Page 4 – News Stand

29 Apr

Getaway car, N$55 000 found in Namcor fuel station robbery

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché Police have recovered N$55 000 and a getaway vehicle used in an armed robbery at the Namcor Soweto Service Station in Katutura. According to Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, one of the suspects was arrested after being shot in the leg during a confrontation with city police officers. Four other suspects fled and remain at large, with a manhunt underway. The robbery occurred around 09h00 on Monday when five armed individuals arrived in a black sedan with a fake number plate. They stormed both the fuel station and the adjacent Pick n Pay Express store. A 39-year-old employee was…

29 Apr

GCR upgrades credit rating of Oryx Properties

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

Julia Heita Oryx Properties Limited has received an upgraded national scale credit rating from Global Credit Ratings (GCR), moving to BBB+(NA)/A2(NA) with a stable outlook. The new rating reflects the company’s financial position and growth strategy. Chief Executive Officer Ben Jooste welcomed the news, saying the upgrade confirms the company’s efforts in expanding its portfolio and maintaining solid financial controls. “This ratings upgrade reflects our successful expansion strategy, improved portfolio quality and sound financial management,” said Jooste. Jooste said Oryx Properties has grown its property portfolio to N$4.2 billion while maintaining conservative gearing and strengthening its performance metrics. “The vacancy…

29 Apr

Debmarine opens exhibition at Lüderitz Maritime Museum

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Observer Money

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Debmarine Namibia has opened its first permanent exhibition at the Lüderitz Maritime Museum. The exhibition marks the company’s entry into public educational spaces focused on Namibia’s marine diamond industry. The launch follows the official opening of the museum by former president Nangolo Mbumba in September 2024. The museum is housed in the old Lüderitz Power Station and forms part of the second phase of the Lüderitz Waterfront Development Company (LWDC) initiative. Speaking at the event, Debmarine Namibia Chief Executive Officer Willy Mertens said the exhibition aims to support education and promote awareness of the country’s marine resources. He…

29 Apr

MTC eyes next generation of innovators and leaders

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

Julia Heita Namibia’s premier mobile telecommunications company, MTC, has reaffirmed its commitment to national development by investing in education to prepare future innovators and leaders. Speaking at MTC’s 30th anniversary celebration in Windhoek on Monday, the managing director, Licky Erastus, said the next phase of the company’s work will prioritise sustainable investments in education, arts and culture, sports, health, and entrepreneurship. “As we journey towards the next 30 years in MTC’s history and that of our country, we must prioritise education so that we prepare a generation of innovators, a generation of servant leaders, a generation that will not tolerate…

28 Apr

Leaders call for action against “Blesser” culture

info_e12wt4csMain

Ester Mbathera Transactional relationships where older men engage with underage girls, often called “blessers” or “sugar daddies”, remain widespread across the country. Wealthy and respected men are often involved, with girls as young as 13 drawn into these relationships. Ohangwena Governor and former police chief Sebastian Ndeitunga said the rise in these cases is partly due to the involvement of some parents. "Parents are to blame for this. Some parents know that their child is going out with an older person, but because they need the money the girl is bringing in, they support her and keep quiet. Some are…

28 Apr

Funding secured for Okangwati Extension 3 township

info_e12wt4csNational News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Kunene Regional Council has secured funding for the establishment of Okangwati Extension 3 under the national development budget. This move sets plans in motion to formalise and expand the settlement’s residential and business areas. Chief Regional Officer, George Kamseb, said the township project aligns with the priorities of the Sixth National Development Plan and the National Housing Policy of 2023, which promote sustainable human settlements. "Funding has been secured under the Development Budget for the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework for the years 2025/26 to 2027/28," Kamseb said. The council will oversee needs and feasibility assessments, environmental impact studies,…

28 Apr

Zambezi region most supportive of marijuana use

info_e12wt4csFeatured, National News

Ester Mbathera People from the Zambezi region believe marijuana use can sometimes or always be justified. This makes them the most supportive group in the country, according to the Afrobarometer Survey 2024 conducted by Cirrus Survey Warehouse Namibia. The survey shows that approval for adult cannabis use varies across regions, age groups, education levels, and ethnic backgrounds. Nationally, the nation remains divided on the issue. The public was asked whether adults using marijuana can "always be justified," "sometimes be justified," or "never be justified." Among ethnic groups, people who wanted to be identified as Caprivians scored 82%, followed by Nama…

28 Apr

2025 SONA: BOTTOM-UP ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION FOR SHARED PROSPERITY

info_e12wt4csOpinions

Josef Kefas Sheehama On the 24 April 2025, President H.E. Dr. Netumbo Ndemupelila Nandi-Ndaitwah of the Republic of Namibia delivered her first State of the Nation Address (SONA), emphasizing "Unity in Diversity, Natural Resources Beneficiation, and Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development." She outlined the administration's goals and strategies for an array of the economy. In the SONA, the president outlines the targets for the year, the current state and achievements of the economy, and plans for implementation. In addition to highlighting important challenges and transformative initiatives, her 2025 State of the Nation Address outlined eight key economic enablers and seven…

28 Apr

Outapi water treatment plant expansion is progressing well

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) has announced steady progress on the N$141.8 million expansion and upgrade of the Outapi Water Treatment Plant (WTP). The project aims to meet the increasing water needs of Outapi Town and surrounding communities in the Omusati Region. NamWater’s spokesperson, Lot Ndamanomhata, said in a statement on Monday that work has already started and is moving forward. “We are pleased to share that progress is moving steadily and visible work is taking shape,” he said. He added that the project was launched to meet the growing water needs of the region. The existing plant,…

28 Apr

Construction of an inclusive resource school in Kamanjab set to begin

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché Construction of a special school for differently abled children in Kamanjab will soon begin, following a groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday. Speaking at the event on behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare described the Kunene Region Resource School project as a milestone in Namibia’s education infrastructure. He said the government has made access to inclusive, quality education a priority, with a commitment to ensure that no child is left behind, regardless of ability, location, or circumstance. The school will cater specifically to learners with hearing, visual, and intellectual impairments. It will include adapted classrooms, hostel blocks,…