Columns

The world commemorates World Press Freedom Day on 3 May every year, a day dedicated to raising awareness on the importance of freedom of the press (or the media). If there was ever time in modern day during which we all relied almost entirely on the press (or media), that time would be now. 

The smorgasbord of challenges in the Namibian media is largely of its own making.

Since 1991, 5 May is earmarked and is celebrated as the International Day of the Midwife. In 2020, the theme of the day is: Midwives with Women: Celebrate, Demonstrate, Mobilise, Unite - Our time is now.

The marketing product life cycle holds that every product goes through four phases: introduction, growth, maturity and decline in a product’s life cycle. Borrowing from this curve, one can substitute a product for a political party or otherwise imagine a political party as a product offering that goes through these four cyclical events until it eventually withers out and dies. It is cannibalised by other products within the same market or is re-branded, rejuvenated and re-launched. 

The global outbreak of the deadly novel coronavirus or Covid-19 has brought devastation to economies and healthcare systems across the world to their knees. In only three months of the pandemic, we have witnessed a staggering number of people losing their jobs and livelihoods globally. Namibia is no exception, nor will she be spared by the devastating effects of Covid-19.

I have been a supporter of a universal grant since the Basic Income Grant (BIG) was first introduced as a pilot project at Otjivero in Omitara.

In an ideal world, every child would grow up with his/her own parents. In a less than ideal world, family members raise some children. The possibility of these children being abused is high and the tales are never ending. 

“I will not have any more children! This is my last one,” said a mother as she looked at her young son lying on a hospital bed. This mother was my roommate because some time ago, Naneni was hospitalised for a week in hospital. 

This year has exposed our vulnerability as humans more than all the years we have lived on Mother Earth. Some have even called for the reverse button on 2020 so that we can restart this year with its funny-looking digits that took us by surprise and shook us out of our sokkies so much so that even those with the most sophisticated technology and education are clueless in the face of mass deaths all over the globe.

There is a couple of things that I have been consistent about since the New Era newspaper started publishing this column light years ago. I have consistently criticised clubs, bars & lounges for their lack of appreciation for their customer’s hard-earned money, time and convenience.