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Justicia Shipena Financial experts and civil servant union representatives have warned that the newly endorsed Pension-Backed Home Loan (PBHL) scheme could push public workers deeper into debt if not properly managed and aligned with wage growth.  The ministry of finance endorsed the scheme on Wednesday, describing it as a step toward affordable housing for government employees. Teachers Union of Namibia (TUN) secretary general Mahongora Kavihuha said the scheme is simply “another loan product” and fails to empower workers. “Yes, I’ve been saying all along, buying a house is a payslip issue; your income determines what you qualify for. If the…

Allexer Namundjebo The City of Windhoek (CoW) says it never had a formal contract with Rent-A-Drum for the collection and removal of the well-known clear recycling bags from residential areas.  CoW spokesperson Lydia Amutenya told Windhoek Observer that the municipality is not ending any contract, as no official agreement was ever in place. Amutenya responded to growing public concern over the future of household recyclable waste collection in Windhoek. She explained that since 2010, Rent-A-Drum, a private waste recycling company, has voluntarily collected the clear recycling bags.  She stressed that there was no binding contract between the company and the…

Allexer Namundjembo The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) launched the 2025 electoral calendar and voter and civic education campaign on Wednesday in Windhoek.  This marks the start of preparations for this year’s Regional Council and Local Authority elections.  ECN chairperson Elsie Nghikembua described the electoral calendar as more than just a timeline.  “This calendar is not merely the showcasing of dates; it is a beacon guiding us towards active engagement in our democratic rights and responsibilities,” she said.  Nghikembua also confirmed that a post-election review of the 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections has been completed.  "I wish to assure…

Niël Terblanché Windhoek Central Hospital now hosts the country's most advanced cardiac care unit, placing the country among the top in Africa for specialised heart treatment. Only South Africa and Egypt have similar facilities.  Namibia’s unit is the third of its kind on the continent and the first in the country to treat both adults and children under one roof. Prime minister Elijah Ngurare highlighted the achievement during a visit to the ministry of health and social services on Monday.  He toured the cardiac unit and praised medical teams for serving both public and private patients. “I urge all of…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Association for Localised Interest (ASOLI), a political party formed three months ago, is planning to contest the upcoming local authority elections in Windhoek, Ongwediva, Swakopmund, Otjiwarongo, and Karibib. ASOLI president Joseph Kauandenge said on Wednesday that the party has seen rapid growth since its formation.  He believes the party now has strong support in the five local authorities and is ready to compete with established political players. “In light of the fact that the Electoral Commission today made the election calendar for the 2025 elections public, we want to inform the nation that ASOLI will participate in…