Blog – Page 84 – Windhoek Observer

06 Nov

SA judges stand with Namibian magistrates on strike

National News

Allexer Namundjembo South African Lower Court Judges Express Solidarity with Namibian Magistrates Amid Planned Strike Allexer Namundjembo South Africa’s lower court judges have voiced support for Namibian magistrates who are on strike. They say both groups face the same challenges regarding low pay and poor working conditions. This comes as Namibian magistrates begin a partial strike on Wednesday. South Africa's senior magistrate and president of the Judicial Officers Association of South Africa (JOASA), Neelan Karikan, said South Africa’s lower court judges are also protesting for fair remuneration, better working conditions, and equal benefits. “We have noted that in other jurisdictions,…

06 Nov

Community service for learners in blackface scandal

National News

Justicia Shipena Two Windhoek learners have been ordered to perform community service after dressing in racist costumes at a private Halloween party, the Ministry of Education has said. Education executive director Erastus Haitengela said that at the moment, a report is being finalised outlining the disciplinary measures and a restorative process involving the pupils and their families. He said the ministry had taken a firm stance following the incident, describing the behaviour as unacceptable and contrary to the country's values of equality and respect. Public outrage erupted on 31 October after photos of two boys in blackface, labelled with racist…

06 Nov

Suspended Nascam boss to receive full pay and benefits

Main

Renthia Kaimbi The chief executive officer of the Namibian Society of Composers and Authors of Music (Nascam), Albert Nicanor, will continue to receive his full salary and benefits while on suspension. Nascam's board announced Nicanor’s immediate suspension on Wednesday following allegations of workplace misconduct. The board said the decision was a neutral administrative step intended to ensure an unbiased investigation. The board stated that the allegations relate to workplace misconduct, including bullying and causing psychological harm under Nicanor’s leadership. During his suspension, he is barred from entering company premises or using its systems. To ensure operations continue, the board appointed…

06 Nov

THE TIDE LINE | Enough is enough: Walvis Bay deserves to breathe again

Featured, Opinions

For years, the people of Walvis Bay have been forced to live with a smell that has become as much a part of the town’s identity as the port and the sea breeze: the stench of fish meal. For some, it’s been brushed off with a wry smile and the familiar quip: “That’s the smell of money.” But behind the jokes and resigned shrugs lies a deeper truth: this is not just an inconvenience. It’s a persistent environmental and public health concern that affects residents’ quality of life, the town’s image, and its tourism prospects. And it’s time for those…

06 Nov

OBSERVER COASTAL | Principal walks 35km to give learners a better meal

National News

Renthia Kaimbi Tutaleni Primary School principal, Neville Visagie, walked 35 kilometres from Swakopmund to Walvis Bay over the weekend to raise funds to improve the school’s feeding programme. His goal is to make sure every learner receives not just food, but nutritious meals that support their learning. Visagie said while the government provides basic food items like maize meal and bread for underprivileged learners, he wants to expand the menu and improve the school kitchen. “The main reason is to upgrade the menu so that once a week, we divert from the maize and bread,” he said. “Like tomorrow (today),…

06 Nov

OBSERVER COASTAL | Swakopmund’s youth get a chance to grow their businesses

National News

Renthia Kaimbi Over 80 young entrepreneurs in Swakopmund have been chosen to receive funding through the Youth Entrepreneurial Development Initiative (YEDI). The programme by the Swakopmund municipality is designed to support and grow youth-led businesses. The initiative will disburse nearly N$1.2 million to help young people grow their ventures across the coastal town. The programme, launched in partnership with Langer Heinrich Uranium Mine, attracted 2 489 applications. The mine contributed N$1 million to support the funding pool. After a strict selection process, 41 applications were disqualified for not meeting eligibility criteria, including exceeding the age limit of 35 years or…

06 Nov

OBSERVER COASTAL | ‘Our children deserve fresh air’ — Kuisebmond residents protest fishmeal stench

National News

Renthia Kaimbi Residents of Kuisebmond in Walvis Bay say a strong smell from nearby fishmeal factories has made daily life difficult and unpleasant for the community. They say the odour seeps into their homes, clothes and even the classrooms where their children study. The problem, they say, has been ongoing for years and affects schools such as Seaside, Immanuel Ruiters, Kuisebmond Primary and Kuisebmond Secondary. Parents say learners struggle to focus because of the constant stench. “Windows are closed in the heat just to block the stench, but even then, the air feels heavy and suffocating,” one parent told the…

06 Nov

OBSERVER COASTAL | Big turnout for Namport Nedbank Powerhouse Challenge

National News

The Namport Nedbank Powerhouse Challenge got off to a tremendous start this weekend, blessed with beautiful weather and an enthusiastic crowd of athletes.A flurry of late entries contributed to a fantastic turnout, setting the tone for the two-day endurance event.The first day was marked by palpable energy, determination, and widespread smiles as competitors gave their all in the initial cycling and running disciplines.Over 700 athletes descended upon Walvis Bay for the prestigious event, with a field comprising approximately 119 cyclists and 631 runners. The first day culminated in a prize-giving ceremony that celebrated the achievements of the participants, capping off…

06 Nov

OBSERVER DAILY | When ignorance masquerades as jokes: Two teens, blackface and the haunting return of a slur

Editorial, Featured, Opinions

Last week, two white pupils at a local school performed a grotesque pantomime of racism. They painted their faces black and referred to themselves as “Kaffir 1” and “Kaffir 2, invoking one of the most odious slurs in Namibia’s tortured history. It wasn’t just blackface; it was blackface with the added sting of apartheid’s legacy layered on top. This was not ignorance alone: it was wilful disregard for decency, for history and for the fragile social contract of our post-independence nation. Many in the community demand that the pair be expelled or even criminally charged. The school and the parents…

06 Nov

Why Namibia’s Mental Health Bill must confront maternal mental health and baby dumping

Featured, Opinions

Morna Ikosa The efforts by the Ministry of Health and Social Services in tabling the 2025 Mental Health Bill have been commendable and have led to a landmark step to enshrine dignity, autonomy, and human rights in mental health care in Namibia. However, the proposed bill does not explicitly address maternal mental health, including pre- and postnatal depression. This omission risks leaving thousands of Namibian mothers without adequate support, despite global evidence that postnatal depression is a leading cause of maternal illnesses. Although the bill promises sweeping reforms from community-based care to forensic mental health oversight. Yet, amid its 81…