The name Sam Nujoma resonates deeply across Namibia – from the barren dunes of Terrace Bay to the rugged mountain ranges of Kunene in the north. It symbolises resilience, strength and an unwavering commitment to his country. Nujoma was not just a leader but a symbol of the fight for liberation. His leadership style earned...
Opinions
Opinion – Aid a weapon of foreign policy
Many developing countries, including Namibia, are stunned following the move by the United States of America (USA) president Donald Trump to cut funding to all United States Agency for International Development (USAID) foreign assistance programmes. Trump claims this is a mechanism to evaluate whether USAID programmes align with his “America First” policy. Aid has long...
Opinion – Workplace toxicity: a silent killer of employee morale and corporate reputation
As a human resources consultant, I have encountered clients facing structural reporting challenges where managers report to junior employees based on tenure rather than hierarchy. This has led to miscommunication and a work environment where employees experience undue pressure and unprofessional feedback. Even worse, some supervisors delegate their responsibilities to junior employees and take credit...
Opinion – Nujoma: Embodiment of gender equality
The late Founding Father, Dr Sam Nujoma, was a true advocate for women’s rights and gender equality. He did not merely talk about it, but he lived it. His stalwart and visionary leadership laid a strong foundation for the first female president-elect, who is expected be sworn in as the fourth president of the Republic...
Opinion – Land expropriation without compensation in South Africa, Namibia
South Africa and Namibia are grappling with the complex issue of land redistribution in their post-colonial contexts. The nuances in the land debate in both countries underscore their commitment to addressing the critical nexus between land and development. While both countries seek to correct the historical injustices of land dispossession, their approaches to land reform...
Opinion – The link between gender and trafficking in persons
Allow me to express my view on the upcoming court appearance of Pauline Mbangula, which is set to take place on 26 February 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. This is a story that shocked many Namibians, and left others in disbelief of how such a young woman could have possibly swallowed more than 60 ‘bullets’...
Opinion – Employing gunboat diplomacy in modern negotiations
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...
Opinion – Farewell to a revolutionary icon
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...
Opinion – Afrikaners: The paradox of African heritage and 1652 Land Heist
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...
Opinion – Nurturing self-love after a breakup
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...