Sustainability is a concept we encounter frequently, defined by the United Nations Brundtland Commission as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Namibia has demonstrated a strong commitment to wildlife conservation and environmental protection, notably being one of the first African countries to incorporate...
To date, hundreds of thousands of Namibian citizens are standing at the far end of the tunnel, focussing anxiously on the awaited Vision 2030 to emerge. As years pass by, every small amount of light detected prompts an adjustment of the lens the society is using to view through the tunnel. It is so because...
Dual-use research dilemma refers to the quandary of producing and publishing research in the life sciences that is directed towards or intended to improve public health, animal health or agricultural productivity, but that could be used to harm public health in the hands of a rogue state, terrorist group or individual. One of the technical...
In April this year, I wrote an article bemoaning the speed at which we seem to be lowering standards and embracing mediocrity in public institutions. That article, titled ‘Developmental State, Meritocracy and Minimum Requirements’ had these important lines: “Our country has subordinated meritocracy in preference of irrational and irrelevant considerations. Ordinary Namibians are aware that...
The recent barbs exchanged by youth leaders regarding allegations that the ruling party, Swapo, generated parts of its election manifesto using ChatGPT has stirred debate. This commotion comes at the time Namibia celebrated the eighth National Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Summit, centred on digital transformation and artificial intelligence. There, ICT minister Emma Theofelus said...
SWAKOPMUND – Erongo Red, Roads Authority (RA) and the Road Fund Administration (RFA) have teamed up to install streetlights at the Swakopmund bridge and key interchanges to enhance visibility along coastal roads. Coastal roads are fog-prone and a major safety risk at times. This initiative aims to improve visibility for motorists and residents, reducing the...
SWAKOPMUND – The Amalgamated Rotation Annual Festival is set to return next week, promising to be bigger and better than before. ARAF was established after Omaruru, Karibib and Usakos agreed in 2022 to promote collaboration and resource-sharing by jointly hosting their trade expo named OKULAC (Omaruru, Karibib, Usakos Local Authority Corporation). The inaugural festival was...
With less than three months to go before election day, different political entities have deployed different strategies to identify those of their members best- suited to drive their agenda in the National Assembly. The stark divide between political parties embracing democratic values and those leaning towards autocratic practices has come into sharp focus. While some...
WALVIS BAY – The dust won’t settle around the RedForce saga in Walvis Bay, as residents are now mobilising support for court action against the town council. This turn of events came after a settlement agreement was reached between the Walvis Bay municipality and debt-collectorRedForce, in which the municipality apologised for recent allegations of fraud...
The Cabinet has approved a phased approach to lifting restrictions imposed by the veterinary cordon fence as announced in its 16th decision-making meeting of 2024 yesterday. The decision, announced by the Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology Modestus Amutse, aims to promote economic development and improve livestock health in affected regions. Cabinet has proposed...