Blog

Student organisations call for focused intervention in English and Afrikaans

Student organisations call for focused intervention in English and Afrikaans

Allexer Namundjembo NANSO spokesperson Junias Haufiku has identified students' reluctance to study key subjects as a major contributor to high failure rates. In an interview with the Windhoek Observer last week, Haufiku noted that this trend is particularly noticeable in languages like English and Afrikaans, where many learners believe they can pass without putting in the necessary effort to study. “The assumption that they can succeed without diligent study creates a gap between their expectations and the reality of the exam's challenges. As a result, the level of difficulty in the exams often comes as a shock to many students,…
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Essential services will be provided for Windhoek flood victims

Essential services will be provided for Windhoek flood victims

Stefanus Nashama Victims of stormwater flooding in Windhoek two weeks ago and who were recently relocated to Farm 508, situated behind the Goreangab informal settlement, will soon have access to essential services, including schools, a clinic, and a police station. Samora Machel Constituency councillor, Nestor Kalola confirmed this in an interview with the Windhoek Observer over the weekend. "The construction of the clinic, police station, and schools is in progress," he said. He said the site for the new services was handed over to the contractor by the Khomas Regional Council on January 9, and work has begun. Kalola added…
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Young author from Ongha seeks support to publish first novel

Young author from Ongha seeks support to publish first novel

Mallex Shipanga Seventeen-year-old Julia Shaama from Ongha village in the Ohangwena region is seeking assistance to publish her debut novel, Behind Me. Shaama, a learner at Dr Abraham Iyambo Secondary School, has completed her manuscript but faces challenges in getting it published. “The book is complete, but I still have not published the book. I do not know where to publish the book. I have got no sponsors,” she said. She expressed her pride in completing the novel and her eagerness to see it published. “With happiness and a smile on my face, I will be proud to see that…
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“QUIS CUSTODIET IPSOS CUSTODES?”

“QUIS CUSTODIET IPSOS CUSTODES?”

PAUL T. SHIPALE “Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?” But who will guard the guardians? - Who watches over the watchdogs? In a letter advising a friend about marriage and infidelity in the second century CE, Juvenal posed the question: “Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?” (But who will guard the guardians?). He argued that since men were guilty of infidelity, they could not use marriage to police women into fidelity. In around 380 BC, Plato had tried to grapple with this question politically in the Republic through his Socratic Dialogue. In trying to explain Socrates’s views on the question, he argues that the…
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Breaking Stereotypes and Embracing Vocational Education for a Brighter Future in Namibia

Breaking Stereotypes and Embracing Vocational Education for a Brighter Future in Namibia

JUNIAS ERASMUS For too long, vocational education in Namibia has been seen as less important because of the pervasive belief that only university degrees lead to success. This misconception has not only limited opportunities for many young people but has also contributed to a mismatch between workforce needs and available skills. In reality, vocational education offers a practical and empowering path to personal fulfillment, financial stability, and national development. It is time for Namibians to break free from outdated stereotypes and embrace vocational training as a cornerstone of a brighter, more inclusive future. Vocational education equips individuals with specialized, hands-on…
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Capitalism be warned it is “business unusual!” For Meme Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is here?

Capitalism be warned it is “business unusual!” For Meme Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is here?

Since the official announcement of the presidential and national elections by the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) on the 30th of November last year, the local media, both the traditional mainstream media, printed and broadcast, as well as the social media, has seen a mixed bag of congratulations and exasperation. Punctuated by celebrations with praise-singing for President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, popularly and gloriously dubbed NNN by the media, dubbing that seems indeed to have received the popular approval at large of her Swapo Party of Namibia, of which she was the presidential candidate. As for the party diehards, membership, supporters, sympathisers,…
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Namibia’s national sanitation and hygiene strategy 2022-2027, could be a beacon of hope to address the country’s sanitation predicament

Namibia’s national sanitation and hygiene strategy 2022-2027, could be a beacon of hope to address the country’s sanitation predicament

Wayambekange N. Hamufenhu Each evening, “Kelao,” a 16-year-old girl, and her peers undertake a dangerous journey to the mountains of the “One Nation” informal settlement of Windhoek. The young Kelao, like many residents of the informal settlements, daily navigate risks such as snake bites and potential assaults in their search for basic hygiene. The urgency of their situation is heightened by the unintended consequence of trampling upon the waste they carry back to their shacks amid hurried retreats prompted by any hint of danger. The Government of Namibia has boldly decided to address the challenges faced by residents like Kelao,…
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GRN mum on arsenic contamination in Tsumeb

GRN mum on arsenic contamination in Tsumeb

Ester Mbathera Over the years the residents of Tsumeb have complained about several illnesses that they blamed on exposure to arsenic, fumes and dust coming from the copper smelter operated on by Weatherly and later Dundee Precious Metals. Before Dundee’s departure in 2024, the community of Tsumeb asked for assurance that the environment was safe and that there would be no health-related consequences. Former deputy minister of information and communication technology and a resident of Tsumeb, Engel Nawatiseb, is among those who made the request. “We asked them to give us assurance that we are in safe hands and our…
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No need to panic over Shell’s US$400m write down

No need to panic over Shell’s US$400m write down

FNB Namibia economist Helena Mboti speaks to Observer Money about Shell's recent announcement that it will write down approximately US$400 million related to an offshore oil discovery in Namibia, which was deemed commercially unviable. Observer Money asked Mboti how this announcement could impact Namibia’s GDP growth projections. Observer Money (OM): How does the recent announcement by Shell that it will write down around US$400 million over an oil discovery offshore Namibia that it deemed commercially unviable affect FNB's future GDP growth projections? Helena Mboti (HM): While a US$400 million write-off may seem significant relative to the size of the Namibian…
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‘Blood saved my life’ – accident survivor – Donors demand compensation

‘Blood saved my life’ – accident survivor – Donors demand compensation

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Simon Iyambo credits blood donations for saving his life after a car accident last year left him critically injured. “I needed an emergency blood transfusion after losing so much blood in the accident. If it weren’t for those who donated blood, I wouldn’t be here today. They don’t just give blood; they give life,” Iyambo said. His testimony comes as public debates intensify over compensating blood donors, with the Ministry of Health and Social Services spending an average of N$160 million annually on blood and blood products. Despite this, some Namibians argue that the voluntary system should be…
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