Page 68 – Windhoek Observer

07 Jul

Politicians accuse Tsumeb smelter of disrespecting law

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Politicians from different parties have criticised Sinomine Tsumeb Smelter for refusing entry to minister of justice and labour relations Fillemon Immanuel during a planned labour inspection on Monday. According to media reports, the Chinese-owned company demanded that the minister, his security team, and delegation undergo alcohol testing before being allowed in. The company also instructed the minister’s bodyguards to surrender their firearms at the gate. Immanuel had visited the smelter to inspect a voluntary retrenchment process that the Labour Ministry suspects violates labour laws. He was accompanied by the labour commissioner and a workers’ union representative. The incident…

07 Jul

Global Cancer Atlas lists Namibia’s registry

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Namibia’s efforts to improve cancer surveillance have received international recognition with the inclusion of the National Cancer Registry (NNCR) in the newly launched Global Cancer Atlas. The Atlas, developed by the American Cancer Society, the World Health Organisation, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), offers a global picture of cancer trends, prevention, and response efforts. Namibia’s registry, endorsed by the African Cancer Registry Network (AFCRN), is notable for being fully initiated, funded, and managed by the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) “This international recognition affirms the global community’s trust in Namibia’s commitment to strengthening cancer…

07 Jul

Inflation risks persist despite easing fuel costs

Featured, Observer Money

Justicia Shipena Fuel price reductions announced in June, backed by over-recoveries in May, are expected to help keep the country’s headline inflation below 4% in the near term. This is according to Almandro Jansen, a junior economist at Simonis Storm Securities. Jansen said this brings some short-term relief for households, especially amid slow wage growth. However, he noted that underlying risks continue to weigh on the economic outlook. The country's annual inflation rate eased to 3.5% in May 2025, slightly down from 3.6% in April and from a recent peak of 4.2% in March. Much of the decline came from…

07 Jul

Bankers Association appoints new CEO

Observer Money

Staff Writer The Bankers Association of Namibia (BAN) has appointed Dantagos Naomi Jimmy as its new chief executive officer, effective 1 July 2025. Jimmy brings more than 20 years of experience in investment management, financial markets, corporate governance, and strategic advisory. She founded Ndapunikwa Investment Management (Pty) Ltd and has held senior roles at the Bank of Namibia, Alexander Forbes Investments, and IJG Securities. She holds a BSc in International Management from La Roche College in the United States and an MBA in General and Strategic Management from the Maastricht School of Management in the Netherlands. She also completed executive…

07 Jul

Premium cuts drive beef price increases in June

Observer Money

Justicia Shipena Consumers in the Khomas Region paid more for beef fillet in June compared to May, as beef prices climbed across several regions of the country. According to the latest figures from the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia, the price of fillet in Khomas rose from N$315.98/kg in May to N$378.25/kg in June. This was a 6.93% weekly increase, the board said. Other prime cuts also saw increases. Topside climbed 3.66% to N$187.94/kg, neck rose 6.48% to N$99.99/kg, and shin increased by 5% to N$106.51/kg. At the same time, the price of thin flank dropped by 5.41%…

07 Jul

New masterclass series aims to boost financial skills

Observer Money

Justicia Shipena Come September, Namibians will have the chance to take control of their finances through a newly launched Financial Education Masterclass by Old Mutual Namibia. The initiative, the first of its kind by Old Mutual, invites individuals across the country to complete a short online survey to express their interest in attending the free training. According to Old Mutual, based on the responses, two regions will be selected to host the inaugural masterclasses, with the announcement scheduled for 11 August 2025 via Old Mutual’s official social media platforms. The sessions are expected to take place in September or October…

07 Jul

Namibia approves poultry imports from the U.S.

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Namibian government has approved poultry imports from the United States, allowing U.S. exporters to ship fresh, frozen, and chilled chicken to Namibia starting 1 July. According to the ministry of agriculture, water and land reform, the approval followed a veterinary risk assessment focused on animal and public health. The ministry said the decision is based solely on sanitary standards and not linked to trade or economic policy. “The decision to allow imports is based on compliance with Namibia’s sanitary measures rather than on timing considerations,” said ministry spokesperson Simon Nghipandulwa. The import permits were issued under the…

07 Jul

Is consolidation in the cement industry justifiable? A closer look at the Swenk // Whale Rock Cement merger

Featured, Opinions

Johannes Shangadi On 5 June 2025, the Namibian Competition Commission convened a public conference under Section 46 of the Competition Act in relation to the proposed acquisition of Swenk’s shareholding in Ohorongo Cement by Whale Rock Cement, the owner of Cheetah Cement. This transaction would effectively consolidate Namibia’s only two cement manufacturers into a single integrated entity. As clarified by Mr. Johannes Ashipala, Director of Mergers and Acquisitions at the Commission, Section 46 conferences are investigative by design. They serve as fact-finding exercises, critical engagements that precede the Commission’s final determination. This article seeks to discuss the issues raised at…

07 Jul

Brave Warriors relocates home matches to Botswana

Sports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Namibia Football Association (NFA) has confirmed hat the Brave Warriors will play their upcoming international home matches in Botswana. This comes as Namibia works to upgrade its stadiums to meet international standards. NFA interim secretary general, Cassius Moetie, said the association has finalised a partnership with the Botswana Football Association (BFA) to host Namibia’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown. “The two football federations are fully aligned to continue building football in Namibia and Botswana. Hence, we are pleased to confirm that the Botswana Football Association has approved that…

06 Jul

Namcor still in the red after N$1.2 billion state lifeline

Main

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) remains in financial trouble despite receiving a N$1.2 billion government bailout in April 2024. The company confirmed that liquidity problems persist and more support may be needed to settle outstanding debts. Namcor’s board and management said the bailout was used to access commercial loans, which were mostly used to pay off overdue creditors. “Liquidity challenges remain persistent, and support may be required to clear the remaining long outstanding creditors balances,” the company stated. By March 2024, Namcor’s total debt stood at N$3.3 billion. The bailout helped reduce this to N$1.6 billion.…