Blog – Page 19 – Windhoek Observer

06 Mar

MultiChoice to discontinue Showmax

Observer Money

Staff Writer MultiChoice, part of CANAL+ SA, has announced that the Showmax streaming service will be discontinued following a review of its streaming operations. The decision was taken by the Showmax Board of Directors as the company reassessed its position in the global streaming market. MultiChoice said the review focused on financial sustainability and investment priorities in a competitive and capital-intensive streaming environment. The company noted that the Showmax business has recorded substantial annual losses that are no longer sustainable. “The decision to phase out Showmax reflects our focus on building a sustainable, competitive business for the long term in…

06 Mar

Standard Bank named best trade finance provider

Observer Money

Staff Writer Standard Bank Namibia has been named the Best Trade Finance Provider in Namibia in the 2026 Global Finance Best Trade Finance Providers Awards. The award recognises the bank’s role in supporting cross-border trade, investment flows and business expansion. It comes as Namibia prepares for increased activity in sectors such as mining, energy, oil and gas, logistics and export agriculture. As global trade conditions shift and competition increases, businesses are seeking stronger risk management tools, efficient working capital solutions and reliable cross-border support. Standard Bank Namibia said its Corporate and Investment Banking division has expanded its trade finance services…

06 Mar

Nekundi turns to AG over illegal Yango operators

Main, National News

Justicia Shipena The government is engaging the office of the attorney general on what legal route to take to hold e-hailing companies accountable for allowing illegal operators on their platforms. Works and Transport minister Veikko Nekundi revealed this in the National Assembly on Thursday while responding to questions from Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) member of parliament Nelson Kalangula about compliance by e-hailing drivers with Namibian transport laws. Nekundi said the Ministry of Works and Transport conducted inspections at the Windhoek offices of Yango to determine whether drivers on the platform comply with Namibian regulations. “It follows that the Ministry…

05 Mar

Is this what the youth is telling us about the future?

Editorial, Featured

Chaos in the National Assembly is no longer shocking. It is becoming routine. This week, proceedings descended into disorder after National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) member of parliament Vetaruhe Kandorozu questioned the citizenship of deputy minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Dino Ballotti and told him to “go back to Italy.” The deputy speaker, Phillipus Katamelo, ruled the remarks unparliamentary. Swapo members of parliament walked out in protest after the matter was referred to the standing committee on rules. The session collapsed. We have written before about the conduct of our parliamentarians, on both sides of the…

05 Mar

Tempers flare over Kandorozu’s racist remarks

National News

Justicia Shipena Political analyst Ben Mulongeni says the conduct of National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) member of parliament Vetaruhe Kandorozu in the National Assembly on Wednesday appears to be an attempt to gain popularity. During the session, chaos erupted in the chamber after Kandorozu refused to withdraw comments questioning the citizenship of deputy minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Dino Ballotti. “Now he is trying to wake up when the fight is over. That fight is over; that era is over. I think he’s trying to be popular,” Mulongeni said in an interview with the Windhoek Observer. …

05 Mar

Graduates’ degrees continue collecting dust

National News

Staff Writer When Maria Nghipandulwa graduated with a Bachelor of Education in 2022, her family believed years of sacrifice had finally paid off. Her framed certificate hangs on the wall of her parents’ home in Katutura. It remains a symbol of an achievement that has not yet translated into employment. At 29, she told the Windhoek Observer that she has submitted more than 40 job applications. “Schools say there are no posts or they want experience,” she said. “How do you get experience if no one gives you a first chance?” Three years after graduating, she remains unemployed. She relies…

05 Mar

Regional development fund spends only 21% of housing budget

National News

Renthia Kaimbi The Trust Fund for Regional Development and Equity Provisions underperformed on its housing mandate in the 2024/25 financial year. This despite auditor general Junias Kandjeke issuing an unqualified opinion on the fund’s financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. Kandjeke's latest audit showed the fund struggled to convert its financial position into results for communities waiting for houses and serviced land. The fund spent only 21% of its approved project budget against a target of 100%. The audit attributes the low spending rate to new projects being planned late in the financial year. Many projects were…

05 Mar

Luvindao promotes positive parenting to protect children

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Minister of health and social services Esperance Luvindao says positive parenting remains the strongest tool to address violence against children, poor child development and long-term poverty. She spoke at the launch of the national parent and caregiver handbook and facilitator guide at the Hilton Hotel in Windhoek on Wednesday. Luvindao said investment in families must be treated as a national development priority. “The family unit is the bedrock of our national development. If the family is weak, the nation is weak. But if the family is strong, supported and nurtured, our potential is limitless,” she said. She said…

05 Mar

OBSERVER COASTAL | Kuisebmond Secondary raises N$2.5m for school hall

National News

Renthia Kaimbi Kuisebmond Secondary School has raised about N$2.5 million through a fundraising gala dinner to support the construction of a multi-purpose hall. The event took place on Saturday evening at the Atlantic Hotel in Walvis Bay. Business leaders, government officials and community members attended the event to support the school’s infrastructure project. School principal Jonathan Maswahu said the funds will help complete the second phase of construction. He said the project has reached the roofing stage and about N$3 million is needed to complete the structure. The hall will seat about 1 000 people. It will serve as an…

05 Mar

OBSERVER COASTAL | Palliative care centre opens in Swakopmund

National News

Renthia Kaimbi The House Johannesson Palliative Care Centre has opened in Swakopmund to support patients with life-threatening illnesses in the Erongo region. Erongo governor Nathalia |Goagoses inaugurated the 10-bed facility on Friday. She delivered the keynote address on behalf of the minister of health and social services. Esperance Luvindao also participated in the ceremony by cutting the ribbon to mark the opening. She said the facility expands access to cancer and palliative care services outside Windhoek. “This facility is more than a building. It is a blueprint for the future of Namibian healthcare and a shining example of a functional…