Blog – Page 29 – Windhoek Observer

05 Jan

ED reshuffles cloud questions of poor planning

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Voices in the political space have expressed mixed views on transfers of executive directors across government ministries. While some see the reshuffles as a way to improve performance and curb corruption, others warn they could disrupt service delivery if not carefully planned. Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah said the movement of executive directors can be useful when guided by clear objectives and proper planning. Speaking to the Windhoek Observer last week, Kamwanyah said transfers can help share institutional knowledge, bring in new ideas and reduce over-familiarity with long-standing systems. “Moving executive directors can improve performance, particularly in ministries where…

05 Jan

Namibia calls for UN Security Council meeting on Venezuela

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Namibia has called for an urgent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting following reports that the United States attacked Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The Namibian government said the actions constitute a breach of international law and a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty. On Sunday, the Ministry of International Relations and Trade said the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all nations must be respected in accordance with the United Nations Charter and the principles of international law. “The respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is essential for the enhancement of global peace and…

05 Jan

NNN urges youth to protect elderly and vulnerable in 2026

National News

Justicia Shipena President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged young people to care for the elderly and stand with the vulnerable, emphasising that the youth continue to be the nation's lifeblood and vitality. In her New Year message on Thursday, Nandi-Ndaitwah urged young Namibians to be protectors of those who cannot always protect themselves and to look out for one another in 2026. She called on the nation to renew its commitment to guarding society against social ills that threaten progress. She said efforts toward women’s emancipation must address all forms of abuse and discrimination. Nandi-Ndaitwah urged citizens to reject gender-based violence,…

05 Jan

‘War veteran’ term misleading, says Ya Nangoloh

National News

Renthia Kaimbi Human rights activist Phil ya Nangoloh says the term “war veteran” has no legal standing. He criticises Namibia’s veteran policy, noting that it hides a gap in national law that leaves many former soldiers without recognition. In a statement issued on Saturday, Ya Nangoloh said the Veterans Act (2 of 2008) only recognises veterans of the liberation struggle and does not make reference to so-called war veterans. “So many former Swapo comrades and especially those who were in exile, call themselves 'war veterans'. But little did they appear to know that there is no such thing as a…

05 Jan

What do we own? Namibia’s unwritten national balance sheet

Editorial, Featured, Opinions

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s New Year message strikes a hopeful and unifying chord. Her call for unity, compassion, hard work and integrity is timely and necessary as Namibia steps into 2026 facing familiar socio-economic challenges: unemployment, inequality, fiscal pressure and uneven service delivery. The President is right; when Namibians stand together, no challenge is too great. But unity and determination alone are not enough. To truly translate this vision into inclusive growth and national renewal, we must confront a fundamental and largely unanswered question: what do we own as a nation? In households and businesses, progress begins with knowing what is…

05 Jan

Executive directors, technocracy and the developmental state

Opinions

The recent reshuffling of executive directors across several Namibian ministries, as announced by the secretary to the cabinet, has once again brought to the surface a structural ambiguity that has lingered within Namibia’s public administration since independence. While ministerial reshuffles are an accepted and indeed necessary feature of democratic governance, the frequent movement of executive directors raises a more profound institutional question: are executive directors political functionaries, or are they senior technocrats entrusted with the long-term administrative and developmental health of the state? After almost thirty-six years of independence, this question should no longer be unresolved. From both an academic…

05 Jan

Community voices must guide Namibia’s future

Featured, Opinions

Ester Shafashike In a democratic society, decisions that affect the lives of citizens cannot be made in isolation. The principle of community consultancy, seeking public views before implementing any policy or project is not only a moral obligation but also a constitutional and developmental imperative for Namibia. The Constitution of the Republic of Namibia (1990) makes it clear that sovereignty rests with the people. Article 1(1) declares Namibia a democratic state founded upon the will of its citizens, whereas Chapter 3 guarantees freedoms of speech, assembly, and association. These rights are not symbolic, but they are the right tools through…

05 Jan

Fishrot at five years: When courts delay, power decides and victims pay the price

Featured, Opinions

PAUL T. SHIPALE (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) After reading the allegations involving the so-called fugitive lawyer Marén de Klerk, authorised by the Supreme Court to testify via video link in the Fishcor and Sea Flower Pelagic matter, my blood boiled. That anger was sharpened by the memory of Sacky Shanghala lecturing young Namibians at SWAPO Youth League Youth Day celebrations with astonishing arrogance. The allegations now reveal that the former Minister of Justice allegedly told those involved that they “could all stand to make a lot of money.” If true, this is not a lapse in judgement.…

05 Jan

Government owes N$146.3 billion locally

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The government domestic debt increased both month-on-month and year-on-year at the end of December 2025. Domestic debt stood at N$146.3 billion, rising by 1% from November and by 16% compared to December 2024. The increase was recorded across Treasury Bills and Internal Registered Stock. As a share of gross domestic product, domestic debt also rose on a monthly and annual basis. By the end of December, domestic debt reached 52.5% of GDP, up by 0.5 percentage points month-on-month and 2.2 percentage points year-on-year, reflecting growth in both treasury bills and internal registered stock. Outstanding treasury bills increased to…

05 Jan

Students get new tool to find accommodation

Observer Money

Staff Writer Namibia’s student housing market is set for a digital shift with the launch of Pozi, a platform that links students and graduates with landlords offering safe and affordable accommodation. The platform aims to simplify the search process while improving security and transparency in the rental market. Each year, thousands of students move to towns and cities for their studies and face costly and stressful housing searches. Many depend on informal networks, which expose them to scams and unsafe living conditions. Landlords also face challenges with tenant management and irregular rental payments. Pozi seeks to address both sides by…