Page 47 – Windhoek Observer

31 Jul

Job hunt frustrates 85% of youth in the southern regions

National News

Justicia Shipena A recent survey by the #BeFree Movement shows that youth unemployment, limited access to education, and lack of resources are among the main challenges facing young people in southern Namibia. Of the 51 participants, 85% listed unemployment as their main concern, followed by 72% who cited education and 68% who pointed to resource constraints. The findings informed the launch of the #BeFree Big Talk: Solutions Now initiative in the ||Karas region. The movement, in partnership with Active Youth Organisation Namibia (AYO), is running a three-day programme aimed at amplifying youth voices and driving community-led solutions. The programme, which…

31 Jul

Clerks urged to back SADC parliament shift

Africa / World, Featured

Moses Magadza The chairperson of the committee of clerks and secretaries general of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF), Xolile George, has highlighted the role of clerks and secretaries of national parliaments in transforming the forum into a fully fledged SADC regional parliament. George, who is the clerk of the Parliament of South Africa, did this on Tuesday when he officially opened a statutory meeting of the Committee under the theme “Ensuring Operational Continuity Post Elections in SADC Member States.” “We gather here as a special crop of clerks and secretaries to our national parliaments with a special call and…

31 Jul

GOVERNANCE: AN ANALYSIS OF SOE BOARD MEMBERS WINDOW DRESSING

Opinions

JOSEF KEFAS SHEEHAMA It's time to have an uncomfortable conversation and be honest with each other. It is upsetting and sad to watch Namibia's multiple scandals emerge, particularly those involving State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in an array of critical economic sectors. This piece will not pinpoint specific entities involved in corruption and mismanagement scandals that have threatened our citizens' livelihoods and service delivery. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah stated during her inaugural speech that corruption is treason and should be treated as such. As a result, corruption emerges as soon as new administrations take office as part of their commitment to improving transparency…

31 Jul

When Justice Feels Like Oppression: The Hidden Dangers of Blind Law Enforcement

Editorial, Featured, Opinions

The recent viral video of a deputy sheriff demolishing the home of a black woman has shaken Namibia to its core. Though the action was legally mandated, the optics were devastating: a white man enforcing the destruction of a black woman’s property. In a country still healing from a brutal racial past, such images carry weight far beyond the immediate event. They awaken memories many wish to forget, but as history teaches us, memory does not fade simply because we want it to. Yes, the deputy sheriff acted under a court order, he was doing his job. But there is…

31 Jul

NaCC finds no red flags in Mpact, Gondwana deals

Observer Money

Allexer Namundjembo The Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC) has approved two merger transactions without conditions, finding that neither poses a risk to market competition in the country. The decisions appear in government gazette No. 8691, dated 17July 2025. The first merger involves Mpact Operations (Pty) Ltd and Seyfert Corrugated Western Cape (Pty) Ltd. The commission received the merger proposal on 8 April . Mpact produces paper-based packaging in Southern Africa. Seyfert manufactures corrugated packaging. Both companies are based in South Africa. NaCC examined the potential impact of the merger on the Namibian market, focusing on corrugated boxes and packaging supply. After…

31 Jul

Tech startup leads OM SEED Otjozondjupa awards

Observer MoneyOM SEED Otjozondjupa awards

Justicia Shipena A business offering technical solutions for everyday challenges took first place in the Otjozondjupa Region as the Old Mutual Foundation announced the top three winners of its Sustainable Economic and Empowerment Drive (OM SEED). Kennedy Tobias, founder of Kensamos Engineering CC, claimed the top spot for his work repairing electrical appliances and developing innovative technical fixes. Meanwhile, Erna Naises, a skilled tailor and co-founder of Two Sisters CC, earned second place for her focus on custom clothing and using design to empower women. Third place went to Maria Shigwedha of Green Pastures Investment CC, a business distributing fresh…

31 Jul

BoN governors reunite for anniversary dialogue

Observer Money

Allexer Namundjembo The Bank of Namibia (BoN) will host a high-level intergenerational dialogue next month as part of its 35th anniversary celebrations. The event will bring together current and former governors in a discussion on leadership, policy, and institutional legacy. BoN governor Johannes !Gawaxab will be joined by former governors Tom Alweendo and Iipumbu Shiimi under the theme “Anchored in Stability, Advancing with Transformation.” The Governors’ Townhall, which will be attended by BoN staff, will explore the evolution of central banking policy and leadership while preserving institutional memory. “The intergenerational dialogue is a unique opportunity to reflect on the leadership…

31 Jul

Africa falls behind on air safety rules

Observer Money

Justicia Shipena Sub-Saharan Africa is falling behind global standards in aviation safety. The region has only implemented 59.49% of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards and recommended practices (SARPS) across 46 of 48 states. This falls short of the global average of 69.16% and well below the target of 75%. In response, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on African governments to act, warning that failure to meet global standards undermines aviation’s role in driving economic growth, job creation, and social development. In a statement on Wednesday, IATA said Africa’s aviation sector contributes USD 75 billion (approximately N$1.4…

31 Jul

Bucks Buccaneers kick off preseason training

Sports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Namibia Premier League side Bucks Buccaneers Football Club will begin their preseason training camp on Monday ahead of the 2025/2026 season. The Katutura-based club confirmed that training will be held at two venues. Monday’s session is scheduled for 18h00 at Sam Nujoma Stadium, followed by a Tuesday session at Windhoek Technical High School at 17h00. The schedule returns to Sam Nujoma Stadium on Wednesday at 18h00, with Thursday’s session again at Windhoek Technical High School at 17h00. “All Bucks Buccaneers players are urged to attend all training sessions with full commitment and dedication. Your participation is crucial as…

30 Jul

ACC flags Interpol in hunt for fugitive Malima

Main

Justicia Shipena The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has flagged the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) over the escape of fugitive Victor Malima. Malima remains at large in connection with the Namcor fuel corruption case. ACC director general Paulus Noa said that Malima has not yet been arrested and said there are no new developments. “We have nothing to update the public except to say that he has not yet been arrested,” Noa said. He explained that the suspect [Malima] has been reported to all relevant authorities, not just in Angola. “We have to contact all the authorities through Interpol, not only…