Blog – Page 40 – Windhoek Observer

13 Feb

Emerging opportunities beyond the deepwater frontier

Observer Money

Namibia’s upstream narrative has, until recently, been defined by deepwater success in the Orange Basin, where major offshore discoveries have transformed perceptions of the country’s hydrocarbon potential. Galp’s Mopane discovery, estimated to hold up to 10 billion barrels of oil equivalent, alongside TotalEnergies’ Venus find, has firmly positioned Namibia on the global exploration map and underpinned expectations of first offshore oil before the end of the decade. Alongside this offshore momentum, however, a parallel story is unfolding onshore, where frontier basins, lower entry costs and improving geological understanding are drawing increased attention from explorers and investors alike. Onshore Namibia presents…

13 Feb

What use is a good constitution amidst poverty?

Opinions

This Monday, the 9th of February, marked Constitution Day, the day when, 36 years ago, in 1990, the Constituent Assembly adopted the country’s constitution leading up to its coming into effect with the country’s independence the same year on 21 March. The question that begs to be asked is, 36 years after, is there cause for celebration? Is there any reason why 36 years after everyone in Namibia should celebrate this day, and why? Needless to say, the answer to such a question cannot but be mixed. While the Namibian Constitution is and must be ordinarily a source of pride…

13 Feb

Cuba has been strangled to death through a silent genocide: who sanctions the sanctioner? Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

Opinions

PAUL T. SHIPALE (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) Every year, the United Nations overwhelmingly condemns the U.S. embargo on Cuba. Every year, 187 nations vote against it. Every year, nothing changes. If 187 voices cry “wrong”, but the powerful continue as if the world never spoke, is that international law or theatre? And if it is theatre, who is the audience? And the joke is on whom? There is currently a human-generated humanitarian crisis taking place in Cuba, and Russia has warned that Cuba’s energy crisis is becoming critical because of the United States using “suffocating measures” against…

12 Feb

Police issue over N$560 000 in traffic fines in a month

National News

Justicia Shipena Traffic fines worth N$562 250 were issued during a nationwide crime prevention operation conducted from 30 January to 2 February. Inspector general of the Namibian Police, Joseph Shikongo, released the results of the month-end operation, code-named “Walya Shakakodhi Tala Pombada”, which was carried out across all 14 regions. Khomas issued traffic summons worth N$114 750 and arrested 15 suspects. Otjozondjupa followed with N$124 750 in traffic fines and confiscated eight firearms, the highest number of firearms seized in a single region. The operation was launched in response to rising cases of robbery, drug dealing, stock theft, poaching, illegal…

12 Feb

NamRA caught red-handed changing hiring rules

National News

Justicia Shipena The Office of the Ombudsman has found irregularities and possible discrimination in the Namibia Revenue Agency’s (NamRA) recruitment process for assistant tax officers. This finding follows an investigation by its investigation division into complaints of unfair treatment. The findings are contained in a recently released investigation report by Ombudsman Basilius Dyakugha, dated 6 March 2024. The investigation began after a candidate lodged a complaint alleging discrimination based on ethnicity during NamRA’s recruitment of assistant tax officers. The complainant said she applied, was shortlisted, wrote the test, passed the interview and was recommended for appointment, but did not receive…

12 Feb

Noa tells staff to focus on law, not social media pressure

National News

Justicia Shipena Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) director general Paulus Noa has urged investigators to speed up corruption cases and warned staff not to be distracted by social media activists. Addressing the ACC staff in Windhoek on Wednesday, Noa said delays in investigations weaken public trust and affect the institution’s credibility. “Speedy finalisation of corruption investigation is critical. The longer you take, the more the chance of relevant information and evidence disappearing,” he said. He acknowledged that corruption investigations can be complex, especially when complainants are unwilling to provide information. However, he said this should not lead to unnecessary delays. He told…

12 Feb

ECB proposes size limit on small power producers

National News

Justicia Shipena Small embedded generation projects in Namibia could soon be capped at 2 MW or 5 MW under proposed simplified licence conditions presented during consultations in Windhoek. The Electricity Control Board (ECB) held a stakeholder workshop at the Avani Hotel on Tuesday to discuss new licence conditions and application forms for simplified generation projects. ECB chief executive officer Robert Kahimise said embedded generation is becoming more important in Namibia’s electricity supply industry and requires regulatory clarity and compliance to support sector growth. He reminded stakeholders that under the Electricity Act of 2007, a licence or exemption is required for…

12 Feb

Minerals bill nears completion

National News

Justicia Shipena Mining Commissioner Isabella Chirchir says the formulation of the Minerals Bill is at an advanced stage. Chirchir revealed this on Wednesday during the invest in Namibia session at the Africa Mining Indaba 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa. “We do have a Minerals Bill in place, which is at an advanced stage, and it will modernise processes without disturbing existing rights,” she said. Six months ago, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah called for swift action to finalise the bill, modernise the sector and sustain growth. The proposed law adjusts application costs and relaxes exclusivity provisions for reconnaissance and exploration licences. …

12 Feb

Namibia signs deal to host global water body

National News

Justicia Shipena Namibia has signed a headquarters agreement to host the Secretariat of the Global Water Partnership Organisation (GWPO) in Windhoek. The agreement was signed on Wednesday. The minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform, Inge Zaamwani, said the signing reflects confidence in Namibia and Africa. “This decision reflects confidence not only in Namibia as a country but also in Africa’s capacity to lead, convene, and deliver on one of the most pressing development challenges of our time: water security,” she said. Zaamwani said Namibia has invested in integrated water resources management, climate adaptation, groundwater development, desalination and water…

12 Feb

NYS investigates how candidate entered NCS

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The National Youth Service (NYS) has launched disciplinary action against staff members after an internal investigation found that an individual was allowed into the Namibia Correctional Service (NCS) without meeting the required conditions. The matter came to light after social justice activist Johannes Johannes questioned how Lascow Salufu was admitted to an Instructional Skills Course at Omaruru in 2022 without completing the required civic training. Salufu is employed at NCS. The NYS confirmed that he completed only a short course in supervision and management. “He completed a short training course in supervision and management for the purpose of…