Blog – Page 9 – Windhoek Observer

27 Oct

Ya Nangoloh slams opposition for ‘Lip Service’ to democracy

National News

Renthia Kaimbi Human rights advocate Phil ya Nangoloh questioned whether opposition parties can bring real political change. He said they have failed to address an important constitutional issue that impacts governance. Ya Nangoloh, the founder and executive director of NamRights, said he has long raised concerns about how the ruling Swapo governs the country. He believes the party has not fully upheld democracy, the rule of law, or justice since independence. He said this has created a misleading public perception that Swapo alone is to blame for the country’s failures in protecting civil, economic and social rights. He argued that…

27 Oct

MPs visit Okahandja to review informal sector progress

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The parliamentary standing committee on economy and industry, public administration and planning visited informal traders and SME centres in Okahandja on Friday. The visit aimed to assess how the town is implementing the International Labour Organisation’s Recommendation 204, which supports the transition from the informal to the formal economy. The visit, led by chairperson Iipumbu Shiimi and deputy chairperson Hilma Iita, aimed to understand the daily challenges faced by small business owners and informal traders. During the engagement, traders raised concerns about limited access to credit, lack of business training and the need for startup capital, which many…

27 Oct

Agra posts N$115 million profit after tax

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Agra has posted its strongest financial performance in its 45-year history, with profit after tax reaching N$115.1 million for the year ended 31 July 2025, up 56.7% from the previous year. Total revenue rose by 5.5% to N$2.8 billion, while gross profit increased by 9.2% to N$556.3 million. Operating profit grew by 43.7% to N$155.4 million. “These results reflect improved margins, disciplined cost control, and strategic expansion,” the company said. Agra’s share price increased by 4.9% to N$3.85 as of 31 July 2025, delivering a total return of 11%, including dividends. The company’s net asset value rose to…

27 Oct

Clicks rewards shoppers with over N$855 million

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Clicks ClubCard loyalty members across Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini received N$855 million in cashback over the past year, bringing total rewards paid to customers over the last three decades to N$7.5 billion. The Clicks ClubCard, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, grew active membership to 12.6 million and contributed 82.6% of total sales at Clicks stores. The Clicks Group, which operates 27 stores in Namibia, said while improvements in South Africa’s macroeconomic indicators are encouraging for retail spending over the medium term, consumer sentiment and discretionary spending remain under pressure. The group said it…

27 Oct

Deep Yellow CEO steps down

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Deep Yellow Limited has announced that its managing director and chief executive officer, John Borshoff, has stepped down from his position effective 20 October. Borshoff, who has led the company since 2016, will remain as an advisor until the end of November to ensure a smooth transition. Under his leadership, Deep Yellow grew from a junior uranium explorer into an Australian Stock Exchange-listed producer-in-waiting with key assets in Namibia and Australia. During his tenure, Deep Yellow revitalised the Tumas Project in the Erongo Region, one of Namibia’s most advanced uranium developments, now nearing a final investment decision. The…

24 Oct

Nandi-Ndaitwah Sings 500,000 Job Creation Amid Vacancy Freezing

Main

By Allexer Namundjembo President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has reaffirmed her administration’s ambitious goal of creating 500,000 jobs within five years, despite the government’s ongoing freeze on public service vacancies, a policy that continues to draw sharp criticism from the public and political commentators. Speaking at the inaugural Namibia Public-Private Forum in Windhoek on Thursday, the President said her government was determined to drive “a new era of decisive, efficient, and results-driven governance” focused on economic growth, inclusivity, and employment. The job creation pledge is anchored in the recently launched Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), themed “Fostering Economic Growth, Inclusiveness, and Resilience…

24 Oct

Nasria pays N$16 million dividend

National News

STAFF WRITER The Namibia Special Risks Insurance Association (Nasria) has paid a dividend of N$16 million to the government after recording another strong year of financial and operational performance for 2024/2025. Nasria maintained its record of clean audits with another unqualified opinion, providing insurance cover against politically motivated and special risks not typically covered by commercial insurers. The company has achieved this every year since its establishment. Insurance revenue increased by 6%, rising from N$84 million to N$89 million, supported by policy renewals and new business across several sectors. However, the insurance service result fell by 23% to N$45 million…

24 Oct

San youth thrives after support from Palms For Life

National News

Allexer Namundjembo For 29-year-old Thusnelde Oases from the Hai//om San community, life has been a struggle marked by poverty and limited opportunities. Growing up as the second last born in a family of eight in Grootfontein, she often saw her parents depend on their pensions to support the household. "With my parents relying on their pensions and limited job opportunities, it was tough to get ahead," she said. "But everything changed when I was given the chance to pursue my education through the Palms For Life Fund." That opportunity became a turning point in her life. Through the fund, Thusnelde…

24 Oct

Swapo applauds youth mobilisation and peaceful campaign in Tanzania

National News

Renthia Kaimbi A high-level Swapo delegation led by former Namibian ambassador to China, Elia Kaiyamo and youth leader Klaivert Mwandingi attended Chama Cha Mapinduzi’s (CCM) final inland rally in Tanzania ahead of the 29 October elections. The rally, held in support of CCM’s candidate, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, showcased strong youth participation and a commitment to peace. It also brought together several liberation movements, including South Africa’s ANC, Mozambique’s FRELIMO, Zimbabwe’s ZANU-PF, and Angola’s MPLA. Kaiyamo said the event demonstrated unity and inclusivity. “It is true, the rally was overwhelmingly dominated by eager young men and women, which is the…

24 Oct

Murambinda residents want climate funds to reach affected communities

Featured

Moses Magadza and Cleophas Gwakwara Citizens of Murambinda, Zimbabwe, have urged Parliament to strengthen environmental accountability, decentralise climate governance, and ensure the fair distribution of climate funds as lawmakers continue nationwide consultations on the Climate Change Management Bill. The Joint Portfolio Committee on Environment, Climate and Wildlife and the Thematic Committee on Climate Change on Wednesday held their second public hearing at the Better Schools Programme of Zimbabwe (BSPZ) Centre in Murambinda in Manicaland province. The hearings are being conducted in line with Section 141 of the Constitution, which enjoins Parliament to consult citizens during law-making processes. The consultations are…