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Nujoma’s legacy without limit

Nujoma’s legacy without limit

Ester Mbathera  The 9th of February signalled the end of an era of African liberation giants. Oliver Tambo, Kenneth Kaunda, Julius Mwalimu Nyerere, Robert Mugabe, Samora Machel, Nelson Mandela, and Sam Nujoma have all passed. Political analyst Henning Melber, in an interview with South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) on Sunday, described Nujoma as the personification of Namibian independence.  “Sam Nujoma is an iconic, legendary figure when it comes to the liberation of Namibia. He personified like nobody else the struggle for independence. He was the founding president of Swapo. He was president for almost 50 years. He was a lasting…
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Swakopmund faces tensions between heritage and development

Swakopmund faces tensions between heritage and development

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Swakopmund, known for its German colonial architecture, is grappling with the balance between preserving its historical identity and embracing new developments.  This debate has become prominent as the town expands and modernises to cater to both locals and tourists. One resident, Ndapandula Matheus, expressed mixed feelings about the ongoing developments.  “I love the history of Swakopmund and its buildings, but I understand the need for progress,” she said.  While she acknowledges the importance of maintaining the town’s unique heritage, she hopes that new projects do not overshadow its charm. In contrast, another resident, John Kamati, argued that the…
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Nujoma’s legacy through the youth’s eyes

Nujoma’s legacy through the youth’s eyes

Mallex Shipanga  Following the passing of founding president Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, young people have reflected on his legacy. They shared mixed views on his impact on their lives and the opportunities available to them today. Hope Muonde (19) said that Sam Nujoma has made an impact on the lives of young people. Muonde explained that Nujoma’s participation in the liberation struggle has had a lasting impact on young people. “Let us make sure that every child on the African continent, whether their parents have the money or not, must attend primary and secondary schools, as well as universities, to make…
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Nujoma’s passing sparks reflection across continents

Nujoma’s passing sparks reflection across continents

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  Regional and international organisations have expressed their condolences following the passing of the founding president, Sam Nujoma, describing him as a fearless liberation hero whose legacy shaped the country’s independence. The South African Students Union (SASU) described Nujoma as “a towering figure in Africa’s liberation struggle.”.  “He dedicated his life to the fight for Namibia’s freedom,” said the union.  It also highlighted his nearly three decades in exile as the leader of Swapo. The United Nations in Namibia also paid tribute, stating his dedication to freedom.  “His dedication to freedom, democracy, and unity shaped Namibia. Our thoughts are…
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Namibian Air Force personnel embark on Sea Survival Course

Namibian Air Force personnel embark on Sea Survival Course

Niël Terblanché On Monday, Commander Klaudia Hainghumbi, the acting Commandant of the Namibian Naval Training School, welcomed members of the Namibian Air Force to a Basic Sea Survival course at Rooikop outside Walvis Bay. The commander informed course participants that the month-long programme aims to develop water confidence, impart sea survival techniques, and enhance physical fitness among the participants. In her opening address, Commander Hainghumbi stressed the critical importance of swimming as a lifesaving skill, particularly for Air Force personnel. "As a member of the Air Force, you are expected to operate in various challenging environments, including water, for search…
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Erongo Regional Council pays tribute to Founding Father

Erongo Regional Council pays tribute to Founding Father

Niël Terblanché The Erongo Regional Council has paid tribute to the late founding father Sam Nujoma, who passed away on Saturday night. In a statement on Monday, Erongo Regional Council Chairperson Benitha Imbamba expressed condolences on behalf of the region’s people, recognising Nujoma’s enduring legacy. "It is with profound sorrow that the Erongo Regional Council extends its heartfelt condolences to the Nujoma family and the entire Namibian nation. Dr Nujoma was not only the Founding Father of the Namibian nation but also a revolutionary icon whose leadership qualities will forever remain in the hearts and minds of all Namibians," Imbamba…
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Chevron expands footprint in Namibia with PEL 82 acquisition

Chevron expands footprint in Namibia with PEL 82 acquisition

Niël Terblanché Custos Energy has announced the completion of Chevron Namibia Exploration II Limited's farm-in into Petroleum Exploration License 82 (PEL 82), marking a. expansion of Chevron's offshore exploration activities in Namibia. According to Knowledge Katti, chairman and chief executive officer of Custos, Chevron now holds an 80% participating interest and operatorship in PEL 82, with Custos Energy and the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) each retaining 10% interests. "Completion of Chevron's entry into PEL 82 is another indicator of the quality and opportunity associated with our offshore portfolio. We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Chevron, positioning…
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Tjongarero faces backlash over sports ban

Tjongarero faces backlash over sports ban

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Minister of Sports, Youth, and National Services Agnes Tjongarero announced that all sports activities and gatherings will be temporarily suspended, similar to the restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 outbreak.  This follows a directive issued on Monday, instructing all sports organisers to halt activities during the mourning period for the late founding president, Sam Nujoma, who passed away on Sunday. “We are doing it the same way we did it during COVID-19. We don’t want any gatherings. Wherever there are gatherings, they are not allowed. We want to honour this great man, so even if it's training and there…
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Construction of Omuthiya-Elambo gravel road commences

Construction of Omuthiya-Elambo gravel road commences

Allexer Namundjembo The construction of the 54-kilometre gravel road between Omuthiya and Elambo has begun with a completion timeline of two years. This road project, which will improve access to essential services such as schools and health facilities in the surrounding areas, is being developed through a partnership between the Oshikoto Regional Council and the Roads Authority. Although the groundbreaking ceremony, initially set for 18 February, was postponed due to the passing of founding father President Sam Nujoma, Oshikoto Regional Council’s project manager, Priscilla Lyakwata, confirmed that the project is progressing as planned. "As we speak, the project is ongoing.…
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“Business unusual” mantra must be consequent on two-economies!

“Business unusual” mantra must be consequent on two-economies!

In its 1976 political programme the Swapo Party of Namibia notes two economies that existed in parallel in colonial Namibia. “Wealthy white-owned economy based on the extensive extraction of varied natural resources” and “a separate subsistence economy enveloping the majority of the African population who are forced to live in Bantustans.” “The two economies have been consciously designed in accordance with the social interests of the white settler group and international monopoly capitalism.” Yours Truly Ideological cannot but note the observation of, by and in the Swapo 1976 Political Programme of the two economies existing side by side, most notably…
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