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OPINION – Redefining global advocacy
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OPINION – Redefining global advocacy

Namibia’s active participation at this year’s United Nations General Assembly and Summit of the Future highlighted the country’s role on the global stage. From the High-Level Panel Discussion on “Empowering the Youth for a Sustainable Future”, to Namibia co-hosting the Summit of the Future alongside Germany, and President Nangolo Mbumba delivering his maiden and final...

OPINION – How to ensure child online protection in the digital age 
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OPINION – How to ensure child online protection in the digital age 

In today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, the internet has become an integral part of our daily lives, offering enormous opportunities for learning, connection and entertainment. For children, the digital world opens doors to endless possibilities, from educational resources to social interactions. However, with these opportunities come significant risks. As children spend more time online, they become...

OPINION – Open letter to Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah 
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OPINION – Open letter to Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah 

Firstly, it would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude for the confidence Comrade Dr Nandi-Ndaitwah has in me.  I am honoured and humbled to havebeen appointed as a candidate for election to the eighth National Assembly.  This appointment, at the age of 22, isan extraordinary opportunity for...

Opinion – Integrating indigenousknowledge in sustainable energy
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Opinion – Integrating indigenousknowledge in sustainable energy

The pressing realities of climate change and persistent droughts have rendered traditional hydropower energy sources increasingly unreliable. As we seek alternatives to sustain our energy needs, it becomes imperative to integrate the voices and knowledge of indigenous communities, particularly the Ovahimba people of the Kunene region.  These communities, often labelled anti-developmental, are not merely rejecting...

Opinion – Political mentoring for future leaders
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Opinion – Political mentoring for future leaders

With the conclusion of the Swapo Party electoral college, or “Swapo Pot”, the nation saw an unparalleled youth surge in the political sphere.  Many young candidates, including Fenny Tutjavi (22), a youth activist for millennials, Emma Theofelus (28) the minister of information and communication technology (ICT), and Dino Ballotti, the head of business and public...

Opinion – Oceans and climate
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Opinion – Oceans and climate

Much of the research in physical oceanography in the next two decades will be in connection with the World Climate Research Programme. One of the emphases in this programme has been the period from a month to a few decades, in which the dynamics of the ocean are particularly important.  Namibia has one of the...

Opinion – An empty brain gives no signal 
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Opinion – An empty brain gives no signal 

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...

Opinion – Police diplomacy’s role in fighting transnational crime
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Opinion – Police diplomacy’s role in fighting transnational crime

In an era where borders seem more porous than ever and criminal networks weave seamlessly across continents, the battle against transnational crime is no longer confined to traditional law-enforcement approaches. A new frontier has emerged—one that transcends territorial limitations and embraces a more sophisticated, collaborative effort: police diplomacy. Without this pivotal tool, no nation can...