Although service delivery varies, it should focus on how government institutions provide public services and benefits to citizens, businesses and communities. This includes everything from healthcare, education, social welfare, public safety, infrastructure, and administrative services like issuing identification cards and driver’s licences. These services should be accessible to every citizen nationwide, but in some areas,...
During the colonial period (1885- 1989), Namibians witnessed many years in which their lives were dehumanised by the German and South African colonial masters. During this period, black Namibians were declared non-existent (fictional or imaginary human beings or mere objects) and their land declared uninhabited in keeping with the European racist arrogance. Colonisers felt that...
The demise of mother tongue refers to the gradual decline or loss of native languages and cultural identities, traditions and knowledge systems tied to them. While many languages are endangered, others are being revitalised, as the latter keep on borrowing and creating new words to fit their environment. It requires intentional action from individuals, communities...
One of the wisest men who ever lived, King Solomon, maintains in the Holy Book that there is time for everything. In chapter 2 of his book, Ecclesiastes, he points out that there is a season to be born and a time to die. In the sixth verse, he continues that there is time to...
The new Cabinet has been sworn in, and we are witnessing political and economic realities and changes. No region has been left out, unlike in previous political dispensations where other factors were considered in the formation of cabinets and other instruments of government, despite the Harambee rhetoric. By collapsing the bloated cabinet, it is assumed...
The 27 November 2024 Namibian elections came and went with mixed reactions in many parts of the country and other regional and international quarters. The political election dust has not settled yet, as some political parties have taken the Electoral Commission of Namibia to court. Contrary to this stand, some parties that gained fewer seats...
One of the trademarks of a democracy is regular elections after a specified period, as stipulated in the constitution of the country. Namibia is once again exercising this democratic right on 27 November this year. Twenty-one political parties in a population of three million people are participatingin the elections, and the election campaign ball has...
It seems many Namibians who are politically-inclined have come to read, understand and implement Article 17 of the Namibian Constitution to the letter. The Article guarantees political freedom, and the right to form and join political parties at will, provided it is done peacefully. The understanding of Article 17 is confirmed by the number of...
I recently visited a neighbouring country where I was subjected to intensive scrutiny through the immigration formalities. After submitting my authorised new identity card to the immigration officer, I was grilled despite having the relevant document. Despite that scrutiny, I commended the immigration officer for carrying out her official duties in a firm but professional...
It is no longer a secret that Namibians are heading to the polls on 27 November this year, and have undergone such exercise many times. Still, the tempo changes slightly, depending on the election and the national interests at stake during the campaigns. During these campaigns, some political parties often become deeply polarised, leading to...