Blog – Page 13 – Windhoek Observer

06 Mar

Regulating the ride: Government must bring order to Namibia’s e-hailing revolution

Editorial, Featured

The rise of e-hailing services in Namibia has exposed a familiar dilemma facing governments across the world: how to regulate innovation without stifling it. Platforms such as Yango, InDrive and LEFA have rapidly become a visible part of the urban transport landscape, particularly in Windhoek. Yet their growth has triggered escalating tensions with traditional taxi operators, raised safety concerns, and highlighted gaps in Namibia’s transport laws. At the heart of the conflict lies a regulatory vacuum. Namibia’s Road Traffic and Transport Act of 1999 was written long before smartphones and app-based mobility existed. As a result, e-hailing services have expanded…

06 Mar

A capitalist budget for economic social justice?

Opinions

Kae Matundu Tjiparuro It is budget time in Namibia. With all eyes and ears and, indeed, attention focussed and fixed on that single persona. With many aspirations, hopes, expectations and anticipations. Rightly or wrongly. Oft with little assurance, as it has come to transpire over the years, let alone realisation of the various hopes, expectations and, if you wish, prayers. Not strange. For how can a whole country place so many expectations on a single individual? As if she/he were Ms and/or Mr Miracles and/or Ms/Mr Everything to all and sundry. Oblivious to the reality in which the country has…

06 Mar

The motion to preserve the memory and legacy of the founding father of the Namibian nation: The future of institutional memory in Namibia

Featured, Opinions

Paul T. Shipale (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) When a Nation Confers the Title of Founding Father When a nation confers the title of 'Founding Father' by statute, it does more than honour a historical figure. It legislates memory. It transforms history into law. Once history enters the legal order, it demands institutional expression. Namibia now stands at such a constitutional moment. Ten months ago, the Leader of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), Hon. McHenry Venaani, submitted a series of parliamentary questions to the Prime Minister, Dr Elijah Ngurare, calling for cost-cutting measures by repurposing state offices for…

06 Mar

Young entrepreneur uses hair skills to help schoolchildren

National News

Patience Makwele A young Windhoek-based hairdresser and founder of Hair by Mulombe, Teressa Mulombe Mupalu, says braiding the hair of 31 children for free before the start of the school term taught her lessons about patience, service and the value of helping others. Mupalu organised an outreach in January to provide free braiding and haircuts to schoolchildren in Goreangab. She said she wanted to use her hairdressing skills to support children from disadvantaged households before they returned to school. She said the experience changed how she views community work after seeing children arrive early in the morning and wait for…

06 Mar

YOUNG OBSERVER | Ongwediva nurse builds facility to close healthcare gap

National News

Patience Makwele Nurse and entrepreneur Lucia Muatale is working to improve access to specialised healthcare services in northern Namibia through the establishment of Knickerbock Sub-Acute & Hospital Care in Ongwediva. At 39, Muatale established the facility to reduce the need for patients to travel to Windhoek for specialised recovery and oncology treatment. Her journey into healthcare entrepreneurship grew from both personal experience and professional observation. Muatale grew up in a single-parent household after losing her father at the age of 12. She says her mother’s determination shaped her outlook on life. “My mother became my greatest role model. Watching her…

06 Mar

YOUNG OBSERVER | Local chef inspires youth through cooking

National News

Patience Makwele For many teenagers, spending time in the kitchen may feel like a chore. But for Windhoek entrepreneur Oubasen Naris Valery, it marked the start of a journey that would shape her career. The Katutura-born mother of two says her interest in cooking began when she was about 15 years old while watching her mother prepare meals at home. “I used to spend a lot of time in the kitchen with my mother,” Valery recalled. “Watching her cook inspired me to try new things and add my own touch to meals.” What began as a curiosity slowly developed into…

06 Mar

Bannerman cuts losses while preparing Etango project

National News, Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Bannerman Energy Ltd reported a reduced net loss before tax of US$853 000 for the half-year ended 31 December 2025, compared to a net loss before tax of US$2.7 million recorded in the same period in 2024. The company said the loss was mainly driven by corporate and administrative expenses, non-cash share-based compensation costs and a share of losses from an equity-accounted investment. The share of losses from the equity-accounted investment amounted to US$248 449, compared to US$99 532 in the previous comparable period. Interest income for the six months increased to US$2.42 million from US$2.26 million in…

06 Mar

Govt assures protection for SEZ investors

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Authorities have assured investors operating in Namibia’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) that their interests will be protected while the government reviews tax incentives offered under the framework. CDH Namibia noted in its 2026/27 budget review that measures will be introduced to maintain a stable and predictable rules-based environment for businesses already operating within SEZ structures. The planned reforms aim to strengthen the role of SEZs in supporting economic activity, skills transfer and technology development while contributing to national revenue. The government indicated that the design of SEZ incentives will consider global economic conditions and Namibia’s international obligations. It…

06 Mar

Book launched chronicling 30 years of diamond story

Observer Money

Staff Writer Namdeb Diamond Corporation has launched a book documenting more than three decades of its operations and contribution to Namibia’s diamond industry. The book, titled Mining for Good: The Namdeb Story 1994–2024, was unveiled at an event attended by industry leaders, partners and stakeholders. The publication traces Namdeb’s development since its establishment in 1994 as a 50:50 partnership between the Government of Namibia and the De Beers Group. It also explores the broader history of diamond mining in Namibia, beginning with the first discovery in 1908. Namdeb said the book presents a narrative on the value of natural diamonds…

06 Mar

Namibia to test first H2 powered train

Observer Money

Staff Writer Namibia is preparing to test its first hydrogen-powered freight locomotive as part of efforts to modernise rail transport and introduce cleaner energy solutions in the logistics sector. CMB.TECH Namibia is leading the engineering and development of the locomotive, which is being assembled at the facilities of South African rail engineering company Traxtion. The project forms part of a partnership between TransNamib Holdings Limited, Africa Global Logistics and CMB.TECH Namibia. The partners aim to show how hydrogen can be integrated into Namibia’s freight rail system while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Namibia currently has a number of idle locomotives.…