in a unitary state. In some regions, the application deadline is 18 August, in others 21 August, and in some 25 August. The Erongo region has not set a deadline, opting instead for consultative meetings. “It cannot be correct…

15 Aug

Namibia pushes Africa to make healthcare a right

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja African parliaments were urged to act as catalysts for change in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) during a panel discussion at the 54th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Annual Regional Conference in The Gambia. The discussion, moderated by chairperson of Namibia’s National Council, Lukas Sinimbo Muha, highlighted healthcare as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of sustainable development. “Health is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of sustainable development. Yet, millions across our continent continue to face financial, geographic, and systemic barriers to accessing essential health services,” Muha said. He added that African parliaments have a constitutional…

14 Aug

Namibia on track to redeem US$750m bond

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Namibia is on target to redeem the US$750 million eurobond when it matures in October, according to Nicholas Mukasa, director of financial markets at the Bank of Namibia. “As far as the Eurobond redemption is concerned, all I can say is that we are on target to redeem that bond when it matures in October,” Mukasa said. In her budget speech in March, minister of finance Ericah Shafudah said the 2025/26 financial year would be eventful, with the government facing the redemption of the eurobond on 29 October. By March, the government had accumulated US$463 million in the…

14 Aug

Angola’s economic woes felt by Oshikango

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Angola’s economic downturn has negatively affected northern Namibia for nearly five years, according to Bank of Namibia (BoN) deputy governor Ebson Uanguta. He said this in response to a question by Observer Money on the impact of Angola’s economic situation on Namibia. “When trade was thriving, Oshikango was a booming town, but business activities have since slowed down. The impact has already been felt for a number of years now, there is nothing new,” Uanguta said. BoN projects Angola’s economic growth to slow to 2.4% in 2025 and 2.1% in 2026, down from 4.5% in 2024. The slowdown…

14 Aug

B2Gold attempts to make Otjikoto green again

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira B2Gold has rehabilitated 19% of the disturbed footprint at its Otjikoto Mine, covering 165 hectares. The company shared the update at the recent Mining Expo and Conference in Windhoek. It has planted 10 100 seedlings from 18 indigenous species and restored about 20 hectares with grass species and soil-enhancing material. B2Gold said its non-obligatory rehabilitation fund ensures that rehabilitation obligations will be met by the end of the mine’s life. The mine has also reduced Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) consumption by more than three million litres a year. From 2014 to 2018, the Otjikoto Power Plant ran entirely…

14 Aug

Standard Bank’s interest income hits N$1.1 billion

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Standard Bank Namibia Holdings reported a 2.9% increase in interest income to N$1.1 billion for the six months ended 30 June. The growth was supported by an 8.8% rise in gross loans and advances to customers and an 18.4% increase in other interest-earning assets. Lending activity started slower than expected, which limited the impact on average balances, a key driver of net interest income. A cumulative 100 basis point cut in the repo rate also reduced margins. Non-interest revenue rose by 3.6% to N$792.7 million, driven by higher client activity and greater use of digital services. Net fee…

14 Aug

Navachab plans N$4 billion expansion

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Navachab Gold Mine at Karibib plans to spend N$4 billion on an exploration drilling programme over the next four years. The managing director of Navachab Gold Mine, George Botshiwe, said the ore body is now too deep for open-pit mining. The mine also produces silver as a by-product. Opened in 1989 with a planned lifespan of nine years, the mine has since expanded its processing capacity but has faced challenges such as limited water, power supply, and funds. Located 10km from Karibib and 180km west of Windhoek, Navachab has been owned by QKR NMH since acquiring it from…