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Paladin boosts community investment

Paladin boosts community investment

Chamwe Kaira Paladin Energy has reinforced its commitment to sustainability in Namibia by investing in communities in the Erongo Region while increasing uranium production at its Langer Heinrich Mine, the company said in its 2024 sustainability report. Paladin holds a 75% controlling interest in Langer Heinrich Uranium, with 25% owned by China National Nuclear Corporation Overseas Uranium Holding Limited.  The company said its operations in Namibia contribute to global efforts to move away from fossil fuels, with uranium playing a key role in supplying low-carbon power to developed countries. With the mine back in production, Paladin has rolled out a…
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The winter crop season bodes well for food supplies

The winter crop season bodes well for food supplies

Wandile Sihlobo  For much of the past few weeks, we have focused on the summer grains and oilseed, the plantings of which have recently started across South Africa. But other equally essential crops are winter grains and oilseeds. After a reasonably good production period during the winter season, the farmers are now busy harvesting the 2024-25 winter crops. Unlike other crops where we monitor the production conditions nationally, with winter crops, we pay close attention to the Western Cape because of the province’s significant contribution to these crops. For example, about 70% of the winter wheat plantings for the 2024-25…
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OBSERVER DAILY | Namibia’s unequal struggle: From recognition to real action

When Finance Minister Erica Shafudah addressed over 800 delegates and 80 central bank governors at the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) Global Policy Forum in Swakopmund, she did something that deserves recognition: she confronted the uncomfortable truth. Namibia, three decades after independence, remains one of the most unequal societies in the world. The minister did not hide behind slogans or polished talking points. Instead, she acknowledged that inequality, rooted in colonial dispossession and apartheid exclusion, continues to cast a long shadow over our democracy. That candor matters. Too often, governments facing stubborn structural problems resort to denial or distraction. Commending…
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Zambezi Regional Council suspends CRO

Justicia Shipena The Zambezi Regional Council has suspended its chief regional officer (CRO), Regina Ndopu-Lubinda, the Windhoek Observer has learnt. Her suspension comes amid reports from last week indicating that Regina Ndopu-Lubinda is facing 59 counts in a tender-related corruption case. She was arrested last month by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) along with Linyanti constituency councillor Ivenne Kabunga and Solo Mutelo over the Zambezi Waterfront Tourism Park tender. They were each granted bail of N$50 000 in the Katima Mulilo Magistrate’s Court. Contacted for comment on the suspension, Zambezi Regional Council’s chairperson Matengu Simushi said he had no knowledge of…
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High Court keeps Linden Beef hanging by a thread

High Court keeps Linden Beef hanging by a thread

Justicia Shipena The High Court has given Linden Beef Close Corporation, owned by David van der Linden, more time to fight off liquidation.  High Court acting judge Andrew Corbett extended the provisional order against the company to 3 October 2025. Van der Linden, who is already linked to the disappearance of 400 Meatco cattle worth about N$7 million from his Linden Beef Feedlot, faces additional financial trouble.  Bank Windhoek is seeking to liquidate his company over N$28.8 million in unpaid loans dating back to 2022.  A provisional liquidation order was granted in August, but Van der Linden, who has been…
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NCBN leaders allegedly cashing in on youth dreams

NCBN leaders allegedly cashing in on youth dreams

Renthia Kaimbi The National Collaborative Board of Namibia (NCBN) and its president, Ingashipola Lucas, face allegations  of misusing donor funds, faking documents, and covering up internal corruption. An internal letter seen by the Windhoek Observer details claims that millions meant for youth programmes were diverted for personal gain.  The letter alleges that senior leadership  misused donor funds, forged documents, and engaged in a cover-up. Lucas, who previously served as National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo)’s regional branch administrator in Ohangwena and Oshana, resigned from the party in April.  In the same month, he also withdrew his candidacy for the upcoming local…
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Youth fund to digitally track youth businesses

Youth fund to digitally track youth businesses

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The ministry of finance will establish an integrated data platform to track the National Youth Entrepreneurship Fund (NYEF) in real time. Minister of finance Ericah Shafudah announced the plan during a briefing to the National Assembly this week.  “This platform will enable real-time monitoring, improve decision-making, and ensure that the Fund remains adaptive and responsive to the needs of the youth segment,” Shafudah said. The system will link all development finance institutions (DFIs) responsible for disbursing funds, including the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN), the Agricultural Bank of Namibia (Agribank), and the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF).  Namibia Post…
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​​Japan donates ambulances as shortages persist

​​Japan donates ambulances as shortages persist

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  The Japanese government has donated three fully equipped truck ambulances to Namibia’s ministry of health and social services (MoHSS) to strengthen emergency medical response.  The handover took place in Windhoek on Thursday. Health minister Dr Esperance Luvindao said the donation comes at a critical time when many regions continue to face ambulance shortages.  “An ambulance is more than just a vehicle; it represents hope, urgency, and the ability to save lives when every second matters,” Luvindao said. She described the donation as “a gift of health, dignity, and renewed strength for our emergency medical system.” The ministry confirmed…
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Hamutumwa scammed by fake student plea

Hamutumwa scammed by fake student plea

Allexer Namundjembo The Ohangwena regional governor Kadiva Hamutumwa has revealed that she was recently defrauded through an eWallet scam. Speaking during a community engagement at Endola on Thursday, Hamutumwa said she was contacted by someone claiming to be a student stranded in Namibia after attending their father’s funeral. The individual said they were studying at Cavendish University in Zambia and needed money to return.  “The person texted me saying they came to Namibia for the father’s funeral, and the family was not willing to assist with funds for going back,” Hamutumwa said.  “At first, I ignored the messages, but the…
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Education ministry confirms site for Ndama East school

Education ministry confirms site for Ndama East school

Allexer Namundjembo The ministry of education  has confirmed that land has been allocated for the construction of a new school for learners of Ndama East Primary School in Rundu. In a press release issued on Tuesday, the education executive director, Erastus Haitengela, said consultations were held with the community before the Ndama South site was legally allocated by the Rundu Town Council.  The site measures 75 000 square metres.  “In contrast, the currently occupied ground is not legally registered. The two sites are 900 metres apart, which falls within the accepted planning standards for school establishment,” Haitengela said. The announcement…
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