Page 51 – Windhoek Observer

28 Jul

Digital access up by 6% in two years

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Namibia's ICT Development Index (IDI) score rose from 68% in 2023 to 73.2% in 2025, according to the latest IDI report, released by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). The 6% rise reflects an increase in the country's digital connectivity.The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) said this growth highlights progress in connectivity levels. The IDI measures Universal and Meaningful Connectivity (UMC) across 164 member states using 2023 data. UMC includes access, affordability, digital literacy, and network qualitym …

28 Jul

Liberation Movements – Past Their Sell-By Dates?

Editorial, Featured, Opinions

The former liberation movements of southern Africa – the ANC in South Africa, SWAPO in Namibia, the MPLA in Angola, among others – have gathered in South Africa under the lofty theme:“Defending the Liberation Gains, Advancing Integrated Socio-Economic Development, Strengthening Solidarity for a Better Africa.” On paper, it sounds noble. In reality, it reeks of irony. For decades, these movements carried the dreams of their people, leading struggles that dismantled colonialism and apartheid. They promised freedom, prosperity, and dignity. Today, however, many citizens look at them and ask: What liberation gains are left to defend? Liberation vs. Governance The transition from…

28 Jul

Historic first for Namibian referee at WAFCON final

Featured, Sports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Namibia Football Association (NFA) president Robert Shimooshili has praised Namibian referee Twanyanyukwa Antsino for making history as the first Namibian to officiate the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final. Antsino officiated the match between Nigeria and Morocco on Saturday night. In a statement issued on Sunday, Shimooshili described the occasion as an achievement for Antsino, the NFA, and the nation. "Antsino's selection to officiate the WAFCON final is a testament to her dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment to excellence," he said. Shimooshili said her role in the final brings pride to both herself and the association and…

28 Jul

MTC unveils five-year creator awards sponsorship

Featured

Allexer Namundjembo The Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) has pledged N$4.5 million over the next five years to sponsor the Content Creator Awards. Of that amount, N$1.5 million is allocated for this year's event. The announcement was made last week by MTC's spokesperson, Erasmus Nekundi, who said the sponsorship is part of the company’s support for Namibia’s digital space. The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on 6 December at the National Theatre of Namibia (NTN) and will recognise individuals who have contributed to digital content creation in the country. This year's event will include 20 award categories with increased…

28 Jul

PM’s openness shakes mental health taboo

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Prime minister Elijah Ngurare has received support from public figures after he shared that he once considered suicide during a period of financial hardship. Ngurare made the revelation last week on social media, saying that between 2015 and 2019, he was under severe financial stress and nearly lost both his house and car due to nonpayment. During that time, he said the thought of suicide crossed his mind in the hope that his life cover would settle his debt and support his family. “Thanks to the support of family, friends and comrades, I managed to thwart those thoughts.…

28 Jul

MUN members to receive retirement support

National News

Justicia Shipena Mineworkers will soon benefit from a new Retirement Incentive Benefit, set to take effect on 1 August 2025. The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) announced the initiative during its second regional roundtable discussion in Oranjemund, ǁKaras Region. The benefit will be available to members who are at least 60 years old and have been with MUN for a minimum of five years. MUN general secretary George Ampweya said the initiative fulfils a resolution passed at the 2010 Congress and is part of the union’s efforts to recognise long-serving members. The roundtable brought together union leaders, members, and experts…

28 Jul

Relocated flood victims receive basic services

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The City of Windhoek ( CoW) has extended essential services to Farm 508, where over 300 households were relocated earlier this year following floods that destroyed homes in parts of Otjomuise. The relocation aimed to provide a safer environment after flash floods damaged residents' previous homes. In an update issued on Friday, the city stated , "The emergency relocation was a necessary intervention to safeguard the lives and dignity of displaced residents." Since the relocation, the municipality, working with the Khomas Regional Council and other partners, has made progress in bringing infrastructure and services to the area. Two…

25 Jul

PAP appointments trigger legal action by AR

Main

Allexer Namundjembo The Affirmative Repositioning Movement (AR) has taken legal steps against the appointment of three Members of Parliament to the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), alleging that the process was unconstitutional and violated parliamentary procedures. In a letter addressed to the National Assembly, AR’s legal representative Norman Tjombe demanded official records and minutes related to the nomination of Phillipus Katamelo, Uahekua Herunga, and Rodney Cloete, who were recently named as Namibia’s representatives to the PAP. “The National Assembly did not consider or resolve to designate the said members to the Pan-African Parliament,” Tjombe wrote, calling the appointments “unlawful and procedurally flawed.”…

25 Jul

Infant’s death in Berseba under investigation

National NewsMinistry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS)

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The ministry of health and social services (MoHSS) has confirmed the sudden death of a two-month-old baby from Kainachas village in the Berseba Constituency, ||Kharas region, and says a post-mortem is underway to determine the cause. In a media statement issued on Thursday, the ministry acknowledged becoming aware of the incident through social media on 22 July 2025, and confirmed that the infant had died at home on 21 July. According to the ministry, no signs of illness were noted before or immediately after the child's immunisations. "It is important to note that no signs of illness were…

25 Jul

PAN boss accused of bullying staff

National NewsAnnette Retheman, Payments Association of Namibia (PAN)

Allexer Namundjembo Allegations of workplace misconduct have been levelled against the chief executive officer of the Payments Association of Namibia (PAN), Annette Retheman, with claims she mistreats staff and that she fosters a hostile work environment. PAN, a self-regulatory body for Namibia’s payment industry, is meant to foster collaboration across the sector. In April 2023, the Namibia Financial Institutions Union (NAFINU) raised concerns in a letter to PAN board chairperson Adrianus Vugs. The letter, which remains unanswered, outlined complaints from staff about the CEO’s behaviour. Union general secretary Asnath Zemuee said PAN previously spent around N$250,000 on a life coaching…