The Namibian government is under increasing pressure to privatise the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) as concerns mount over the company’s financial instability. A recent report by Ombu Capital (Pty) Ltd, led by former Standard Bank Namibia Holdings CEO Vetumbuavi Mungunda, has put forth a strong case for privatisation to prevent the state-owned entity from...
Opinions
Opinion – Starting a business is not as hard as maintaining it
Working at the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) for more than 13 years has allowed me to see my share of business owners, entrepreneurs, idealists and dreamers pass through our doors. What they all have in common is drive, determination and an individualistic streak – an essential trait for anyone who wants to start or...
Opinion – Asymptomatic syndrome of poor performance
Knowing how to read and not reading is almost the same as not knowing how to read. The difference lies in the application. Similarly, as much as prayer is one of the most misunderstood parts of human experience, success also comes with complacency that can be detrimental to one’s life. Those who have acquired knowledge...
Opinion – China-Africa Summit: Partnership, security, economic evolution
The China-Africa Summit, held from 4 to 6 September, under the theme “Joining Hands to Advance Modernisation and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future”, was attended by 53 Heads of state and government. Furthermore, China announced a US$51 billion support package to Africa over the next three years. This comprises investments in...
Opinion – Political realities of Covid-19
The politics of identity has become a contentious issue regarding the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic “with the US and other allies suggesting that China has not been transparent about the origins of the outbreak” (www.theguardian.com). In the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic, the politics of identity took centre stage as there was counter...
Opinion – A public call to support educational projects
Over the years, many schools have organised events to raise funds to finance projects that enhance learners’ educational experiences through infrastructure development. These projects often include renovations and new constructions like school halls, laboratories, libraries, classrooms, hostels, and fences. One common fundraising method is hosting gala dinners. However, the amounts raised at these events often...
Opinion – Enhancing academic excellence through active parenting
Parents are the greatest gifts from God to their young ones. They shower their blessings, unconditional love, and affection towards their children. Parents play a vital role in shaping and moulding the behaviour and nature of their children. Source of motivation, inspiration Parents showing a positive attitude toward education at home, act as a source...
Opinion – Sustainable development and critical consultation
Before Namibia’s independence, those who were involved in mining, natural resource management, and nature conservation largely ignored the local communities living in or near these areas. However, this approach changed in 1990. One outcome was the introduction of the community-based natural resources management (CBNRM) programme and the Nature Conservation Ordinance Amendment Act of 1996. These...
Opinion – Decolonising religion in Namibia
As defined by thinkers like Frantz Fanon and Kwame Nkrumah, decoloniality is the process of dismantling the colonial mindset that continues to shape the cultural, political, and economic lives of formerly colonised peoples. Fanon described decoloniality as a radical transformation that goes beyond the mere removal of colonial rulers; it involves a profound rethinking of...
Uncommon sense – Social media, a missed opportunity
In today’s interconnected world, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. From sharing selfies on Instagram to posting thoughts on Twitter, these platforms have revolutionised how we communicate and express ourselves. However, while some societies leverage social media for meaningful discourse and innovation, others remain ensnared in a look-at-me culture that misses the...