The efforts by the Ministry of Health and Social Services in tabling the 2025 Mental Health Bill have been commendable and represent a landmark step toward enshrining dignity, autonomy, and human rights in mental healthcare in Namibia. However, the proposed Bill does not explicitly address maternal mental health, including pre- and postnatal depression. This omission...
The revelations surrounding the alleged loss of over N$850 million from the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) have revived public outrage and heightened concerns about Namibia’s governance systems. The incident reflects more than just a financial scandal; it reflects a crisis of leadership and accountability-a recurring theme that continues to erode public confidence in institutions...
Although there may have been times before when humanity has found itself in confusion, today’s confusion is probably worse. Everyone may be pointing double fingers at others, but ultimately, we are all complicit. For instance, the electorate complains about politicians not fulfilling their promises, yet they keep voting the same people into power year after...
The Namibian Police seem oblivious about their powers, duties and responsibilities as police law enforcement agency. This is so, because many times, police found themselves embroiled and entangled in matters that are not falling within their mandate. This situation that is worrisome and may cause confusion as to what are the real power, duties and...
Namibia is at the precipice. The numbers are stark, the trends alarming, and the urgency undeniable. According to Cirrus Capital’s Robert McGregor, the number of individuals identifying as employers decreased from approximately 45 000 in 2018 to 15 000 in 2023. In just five years, our country has lost approximately 30 000 businesses, the majority...
In a business climate where many leaders place short-term gains above long-term human development, it is refreshing to encounter an executive who chooses a more principled and sustainable path. Bucks Jansen van Rensburg, the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Bucks Haulage Limited (BHL), stands out as a leader who puts people first and Southern...
This year Namibia was downgraded to a lower-middle-income country by the world bank. This I believe was due to the fact that prosperity is not shared by everyone and pervasive inequality persists. The legacy of privileged elites endures decades after apartheid. Namibia remains among the world’s most unequal nations with roughly more than 40% of...
At the 5th APRM Youth Symposium, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, the third Chairperson of the African Union Commission, delivered a message that should sweep through Africa’s youth spaces like a wind of change and a timely reminder. With conviction and clarity, she reminded young Africans that nobody gets invited to a revolution. The youth, she...
In recent years, many employers have begun participating in mental wellness initiatives targeting their employees. Public institutions, for instance, observed Mental Wellness Day at UNAM on Friday, 7 November 2025, alongside ongoing mental health presentations by professionals such as social workers and psychologists. These efforts are indeed commendable. However, one must ask: Are public institutions...
Democratic governance is a system in which all sectors of society participate fully and share responsibility for the affairs of the state—that is, participation by all. It refers to a situation where both the rulers and the ruled take part in the decision-making process at all levels. During the pre-colonial period in Africa, there was...