The notion that a president should be blessed or receive holy communion from the church before assuming the nation’s highest office is not a misnomer. What does this signify for an incoming president in terms of religion, politics and the economy? Despite its Western roots, it is no coincidence that Africans also observe this tradition....
Letters
Letter – A letter to Namibia’s first female president
After the country gained independence in 1990, one of the items on the agenda was to promote women’s equality and equity, something that seemed challenging to achieve. However, those given that responsibility ensured that it was not just a dream. One cannot discuss equality and equity without appreciating the artistic contributions of women, which later...
Letter – Navigating the Namibian public procurement landscape
The Public Procurement Act 15 of 2015 came into operation in 2017, with the objective of harmonising procurement policies, systems and practices across Government and State-owned Enterprises (SOEs). Prior to the implementation of the Act, SOEs managed their procurements completely differently from the Government. Public procurement serves as a socio-economic empowerment tool in most African...
Letter – Nujoma at peace with himself
Our generation has been blessed to have seen and experienced the enigma that is Sam Nujoma, the quintessential iconic leader. The one who taught us that we rebel not out of choice, but because we refuse to be a leaf in the centre of the whirlwind. I remember the excitement and curiosity when we were...
Letter – The Nujoma encounters that inspired my journalism
Lila Quin in his thesis “Apartheid’s Last Hope: The International Fight for Walvis Bay, 1966-1994” narrates that in 1959, a young man was travelling around southern Africa with a Bible in hand, dressed as a preacher and looking ready to give a sermon. However, his plan was not to give a hearty Christian session to...
Letter – Economic Growth and Trade: Namibia’s Path to a Stronger Future
Picture a future Namibia where multiple industries flourish outside mining and innovative approaches drive economic advancement, while trade creates lasting prosperity for future generations. The primary source of revenue for Namibia’s economy has been its mining sector, which produces diamonds and uranium. Namibia faces potential dangers when it relies heavily on mining resources because these commodities...
Letter – A letter of appreciation to the Father of the Nation
The emergence of Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma in politics gave hope to many hopeless Namibians who suffered colonial hardship. He was Godsent, and strongly took the fight by uniting women and men to push for freedom. Nujoma was first a leader of OPO, which was later renamed to Swapo. Under Swapo, he mobilised PLAN fighters to...
Letter – Paradoxical Effect of Trumponomics: Lesson for Africa
President Donald Trump’s executive orders serve as a wake-up call for African leaders, demanding that they put public service and economic development ahead of foreign aid and begging. The time has come for them to learn from these directives. To make sure that everyone feels appreciated and respected, every sovereign country should put in place...
Letter – Namdia, police and media paradox
The public has the general right to access information held by public institutions. Similarly, the public may access information held by private entities if will assist in the exercise or protection of a fundamental human right or freedom. This is the rationale behind the Access to Information Act. The brazen diamond robbery at the Namibia...
Letter – Business idea’s dilemma in the motherland
Having a business idea is an exciting moment and the excitement ends when one does not have the means to put the idea into practice. That is despite the knowledge at hand. It even becomes worse when the individual cannot sell the idea to anyone or to institutions with the means to implement it. It...