Windhoek Observer — Namibian news outlet covering government, business, justice, and social issues in Windhoek and nationally.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
New Era
Windhoek Observer was founded by Hannes Smith and Gwen Lister to challenge colonial regime
“A year later, Hannes Smith along with Gwen Lister founded the Windhoek Observer, working together to change the narrative and challenge the colonial regime's depiction of Swapo as "terrorists" or a "black threat."”
Namibia’s evolving media landscapeThe Namibian
Windhoek Observer published article containing inaccurate information about NYC matters
“In a media statement issued on Friday, the council says the article published on 5 March contains inaccurate information and misrepresents internal administrative matters.”
NYC rejects claims about former acting director’s resignationThe Namibian
Windhoek Observer reported ministry's chief petroleum inspector acknowledged vehicle engine damage reports
“Windhoek Observer reported at the time that the ministry's chief petroleum inspector has acknowledged reports of vehicle engines experiencing poor combustion due to the fuel's content.”
Motorists face N$80 000 repair bills as high-metal fuel damages modern carsThe Namibian
Windhoek Observer reported Masua will earn N$100 000 monthly salary for three months
“Masua, a former Swapo parliamentarian who was announced last Friday as NYC interim executive chairperson, was responding to inquiries following a report by the Windhoek Observer this week that she will be earning a monthly salary of N$100 000 for three months.”
I don't pay myself – Masua on N$100 000 p/m salaryThe Namibian
Windhoek Observer published photographs of the Oshikuku Massacre aftermath
“He fled the country after being tipped off that South African security forces were searching for him following the publication of the photographs in the Windhoek Observer and abroad.”
Oshikuku – hidden gem of the northThe Namibian has appointed Ester Mbathera as editor, overseeing editorial operations of The Namibian, The Current, Spotlight supplements, and Desert FM. Mbathera, who previously worked at The Namibian as a freelance senior reporter covering fishing and mining, most recently served as news editor at The Namibian and editor of The Current before this promotion.
1 October 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibian has appointed Ester Mbathera as editor, overseeing editorial operations of The Namibian, The Current, Spotlight supplements, and Desert FM. Mbathera, who previously worked at The Namibian as a freelance senior reporter covering fishing and mining, most recently served as news editor at The Namibian and editor of The Current before this promotion.
1 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Veteran journalist Yanna Smith has been appointed editor-in-chief and head of news at Future Media, effective Thursday. Smith brings more than three decades of journalism experience and will oversee the media group's editorial direction across its radio, television and digital platforms.
1 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Justice and Labour Relations Minister Fillemon Wise Immanuel has proposed increasing the monthly graduate internship allowance from N$2,357.10 to N$3,700 and extending the internship period from three to six months to improve accessibility and workplace exposure for young graduates.
1 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
A social worker urges the public to stop treating domestic violence as a private matter and to report suspected abuse to police. More than 290 domestic violence cases were recorded in Windhoek between January and May this year, and 4,965 gender-based violence cases were recorded nationally during the 2025/26 financial year.
29 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
A social worker with 15 years of experience is urging communities to report domestic violence to police rather than treating it as a private family matter. Windhoek recorded more than 290 domestic violence cases between January and May this year, though police note the actual number may be higher due to underreporting.
29 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Princess Sehwe Maiba's side is challenging the process that led to Gilbert Muhongo Mutwa's designation as Chief Munitenge Moraliswani III, seeking to set aside the urban and rural development minister's April 2025 approval and the subsequent recognition under Proclamation No. 29 of 2025. The dispute stems from the succession process following Chief Kisco Maiba Liswani III's death in July 2021, with Sehwe and the Masubia Royal Council contending the process bypassed traditional succession order and royal institutions.
25 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Justice and Labour Relations Minister Fillemon Wise Immanuel warned that Namibia risks losing parts of its cultural identity if communities fail to protect indigenous languages, traditions and knowledge, and urged students and institutions to explore turning heritage into economic opportunities rather than merely preserving it.
24 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Revolutionary Union has finished construction of two classrooms at Limbadungila Combined School in Ohangwena Region, replacing makeshift stick structures where learners were taught while exposed to rain and unsafe electricity. The project, which cost between N$300,000 and N$350,000, is expected to benefit between 70 and 80 learners.
23 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Justice and labour relations minister Fillemon Wise Immanuel told the Windhoek Observer that introducing statutory paternity leave in Namibia could see some fathers spending an entire year away from work if they have children with multiple partners, potentially affecting labour force productivity. Namibia currently has no law providing statutory paternity leave, though employers may offer it through workplace policies.
23 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
A decades-long land dispute involving four families in the Zambezi region has reignited, with the Masubia tribal court warning that renewed confrontations could result in injuries or death. The traditional authority, saying the matter has moved beyond its jurisdiction, summoned the families with police and security present in September 2026, but the meeting became confrontational.
22 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Independent Patriots for Change have called for Jonas Sheelongo, executive director in the ministry of works and transport, to be removed from all negotiations and planning structures involved in establishing Namibia's proposed new national airline, citing concerns about his record at Air Namibia.
22 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Anti-Corruption Commission has summoned Namibia Airports Company CEO Bisey /Uirab as part of an investigation into alleged corrupt practices at the state-owned company. The summons seeks information and documentation relating to transactions and appointments at NAC, including the awarding of a tender for the renovation of the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting facility and the appointment of the head of internal audit.
22 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The United States is phasing out direct financial support for Namibia's HIV response, shifting to technical cooperation after 2027, while the government already funds 100% of antiretroviral medicines. Health experts warn that sustaining gains will require more than ARV availability, as US assistance has also covered testing, counselling, and community programmes.
18 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Windhoek Observer editorial argues that Namibia's stadium crisis is a national development issue affecting pride, youth, economy, and tourism. Prime Minister Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare has committed to government action on stadium rehabilitation by year-end, allowing the Brave Warriors to play home matches in Namibia rather than abroad.
16 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
A WhatsApp message circulating on social media falsely claimed the High Court had ruled in favour of same-sex marriage in Namibia. The office of the judiciary and the ministry of justice and labour relations have clarified that same-sex marriage remains illegal in Namibia.
16 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Choppies Enterprises, a Botswana-based retailer, expects profit after tax from continuing operations to fall by 46–56% to BWP66–82 million in the year ended 30 June 2026, citing government-subsidised commodities in Namibia and weaker macroeconomic conditions across its markets.
16 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
TransNamib is accused by businessman Rodney Hanganda of failing to settle an invoice of N$851,000.02 for construction and fuel infrastructure work. A former TransNamib health and safety officer corroborated that the final invoice remained unpaid, noting it was rejected after inspection found some required work incomplete.
15 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The state funeral of liberation struggle veteran Helao Joseph Shityuwete, a former Robben Island political prisoner who spent 18 years imprisoned, has prompted calls for him to have been buried at Heroes' Acre and accorded national hero status, with supporters arguing his decades of sacrifice and instrumental role in the armed liberation struggle warranted Namibia's highest honour.
14 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Central Procurement Board of Namibia cancelled a N$127 million tender for veterinary cordon fences along the South Africa border and awarded the contract via emergency procurement to a company that had failed in the competitive bidding process, raising concerns about transparency and procurement integrity.
9 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Seven Indian employees of Brilliant Star Diamonds have approached the High Court challenging their detention following an immigration operation at the company's premises on September 2, seeking their immediate release and review of detention notices issued under the Immigration Control Act. The company director denies aiding illegal employment and says the workers held valid immigration permits endorsed in their passports.
8 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa has rejected Divundu Village Council's appeal to renew CEO Athanasius Ndjamba Maghumbo's five-year contract, stating his decision will not change regardless of appeals. An activist alleges Maghumbo himself drafted the council's appeal letter and instructed councillors to sign it.
8 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Windhoek Observer examines the controversy involving US Ambassador John Giordano's denial of entry to the National Fisheries Indaba in Walvis Bay, where accounts of what occurred remain contested—including claims he was not registered and later asked to leave. The editorial urges restraint on calls for his recall, arguing the incident raises separate questions about the ambassador's conduct and Namibian institutions' competence in managing diplomatic protocol.
7 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
A 20-year-old man has been arrested following the alleged rape of a 76-year-old woman at Omuhongo-Onanyama village in the Epembe area. The incident allegedly occurred between 02:00 and 03:00 on Friday, 4 September 2026, and the suspect is in police custody while investigations continue.
6 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Katima Mulilo Town Council has handed over the site for a N$450 million wastewater treatment plant to contractor Fulbright Water, financed by Standard Bank Namibia and Old Mutual. The 13 to 14-month project aims to address persistent sewerage problems while creating local employment opportunities.
4 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The PDM president McHenry Venaani has accused the government of poor coordination after the ministry of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform appealed an environmental clearance certificate granted to Namibian Marine Phosphate for the Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project. Venaani said the appeal exposed shortcomings in how government ministries communicate and make decisions, noting the agriculture ministry only learned of the Environmental Commissioner's decision through social media two days after it was granted on 5 August 2026.
3 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Livestock attacks in Judea Lyaboloma conservancy have surged, with 37 incidents recorded between January and July, lions accounting for most recent attacks. A conservancy field officer cited bush encroachment around communities as a factor, with lions increasingly found close to villages where dense vegetation provides daytime cover before nighttime attacks.
2 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Former First Lady Monica Geingos has clarified that her documented response to the 2020 killing of Andy Kazekondjo and assault of his sister involved psychological and emotional support, not a commitment to build the family a house. An activist recently sought an update on what she described as a housing pledge made by Geingos' office, noting the family had reportedly returned to the original house where the assault occurred.
2 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Beifang Mining Technology Services has appealed an arbitration award that reinstated a recognition agreement with the Revolutionary Union, arguing the union did not represent the majority of employees when the agreement was signed in March 2024. The company contends the agreement is null and void from the outset and faults the arbitrator for failing to distinguish between voidable and void agreements.
1 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Farmers in Zambezi region's Judea Lyaboloma are experiencing mounting livestock losses to lions and hyenas, with at least six lion attacks on cattle recorded in Makanga village over the past month. A 76-year-old farmer reported losing three cattle since the year's start, while another farmer lost three cattle valued at N$30,000 to lions last Friday.
1 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Ethiopian Airlines has indicated that management control would be a condition for any equity partnership with Namibia's planned national airline, Namibia Air. The revelation raises concerns over aviation sovereignty and the financial viability of the carrier, which the government aims to launch in December 2026.
1 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →