Blog – Page 2 – Windhoek Observer

06 Feb

An engineer’s perspective on leadership in Namibia

Opinions

Ndeya Iita As engineers, we are trained to think in systems. We analyse problems, design solutions, test assumptions, and measure outcomes. We value clarity, evidence, and continuous improvement. From this professional lens, one conclusion becomes unavoidable: Namibia would benefit greatly if its ministers and public officials became regular writers. Engineering teaches us that complex systems fail when communication is weak. The government is one of the most complex systems in any country, involving people, policies, institutions, budgets, and infrastructure. Yet too often, decisions appear disconnected from clear explanations, data, or long-term logic. Writing can help close this gap. When leaders…

05 Feb

Parliamentary pressure forces Herunga to step down

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Swapo deputy secretary general Uahekua Herunga has resigned as the party’s chief whip in the National Assembly. He cited intense parliamentary pressure. Herunga will remain a member of parliament. Herunga has served as chief whip of Swapo since the start of the eighth Parliament. During Wednesday’s sitting, National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila announced that member of parliament Alpheus !Naruseb has been appointed as his replacement. Herunga has also stepped down as chairperson of the whole house committee. “Honourable Alpheus !Naruseb as the government chief whip. You are further informed that honourable Herunga has tendered his resignation as deputy…

05 Feb

No room for failure, Nandi-Ndaitwah tells Swapo MPs

National News

Renthia Kaimbi There is no room for failure in delivering services, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah told newly inducted Swapo members of parliament on Wednesday. She said the party’s return to electoral dominance is a direct mandate for disciplined action. She addressed the opening of the Swapo party induction workshop for members of the eighth Parliament, where she said recent local and regional authority election results have restored public faith that must now be justified through performance. “The result of last year’s Regional and Local Authorities Elections, where the Swapo has gained back her glory, is a clear indication that the people…

05 Feb

Moongo questions Govt spending on workshops and committees

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) member of parliament Winnie Moongo has questioned the government's spending on workshops, conferences and high-level committees. Moongo is asking whether these activities deliver results at a time of tight public finances. In a notice submitted to Parliament on Wednesday, Moongo said the government continues to spend public funds and time on engagements that revisit the same issues each year, often without clear plans for implementation or measurable outcomes. “These engagements are routinely convened on the same issues, with little regard for value for money or tangible results,” Moongo said. She said the growing number…

05 Feb

Senior diplomats to mentor younger staff

National News

Renthia Kaimbi International relations and trade minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi says senior diplomats will mentor younger officers as part of internal reforms to professionalise Namibia’s foreign service. The minister made the remarks during her ministry’s first general staff meeting of the year on Tuesday. She said the changes will include staff rotations to build capacity and a partnership with the Namibian Association of Former Heads of Mission to mentor younger officers. She told staff that the ministry must adapt to a world marked by rising geopolitical competition, weakened respect for international law and strained global cooperation. She said Namibia’s national interest…

05 Feb

IPC backs UNITA in bid to unseat Angola’s ruling party

National News

Renthia Kaimbi The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has endorsed Angola’s main opposition party, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), for the country’s 2027 national elections. The endorsement was delivered by IPC national general secretary Christine Esperanza Aochamus on behalf of party president Panduleni Itula during UNITA’s 14th Ordinary Congress held on 28 November 2025 in Viana, Angola. The congress drew more than 1 200 delegates and confirmed Adalberto Costa Júnior as UNITA president after he secured 91% of the vote. Addressing delegates, Aochamus framed the message as one of shared history and shared political struggle…

05 Feb

OBSERVER COASTAL | Mondesa Clinic reopens after year-long fire closure

National News

Renthia Kaimbi Mondesa Clinic in Swakopmund reopened its doors on Monday. The clinic had been closed for a year after a fire caused extensive damage to the facility. The Ministry of Health and Social Services confirmed the reopening, saying renovation work has been completed and all health services have been restored. The Erongo Regional Council’s directorate of health and social services cleared the clinic for use following repairs. Erongo health director Anna Jonas thanked the Mondesa community for its patience during the closure and apologised for the inconvenience caused. “We are pleased to announce that the renovations have been completed…

05 Feb

OBSERVER COASTAL | Shore Runners Club grows coastal running community

National News

Renthia Kaimbi The Shore Runners Club was formed in March 2025 and is growing into a recognised running community along the coast. It brings together runners of different ages and abilities around health, fitness and a shared identity. The club is the fourth formal running group in the coastal towns, following Walvis Bay Road Runners, Swakopmund Striders and BRG Running Club. Its formation followed a simple observation that many runners were active but lacked structure. “Before the club’s formation, many runners were active on the streets but lacked a shared structure and identity,” said co-founder and chairman Sydney Nuwuseb. “Shore…

05 Feb

OBSERVER COASTAL | Report sees N$40bn FPSO industry for Namibia

Uncategorised

Renthia Kaimbi Namibia could position itself as Africa’s leading hub for the engineering and servicing of floating production, storage and offloading vessels (FPSO), with China identified as a key strategic partner to drive the plan, according to a new industry report. The 2025 report by the Namibian Association for Offshore Oil and Gas Service Providers, authored by its founder Knowledge Ipinge, sets out a strategy that could create an FPSO-linked industrial sector valued at between N$25 billion and N$40 billion a year by 2035. The report estimates that the sector could generate more than 10 000 direct and indirect jobs.…

05 Feb

Petroleum Amendment Bill: dead on arrival?

Editorial, Featured, Opinions

The Petroleum Amendment Bill is back before the National Assembly, retabled on Wednesday by the Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Modestus Amutse. On paper, it is presented as a technical adjustment to Namibia’s petroleum governance framework. In substance, however, it represents a profound shift of power, one that would allow the President of the Republic to grant and revoke oil and gas rights. From the very onset, it is clear that this bill will be vehemently opposed. Not because Namibians are anti-development, nor because they are hostile to investment in oil and gas, but because the bill raises serious…