How can Namibia be a richly-endowed country, yet have poor people? The startling figures of poverty, malnutrition, ill-health and unemployment are largely attributed to corruption and mismanagement. Corruption and mismanagement rob society of precious national resources meant to benefit everyone, and uplift people out of poverty and advance development. They are indeed vices that have...
Opinions
Opinion – Electoral Act and politicians’ rhetoric speeches
It is common cause that the Electoral Act of Namibia was enacted to establish the Electoral Commission of Namibia. The Act also regulates the registration of voters and the nomination of candidates for elections. Additionally, it governs the conduct of elections for various offices. These include the office of the President of Namibia, members of...
Opinion – #Namibia: Africa’s best-kept secret
Over the past three weeks, we have monitored the #Namibia hashtag across social media and online platforms. What stood out the most were posts about tourism and the country’s oil and gas development, which is quite evident. But why is this all we are known for? Is Namibia defined solely by tourism and recent oil...
Opinion – A call for equality, economic emancipation
Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s appointment as the fifth and first female President of Namibia marks a monumental milestone that signals a new era for the country. Her rise to the presidency was not a sudden turn of events, as her career in public service spans decades, marked by pivotal roles in government and diplomacy that have...
Opinion – The Wise Immanuel: A selfless servant
The Cabinet appointments by Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah stand out prominently. These appointments are grounded in meritocracy and driven by a genuine desire for competency-based outcomes. Additionally, there is an understanding that competency will lead to tomorrow’s leaders, emphasising that the time for authentic action, real commitment to our people, and diligence in our...
Opinion – Child Online Safety: What parents can do
In modern times, wanting a moment with a baby as young as two years old, they would instantly reach out for your phone instead of a smooch or a peekaboo. Many parents would find it amusing and fascinating that their kids are glued on their online devices watching “Baby Shark” or “Cocomelon. “ These are...
Opinion – Decolonising Namibia’s mining industry
Namibia is a country blessed with abundant natural resources gold, lithium, uranium, diamonds and more. These treasures lie beneath our soil, waiting to be harnessed for the benefit of all Namibians. Yet, the question remains: Are we truly reaping the benefits of our wealth? Or are we allowing foreign investors and outdated policies to dictate...
Opinion – Genocide: Risks posed by skewed joint declaration
Conflict resolution and management skills are very important tools to succeed in the world of politics and nation building, as well as to bring about peace and stability in society. One of the main causes of conflict in risk management is the divergence of expectations and interests among stakeholders. These differences can lead to disagreements,...
Opinion – What Namibia’s new era is quietly getting right
Let us step back from the noise. The inauguration, the reshuffles, the headlines about rain, ministers, titles and missed vetting – yes, they have dominated the first wave of commentary. But underneath the noise, something is shifting. Quietly, yes. Imperfectly, yes. But unmistakably. We are entering a new era. It is not just symbolic. It...
Opinion – Strides from Namibia’s first female president
Namibia swore in its first woman president on Friday, 21 March, after Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah won the presidential elections held last year. Nandi-Ndaitwah, (72), became one of the few women presidents on the African continent and the world. Popularly known by her initials NNN, she secured 58% of the vote in the 2024 presidential election. Change...