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...
Opinions
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
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
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 – End absolute impunity for mass atrocity, political genocide
Prior to the 19th century, the rules of war were temporary and informal, changing with each battle. No international rules existed. In 1864, 12 nations signed the first Geneva Convention, which guaranteed neutrality to medical personnel who would be identified by the special emblem of a Red Cross on a white background. They protected civilians,...
Opinion – Navigating the future: intergenerational governance in Namibia
Namibia is at a crucial turning point, faced with high youth unemployment, entrenched corruption and the need for sustainable development. It must unite the wisdom of experienced leaders with the innovation of its youth. This is not just about policy reform. It isabout creating a governance model that adapts to the needs of all its...
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
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...
Opinion – The transformativepower of words
Writing legibly has never been one of my strongest points. I have often wondered whether exasperated examiners passed me at school and university on the assumption that one so lacking in handwriting skills must obviously have used his time to soak up the more important facts of the subject matter being examined. Letters to family...
Opinion – Ensuring pension fund efficiency
Pension funds require the responsible management and safeguarding of members’ retirement savings to provide peace of mind. This is achieved through robust and transparent communication to create awareness and provide knowledge on the importance of saving for retirement. Pension savings can provide a certain degree of financial security, independence and stability upon retirement, disability, ill-health...