Featured – Page 11 – Windhoek Observer

22 Mar

Just saying

ObserverFeatured, Sports

As the Late Jackson Kaujeua once sung, the winds of change is being felt in Namibia's sports landscape. The recent budget increases have sparked a newfound energy that athletes and administrators alike must harness and fuel. Am just saying the performance of Team Namibia at the All African Games serves as a promising indicator that Namibian sports is poised to soar to unprecedented heights. All am just saying is, it's essential to reflect on the contributions of various sports teams, including hockey, cricket, netball, and football, in igniting the spirited atmosphere that currently permeates the nation. Am just saying while…

20 Mar

Realising the Promised Land : Gauging implementation of the Country’s Strategic Vision

ObserverFeaturedRealising the Promised Land : Gauging implementation of the Country’s Strategic Vision

In the inaugural speech of Namibia’s Independence Day celebrations, Founding President Dr. Sam Nujoma reiterated and cemented the commitment to delivery of promises made to Namibians, as the new government began to take shape. Freedom fighters waged a 105 year old bitter campaign, which commenced during German colonial occupation and culminated in the liberation movement successfully toppling the apartheid regime. Ahead of this historic speech in which President Nujoma vowed to advance programs to level the playing field for Namibia’s previously disadvantaged, the Swapo party’s 1989 election manifesto highlighted and mapped out the initial programs Nujoma’s newborn government would be…

01 Mar

Economic Resurgence: Namibia’s Budgetary Governance Strategy

ObserverFeatured, OpinionsEconomic Resurgence: Namibia’s Budgetary Governance Strategy

Patience Masua The recent budget announcement by Minister Shiimi marks a pivotal moment in Namibia’s fiscal strategy, particularly with its strategic three-pronged approach aimed at bolstering economic resilience and social welfare when the masses need it most. The significant tax amendments, including the doubling of the income tax threshold for individuals to N$100,000 and the reduction in non-mining company tax rates, signal a concerted effort to provide relief to low-income earners and stimulate domestic demand. This move not only puts more money directly into the pockets of taxpayers but also fosters a more conducive environment for private sector growth and…

23 Feb

The Observer Tribute: Footsteps of a Giant

ObserverFeaturedThe Observer Tribute: Footsteps of a Giant\

Of all the places a nation’s destiny would be fashioned by the hand of God, one would never think to find its future under a tree. But as fate would have it, for Namibia, the story of one of its greatest political leaders and in many ways, her own story of becoming a nation, of defying odds and overcoming them, starts there. In the district of Otavi, at farm Sawes, Namibia became a hero richer on 3rd August 1941. President Hage Gottfried Geingob who was born under a tree at this farm, had himself become one, under whose shade the…

23 Feb

STATE FORMATION IN NAMIBIA: PROMOTING DEMOCRACY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE.

ObserverFeaturedSTATE FORMATION IN NAMIBIA: PROMOTING DEMOCRACY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE.

(A chapter review of the Ph.D Thesis by Dr. Hage Gottfried Geingob)By: Stanley Nick Katzao“Leaders are bridges that connect people to the future” We are looking at a scholarly project representing an academic endeavour at providing an intellectual discourse that connects the process of state formation to the democratization imperative.Overall, Dr. Geingob’s study sets out to do four things:It examines significant events in the process of state formation in Namibia;It identifies and dissects the different actors who played a major role in shaping the Namibian state that evolved;It examines how Namibians sought to build a united and peaceful society; andIt…

23 Feb

Geingob cared deeply for the elderly – Nujoma

ObserverFeatured, OpinionsGeingob cared deeply for the elderly - Nujoma

Hertta-Maria Amutenja As Minister Utoni Nujoma paid tribute to former President Hage Geingob, he reflected on the late President’s commitment to addressing socio-economic disparities and his lasting impact on the Namibian Nation. “President Geingob cared deeply about the elderly and working poor,” Nujoma affirmed, setting the tone for a poignant tribute that unveils the compassionate side of the late President. Nuujoma recalled pivotal moments during Geingob’s presidency, such as the compassionate decision to raise the old age grant, demonstrating a commitment to the well-being of the nation’s senior citizens. In addition, Nujoma highlighted the late President’s dedication to improving the…

23 Feb

In Memoriam: Big G’s enduring legacy in every aspect of this, that, and the other

ObserverFeaturedand the other, In Memoriam: Big G’s enduring legacy in every aspect of this, that

In a peculiar twist of destiny, two leaders with opposing ideologies find themselves entwined in a profound lesson of life. It is with deep regret that I convey my profound sense of loss for President Geingob, a cherished elder brother, esteemed friend, formidable adversary, parliamentary peer, and leader of our esteemed Republic. It is safe to say that I am profoundly moved by the colossal void left by the departure of this statesman, a paragon of both intellect and refinement. On August 26, 2002, a serendipitous encounter occurred at the Heroes Acre, where Paramount Chief Riruako and I found ourselves…

23 Feb

A Walk Down Memory Lane: The Hage I Remember

ObserverFeaturedA Walk Down Memory Lane: The Hage I Remember

Henning Melber My first personal encounter with Hage happened in the early 1980s. At the time I was a member of the Namibia Project at Bremen University. My task was – with Nangolo Mbumba, then Deputy Secretary for Education and Culture, as my local counterpart – to conceptualise and draft a textbook for schools in the Swapo refugee camps (published later as Our Namibia – A Social Studies Textbook also by Zed Press and at Independence in a Japanese translation). The preparations included a visit to Nyango and stays at the UN Institute for Namibia in Lusaka. Hage as the…

11 Feb

You can’t take them with you!

ObserverFeatured

SheIsKingDesire Dear thought explorers, I hope that you have had a reflective week on our last meditation and have been taking the tentative steps to ensure that the need outweighs the fear in all the tasks you had to do this week or simply in your thoughts because there is where doubt begins. I like when Benjamin Disraeli said “nurture your mind with great thoughts, for you will never go any higher than you think.” This week as we journey on into the Crowning Season, our meditation is titled: YOU CAN’T TAKE THEM WITH YOU! The older I get I’m…

11 Feb

Esther’s Political Odyssey

ObserverFeatured

Who is Esther Shakela?Esther is a nghelo (last born) – I think this is telling of my character and personality. Yes, being a last born is a thing! I was born and raised in Ongwediva which is in the northern part of Namibia. How has your background and upbringing influenced your personal and professional development?My journey is a testament to the profound impact of my background and upbringing. Coming from a community that values resilience and communal well-being, I imbibed the spirit of service and determination. I was raised in a household that values education and social responsibility, so my…