Featured – Page 16

23 Feb

The Observer Tribute: Footsteps of a Giant

info_e12wt4csFeaturedThe 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.

info_e12wt4csFeaturedSTATE 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

info_e12wt4csFeatured, 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

info_e12wt4csFeaturedand 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

info_e12wt4csFeaturedA 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!

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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

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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…

11 Feb

MOVING STORIES BY NIKHITA WINKLER: The Inner World of Bertha Tobias:Unveiling the Drive Behind Success

info_e12wt4csFeaturedMOVING STORIES by Nikhita Winkler: The Inner World of Bertha Tobias:Unveiling the Drive Behind Success

I sat down with Bertha Tobias, a remarkable individual whose name resonates with resilience and ambition in Namibia. Meeting her for the first time was a privilege, as I was immediately struck by her presence – a blend of determination and humility that seemed to radiate from within. Bertha is known as a youth leader and #BeFree Ambassador. She is an author for the Namibian, contributing opinions to Namibia’s green energy initiatives, and she hosts her television show, Spotlight, which chronicles the stories of young African entrepreneurs, broadcasted on One Africa. However, perhaps the most significant recent achievement is being…

11 Feb

Ndako Nghipandulwa’s Project Babylon

info_e12wt4csFeaturedNdako Nghipandulwa, Ndako Nghipandulwa’s Project Babylon

Who is Ndako Nghipandulwa?My name is Ndako Nghipandulwa, born in Kwanza-Sul, Angola, in 1988. After Namibia gained independence in 1990, my parents relocated to Windhoek, where I was raised in the Khomasdal area. How has your background and upbringing influenced your personal and professional development?I grew up in a household where experimentation was encouraged. This environment allowed me to discover my strengths, weaknesses, and preferences. During my childhood and teenage years, I participated in various sports like soccer, cricket, rugby, and tennis. In high school, I engaged in entrepreneurial endeavors, selling various items at school. In university I continued exploring…

28 Jan

The need should outweigh the fear

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Dear thought explorers, it has been a week of epiphanies and revelations for me, and I am excited to share with you this week’s meditation. Last week we spoke on how we are becoming go getters and achieving our goals, for the next few weeks I will break down into the smallest detail on how to step into the fullness of our crowns This will probably sound insane, but the lesson learned is very profound. It was a Sunday morning, I was sitting in the salon getting my hair done and my stomach just started to hurt randomly, now if…