Blog – Page 184 – Windhoek Observer

10 Oct

YOUNG OBSERVER | Melisa Poulton’s “La Dolce Vita” brings Namibian flair to Paris Fashion Week

National News

Melisa Poulton has made history by becoming the first Namibian fashion designer to showcase her collection at Paris Fashion Week. Her appearance at the global fashion event marks a milestone for both her and the Namibian fashion industry. Poulton, founder of House of Poulton, began her career in 2011 at the Warehouse Theatre in Windhoek. Over the years, she has built a name for herself through designs that fuse Namibian heritage with modern style. Her latest achievement took her to the prestigious Westin Paris Vendôme, where she presented her collection titled La Dolce Vita. The collection drew inspiration from Namibia’s…

10 Oct

YOUNG OBSERVER | Pink October

National News

October is one month on the calendar that reminds. It is a reminder that breast cancer doesn’t take a break, and neither should we in raising awareness. Breast Cancer Awareness Month (which is October) is a global campaign that highlights the importance of education, early detection and ongoing support for those affected by the cancer. While the pink ribbons and campaigns serve as powerful symbols, the fight against breast cancer requires year-round commitment beyond a month of recognition. The global landscape Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer accounts…

10 Oct

YOUNG OBSERVER | Digital detox: staying human in a tech world

National News

In a world where our days begin and end with a glowing screen, digital detox has become more than a trendy buzzword and evolved into a survival strategy. We live in an age where our phones tell us when to wake up, social media tells us what to feel, and algorithms decide what we see, buy, or even believe. Technology connects us in ways once unimaginable; however, it’s also quietly rewiring how we think, relate and rest. The truth is, we are the most connected generation in history, yet at the same time, one of the most distracted and emotionally…

10 Oct

Youth-led climate strikes gain momentum worldwide

Featured, National News

In October 2025, a significant wave of youth-led climate strikes swept across the globe, signalling a resurgence in environmental activism among Generation Z. Organised by movements such as Fridays for Future and Climate Cardinals, a collective demand for urgent action on climate change and environmental justice drove these strikes. From the streets of Sydney to the capitals of Europe, millions of young people took part in coordinated protests. In Madagascar, youth-led demonstrations over power and water shortages resulted in the government’s dissolution after at least 22 deaths were reported. Similar protests broke out in Morocco, Peru, Indonesia, Nepal, and the…

10 Oct

YOUNG OBSERVER | #UNMUTED

Featured, Opinions

In recent weeks, a significant political development has captured the attention of Namibians: several young members who previously served in the rank and file, some having gone as far as becoming members of Parliament for the former official opposition party, have resigned and joined the ruling party. The question on everyone’s mind and, for those bold enough, on their lips is, why? Inevitably, the exodus invited various reactions ranging from surprise to cynicism and outright disappointment. Of course, for the ruling party, it means that lost ground is being recovered, as a return to its structures signifies a restoration of…

10 Oct

Is Namibia losing the battle against drugs?

Editorial, Featured, Opinions

When a 21-year-old woman is caught smuggling cannabis and illicit tobacco into police holding cells at Oshakati, one has to pause and ask: what is really going on? How did we arrive at a point where criminal activity boldly infiltrates the very sanctum of law enforcement, the police station itself? If the walls of a police station can no longer guarantee security from contraband, then Namibia’s war against drugs may already be slipping through our fingers. This week’s arrest at the Oshakati Police Station is not an isolated incident; it is a symptom of a wider malaise. The young woman,…

09 Oct

Is Namibia losing the battle against drugs?

Editorial

When a 21-year-old woman is caught smuggling cannabis and illicit tobacco into police holding cells at Oshakati, one has to pause and ask: what is really going on? How did we arrive at a point where criminal activity boldly infiltrates the very sanctum of law enforcement, the police station itself? If the walls of a police station can no longer guarantee security from contraband, then Namibia’s war against drugs may already be slipping through our fingers. This week’s arrest at the Oshakati Police Station is not an isolated incident; it is a symptom of a wider malaise. The young woman,…

09 Oct

Diamond prices decline due to US tariffs and De Beers sale

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Diamond prices fell across several categories in September as US tariffs and the ongoing sale of De Beers created uncertainty in the market, according to the RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI). Prices dropped sharply for round polished stones under one carat, while larger diamonds showed mixed results, a trend that has persisted for months. Long fancy shapes remained popular, particularly in sizes of two carats and above. At Hong Kong’s Jewellery & Gem World show, trading reflected the divide between small and large stones, with stronger demand for the larger, elongated diamonds. Independent jewellers in the United States reported…

09 Oct

Inflation increases slightly to 3.5%

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Namibia’s annual inflation rate rose slightly to 3.5% in September 2025, up from 3.4% recorded in September 2024. On a monthly basis, inflation remained unchanged at 0.0%, the same rate as in the previous month. Zonal data showed that Zone 1, which includes Kavango East, Kavango West, Kunene, Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, and Zambezi, recorded the highest annual inflation rate at 3.8%. Zone 3, covering ||Kharas, Erongo, Hardap, and Omaheke regions followed at 3.4%, while Zone 2, representing the Khomas region, registered the lowest rate at 3.2%. The statistician general and chief executive officer of the Namibia…

09 Oct

Canal+ tightens grip on MultiChoice with stake rising to 76.5%

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira French media group Canal+ has strengthened its control over MultiChoice Group Limited, increasing its shareholding in the South African pay-TV operator to 76.52%. MultiChoice said Canal+ formally notified the company that it had acquired an additional interest, bringing its holding to 72.46% of ordinary shares in issue. The increase follows Canal+'s ongoing mandatory offer to remaining shareholders, which attracted acceptances for 17.95 million shares. Once these are settled, Canal+'s stake will rise to 76.52%. The development marks a new stage in Canal+'s gradual takeover of MultiChoice, which began early this year as part of its plan to expand…