Three panga attack suspects arrested

Three panga attack suspects arrested

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Police in the Erongo region confirmed the arrest of three suspects linked to the brutal panga attack and armed robbery of an elderly couple in Henties Bay last week. According to Chief Inspector Ileni Shapumba, the head of the police’s community affairs division in Erongo, the suspects were apprehended on Sunday morning, mere days after the attack that left Alexander Grobler (77) and his wife, Martha Maria Grobler (69), hospitalised. The attack occurred on Wednesday night when the suspects broke into the Groblers’ home situated on Henties Bay’s main road. Armed with pangas, they assaulted the…
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IPC raises over N$3 500 for Windhoek flood victims

IPC raises over N$3 500 for Windhoek flood victims

Stefanus Nashama The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has raised over N$3 500 to provide food and clothing for families affected by recent floods in Windhoek. Fritz Kaufman, the IPC's Khomas regional commander, made the announcement on Friday. “We have collected that money, which was used to secure food hampers and some clothing,” Kaufman said. He stressed the party’s commitment to supporting the community during times of crisis and expressed gratitude to all contributors, highlighting the importance of solidarity in adversity. Kaufman confirmed that the handover of the donations would take place this week. The IPC’s relief efforts are part…
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Oshaambelo Livestock Development Center equipped

Oshaambelo Livestock Development Center equipped

Allexer Namundjebo The Ministry of Agriculture has announced that the procurement of equipment necessary to complete the Oshaambelo Livestock Development Centre has been completed. The equipment was acquired late last year as part of ongoing efforts to finalise the project, which has faced delays since its inception in 2008. In a video released by the ministry, the executive director, Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata visited the incomplete centre on 14 December to assess progress and identify shortfalls. The ministry explained that the evaluation is part of preparations for infrastructure upgrades under the Livestock Support Program. “This initiative seeks to enhance agricultural infrastructure, improve…
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Namibian delegation attends President Maduro’s inauguration

Namibian delegation attends President Maduro’s inauguration

Niël Terblanché President Nicolás Maduro Moros was sworn in for his third term as the leader of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on Friday The inauguration ceremony, held in Caracas, was attended by various international dignitaries, including a Namibian delegation led by Jenelly Matundu, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. Matundu served as the special envoy of President Nangolo Mbumba during the visit. According to international media reports, the event took place amid significant international controversy. The 2024 Venezuelan presidential election faced widespread allegations of fraud and irregularities. Opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia claimed victory after stating that the…
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AU summit set to reshape African agriculture

AU summit set to reshape African agriculture

Niël Terblanché The implementation of the CAADP Strategy and Action Plan for 2026-2035 is poised to play a transformative role in achieving a healthy and prosperous Africa. In this regard, the African Union (AU) convened an Extraordinary Summit in Kampala, Uganda, under the theme "Sustainable and Resilient Agrifood Systems for a Healthy and Prosperous Africa." Peya Mushelenga, the minister of international relations and cooperation led the delegation which actively participated in these vital discussions from Thursday to Saturday. The summit focused on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan for 2026-2035. The Ministry of International Relations…
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NALOBA and CIF condemns AfDB report on infrastructure development

NALOBA and CIF condemns AfDB report on infrastructure development

Martin Endjala The Namibia Local Business Association (NALOBA) and the Construction Industries Federation of Namibia (CIF) have strongly criticised the African Development Bank (AfDB) report on infrastructure development in Namibia. The AfDB report claims that Namibian companies lack the capacity to manage infrastructure development projects and are unable to compete against international firms for major contracts. NALOBA’s vice president, Peter Amadhila condemned the report, questioning the role of the AfDB in developing the capacity of Namibian enterprises. “All they do is set the requirements so high in order to intentionally award these projects to international companies, where directly or indirectly…
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Breed and Miller win Nedbank Windhoek Pedal Power race series opener

Breed and Miller win Nedbank Windhoek Pedal Power race series opener

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Cyclists Alex Miller and Louise Breed won the first Nedbank Windhoek Pedal Power race of the 2025 season, which took place at Teufels Schlucht outside Windhoek this past weekend. The race, with its main sponsor Nedbank Namibia, saw over 150 cyclists participating, including six male and five female teams. Miller clocked two hours, 24 minutes and 39 seconds to finish first ahead of perennial rival and close friend Drikus Coetzee, who clocked 02:24:39 for second place, while third place was taken by Justus Beulker, who also clocked 02:24:39. In the elite women’s race, Breed won in a time…
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‘Shell’s departure is bad for Namibia’ – Gabonese entrepreneur

‘Shell’s departure is bad for Namibia’ – Gabonese entrepreneur

Niël Terblanché Michel Prud'homme Nzouba, an entrepreneur from Gabon, said the departure of the oil and gas giant Shell from Namibia is not good news for the country. Last week, Shell announced a US$400 million write-down on discoveries made within the license, citing commercial unfeasibility. “When majors like Shell pull out, perceived risk increases and appetite from other players diminishes. Having said that, there may still be hope for Namibia from other players such as TotalEnergies, who are still to conclude their appraisal work,” said Nzouba on LinkedIn. According to Nzouba, as some explorers pull out, the country will inherit…
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Meatco beefs up profits to N$111 million

Meatco beefs up profits to N$111 million

Ester Mbathera Meatco has reported an operational profit of N$111 million for the financial year ending January 2025, marking its first profit in ten years. This figure excludes government grants, which would have increased the total to over N$250 million. On Friday, outgoing chief executive officer, Mwilima Mushokabanji, whose contract ends on 31 January 2025, attributed the achievement to strategic interventions and stakeholder engagement. “We arrived there because we are managing our stakeholders abroad where we are exporting this product (meat),” he said. He explained that the profitability was driven by the 1200 tonnes of beef exported to Norway, a…
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Mbumba’s attendance at Mozambican president’s inauguration still uncertain

Mbumba’s attendance at Mozambican president’s inauguration still uncertain

Hertta-Maria Amutenja No decision has been made yet on whether President Nangolo Mbumba will attend the inauguration of Mozambique’s president-elect, Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo party, on 15 January. Presidential spokesperson Alfredo Hengari informed the Windhoek Observer that once a decision is made, it will be made public. “The decision regarding President Mbumba’s attendance at the inauguration has not yet been made. Once a decision is reached, it will be communicated,” Hengari said. Chapo will be sworn in even though there are still opposition protests going on in the country. Dozens of people have died in these protests since…
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