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Serron NghoshiIt is quite obvious that moments of excitement in local governance are inevitable. The swearing-in of councillors and public announcements on land delivery, housing lists, or infrastructure plans often raise hope among residents, not only for Omaruru but everywhere. However, history has shown that excitement alone does not improve the lives of residents. What truly matters is the work that follows the excitement has passed.   For many residents of Omaruru, particularly those in informal settlements and low-income areas, the daily realities remain unchanged; access to serviced land continues to be a major challenge year after year, lists are announced,…

“Do you know who the biggest thieves in the country are? It’s black businesspeople. And do you know why you are not successful and why your life is miserable? It’s those same thieving, corrupt black empowerment elites and tenderpreneurs in this country.” That statement, delivered casually in conversation, captures a dangerous narrative quietly normalized in Namibia’s public discourse. It is not merely an opinion; it is the product of a sustained ideological campaign that frames black entrepreneurship, particularly participation in public procurement, as inherently corrupt, morally suspect, and economically parasitic. As a black entrepreneur who has built a business through…

Reflections on Swapo’s newly appointed Think Tank Paul T. Shipale (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) The recent appointment of the ruling party’s think tank has reignited a familiar and uncomfortable national conversation about governance, accountability, and policy effectiveness. This is not an abstract academic debate. It speaks directly to long-standing concerns about how ideas are translated into action and whether Namibia’s political system is equipped to confront its structural challenges with honesty and intellectual courage. These concerns were already articulated in our earlier analysis, “A Transformative Agenda for Namibia’s Invisible Workforce: From Informal to Formal.” The central proposition…

 Valontino James Every year, thousands of young Namibians walk onto university campuses with the same mix of hope and nerves. They’re ready to study, ready to grow, and ready to build a future for themselves. But for many, the very first hurdle they face isn’t in a classroom. It’s finding a place to stay. At the University of Namibia’s main campus alone, 2 389 students applied for only 1 150 beds for 2026. That means more than half of the students who need accommodation simply won’t have it on campus.  The pressure is coming from all sides. Of the applicants,…