The Namibian government is under increasing pressure to privatise the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) as concerns mount over the company’s financial instability. A recent report by Ombu Capital (Pty) Ltd, led by former Standard Bank Namibia Holdings CEO Vetumbuavi Mungunda, has put forth a strong case for privatisation to prevent the state-owned entity from...
Thought Leaders
Opinion – UN cybercrime treaty enables threatening state intrusion
Alarm has reverberated around the world following the adoption of the draft United Nations (UN) convention on cybercrime in early August 2024 by the Ad Hoc Committee of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) specifically created to draft such a treaty. What is fuelling the alarm within the global human rights community is the fact that the...
Opinion – Namibia’s capital outflow hits N$14.2 billion
In a recent announcement, Bank of Namibia governor Johannes !Gawaxab reported a significant increase in capital outflow from Namibia, with N$14.2 billion leaving the country betweenJanuary and August 2024. This marks a sharp rise from the N$10.6 billion recorded during the same period in 2023, reflecting a N$3.6 billion increase in net outflows. The governor...
Opinion – Unduly restrictive land reform
Definitionally, land reform entails and/or encompasses a purposeful drive championed by the State, through its machinery, in addressing historical injustices with restorative measures. This would, therefore, mean the land reform programme must have ingredients of restitution and statutory restoration of rights unto land. Central to this will be premised on the natural recognition of historical...
Opinion – Changing weather patterns ahead of summer crop season
As we approach October 2024, Namibian farmers and farmworkers are gearing up for the start of the summer crop season. This period marks the beginning of land preparation and planting activities for staple crops such as maize, pearl millet (mahangu), sorghum, groundnuts and other legumes. Much like our neighbours in Southern Africa, the timing of...
Opinion – BRICS could surpass G7
It is not surprising that the BRICS+ formation will usher in a new economic order if the group of seven (G7) does not pull up its socks, as thegroup’s expansion presents new economic opportunities for developing countries. There is no doubt that the establishment of the BRICS (originally Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa)...
Upholding human rights … Debate on bail applications, medical parole for inmates
Namibia’s legal and human rights landscape is under scrutiny. In recent weeks, Namibia has been thrust into a fervent debate over human rights and the criminal justice system, spurred on by the high-profile case of the Fishrot accused. This controversy has highlighted pressing questions about the intersection of legal principles and human rights, especially regarding...
Women contributions in police architectures
In the shadowy corridors of global crime-fighting, where swift decisions and unwavering resolve dictate the safety of nations, the often-overlooked presence of women in policing emerges not merely as a symbol of inclusion but as a driving force behind a new era of intelligence, empathy and operational excellence. This article explores the essential role of...
A take on Mbumba’s Heroes’ Day address
President Nangolo Mbumba’s keynote address at the 34th Heroes’ Day commemoration in Omuthiya was both powerful and evocative, paying tribute to the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for Namibia’s independence. His speech was not only a reminder of the past struggles but also a call to action for the future, underlining the...
Advancement of girl, boy child must coexist
As a nation, we have witnessed significant strides in promoting the rights and well-being of the girl child. These efforts have been essential in addressing the historical injustices that have long marginalised our daughters, and we must continue to champion these causes with unwavering commitment. However, in our rightful focus on empowering the girl child,...









