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Ester Shafashike In a democratic society, decisions that affect the lives of citizens cannot be made in isolation. The principle of community consultancy, seeking public views before implementing any policy or project is not only a moral obligation but also a constitutional and developmental imperative for Namibia. The Constitution of the Republic of Namibia (1990) makes it clear that sovereignty rests with the people. Article 1(1) declares Namibia a democratic state founded upon the will of its citizens, whereas Chapter 3 guarantees freedoms of speech, assembly, and association.  These rights are not symbolic, but they are the right tools through…

 PAUL T. SHIPALE (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) After reading the allegations involving the so-called fugitive lawyer Marén de Klerk, authorised by the Supreme Court to testify via video link in the Fishcor and Sea Flower Pelagic matter, my blood boiled. That anger was sharpened by the memory of Sacky Shanghala lecturing young Namibians at SWAPO Youth League Youth Day celebrations with astonishing arrogance. The allegations now reveal that the former Minister of Justice allegedly told those involved that they “could all stand to make a lot of money.” If true, this is not a lapse in judgement.…

PAUL T. SHIPALE (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara) Weak accountability in Govt derails development  Former finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi said accountability must be elevated to the highest level if the country is to meet its national goals. He added that weak coordination among government institutions has hampered the country's progress in several development areas. Speaking on his tenure as finance minister, as it was reported in one of the daily newspapers, Shiimi admitted that while Namibia has no shortage of well-crafted plans and strategies, implementation continues to fall short due to fragmented coordination.  Reflecting on his experience, Shiimi argued…

Not long ago, a friend and I found ourselves locked in a heated debate about our traditional villages, what many of us still affectionately call “back home".  What began as a casual conversation quickly turned into a fundamental disagreement about the future of these places. His position was blunt: our villages are dying and not worth investing in. Mine was equally firm: if villages are dying, then it is precisely our generation, the one with education, mobility, and relative means, that must step in to ensure they do not disappear. That debate forced me to confront a broader national question:…

 PAUL T. SHIPALE (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara) Namibia is widely praised for its stability, democratic institutions, and robust legal frameworks. Yet beneath this reputation, a troubling pattern has emerged: accountability is increasingly inconsistent, seemingly influenced more by political proximity than principle. From diplomatic postings to internal reshuffles, some officials face swift public censure, while others with comparable controversies are quietly elevated. This uneven application of rules raises concerns that Namibia may be drifting toward selective governance, a phenomenon observable in other African democracies under political strain. Let us unpack these contradictions, trace their origins, and examine what they…