Early days for Swakop Uranium’s Zambian plans

Early days for Swakop Uranium’s Zambian plans

Chamwe Kaira Swakop Uranium executive president Irvine Simataa has confirmed a recent visit to Zambia by company officials. He described Zambia as a highly prospective and progressive mining region in the SADC. Simataa said the visit had two objectives. The first was on behalf of its majority shareholder, CGNPC Uranium Resources Company (URC), to meet with government, private sector, and other stakeholders for exploratory talks on possible partnerships to develop uranium projects in Zambia. The second objective was for Swakop Uranium to build technical relationships with Zambian mining peers operating mines similar in scale to the Husab Mine. This effort…
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Uranium supply faces mismatch

Uranium supply faces mismatch

Chamwe Kaira Deep Yellow, which is developing the Tumas Project in the Erongo Region, has released an update on the uranium market in a report titled Uranium Demand and Supply Equation – A Total Mismatch. Managing Director John Borshoff said China continues to show strong growth, the European Union supports nuclear energy, India is projected to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027, with nuclear as a key energy source, and the Middle East is advancing its nuclear ambitions. Borshoff said uranium supply has declined for over a decade. He noted that Kazatomprom appears to be in trouble, while Cameco…
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De Beers relocates its auctions business to Gaborone

De Beers relocates its auctions business to Gaborone

CHAMWE KAIRA  De Beers Group has announced that its auctions business has resumed operations following the successful relocation of the business’s headquarters from Singapore to Gaborone. The completion of this relocation unites De Beers Group’s global diamond trading activities in Gaborone, enhancing operational efficiency and supporting Botswana’s position as a major player in the global diamond value chain. With auction sales now being re-established, De Beers Group ran a small-scale trial event for Sightholder customers during Cycle 3. The event generated substantial interest, with a high number of customers viewing lots and participating, resulting in the majority of lots being…
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‘Koos’ Brandt retires from Bank Windhoek

‘Koos’ Brandt retires from Bank Windhoek

CHAMWE KAIRA  The board of directors of Bank Windhoek has announced the retirement of Jacobus Christiaan “Koos” Brandt as a non-executive director of Bank Windhoek. The group said Brandt retired from the board on 30 April, concluding an illustrious career of over four decades with Bank Windhoek and Capricorn Group Limited. Brandt is one of the founders of Bank Windhoek, leading the group of visionary entrepreneurs who established Bank Windhoek in 1982. He has served Capricorn Group and Bank Windhoek with distinction in various leadership capacities. Notably, Brandt was the chairperson of Bank Windhoek from 1982 until 30 June 2017,…
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‘Zaamwani’s skills not enough for complex ministry’ – Analysts

‘Zaamwani’s skills not enough for complex ministry’ – Analysts

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah has cautioned that Inge Zaamwani’s strong administrative background may not be enough to manage the complex political and social issues within her new ministry. Zaamwani was sworn in as a non-voting member of the National Assembly on Wednesday. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah appointed her as the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, replacing Mac Hengari. “She has the background from the Ministry of Mines, and also when she was Namdeb’s Chief Executive Officer, it shows that she is experienced in terms of administration and technocratic matters,” Kamwanyah said.  “But the ministry that she…
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Nictus Holdings’ family trust transactions

Nictus Holdings’ family trust transactions

CHAMWE KAIRA Nictus Holdings Limited, which is listed on the Namibian Stock Exchange under the code NHL, has announced a number of transactions on the Namibian Stock Exchange, each pointing to calculated portfolio reshuffling among family trusts associated with two key figures on the company’s board. Directors Gerald R de V Tromp and Philippus J de W Tromp, long-time trustees and beneficiaries of several family trusts, oversaw significant movements of Nictus shares through these entities. The Nico Tromp Trust, registered under T9/88, offloaded 1 000 000 ordinary shares at N$2.50 per share, bringing in a total of N$2.5 million. In…
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MP tells health minister to focus on basic needs before e-health

MP tells health minister to focus on basic needs before e-health

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Landless People's Movement (LPM) member of parliament Aina Kodi urged the Minister of Health and Social Services, Esperance Luvindao, to prioritise fixing medicine shortages, staff gaps, and failing infrastructure before rolling out electronic health platforms. Kodi raised these concerns in Parliament during the debate on the Ministry of Health and Social Services’ N$12.3 billion budget for the 2024/25 financial year. This follows the ministry’s plan to place digital systems at the centre of its budget allocation for 2025/26.  Presenting the health vote this week in the National Assembly, Luvindao said the goal is to modernise healthcare and improve…
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ICT ministry prioritises N$898 million state media revamp

ICT ministry prioritises N$898 million state media revamp

Allexer Namundjembo The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) is set to allocate a portion of its resources this financial year towards revitalising state-owned media institutions.  This announcement follows ICT minister Emma Theofelus's presentation of a N$898 million budget allocation for the 2025/2026 financial year, an increase from the N$759 million allocated last year.  Theofelus provided justification for the ministry’s budget in Parliament on Wednesday, stating that the funds would facilitate digital transformation, enhance access to credible information, and strengthen public media houses.  Of the total budget, N$529 million is earmarked for the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), New Era…
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Rising Orange River prompts night-time road closure

Rising Orange River prompts night-time road closure

Niël Terblanché The Roads Authority has closed the MR118 gravel road between Rosh Pinah and Oranjemund at night due to rising water levels in the Orange River. Spokesperson Hileni Fillemon said the road remains open during the day but will close overnight as a safety measure. “While the road remains passable currently, the closure is necessary to ensure the safety of all road users,” she said. Emergency vehicles will be allowed under strict supervision. Fillemon advised motorists to use alternative routes while the closure is in place. One route is from Keetmanshoop via Aus and Lüderitz, using the Namdeb gravel…
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Water supply back to normal in Oshakati and Ondangwa

Water supply back to normal in Oshakati and Ondangwa

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) has completed repair work on the pipeline between Oshakati and Ondangwa after a pipe burst near Okandjengedi on Wednesday morning. NamWater spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata said on Thursday that the water supply has been fully restored and is now flowing normally from Oshakati to Ondangwa. The burst disrupted supply to several areas, including Oneshila to Evululuko in Oshakati, Ongwediva, Ondangwa, Oniipa, Omuthiya Town Councils, and nearby constituencies. NamWater had informed the public about the interruption and confirmed that maintenance teams had been sent to fix the issue. “Water supply will resume as soon as…
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