Court finds Grootfontein ex-councillor’s jackhammer rental story unconvincing

Court finds Grootfontein ex-councillor’s jackhammer rental story unconvincing

Renthia Kaimbi  Former Grootfontein councillor Etnee Tsanigab has lost a court case against the Grootfontein municipality after the High Court dismissed his company’s N$770 000 claim related to a disputed jackhammer rental deal. Court documents obtained by the Windhoek Observer show that High Court judge Thomas Masuku ruled against Elseldra & Etnee Trading CC, a company owned by Tsanigab.  The firm had sued the municipality for N$771 008, claiming it rented out a heavy-duty jackhammer in November 2020 at a daily rate of N$2 450. The municipality denied the claim, saying no agreement existed.  It argued that such an arrangement…
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Past fraud case a painful lesson for GIPF — Inkumbi

Past fraud case a painful lesson for GIPF — Inkumbi

Justicia Shipena The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) chief executive officer Martin Inkumbi says a past internal fraud case at the fund served as a painful reminder that ethical lapses can undo years of progress and damage institutional credibility. In 2023, GIPF suspended an employee for suspected benefits payment fraud amounting to N$124,000.  A year earlier, the Fund had launched an internal investigation after detecting possible fraudulent activities related to beneficiary payments. Another N$17 million fraud case involving former employees is before the court. Speaking during the Global Ethics Day 2025 commemoration in Windhoek this week, Inkumbi said the case,…
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New NCCI Divundu committee to prioritise informal traders

New NCCI Divundu committee to prioritise informal traders

Allexer Namundjembo The newly elected Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) Divundu Branch committee will focus on assisting informal traders to improve their operations. “Divundu has a large number of informal traders and vendors and assisting them to improve their operations will be one of the key priorities on our agenda,” said the new chairperson, Mario Sawahenga. He said the committee would also prioritise unity and collaboration among local entrepreneurs.  “Teamwork and proactive engagement are essential if we want to see tangible results. We must work together and include all partners in advancing the branch’s objectives,” he added. The…
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YOUNG OBSERVER | Discovering Namibia’s hidden gems 

YOUNG OBSERVER | Discovering Namibia’s hidden gems 

Gondwana’s Desert Grace  Gondwana has fortunately been running splash sales since the beginning of the year 2025, which has afforded Gondwana card-holding members such as myself to experience some of Namibia’s hidden gems but on a budget. I made the impulsive decision to visit The Desert Grace on a Tuesday afternoon after seeing an advert for the flash sale on Instagram and decided to eat air for the rest of the month and purchase my vouchers.  Due to the fact that my decision was last minute, I could only leave for the desert after work on Friday, which meant that…
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YOUNG OBSERVER | Namibian youth join Afro-Arab Dialogue on peace and development

YOUNG OBSERVER | Namibian youth join Afro-Arab Dialogue on peace and development

Namibia participated in the Afro-Arab Youth Congress held in Uganda from 6 to 10 October 2025 under the theme “Amplifying Youth Voices for Peace, Unity, and Prosperity.”  The event marked the launch of a fundraising drive for the Afro-Arab Youth Council (AAYC) International Headquarters in Uganda and convened its General Council. Namibia was represented by Leonard Akathingo and Esther Shakela. Akathingo joined a panel discussion on mental health among men, where he shared his journey of turning pain into power and purpose.  Akathingo is the president and founder of the Popya Assistance Foundation, an organisation that focusses on gender-based violence,…
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YOUNG OBSERVER | YOUTH SPOTLIGHT: Breaking ground with precision  – The journey of Zhahida Tjizera

YOUNG OBSERVER | YOUTH SPOTLIGHT: Breaking ground with precision  – The journey of Zhahida Tjizera

In a field often dominated by men and hard hats, Zhahida Tjizera stands out not just for breaking barriers but for redefining what it means to build with purpose.  As a quantity surveyor, she measures more than bricks and mortar; she measures progress with perseverance and dedication.  From early dreams of shaping skylines to navigating construction sites and cost estimates with precision, Zhahida represents a new generation of Namibian women making their mark in technical professions. Her story is one of quiet determination and bold ambition, a reminder that success in STEM and construction is not reserved for any gender…
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YOUNG OBSERVER  | #UNMUTED 

Last week during a Parliament session, a member of an opposition party took to the floor to lament the exclusion of the springbok on one of the national notes. While some may have found it hilarious, the episode posed a sobering question regarding the (possibly deteriorating) quality of debate in the August House.  The National Assembly is the legislative arm of government, and it is meant to dissect and pass laws with scrutiny of government actions and policies. It is supposed to be a house that seeks solutions for the challenges that we face as a nation. One therefore wonders…
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OBSERVER DAILY | Celebrating Excellence: Why Namibia must call its best home

When Dr Ndjodi Ndeunyema recently travelled home to Namibia, it was for a profoundly personal reason, to marry the woman he loves, herself an academic of exceptional calibre. The Windhoek Observer congratulates the newlyweds and celebrates their union as a joyful reminder of what Namibian brilliance looks like. But this editorial is not about romance; it is about recognition. It is about celebrating excellence and asking whether, as a nation, we truly value our best minds. Dr Ndjodi Ndeunyema represents the very best of Namibia, a young, highly accomplished scholar who has distinguished himself on one of the world’s most…
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Implementation of women, peace and security agenda still uneven

Implementation of women, peace and security agenda still uneven

Justicia Shipena  Despite global commitment, implementation of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda remains uneven, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said on Thursday.  Nandi-Ndaitwah urged world leaders and regional blocs to strengthen their efforts.  “As we mark this 25th anniversary, we must look forward. Resolution 1325 has laid a foundation, but the task ahead remains urgent,” she said.  “Conflicts across Africa and the globe are intensifying, with women and children bearing the greatest burdens," she said during the silver anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, held in Windhoek.  Nandi-Ndaitwah reflected on Namibia’s role in shaping the WPS agenda,…
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A timely cut, but will lower interest rates be enough to lift Namibia’s economy?

The Bank of Namibia’s decision to cut the repo rate by 25 basis points, from 6.75% to 6.50%, marks a cautious yet significant attempt to breathe life into a sluggish economy. Announced by governor Johannes !Gawaxab, the rate reduction comes amid weakening growth, subdued inflation, and rising concern that Namibia’s recovery is losing momentum. For households and businesses already grappling with tight financial conditions, the decision offers some relief. But it also raises deeper questions about whether monetary policy alone can lift an economy facing structural headwinds. By reducing the repo rate, the central bank makes it cheaper for commercial…
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