Featured – Page 11 – Windhoek Observer

26 Jun

Celebrating World MSME Day 2025: A Namibian Perspective on Progress and Possibilities

Featured, Opinions

Hasekiel Johannes On 27 June 2025, the world gathers once again to commemorate World Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) Day. This annual event, declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2017, is more than just a symbolic occasion. It is a global call to recognise the indispensable role of MSMEs in job creation, economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development. For Namibia, a nation forged in unity and freedom since its independence in 1990, this day carries particular resonance as we reflect on our journey and the ongoing work to empower local enterprises. As a proud member of the…

25 Jun

Shortages of doctors push ministry toward private sector support

Featured, National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Ministry of Health and Social Services has confirmed that ongoing staff shortages and high patient volumes during night hours at Katutura Health Centre have led it to request private doctors to offer their services for free. The ministry appealed to registered medical officers in private practice to volunteer for evening shifts at the busy Windhoek-based facility from 17h00 to 23h00, starting 1 July and continuing until further notice. Ministry spokesperson Walters Kamaya explained that while Katutura Health Centre has a good number of staff, the volume of patients at night often exceeds the current workforce's capacity. “At…

25 Jun

Welwitschias starting lineup for Italy game named

Featured, Sports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Namibia’s national rugby team, the Welwitschias, has named its starting lineup for the international friendly match against Italy on Friday. The match is the final preparation encounter before the Africa Cup in Uganda, which will take place from 8 to 19 July 2025. The tournament will also serve as a qualification event for the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup in Australia. The starting line-up includes Haitembu Shikufa, Louise VD Westhuizen, Aronos Coetzee, Adriaan Ludik, Johan Retief, Prince !Goaseb, Max Katjijeko, Adriaan Booysen, Jacques Theron, Tiaan Swanepoel, Jurgen Meyer, Danco Burger, Alcino Izaacs, Danie Merwe, and Andre Burg. This…

24 Jun

Hochobeb to drive risk strategy at Letshego

Featured, Observer Money

Staff Writer Letshego Holdings Namibia has appointed Kgomotso Hochobeb as its new head of internal audit. Hochobeb brings nearly 20 years of experience in auditing, risk management, and forensics. In her new role, she will lead Letshego Namibia’s internal audit function, advising on the company’s control environment and risk management practices. She will also develop auditing strategies and implement audit programs to strengthen internal oversight. “It has always been one of my milestones to contribute to the success of a commercial bank, specifically Letshego Namibia, an organisation renowned for its commitment to innovation,” said Hochobeb. She began her career at…

24 Jun

Capricorn Eagles gear up for 7-match SA clash

Featured, Sports

Justicia Shipena Cricket Namibia, in partnership with Cricket South Africa (CSA), has announced a white-ball tour featuring the CSA Emerging Women’s Academy and Namibia’s national women’s team, the Capricorn Eagles. The series will be held from 2 to 12 July in Windhoek, with all matches taking place at the High Performance Oval. The tour includes four T20s and three 50-over games, giving both squads valuable match experience. For the Capricorn Eagles, the series is a key part of their build-up to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier, which Namibia will host at the end of August. Namibia will…

24 Jun

Letting go to lead better

Featured, Opinions

Mufaro Nesongano Letting go is hard. Whether in life or leadership, most of us wrestle with it. We hold on to stories, memories, and familiar ways of doing things, especially when those things once brought us success or comfort. But there comes a time when we must recognise that what once helped us grow might now be holding us back. As someone who has spent more than two decades in media, public relations and strategic communication, I have come to appreciate the power of storytelling not just outwardly, but inwardly too. A recent conversation with a friend made me reflect…

23 Jun

NFA insists finances are in order

Featured, Sports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Namibia Football Association (NFA) says its audited financial reports are clean and reflect sound governance and ethical leadership. NFA's director for finance, procurement and human resources, Mino Gariseb, made the statement on Monday in response to reports that the football body's finances were not in order. Gariseb said that while public scrutiny is important in strengthening institutions, the NFA wants to correct any misrepresentations and reaffirm its commitment to financial integrity and transparency. He said sponsors and partners can remain confident in the NFA’s operations, which meet regulatory standards and promote long-term value as a responsible football…

23 Jun

U20 girls ready for tough COSAFA battle

Featured, Sports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The under-20 women’s national team is aiming to take full advantage of playing at home during this year’s COSAFA U20 Championship. The tournament will be held in Windhoek from 4 to 13 July 2025, as part of the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games. Namibia missed out on last year’s edition in November but returns with renewed focus. They are placed in Group A alongside Mozambique, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Assistant coach Errol Damaseb said the group phase will be challenging, but the team is determined to advance. “The group stage will not be easy, but…

23 Jun

Strait of Hormuz crossroads: Israel-Iran unrest poses significant threats to energy markets

Featured, Opinions

JOSEF KEFAS SHEEHAMA It's uncertain if Iran will attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz, which ship 20-25% of the global oil. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz would have an immediate impact on global oil prices, potentially leading to significant global economic crises. According to energy experts, the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, is critical for global oil trade and security. Its strategic importance arises from its role as the key conduit for oil and gas exports from major Middle Eastern exporters to…

19 Jun

Why Studying at Unaccredited Institutions is a Waste of Time and Resources

Featured, Opinions

As thousands of Namibian learners prepare to transition from high school to university, the excitement of choosing an academic path is often accompanied by the risk of falling into traps set by unaccredited and questionable institutions.Over the past few years, there has been a worrying rise in mushrooming colleges and so-called universities that operate without proper accreditation, offering qualifications that are ultimately worthless in the job market. It is crucial that learners, parents, and guardians become vigilant and informed to avoid wasting time, money, and dreams on institutions run by opportunistic scammers. Accreditation is not just a bureaucratic formality, it…