Blog

VP links GBV and suicide to harmful power dynamics

VP links GBV and suicide to harmful power dynamics

Renthia Kaimbi Vice president Lucia Witbooi has warned that gender-based violence and rising suicide cases are rooted in unhealthy power dynamics and harmful cultural norms.  Speaking at the opening of the 8th session of the Rural Women Parliament with Men as Partners, Witbooi called for men and women to work together to challenge traditions that promote dominance and violence.  The session, which brings together 42 delegates from all 14 regions of Namibia, is being held under the theme “Breaking Barriers: Advancing Sustainable Support and Services for Rural Women and Men.” “Together, as men and women, let us analyse, challenge and…
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Nandi-Ndaitwah demands fair trade rules for Africa

Nandi-Ndaitwah demands fair trade rules for Africa

Justicia Shipena  President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for fair trade rules and a balanced international financial system that do not put Africa “at the bottom of the ladder”. Speaking on Sunday in New York on a panel at the Unstoppable Africa 2025 conference, she said global trade must benefit all citizens of the world, including Africans. “What is required is that we need a fair and balanced international financial system that should not discriminate between Africa and the other continents in the globe. And then also, we need fair trade rules. There should not be rules which are meant to…
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BoN nears end of rate-cutting cycle

BoN nears end of rate-cutting cycle

Chamwe Kaira Capricorn Asset Management chief economist Floris Bergh says the Bank of Namibia (BoN) is close to the end of its cutting cycle.  He noted that the monetary policy committees (MPCs) of both the Bank of Namibia and the Bank of Botswana are likely to hold rates steady for an extended period through 2026. In August, the BoN's MPC kept the repo rate unchanged at 6.75%.  The central bank said the stance followed a review of current and projected domestic, regional, and global economic developments. “Inflation trends will determine for how long. Elsewhere, we expect the Fed and the…
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Global cattle prices increase in first half of 2025 

Global cattle prices increase in first half of 2025 

Chamwe Kaira Cattle prices across major global markets increased during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to Namibia Agriculture Union (NAU) analyst Leigh-Ann Nehoya. In the European Union, the R3 steer price rose from an average of N$103.02/kg in the first half of 2024 to N$133.73/kg in 2025.  In the United States, prices strengthened from N$120.60/kg to N$136.56/kg, while Australian prices climbed from N$65.36/kg to N$74.50/kg.  South Africa’s RMAA A2 price improved from N$55.21/kg to N$63.10/kg. In Namibia, A2 and B2 cattle prices rose from about N$59.24/kg and N$58.18/kg, respectively, in the first…
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Pre-development activities advance at Elevate Uranium

Pre-development activities advance at Elevate Uranium

Chamwe Kaira Elevate Uranium maintained momentum in expanding its mineral resources and moved into pre-development activities in Namibia during 2024/2025, chairman Scott Perry said in the company’s annual report for the year ended 30 June. By the end of the year, attention had shifted toward pre-development, following the construction and dispatch of the U-grade beneficiation pilot plant bound for Namibia.  “With uranium resources totalling 161.1 million pounds (Mlb) of uranium oxide (U₃O₈), comprising 66.1 Mlb U₃O₈ at the Koppies Uranium Project and 61.3 Mlb U₃O₈ at the Marenica Uranium Project, the company holds a substantial uranium inventory. Exploration nevertheless continued…
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Paratus projects a decline of over 30% in earnings 

Paratus projects a decline of over 30% in earnings 

Chamwe Kaira Paratus Namibia Holdings Limited expects mixed results for the year ended 30 June 2025, with higher revenue but a sharp decline in earnings. In a trading statement on the Namibia Stock Exchange (NSX), the telecoms and infrastructure group said revenue is set to rise between 10% and 30% compared to the previous year.  However, the company projects a fall of more than 30% in headline earnings per share (HEPS) and basic earnings per share (BEPS). Paratus also predicts a substantial drop in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA), with a range of 10% to 30%.  The…
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Food security, emissions put livestock farming under pressure 

Food security, emissions put livestock farming under pressure 

Livestock farming feeds millions of Africans, but it also leaves a carbon footprint that cannot be ignored. The North-West University (NWU) in South Africa’s animal scientist, Professor Kenny Mnisi, says the challenge is finding the balance between sustaining households and tackling climate change. Many farmers, however, are unaware of this link. Mnisi says short learning programmes and collaborative initiatives are needed to close the gap. “The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, in collaboration with the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, has set up an Agrihub,” he says. “I believe it will be critical in addressing these…
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OBSERVER DAILY | Namibia cannot look away from its vulnerable neighbours

Namibia is increasingly confronted with a reality that is at once heartbreaking and urgent: young children from Angola, some accompanied, many unaccompanied, are roaming the streets of our towns and cities, from the border provinces to Swakopmund, Mariental, and beyond.They are searching for food, safety, perhaps even a future. We see them, we hear them, often feel pity, but we have not yet responded with the resolve, the coordination or the compassion this challenge demands.Former leaders like governor Sabastian Ndeitunga of Ohangwena and former president Hifikepunye Pohamba have raised the alarm. They stress that these children’s health and safety are…
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Diplomatic appointments stir tribal storm

Diplomatic appointments stir tribal storm

Allexer Namundjembo  The recent appointment of ambassadors by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has sparked debate about tribalism, inclusivity, and merit in public service.  While the presidency's claim that the move aims to strengthen Namibia's diplomatic presence, critics argue that the appointments perpetuate old figures and lack ethnic balance. Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader and member of parliament McHenry Venaani said he plans to re-table a motion on tribalism.  “After my return from New York I will table a reflection on our nation’s status,” Venaani said on Sunday. He criticised the recycling of ambassadors, describing it as uncalled for.  "We can't recycle…
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Nursing student commits suicide for allegedly failing evaluation exam

Nursing student commits suicide for allegedly failing evaluation exam

Renthia Kaimbi Welwitchia University nursing student Karien Kaunapawa Nikanor died in an apparent suicide last week after allegedly failing the Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE).  Nikanor was a second-year, trimester student in the Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery Science programme.  The director of corporate engagement and international relations at Welwitchia University, Christel Nassauw, confirmed the tragedy but said that no suicide note was found.  She added that no direct link between Nikanor’s academic performance and her death can be established. "Yes, I confirm it to be true. The reasons behind the student's death are not confirmed and cannot be tied…
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