Windhoek Welcomes Tourists Back to Goreangab Dam Park with Improved Facilities and Access  The Goreangab Dam Recreation Park in Windhoek, Namibia, is set to reopen on 10 December 2025 after completing essential upgrades. Located in the north-western suburbs of the capital, the park has been closed since late July for urgent repairs to sewage pipelines following water-contamination concerns at the Goreangab Dam. With these repairs now finished, Windhoek’s beloved urban park is reopening its doors to the public, offering a refreshed outdoor retreat for locals and tourists to enjoy. The park’s reopening is expected to play a key role in boosting the tourism and leisure sectors in Windhoek, aligning with the city’s broader efforts to enhance urban green spaces for both residents and visitors. The park, celebrated for its peaceful lakeside setting, expansive picnic areas, and picturesque views, is a popular destination for both social gatherings and solitary reflection. Its convenient location and updated amenities are expected to further cement its status as one of the city’s most treasured outdoor spaces. A Popular Destination for Locals and Tourists The Goreangab Dam Recreation Park has long been a favorite spot for both residents of Windhoek and international visitors. The park offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty and urban convenience, making it an ideal spot for family picnics, outdoor activities, and quiet reflection. The park is known for its well-maintained braai (barbecue) areas, shaded seating, and expansive grassy fields, providing a perfect setting for gatherings and relaxation. Its tranquil environment, coupled with sweeping vistas of the Goreangab Dam, makes it a photographer’s paradise and an inviting space for nature lovers. For visitors to Windhoek, the park provides an easily accessible and serene escape from the bustle of city life. Located just a short drive from the city center, it offers a refreshing alternative to the urban environment, making it an ideal destination for tourists seeking a peaceful and scenic location to unwind. Visitors can also explore the St James Walkway, enjoy leisurely strolls by the dam, or take part in birdwatching, a popular activity at the park. Strategic Upgrades to Enhance Visitor Experience The upgrades carried out during the park’s closure are designed to enhance both the safety and enjoyment of visitors. One of the primary goals of the refurbishment was to address water quality concerns and improve the park’s infrastructure. This investment reflects Windhoek’s commitment to providing residents and tourists with high-quality recreational spaces, ensuring that they remain a vibrant and safe part of the city’s urban landscape. While much of the park’s existing amenities have been maintained, the new upgrades focus on improving accessibility and supporting long-term sustainability. The improvements to the sewage and waste management systems will ensure the park’s environmental integrity, while modernized facilities will help accommodate growing visitor numbers. These enhancements will help the park meet international standards for public leisure spaces, further elevating its appeal to both locals and international tourists. Impact on Local Economy and Tourism The reopening of Goreangab Dam Recreation Park is also expected to positively impact local businesses and tourism services in Windhoek. As the city’s tourism sector continues to grow, outdoor spaces like the Goreangab Dam Recreation Park play a key role in attracting visitors. The influx of both domestic and international tourists to the park will drive demand for services such as local tours, accommodation, food, and transport. The government’s focus on enhancing public amenities, including the park’s accessibility and visitor services, is part of a broader strategy to make Windhoek a more attractive destination for both business and leisure travelers. By investing in well-managed, high-quality urban parks, the city is fostering a sustainable model of tourism that benefits both visitors and the local population. For tourism professionals, the park’s reopening signals the potential for expanding the offerings in Windhoek, creating opportunities for partnerships with hotels, tour companies, and local enterprises to provide more enriching experiences for tourists. The park also serves as a model for other African cities looking to balance urban development with the preservation of natural spaces. Promoting Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Practices In addition to being a destination for recreation, Goreangab Dam Recreation Park aligns with broader sustainability efforts in Namibia. The park serves as an example of how tourism and conservation can work together to create lasting benefits for both the environment and local communities. The government’s investment in maintaining and improving the park’s infrastructure supports sustainable tourism, which focuses on minimizing the environmental footprint while maximizing the social and economic benefits of tourism. Windhoek is continuing to develop its eco-tourism offerings, with the park serving as a key site for wildlife observation, environmental education, and green tourism experiences. With its renewed focus on sustainability, the Goreangab Dam Recreation Park provides visitors with an opportunity to connect with nature while supporting Namibia’s commitment to responsible tourism practices. What to Expect During Your Visit Visitors to the Goreangab Dam Recreation Park in the coming months can expect a rejuvenated experience with enhanced facilities. While the park’s key attractions remain, such as the stunning views of the dam and its well-maintained green spaces, the new infrastructure will make the park even more inviting. The park’s temporary pathway through the western parking area, although unpaved, will allow access to the St James Walkway, and the eastern parking area is expected to remain fully functional, providing visitors with ample parking space during peak periods. Conclusion The reopening of Goreangab Dam Recreation Park in Windhoek marks an exciting development in the city’s efforts to enhance its tourism offerings while preserving natural spaces for public enjoyment. With its renewed focus on infrastructure, sustainability, and visitor experience, the park is set to become an even more vital part of Windhoek’s tourism landscape. For both residents and visitors, the park offers a tranquil oasis that brings together leisure, nature, and community in a way that reflects Namibia’s commitment to creating vibrant, sustainable tourism destinations. The post Windhoek Welcomes Tourists Back to Goreangab Dam Park with Improved Facilities and Access appeared first on Travel And Tour World. Windhoek Welcomes Tourists Back to Goreangab Dam Park with Improved Facilities and Access The Goreangab Dam Recreation Park in Windhoek, Namibia, is set to reopen on 10 December 2025 after completing essential upgrades. Located in the north-western suburbs of the capital, the park has been closed since late July for urgent repairs to sewage pipelines following water-contamination concerns at the Goreangab Dam. With these repairs now finished, Windhoek’s beloved urban park is reopening its doors to the public, offering a refreshed outdoor retreat for locals and tourists to enjoy. The park’s reopening is expected to play a key role in boosting the tourism and leisure sectors in Windhoek, aligning with the city’s broader efforts to enhance urban green spaces for both residents and visitors. The park, celebrated for its peaceful lakeside setting, expansive picnic areas, and picturesque views, is a popular destination for both social gatherings and solitary reflection. Its convenient location and updated amenities are expected to further cement its status as one of the city’s most treasured outdoor spaces. A Popular Destination for Locals and Tourists The Goreangab Dam Recreation Park has long been a favorite spot for both residents of Windhoek and international visitors. The park offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty and urban convenience, making it an ideal spot for family picnics, outdoor activities, and quiet reflection. The park is known for its well-maintained braai (barbecue) areas, shaded seating, and expansive grassy fields, providing a perfect setting for gatherings and relaxation. Its tranquil environment, coupled with sweeping vistas of the Goreangab Dam, makes it a photographer’s paradise and an inviting space for nature lovers. For visitors to Windhoek, the park provides an easily accessible and serene escape from the bustle of city life. Located just a short drive from the city center, it offers a refreshing alternative to the urban environment, making it an ideal destination for tourists seeking a peaceful and scenic location to unwind. Visitors can also explore the St James Walkway, enjoy leisurely strolls by the dam, or take part in birdwatching, a popular activity at the park. Strategic Upgrades to Enhance Visitor Experience The upgrades carried out during the park’s closure are designed to enhance both the safety and enjoyment of visitors. One of the primary goals of the refurbishment was to address water quality concerns and improve the park’s infrastructure. This investment reflects Windhoek’s commitment to providing residents and tourists with high-quality recreational spaces, ensuring that they remain a vibrant and safe part of the city’s urban landscape. While much of the park’s existing amenities have been maintained, the new upgrades focus on improving accessibility and supporting long-term sustainability. The improvements to the sewage and waste management systems will ensure the park’s environmental integrity, while modernized facilities will help accommodate growing visitor numbers. These enhancements will help the park meet international standards for public leisure spaces, further elevating its appeal to both locals and international tourists. Impact on Local Economy and Tourism The reopening of Goreangab Dam Recreation Park is also expected to positively impact local businesses and tourism services in Windhoek. As the city’s tourism sector continues to grow, outdoor spaces like the Goreangab Dam Recreation Park play a key role in attracting visitors. The influx of both domestic and international tourists to the park will drive demand for services such as local tours, accommodation, food, and transport. The government’s focus on enhancing public amenities, including the park’s accessibility and visitor services, is part of a broader strategy to make Windhoek a more attractive destination for both business and leisure travelers. By investing in well-managed, high-quality urban parks, the city is fostering a sustainable model of tourism that benefits both visitors and the local population. For tourism professionals, the park’s reopening signals the potential for expanding the offerings in Windhoek, creating opportunities for partnerships with hotels, tour companies, and local enterprises to provide more enriching experiences for tourists. The park also serves as a model for other African cities looking to balance urban development with the preservation of natural spaces. Promoting Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Practices In addition to being a destination for recreation, Goreangab Dam Recreation Park aligns with broader sustainability efforts in Namibia. The park serves as an example of how tourism and conservation can work together to create lasting benefits for both the environment and local communities. The government’s investment in maintaining and improving the park’s infrastructure supports sustainable tourism, which focuses on minimizing the environmental footprint while maximizing the social and economic benefits of tourism. Windhoek is continuing to develop its eco-tourism offerings, with the park serving as a key site for wildlife observation, environmental education, and green tourism experiences. With its renewed focus on sustainability, the Goreangab Dam Recreation Park provides visitors with an opportunity to connect with nature while supporting Namibia’s commitment to responsible tourism practices. What to Expect During Your Visit Visitors to the Goreangab Dam Recreation Park in the coming months can expect a rejuvenated experience with enhanced facilities. While the park’s key attractions remain, such as the stunning views of the dam and its well-maintained green spaces, the new infrastructure will make the park even more inviting. The park’s temporary pathway through the western parking area, although unpaved, will allow access to the St James Walkway, and the eastern parking area is expected to remain fully functional, providing visitors with ample parking space during peak periods. Conclusion The reopening of Goreangab Dam Recreation Park in Windhoek marks an exciting development in the city’s efforts to enhance its tourism offerings while preserving natural spaces for public enjoyment. With its renewed focus on infrastructure, sustainability, and visitor experience, the park is set to become an even more vital part of Windhoek’s tourism landscape. For both residents and visitors, the park offers a tranquil oasis that brings together leisure, nature, and community in a way that reflects Namibia’s commitment to creating vibrant, sustainable tourism destinations. The post Windhoek Welcomes Tourists Back to Goreangab Dam Park with Improved Facilities and Access appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

 Staff Reporter THE City of Windhoek is set to receive a donation from AfriFoodLinks, an EU-funded project, to enhance urban agriculture. Valued at approximately N$ 750,000 (€ 35,000), this donation will support the growth and development of Farm Okukuna, an urban agriculture initiative located in Goreangab, Windhoek. Established in 2015 by the Municipal Council of Windhoek, Farm Okukuna aims to address food poverty, empower small-scale farmers, and promote sustainable urban agriculture. The farm currently features thirteen greenhouse plots, irrigation systems, and water tanks, all designed to help beneficiaries grow a wide variety of crops. Photo: UNDP The contribution from AfriFoodLinks will provide essential infrastructure and capacity-building support for the farm. This donation aligns with the City of Windhoek’s broader efforts to promote sustainable agricultural practices within the city and create opportunities for small-scale farmers to thrive. Farm Okukuna is also set to receive a donation of three e-solar motorcycles from Ministry of Agriculture. This donation aims to enhance the farm’s operations by ensuring that project participants are better equipped to produce food for both self-consumption and income generation. Farm Okukuna, located in the Goreangab area of Windhoek, was established by the Municipal Council of Windhoek in 2015. The project focuses on empowering small-scale farmers by providing them with the tools and resources to sustainably grow crops, with an emphasis on addressing food insecurity in the urban area. The donated E-Solar motorcycles are expected to improve the mobility of farmers and facilitate the transportation of goods, contributing to the farm’s efficiency and its ability to market surplus produce. The post City of Windhoek receives boost for urban agriculture project appeared first on Informanté. Staff Reporter THE City of Windhoek is set to receive a donation from AfriFoodLinks, an EU-funded project, to enhance urban agriculture. Valued at approximately N$ 750,000 (€ 35,000), this donation will support the growth and development of Farm Okukuna, an urban agriculture initiative located in Goreangab, Windhoek. Established in 2015 by the Municipal Council of Windhoek, Farm Okukuna aims to address food poverty, empower small-scale farmers, and promote sustainable urban agriculture. The farm currently features thirteen greenhouse plots, irrigation systems, and water tanks, all designed to help beneficiaries grow a wide variety of crops. Photo: UNDP The contribution from AfriFoodLinks will provide essential infrastructure and capacity-building support for the farm. This donation aligns with the City of Windhoek’s broader efforts to promote sustainable agricultural practices within the city and create opportunities for small-scale farmers to thrive. Farm Okukuna is also set to receive a donation of three e-solar motorcycles from Ministry of Agriculture. This donation aims to enhance the farm’s operations by ensuring that project participants are better equipped to produce food for both self-consumption and income generation. Farm Okukuna, located in the Goreangab area of Windhoek, was established by the Municipal Council of Windhoek in 2015. The project focuses on empowering small-scale farmers by providing them with the tools and resources to sustainably grow crops, with an emphasis on addressing food insecurity in the urban area. The donated E-Solar motorcycles are expected to improve the mobility of farmers and facilitate the transportation of goods, contributing to the farm’s efficiency and its ability to market surplus produce. The post City of Windhoek receives boost for urban agriculture project appeared first on Informanté.

Namibia has re-launched its National Clean-up Campaign with activities taking place across the country. In Windhoek's Goreangab, participants assembled to clean up illegal dumping sites and riverbeds. The National Youth Service (NYS), the Namibian Defence Force (NDF), the City of Windhoek, senior government officials, and other groups were deployed throughout the settlement. Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare joined residents in picking up rubbish during a walk through the settlement. Dr. Ngurare also visited a resident who has transformed a small space into a garden, growing strawberries, parsley, mint and other vegetables. "Well done! This is it. Backyard garden, Meme, we salute you. Your name? Petrina Kadhila. Petrina Kadhila. This is proper. This is proper. You see, these things are doable." Dr. Ngurare on behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, as well as the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Indileni Daniel, addressed the gathering. "This year's observance shines a spotlight on the environmental and socio-economic impacts of food waste under the theme "From Clean Plates to Clean Cities. The theme reminds us that cleanliness does not begin and end in our homes. It extends to our streets, neighbourhoods, schools, workplaces, markets, open spaces, river-based dams and cities." He also added that poor waste management creates room for diseases and pressures municipalities as well as public health systems. "It also affects our livestock biodiversity, tourism and the overall attractiveness of our towns and cities." stressed Ngurare. MEFT Minister Daniel stated, "It is a reminder that a cleaner media is shared or is a shared responsibility. Government can provide leadership, and local authority can provide systems and services, but the lasting cleanliness begins with each one of us here today. It begins in our homes, in our streets, in our communities, in our schools, in churches and in all our places of work." Rent-A-Drum offered to donate large refuse drums to support waste collection, while the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia offered N$1 million towards cleaning efforts in the Samora Machel Constituency. The campaign coincides with the World Clean-Up Day on the 20th of September, which encourages communities to take collective responsibility for cleaner surroundings. The programme also featured a performance by a local artist.

Lazarus Kwedhi and Sem Billy David For more than 30 years, thousands of Windhoek residents have been waiting for one thing: land ownership. Not a promise. Not a number on a map. Real, legal ownership that they can pass on, build on and use to create wealth. Instead, they have received “formalisation”, repeatedly presented as a campaign message. It appears every election cycle to cool the anger of voters in Havana, Goreangab, Otjomuise, Okuryangava, Okahandja Park, Babylon and Kilimanjaro. After the votes are counted, however, the process slows down and people are dumped back into the same cycle of waiting. Hence, this is not formalisation. This is political deception. How is the system designed to fail the masses? The City of Windhoek’s land delivery process follows a backward logic. First, people occupy municipal land and erect structures because no serviced land has been prepared for them. Second, the City undertakes mapping and structure registration. But because there is constant movement into and out of Windhoek, coupled with an inadequate supply of land released in advance, the only tool left is to label people illegal land grabbers, followed by evictions and demolitions. That does not solve the problem. It merely shifts vulnerable families around and creates a market for community leaders who are entrusted to give “permission” to build shacks. Many benefit financially or otherwise from the power that comes with controlling access to land. Third, an occupation certificate may be issued. There is no clear legal timeframe for this process. This stage alone can take up to 20 years, and it still does not provide ownership. Fourth comes the lease agreement. Here lies the biggest trap. The lessee is not allowed to build a permanent structure. There is no defined timeframe for rent-to-own. There is no stated land value and no option to purchase. Under this arrangement, the City of Windhoek remains the landlord, collecting revenue every month while denying residents the very purpose of formalisation: land ownership. The result is a generation of tenancy. Grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren are all born and raised in shacks on the same piece of municipal land. And because there is no security of tenure, residents can potentially be evicted if the City identifies a “potential buyer”. It is not about affordability. It is about exclusion Let us be clear: people are not living in shacks because they want to. The problem is not necessarily that a teacher, nurse, police officer or soldier cannot afford a house. Many may qualify for government housing subsidies. The problem is that the City’s land delivery system is not designed to convert those subsidies into plots and secure tenure. So today, we have soldiers protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Namibia while living in shacks without toilets. They relieve themselves in buckets and plastics, just like many other residents in informal settlements. What exactly are they protecting? And what legitimacy does a state have when it cannot adequately house the people it pays to protect it? A constitutional violation Land is a finite national asset. The Constitution recognises the right to acquire and own property. When the City prolongs ownership indefinitely through endless leases, it denies citizens the opportunity to build wealth. Land is not simply a place on which to build a house. It is an economic power. It is collateral for a bank loan. It is inheritance. It is dignity. By keeping the majority as perpetual tenants, the government is effectively excluding them from meaningful participation in the economy. What must change If the government is serious about formalisation, it must stop selling false hope. Three things must happen now. 1. A time-bound path to ownership Every lease issued by the City should include a clear rent-to-own timeframe and a purchase price, with conversion to freehold or starter title under the Flexible Land Tenure Act. 2. Link housing subsidies to serviced land The government must create a serviced land bank and allocate plots to public servants and other subsidy beneficiaries. No housing subsidy should be issued without a realistic pathway to securing land on which to build. 3. Stop campaign-driven delivery Formalisation must be removed from election politics and treated as a continuous, budgeted 10-year infrastructure programme, rather than a once-off announcement made during election cycles. Windhoek residents are not asking for handouts. They are asking for what they believe the Constitution promises: the right to own land. Until the City of Windhoek converts formalisation into actual land ownership, it will remain what it is today: a smokescreen to secure political seats, rather than a policy to secure people’s future. The people have waited for more than 30 years. They cannot wait another generation.

CHAMWE KAIRA Oryx Properties says it remains focused on disciplined capital allocation and resilient operating performance as it continues to optimise its property portfolio and selectively pursue new development opportunities. The group’s portfolio strategy includes the ongoing development of Goreangab Mall, as well as newly secured sites in Walvis Bay and Lüderitz. It said its loan-to-value (LTV) ratio remained well contained at 41%, while continued access to capital markets supported its funding position. During the financial year ended June, the group successfully issued new notes under an enlarged N$1 billion Domestic Medium Term Note Programme. The group said the combination of disciplined capital allocation, portfolio optimisation and access to funding positions it to continue delivering sustainable value to unitholders. The Namibian economy is projected to grow by 2.1% in 2026 and 2.8% in 2027, recovering from 1.7% in 2025 and against a backdrop of projected economic growth, Oryx Properties says it remains focused on disciplined capital allocation, resilient operating performance and portfolio optimisation, while selectively advancing developments in Goreangab Mall, Walvis Bay and Lüderitz. The comments were made as the group reported a resilient financial performance for the year ended 30 June 2026, with total revenue increasing 17.8% to N$579.8 million from N$492.2 million in 2025. Net rental income rose 14.3% to N$382.5 million from N$334.5 million, despite property expenses increasing to N$197.3 million from N$157.7 million. The group said Platz am Meer Waterfront Shopping Centre, which recorded its first full financial year in the portfolio following its acquisition in the previous year, was a key contributor to the growth. Commercial vacancy, excluding residential properties and measured on lettable area, increased to 3.4% from 2.4%. Oryx’s total portfolio value increased 7.5% to N$5.05 billion, surpassing N$5 billion for the first time. Goreangab Mall, which commenced trading on 29 May 2026, was a key contributor. Its value increased to N$281.1 million from N$100.2 million, following capital expenditure of N$161.4 million during the year. The group also acquired vacant land in Walvis Bay measuring 19 530 square metres and a 50% interest in a joint venture holding 23,978 square metres of vacant land in Lüderitz. Oryx said the acquisitions form part of a measured development pipeline in selected coastal locations. Capital expenditure on acquisitions and developments, net of disposals, declined to N$190.6 million from N$436 million. The previous year’s expenditure included N$290.5 million for the acquisition of Platz am Meer Waterfront Shopping Centre. The largest investment during the year was the continued development of Goreangab Mall, which accounted for N$161.4 million in capital expenditure, compared with N$57.1 million in 2025. The board approved an interim distribution of 58.50 cents per unit and a final distribution of 59.00 cents per unit, bringing total distributions to 117.50 cents per linked unit, up 8.8% from 108.00 cents. Total distributions payable to unitholders increased to N$134.3 million from N$123.5 million. The board said it remains committed to the 75% minimum payout ratio approved by unitholders for the 2025 to 2027 financial years, while retaining capital to fund the group’s development pipeline.

Staff Reporter TWO men were arrested in Goreangab Dam on Wednesday morning for allegedly attempting to break into a house, but their identities cannot be disclosed because the homeowner did not open a criminal case despite being advised to do so. The arrests have prompted the Windhoek City Police Service to urge victims of crime to open criminal cases to allow investigations and prosecution to proceed. The suspects, aged 23 and 25, were allegedly caught while attempting to cut the chain securing the house in an effort to gain entry. The Windhoek City Police Service said the failure to open a case limits its ability to investigate incidents and take appropriate action against suspected offenders. The service said while its efforts are focused on keeping the community safe through arrests, tracing stolen property and identifying suspects, some victims choose not to pursue criminal cases. “This may allow offenders to return to the community freely, creating the perception that they can commit crimes without consequences,” the police said. The Windhoek City Police Service urged members of the public to report criminal incidents and open cases to ensure that suspects can be properly investigated and dealt with through the justice system. For police-related matters and emergencies, members of the public can contact the Windhoek City Police Service on 061 302 302 or 061 290 3330, or send an SMS to 4444. Photo: Windhoek City Police Service – WCPS The post Police warn failure to open cases lets offenders escape consequences appeared first on Informanté.

Some entrepreneurs start their businesses by securing capital, finding the right location and developing a detailed business plan. For Saima Iiyambo, however, her entrepreneurial journey started with something much simpler: a talent with her hands and a determination to provide for her family. Based in Windhoek’s Goreangab area, Iiyambo has turned her creativity into a small business, transforming colourful beads into handmade products and building a customer base one creation at a time. “I design these beads by hand. What inspired me to start this business was the desire to feed my children and help my family.” What started as a way to put food on the table has grown into a source of income and a business Iiyambo can rely on. “I started this business in 2021. I am naturally gifted. It is not only these beads that I can make, but I can also create other things using my hands.” However, turning a talent into a sustainable business has not been without challenges. In the early days, finding customers was one of her biggest hurdles. Today, however, the challenge has shifted from finding customers to meeting growing demand. “When I started this business, one of the challenges I encountered was finding customers. I used to go to Shoprite to look for customers, but as the business grew, I started getting too many customers. I have beautiful products, which is why I have many customers.” While demand has increased, the cost and availability of raw materials remain a concern for the entrepreneur. “The beads are very expensive in Windhoek. Therefore, I try my best to source the materials and ask someone from Ondangwa or Oshakati to send them back to Windhoek by bus.” For a small business such as Iiyambo’s, reaching customers is critical to generating sales. She has therefore turned to social media as a low-cost marketing tool, using digital platforms to showcase her products and attract new orders. “I try to advertise my business on social media, especially on my WhatsApp status and TikTok. Customers call me through those platforms and place their orders.” Iiyambo says another key part of her strategy is to remain competitive by offering customers quality products at affordable prices. “What I see as different from other sellers in the same business is that I try to make my products more affordable.” Her ambitions go beyond simply increasing sales. She wants to establish a permanent and visible space for her business, where customers can easily access her products. From approaching customers outside a supermarket to receiving orders through social media, Iiyambo is building her business one bead at a time. Her story is a reminder that entrepreneurship does not always begin with substantial capital or sophisticated infrastructure. Sometimes, it begins with a skill, a marketable idea and the determination to turn talent into an income.

For many children, a home is more than just a place to live – it is where they find love, belonging and hope. An orphan who formerly lived in Hope Village, an orphanage in Windhoek, has returned to give the same love that once changed his own life. Boma Nanyemba is now carrying forward the legacy of the late founder, Maritjie de Klerk, dedicating his life to giving vulnerable children a family and a future. This is the Hope Village, situated in the Goreangab area of Katutura. Today, the orphanage is run by a former resident, Boma Nanyemba, whose story is deeply intertwined with Hope Village itself. Once an orphan living within these very walls, he was raised with unwavering love and guidance by the late founder, Maritjie de Klerk. Before her death on 14 March 2025, De Klerk recognised the compassion, strength, and leadership within him. Believing he would continue her life's mission, she entrusted him with the future of Hope Village. Inspired by her faith in him. Despite achieving professional success, he made the extraordinary decision to leave his career behind to answer a greater calling to return home and become a father figure to the very children who now walk the same path he once did. "So when I found myself being asked to contribute to the fairness or in the administration of Hope Village, this sparked that light of mind of restorative justice to restore that justice that has been taken away from people. So I always felt like, Wow, I think I should take this course because it speaks rightly to what I want to do or what I always wanted to do in society. So that's when I really decided to take this choice. Not me, I know, you know, you are not guaranteed in terms of salary and so on, but the fact that I could be a change in society. I, you know, I love listening to societal problems." Nanyemba now runs the home with daily operations, community outreach programmes and fundraising to provide children with a stable family-like environment. Some of the children were raised in the village from a very young age, growing up there through their childhood and into their teenage years. 17-year-old Christophine Martin came to Hope Village in 2017. "I see Boma as my hero because Boma is a loving person. He taught us always to love others and to help. Boma always tries to help people whenever he can. And he always makes sure that whenever we need opportunities or we need something, he will always try his best to search and find it for us. Boma gives the best advice. Sometimes he's a friend. Sometimes he's a father. And sometimes it's just Boma the manager's trick. And yeah." At Hope Village, love is more than a word; it is a home, a family, and a promise that no child should ever feel alone. From one generation to the next, De Klerk's legacy of love continues to live on through Boma Nanyemba and the hearts of those she touched.

Sostenus Wilherm The City of Windhoek has announced a mass removal exercise targeting illegal and unauthorised electrical connections in several informal settlements from September 2026. The exercise will focus on areas where illegal connections are most prevalent, including Otjomuise, Okuryangava, Havana, Hakahana and Goreangab. The City of Windhoek warned residents that illegal electricity connections pose […]

Sostenus Wilherm The City of Windhoek has announced a mass removal exercise targeting illegal and unauthorised electrical connections in several informal settlements from September 2026. The exercise will focus on areas where illegal connections are most prevalent, including Otjomuise, Okuryangava, Havana, Hakahana and Goreangab. The City of Windhoek warned residents that illegal electricity connections pose serious risks to lives and property, as many are installed by unqualified individuals without proper safety measures. According to the City of Windhoek, over the past five years, it recorded more than eight fatalities and numerous injuries linked to electrocution and fires caused by unsafe electrical connections. Residents have been urged to remove any illegal wiring immediately to avoid penalties, disconnections and additional charges before electricity services can be restored. The City of Windhoek further stated that the initiative forms part of the City’s Electricity Safety Campaign, launched in 2020 to promote safe and lawful access to electricity while reducing electrical-related incidents in communities.

At 82 years old, Iiyambo Nashilundo from Windhoek's Goreangab residential area continues to earn an income through a skill he has practised for more than five decades. Inspired by a belt maker he once watched in a shop, Nashilundo turned his curiosity into a lifelong business. Despite his age, he still produces handmade leather products from home. With only a blade, ruler, nails and leather, pensioner Iiyambo Nashilundo handcrafts fashionable and traditional belts from his home. Although he can no longer walk long distances because of his age, he continues to pursue the trade he taught himself more than 50 years ago. "I walked into a shop one day and found a woman cutting leather, and I asked her what she was busy with, and she replied that she is busy making belts. I asked her to show me how it is done. While she was busy, I was looking attentively because I was willing to learn. From that day on I decided I would never buy belts from any shops again, I will be creating them myself. I have to say the talent is just in my head. If I look at something, then I know I am able to accomplish it. When I started, I was employed at a hotel, and when I started working on the belts, I used to walk around with them and sell, until now, I walk around with the products and sell them. I sell belts for young children and adults as well as for women's traditional clothes. I also sell gunholders and wallets. In a day I can make about five to six belts. If sales are good on that day, I can make up to N$ 1000 per day." Nashilundo says business was much stronger during the 1970s, however, sales have declined over the years as he is no longer able to travel to the city centre to reach customers. Even so, he remains committed to supporting his two households, one in Windhoek and another in northern Namibia. "Business used to be good those years; at that time I had many customers, but now business has really slowed down. I don't manage to get customers that much anymore because when I used to work, I was able to get white customers. I need assistance to get money to add and go buy material for the stock, or if anyone can donate an embroidery machine so that I can start making bags." Nashilundo encourages pensioners to continue using their skills and experience to earn a living, saying age should not stop anyone who is still willing and able to work.

Lazarus Kwedhi If you catch a taxi in Windhoek from Havana to the city centre, you pay N$15. If you catch a taxi from Havana to Eros, you pay double. The distance is the same. The time is the same. The only difference is a line on a city map: taxi rank, or not. That line is costing people their wages. People who live and work in residential areas and workplaces without a taxi rank, such as Goreangab informal settlement, Lafrenz, and the northern industrial areas, are required every morning to pay N$30 to get home. That is N$60 a day, on a salary that barely covers rent and food. There is no taxi rank in Lafrenz or Goreangab, so the fare doubles. There is no transport allowance from their employer. The same predicament applies to students and other Windhoek residents. Some are unemployed and depend on parents, guardians, or grandparents to cover their transport costs to and from home. As a result, some choose to walk the last stretch to save N$15, risking the dark and the road. In Windhoek, many residents lose lives and property, or are injured on their way to and from home, because of robbery attacks, or while trying to cross the highway. They do this simply because they cannot afford taxi fare or public transport amid oil price increases and inflation, which have a direct bearing on taxi fares and groceries. The predicament goes beyond sacrifice. Think about students from non-taxi-rank residential areas and educational institutions, for instance, from Cimbebasia to Lafrenz and the northern industrial area, or from Kilimanjaro to UNAM. They often miss lectures because they cannot afford the return fare to campus. Think about job seekers in Max Mutongolume informal settlement in the Moses Garoeb Constituency who turn down interviews in Hochland Park, Klein Kuppe, or Klein Windhoek simply because the taxi costs more than the hope of getting the job. This is not about distance. It is about zoning. The City of Windhoek designated taxi ranks decades ago to keep the CBD moving. That made sense then. The city was smaller. Most jobs were in town. But Windhoek grew. Offices moved to Klein Windhoek. Educational institutions and factories went to Lafrenz. Homes spread to Pioneers Park and Klein Kuppe, and informal settlements expanded beyond the proclaimed townships. The people followed the work and the places to call home, but the taxi fares and taxi ranks did not follow the people. The rule now says: if there is no taxi rank, you pay more. But the absence of a taxi rank is not the passenger’s or taxi driver’s fault. There is a gap in planning by the City of Windhoek and NABTA. Why should a resident pay a penalty because the City never gazetted a loading bay in their area? The result is a two-tier city: cheaper mobility for those going to ranked areas, and expensive mobility for everyone else. It hits the poorest hardest. The people in unranked areas are often the same people with no transport allowance, no car, no job, and no choice but to rely on taxis for mobility. We are in 2026, not 1996. Fuel costs have risen. Living costs have risen. The city has spread. The fare system has not. Other towns have moved to distance-based fares. It is simple: you pay for how far you go, not for whether your destination has a signboard. Windhoek can do the same.  Therefore, the City of Windhoek and NABTA leadership must consider a stakeholders’ consultative meeting to revise the rule and declare the whole city a single taxi zone, and set fares by kilometres travelled, rather than by taxi or non-taxi rank. This is not a call for subsidies. It is a call for fairness to all stakeholders. Public transport should not punish you for where you live or work. A nurse in Hochland Park should not pay double what a clerk in town pays for the same ride. Until that changes, residents will keep walking, risking their lives and property just to save N$15 to buy bread for school children back home. Students will keep missing class and fail their courses. Job seekers will keep saying no to opportunities. And Windhoek will keep telling part of its people that their part of town costs more. That is not a transport policy. That is an invisible border. And it is time to tear it down and dismantle the taxi fare exclusion system in a post-independent Namibia.

(Posted 10th December 2025)     The City of Windhoek has announced that the Goreangab Dam Recreation Park, located in the north-western suburbs of Namibia’s capital, will officially reopen to the public on 10 December 2025. The popular park had been closed since 25 July 2025 to allow for essential maintenance and repairs to sewage pipelines following water-contamination issues at Goreangab […]

The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) has fully disclosed its investments in Oryx Property Limited, in which GIPF holds a 29.46%.

Bank Windhoek welcomed President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to its Goreangab Mall Digital Banking Hub during the official opening of the mall in Windhoek last week.

(Posted 10th December 2025)     The City of Windhoek has announced that the Goreangab Dam Recreation Park, located in the north-western suburbs of Namibia’s capital, will officially reopen to the public on 10 December 2025. The popular park had been closed since 25 July 2025 to allow for essential maintenance and repairs to sewage pipelines following water-contamination issues at Goreangab […]