Subtle acts of manipulation in negotiations generally don’t go unnoticed but they can sometimes be hard to address publicly without one being portrayed as hostile. Just as in diplomacy, coercive diplomacy makes for a strategic approach during behind-the-scenes negotiations and alliances. Coercive diplomacy is often seen in situations where manipulation is involved, especially in the...
With deep sorrow, yet profound gratitude, Namibia bids farewell to a giant of history, the Founding President of the Republic of Namibia, Father of the Namibian Nation, and an indomitable liberation icon, Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma. The passing of Namibia’s founding president and revered anti-apartheid icon marks the end of an era, not just for...
Culture is not in the blood. It is not something fixed that gets passed down generations. Culture is shaped by history, geography, and shared experiences. This is why the San, with their deep knowledge of Namibia’s arid terrain, would struggle to survive in the tundra of Siberia. It is why an Oshiwambo-speaking Namibian, though linked...
Experiencing heartbreak and betrayal in relationships has deeply affected many individuals in Namibia and beyond. The emotional wounds from failed romance and deep betrayal feel overwhelming, with the pain, anger, and grief seeming endless. This often results in feelings of sadness, depression, and a range of physical symptoms. Suppressing these emotions prolongs the suffering, and...
The pension arrangements for Namibian Members of Parliament (MPs) and other office bearers are governed by the Members of Parliament and Other Office-Bearers Pension Fund Act 20 of 1999, a framework distinct from general pension schemes in the country. This legislation sets it apart from other pension funds as it was specifically established by an...
Namibia’s stunning landscapes, ranging from arid deserts to lush riverine environments, present both opportunities and challenges for consulting engineers. While the diversity of the terrain showcases the country’s natural beauty, it also introduces unique complexities in planning and implementation of engineering projects. Consulting engineers must navigate a host of hurdles to deliver sustainable solutions in...
After a long day of legal arguments, five judges of appeal retreated to their chambers to determine whether to set aside the Presidential elections of 2024 or not. What is clear from the arguments in court is that none of the parties before court are alleging irregularities. None of the parties before court are arguing...
The introduction of a national minimum wage in Namibia is a landmark in the country’s economic and social journey. While its implementation poses challenges for businesses in the short-term, the long-term benefits for the economy, communities, and social equity far outweigh these initial hurdles. This policy is not merely a mandate, but a strategic investment...
Land remains at the core of economic, social and political struggles in southern Africa. The historical dispossession of land from black communities during colonial and apartheid rule created deep-rooted structural inequalities that persist today (Werner, 1993). The recent signing of South Africa’s Expropriation Bill by president Cyril Ramaphosa has reignited debates on land reform, economic...
An Italian political scientist Leonardo Morlino recognised a ‘good democracy’ as one that presents “a stable institutional structure that realises the liberty and equality of citizens through the legitimate and correct functioning of its institutions and mechanisms”. A sort of “legitimated regime” that seeks to completely satisfy its citizenry. Our democracy has been tested. The...