Page 33 – Windhoek Observer

13 Aug

‘Butcher of Lubango’ meets his judgement

National News

Renthia Kaimbi Families of victims of the Lubango dungeons say the death of former Namibia Defence Force (NDF) chief Solomon “Jesus” Hawala marks a time for judgement on his actions. Some victims say they will not forgive him and believe he had much to answer for but took it to his grave. Hawala died on Monday. His legacy is tied to allegations from the liberation struggle era. As Swapo’s deputy army commander and chief of security in the 1980s, he oversaw detainee camps in Lubango, Angola, where thousands of Swapo members and civilians were imprisoned on suspicion of spying for…

13 Aug

From Bailouts to Boomtowns: Rethinking How Our Towns Make Money

Editorial, Featured, Opinions

Let’s not sugar-coat it, our local authorities are broke. And it’s no longer just a small accounting problem that can be patched up; it’s a full-blown crisis that threatens the future of some of our towns. The problem is not only that they don’t have money. It’s that the very way our town councils do business is broken. Here’s the reality: in many of our towns, residents are unemployed or scraping by on very little. Municipalities depend almost entirely on rates, taxes, water, and electricity payments, but when people can’t pay, that money never comes in. The result? Services get…

13 Aug

Erongo Council defies court on Imbamba’s return

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The Erongo Regional Council (ERC) has resolved to defy a Windhoek High Court order reinstate Benitha Imbamba as chairperson. Councillors instead decided to retain current chairperson Florian Donatus. At a special council meeting on Tuesday, councillors voted 4–2 to retain Donatus and to appeal the 1 August judgement. The court ruled that Imbamba’s March removal through a vote of no confidence was unlawful and ordered her immediate return to office. Donatus confirmed the council had passed two resolutions, to maintain the current leadership and to challenge the ruling. He distanced his political party, the Independent Patriots for Change…

13 Aug

Government criticised for weak labour oversight

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Union leaders have questioned the government's willingness to enforce labour laws. Trade Union Congress of Namibia (TUCNA) secretary general Mahongora Kavihuha said he does not believe the ministry of justice and labour relations is serious about labour law enforcement. He was reacting to the ministry’s announcement that 13 employers have been summoned for violating the Labour Act. On Tuesday, the Employment Equity Commission (EEC) said the employers will appear before its review panel on 13 and 14 August 2025 for failing to comply with the Affirmative Action (Employment) Act, 1998. Members of the public may attend the hearings.…

13 Aug

Youth welcome YDF deadline extension

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Youth-led businesses across the country have welcomed the extension of the Youth Development Fund (YDF) application deadline to 25 August 2025, saying it allows them more time to prepare proposals. The Windhoek West Constituency Office announced the extension last week, urging eligible youth to take advantage of the new date. Submissions must be made by 17h00. The office said the decision aims to increase youth participation in the fund. “We encourage all eligible youth to use this opportunity to submit their proposals so they can be considered for funding,” it said. Some applicants have faced challenges accessing information,…

13 Aug

Iipinge urges Oshana residents to cooperate with road contractors

National News

Allexer Namundjebo Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge has urged residents to cooperate with road contractors as construction projects begin in the region. Speaking at a meeting in Oshakati on Tuesday, he said full collaboration is needed to avoid delays. “I am asking you all to cooperate. Please move your fences to give way to the contractors so they can do their jobs,” he said. Iipinge called on village headmen to help educate their communities about the project to prevent disruptions. “We are in contact with the headmen. They must all educate their residents about the project. Failure to cooperate will result…

13 Aug

Economy expected to grow by 3.5%

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The Namibian economy is expected to grow by 3.5% in 2025, according to the Bank of Namibia’s August economic outlook. “The domestic economy is estimated to expand marginally by 3.5% in 2025 and by 3.9% in 2026,” said Kazembire Zemburuka, director of strategic communications and international relations at the Bank of Namibia. He said growth is projected to slow in 2025 before improving in 2026, with GDP growth moderating from 3.7% in 2024 to 3.5% in 2025. The slowdown is mainly due to a contraction in primary industries, particularly the livestock subsector, as reduced herd sizes continue to…

13 Aug

Proflight Zambia to launch Windhoek flights

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Proflight Zambia will launch flights to Windhoek on 3 March 2026, expanding its regional network. The service will operate three times a week, on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays,linking Lusaka and Windhoek via Livingstone. The Lusaka–Windhoek leg will include a 30-minute stopover, during which passengers will remain on board. The Livingstone–Windhoek route will operate as a direct flight. Morning connections from Ndola to Windhoek and evening connections from Windhoek to Ndola, Solwezi, and Mfuwe will also be available. Proflight Zambia will be the only carrier offering direct flights on this route. “Proflight Zambia continues to invest in network expansion…

13 Aug

NCCI calls on members to solve industry-specific hurdles

Observer MoneyNamibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI)

Justicia Shipena Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) chief executive officer Titus Nampala has called on members of the Windhoek Branch to share their expertise to help tackle industry-specific challenges and identify opportunities in high-growth areas. Speaking after the NCCI Windhoek Branch elected a new executive committee on 7 August in the capital, Nampala said the chamber works alongside government to advance economic growth. The gathering brought together entrepreneurs from micro-enterprises, SMEs, large corporates, and informal sector operators. NCCI president Bisey /Uirab acknowledged the range of expertise represented, from clothing, oil and gas, technology, and creative industries to manufacturing,…

13 Aug

Old Mutual wins best insurance service award

Observer Money

Staff Writer Old Mutual Namibia has been named the Best of Namibia 2025 Winner in the insurance service category. The announcement was made on Tuesday in a press statement. The Best of Namibia Awards recognise brands and businesses across various industries, with winners chosen entirely by public vote. Old Mutual also won the best short-term insurer award in 2024. The company said the recognition reflects the trust, confidence, and loyalty customers continue to place in the brand. “With a legacy of over 100 years in Namibia, the company has built a reputation for delivering not only reliable insurance and financial…