Blog – Page 14 – Windhoek Observer

03 Sep

UN questions Namibia on 2024 Tsumeb Smelter sale

Main

Justicia Shipena Four United Nations human rights experts have asked the Namibian government to explain what steps it is taking to address the impact of the Tsumeb Smelter on local communities. In a report dated 11 June 2025, the experts raised “serious concern” over environmental damage and human rights violations linked to the smelter. The facility has been in operation since 1963, producing blister copper and sulphuric acid. Ownership has shifted over the years from Weatherly International to Dundee Precious Metals, which later sold it to the Chinese-owned Sinomine Resource Group Corporation Limited in 2024 for N$930 million (about US$49…

03 Sep

Student leaders demand classrooms for Ndama East Primary

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Student leaders have demanded the immediate provision of classrooms for more than 550 learners at Ndama East Primary School in Rundu. The learners are being taught under trees by only 14 teachers. The Student Union of Namibia (SUN) national secretary for information and publicity, Johannes Malapi, said the lack of classrooms is a blatant violation of Article 20 of the Namibian Constitution. "It also amounts to discrimination under Article 10, as rural learners are denied the same quality education afforded to their urban peers," Malapi told the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday. He accused teachers’ unions for failing to…

03 Sep

Are honorary PhDs in Namibia sending the right message?

Editorial, Featured, Opinions

Allexer Namundjembo Namibia has seen a growing trend of awarding honorary doctorates to sitting politicians and high-ranking officials. While intended to recognise public service, we must ask: are we equating political office with academic achievement? Honorary degrees should celebrate exceptional contributions to society or scholarship. When they are routinely given to presidents or ministers without evident academic work, the value of higher education risks being diluted. Sociologist Pierre Bourdieu reminds us: “Education is not just about knowledge. It is a means of establishing legitimacy and authority. When credentials are given without the corresponding effort, the social value of education is…

03 Sep

!Aochamub’s acting CEO tenure kicks off at Meatco

National News

Justicia Shipena The Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) shareholders have seconded Ambassador Albertus !Aochamub to serve as interim chief executive officer. On Tuesday, Meatco confirmed the start of his six-month term, as endorsed by the board of directors.Meatco is yet to appoint a substantive CEO after the contract of former chief executive Mwilima Mushokabanji was not renewed. In July, acting CEO Patrick Liebenberg was suspended pending an investigation, weeks before his term was due to end.Last month, the board endorsed !Aochamub as interim CEO.At the time, Meatco board’s deputy chairperson Stephanie de Klerk said the board was seeking someone with…

03 Sep

Twenty two learners discharged after food poisoning scare at Rundu

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Twenty two learners from Maria Mwengere Secondary School in Rundu were discharged from hospital after suspected food poisoning at the school’s hostel. 11 others remain in Rundu Hospital, receiving fluids and medical support. The ministry of education said in a press statement on Tuesday. “Among them, 22 of them were discharged after receiving treatment, while 11 remains under the medical care receiving necessary fluids and support," the executive director in the ministry of education Erastus Haitengela said, Haitengela noted that early feedback from learners pointed to several food items served at the hostel as possible causes. He said…

03 Sep

Health drive distributes 6 000 condoms in Oshana

National News

Justicia Shipena A total of 6 000 condoms were distributed during a recent sexual and reproductive health outreach in the Oshana region. The initiative reached close to 950 students and community members. The outreach was organised by the #BeFree Cares Clinic in partnership with the ministry of health and social services, Ongwediva MediPark Hospital, Walvis Bay Corridor Group, the University of Namibia (Unam), the International University of Management (IUM), Valombola Vocational Training Centre, and the Society for Family Health. Services were offered at five tertiary institutions, including Unam Oshakati, Hifikepunye Pohamba, Jose Eduardo Dos Santos campuses, IUM Ongwediva, and Valombola…

03 Sep

NNN to attend Mariental memorial service

National News

Allexer Namundjembo President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will attend a mass memorial service in Mariental today to honour the 16 people who died in a head-on collision near the town on Saturday, the presidency said on Tuesday. The service will be held at the Mariental sports field. The ministry of home affairs, immigration, safety and security said that the event will start at 11h00, with activities beginning at 10h00. Minister Lucia Iipumbu said wellness officers and investigators have been sent to Mariental to provide psycho-social support to survivors, families, and colleagues affected by the crash. The car crash that happened in the…

03 Sep

Inflation expected to pick up at year end

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Namibia’s annual inflation rate eased to 3.5% in July from 3.7% in June, resuming the downward trend seen earlier in the year. However, an analyst has warned that risks remain skewed to the upside heading into the last part of 2025. Almandro Jansen of Simonis Storm Securities said imported cost pressures continue to present the main threat. He pointed to the 30% US tariff on South African exports and ongoing reviews of US tariffs on Chinese goods as new sources of uncertainty in global supply chains. “For Namibia, the short-term impact may involve marginal relief from surplus South…

03 Sep

Capricorn expects profit to increase up to 17%

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Capricorn Group has told shareholders it expects profit after tax, earnings per share and headline earnings per share for the year ended 30 June 2025 to rise by between 12% and 17% compared to the previous year. The audited results are scheduled for release on or about 18 September. In the 2024 financial year, Capricorn reported profit after tax of N$1.74 billion, up 17.7% from N$1.48 billion in 2023. Return on equity increased to 17.9% from 17.6%. The growth was attributed to strong results across its businesses, including Bank Windhoek, Bank Gaborone, Capricorn Asset Management, Entrepo Group, Peo…

03 Sep

Nida, Nafau settle on worker remuneration

Uncategorised

Justicia Shipena The Namibia Industrial Development Agency (Nida) and the Namibia Food and Allied Workers Union (Nafau) have reached an agreement on employee remuneration and working conditions. The deal covers the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 financial years. The settlement was facilitated with the support of the ministry of trade. Nida and Nafau said the deal is a full and final settlement, securing labour stability and the continuity of operations. The agreement provides for fair and improved working conditions while maintaining operational efficiency. Nida said it remains committed to driving the country’s industrialisation agenda. The deal follows demands made last year by…