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OBSERVER COASTAL | Seibeb’s allies warn dethroning him could destabilise clan

OBSERVER COASTAL | Seibeb’s allies warn dethroning him could destabilise clan

Renthia Kaimbi A conflict within the Dâure Daman Traditional Authority has escalated into a stalemate, dividing a concerned community group and supporters of its chief, Zacharias Seibeb.  The dispute centres on allegations of financial mismanagement, legitimacy, and claims of procedural flaws at the ministerial level. This followed after the government began the process to remove Seibeb as leader of the traditional authority.  The process has been initiated by Urban and Rural Development minister James Sankwasa, who informed Seibeb of the decision in a letter dated 22 September 2025. The deputy chairperson of the Dâure Daman Community Concerned Group, Cornelia Atjiwara,…
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Katjimune allegedly packs his bags out of PDM 

Katjimune allegedly packs his bags out of PDM 

Justicia Shipena  Former Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) lawmaker Maximalliant Katjimune has allegedly resigned from the party. Sources within PDM claim Katjimune tendered his resignation this week, and that the party is withholding the confirmation.  His alleged departure follows a wave of recent resignations, including former shadow minister of education Charmaine Tjirare and former National Assembly members Yvette Araes, Esmeralda !Aebes, Vakamuina Kamutuezu and Shonena Nathaniel. Reports last week also suggested that Katjimune and PDM leader McHenry Venaani disagreed on the reasons behind the resignations. PDM secretary general Manuel Ngaringombe told the Windhoek Observer on Wednesday that he has not received…
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Mnyupe’s resignation rekindles doubts on hydrogen plans

Mnyupe’s resignation rekindles doubts on hydrogen plans

Justicia Shipena  The resignation of James Mnyupe from the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2) has reignited doubts about the future of the ambitious project.  On Wednesday, reports by The Namibian said Mnyupe stepped down because of a lack of political support. Mnyupe was appointed by former president Hage Geingob as the country’s first green hydrogen commissioner in August 2021.  He later became head of the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme.  The green hydrogen project was the brainchild of Geingob. Geingob first announced the project during the high-level segment of COP26 in Glasgow in 2021. Corporate governance expert Johan Coetzee told the…
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Former Lüderitz mayor considers political comeback 

Former Lüderitz mayor considers political comeback 

Allexer Namundjembo Former Lüderitz mayor Philipus Balhao says he is considering contesting the upcoming regional and local authority elections after resigning from the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) and from his position as mayor this week. Balhao confirmed his intentions to the Windhoek Observer on Wednesday, a day after his resignation. “We have not made a conclusive decision yet, but I am working on a strategy. We are considering creating a ratepayers’ association with devoted citizens from an apolitical perspective. Right now, it is still just an idea, and we are putting more heads together. We haven’t made any firm…
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Usakos man dumped in Spitzkoppe after police assault

Usakos man dumped in Spitzkoppe after police assault

Allexer Namundjembo A Usakos resident, Melvin Areseb, is suing the Namibian Police for N$3 million after claiming he was unlawfully arrested, assaulted, and abandoned by police officers. His lawyers, Sisa Namandje & Co. Inc., set out the allegations in a letter of demand dated 19 September 2025 to inspector general Joseph Shikongo. The letter states that in August, Areseb was taken from his home in Usakos by warrant officer Jonas Flai, Constable Raphael Kaundu, and Constable Willem Jantze.  “It is apparent that the members of the Namibian police arrived at our client’s residence at around 03:00 am, while our client…
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MPs challenge lack of asset register in government

MPs challenge lack of asset register in government

Allexer Namundjembo Opposition members of parliament have questioned  the Ministry of Works and Transport over government spending on luxury vehicles and ballooning office rental costs.  They also raised concern about the absence of a complete asset register to track state properties and vehicles. On Wednesday, Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader  McHenry Venaani criticized the procurement of luxury vehicles such as Toyota Prados while the country faces fiscal constraints.  In March, the ministry confirmed spending N$20 million to procure 20 Toyota Prados to supplement the vehicle fleet.  Earlier this month, it announced plans to auction 1 500 government vehicles that have…
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Activist blames pedestrian deaths on poor infrastructure

Activist blames pedestrian deaths on poor infrastructure

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  Road safety activist Felix Tjozongoro says government neglect of safe pedestrian infrastructure is costing lives.  His comments follow the death of a 20-year-old man who was struck by a vehicle on the Western Bypass on Tuesday morning while attempting to cross the B1 highway at the bridge from Hakahana Service Station to China Town.  The man succumbed to his injuries instantly. Three passengers in the vehicle were injured.  The Windhoek City Police confirmed the incident and said investigations are ongoing. The identity of the deceased has not been released, pending notification of his family. Tjozongoro said the tragedy…
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Charcoal activities suspected in Etosha wildfire

Charcoal activities suspected in Etosha wildfire

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Charcoal activities are suspected to have caused a wildfire that broke out in Etosha National Park this week.  The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism (MEFT) confirmed yesterday that the fire likely started with nearby charcoal production before spreading into the park. According to the ministry, the blaze began outside the park on Monday evening and moved into the south-western parts of Etosha, pushed by strong winds and dry vegetation. MEFT spokesperson Ndeshipanda Hamunyela said firefighting teams are struggling to contain the fire.  “Despite efforts, the blaze remains difficult to contain and is advancing rapidly in several directions,”…
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Standard Bank backs Rosh Pinah expansion with N$2.78 billion

Standard Bank backs Rosh Pinah expansion with N$2.78 billion

Chamwe Kaira  Rosh Pinah Zinc and Appian Capital Advisory Limited have secured a US$150 million (about N$2.78 billion) debt facility underwritten by Standard Bank to finance the mine’s RP2.0 expansion project. The company stated that the financing will cover the remaining construction costs of the project, which is currently funded up to the ramp-up phase.  Construction is more than 80% complete and remains on budget. Appian, the majority shareholder of Rosh Pinah Zinc, ran a competitive tender process with several parties before selecting Standard Bank as the partner. “The financing will fund the remaining construction costs of Rosh Pinah’s said…
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Strong lending boosts NedNamibia growth

Strong lending boosts NedNamibia growth

Chamwe Kaira  NedNamibia Holdings Limited recorded a profit after taxation of N$193 million for the six months ended in 2025, up slightly from N$191 million in the previous six months. Profit before taxation rose 8% to N$228 million, compared to N$212 million in the prior period. The group said loans and advances remained the main growth driver, increasing 16% year-on-year.  “This strong momentum reflects the strategic efforts made over the past six to 18 months and provides a solid foundation for future expansion,” the group said. Growth in advances was supported by a 7% rise in net interest income and…
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