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namib times SERVING THE COASTAL COMMUNITY SINCE 1958 NO 7132 FRIDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2025
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A Rosy Future for Curro Schools on the Horizon Rudi Bowe
In a bold move poised to reshape the private education landscape, South African billionaire entrepreneur, Jannie Mouton has made a staggering R7.2 billion bid to acquire private school group Curro Holdings, South Africa's largest private schooling group. This landmark move by billionaire philanthrope who is the founder of PSG and co-founder of Capitec is set to reshape the largest independent school group, including Namibian branches Windhoek Gymnasium, Oshana Gymnasium and Walvis Bay Gymnasium, into a not-for-profit or-ganisation. The philanthropic ambition driving the offer is to fundamentally pivot Curro's mission, from shareholder returns to student outcomes. The trust envisions full bursaries for learners from low-income households, building schools in neglected areas, and reinvesting every cent of surplus into educational quality. The offer, extended through the Jannie Mouton Continues on page 2
Full report on page 2
Etosha Fishing Lands First Pilchards in Eight Years
Government Launches Policy to Put Namibians First in Oil and Gas Sector Eileen van der Schyff
The Namibian Government has introduced a new Local Content Policy to make sure that the country's people, businesses, and communities benefit directly from oil and gas activities. The policy, announced by the Ministry of Mines and Energy,
sets clear rules for how jobs, training, business opportunities, and ow-
nership in the petroleum sector will be shared with Namibians, espe-
cially those from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. The National Upstream Local Content Policy public consultations concluded successfully at St. Peter's Hall in Lüderitz on Tuesday this week.
These nationwide engagements are designed to ensure Namibians benefit meaningfully from opportunities in the oil and gas sector, with a focus on skills development, local business empowerment,
and job creation. The Office of the President has also extended a public invitation for all Namibians, including youth, local authorities, and businesses, to participate in regional consultations running from
1 – 17 September 2025. These consultations will present the National Upstream Petroleum Local Content Policy and allow the public to provide feedback. Locations include