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Beyond the game with MT – Building a sustainable sports ecosystem

Beyond the game with MT – Building a sustainable sports ecosystem

Mathew T Haikali As we prepare to take on the vital task of shaping the future of sports in Namibia, it's essential to pause and acknowledge the unwavering commitment of our country's media practitioners. These dedicated individuals have consistently shined a light on the importance of sports by providing critical coverage and sharing valuable information — often despite resistance from sports administrators. Their role is pivotal in bringing sports into national conversations, helping fans, stakeholders, and policymakers understand the broader significance of sports beyond the field. Yet, a nagging question remains in my mind: Why is it that the sports…
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Shell fires warning shots

Shell fires warning shots

EKKEHARD FRIEDRICH Today Shell wrote down their reserves in PEL39 offshore Namibia by USD 400m stating that it can not be commercially developed. Warning shots have been fired. With inaction to commit to developing adequate onshore support infrastructure, the generally slow administrative pace, and uncertain (and increasingly restrictive) policies, the cost of development of Namibia’s intricate ultra-deep offshore fields becomes increasingly prohibitive (which of course decreases the net present value of the reserves and leads to write-downs). Let us be clear, Namibia’s offshore fields are extremely challenging in the first place and there is a very real risk that oil…
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What it really takes to choose the right career in Namibia: A crucial decision before tertiary registration in 2025

What it really takes to choose the right career in Namibia: A crucial decision before tertiary registration in 2025

Junias Erasmus As parents and grade 12 graduates in Namibia eagerly await the release of the 2024 Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary (NSSCO) and Advanced Subsidiary (NSSCAS) results, many find themselves at a crossroads. The outcomes of these exams will serve as a pivotal moment, determining not only the academic paths ahead but also shaping their future opportunities and career prospects. Universities are about to open their doors for the 2025 academic year, and thousands of Grade 12 graduates will soon face the important decision of which career path to pursue. Yet, despite the excitement and anticipation, too many students…
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Gender imbalance in terms of Swapo’s zebra style policy will open a can of worms at the party’s extraordinary congress

Gender imbalance in terms of Swapo’s zebra style policy will open a can of worms at the party’s extraordinary congress

Paul T. Shipale Once again, the death of president Geingob has now brought to the fore the debate about the possible gender imbalance in terms of SWAPO’s zebra style policy. The policy commits SWAPO to fill its top four positions and parliamentary list with a 50:50 gender balance, whereby if for example the party president is a man, the vice president should be a woman and vice versa. This policy is set to face its sternest test at the extraordinary congress slated to take place from 28 February to 02 March 2025 as SWAPO’s leadership currently consists of two women…
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Child Marriage in the SADC Region: A Persistent Human Rights Crisis

Child Marriage in the SADC Region: A Persistent Human Rights Crisis

Sally Ncube and Moses Magadza Child marriage remains a pressing human rights issue globally, with alarming rates and low progress toward addressing the crisis persisting in regions such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. Although there has been a global decline in child marriage, progress is insufficient to meet the Sustainable Development Goal target of eliminating it by 2030. At the current rate, it will take 300 years to eradicate child marriage entirely, according to the latest research from UNICEF. The SADC’s statistics are stark, with almost 40% of children married before 18 years in at least five…
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Conscious choices for career success

Conscious choices for career success

Junias Erasmus As you approach the end of your Grade 12 journey, you stand on the threshold of a new chapter in your life. The choices you make now will have a profound impact on your future, shaping not only your academic path but also the trajectory of your career and personal growth. This is an exciting yet critical moment, one that requires careful thought and strategic decision-making.Choosing a career is more than just selecting a field of study or a job title. It is about aligning your strengths, interests, and values with a profession that will bring you fulfillment…
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Privacy Under Surveillance: Namibia’s SIM Card Registration and Biometric Data Collection

Privacy Under Surveillance: Namibia’s SIM Card Registration and Biometric Data Collection

By: Jessica Uiras Introduction Namibia’s mandatory SIM card registration, established under the Communications Act of 2009[1],was passed to combat identity fraud, enhance national security, and align the country with global telecommunications practices. However, this law has extended into biometric data collection without comprehensive protections, raising significant privacy concerns. Mobile Telecommunication company (MTC), Namibia’s primary telecom provider, now requires citizens to submit fingerprints and facial scans to activate SIM cards, leaving Namibians vulnerable to state surveillance and potential misuse without the security of a dedicated data protection law. The rolling out of sim card registration is happening outside of a data…
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Festive Season Financial Planning Tips

Festive Season Financial Planning Tips

Mbo Luvindao As the festive season approaches, many people are getting ready to take time off, go on holiday and spend quality time with loved ones. Yet, while the Christmas holidays are meant to bring peace, joy, and goodwill to all, they can also strain one’s finances, especially with added Christmas expenses and the start of a new year just around the corner. When I started my professional career, I had a colleague, whom for the sake of anonymity, we will call John. John was a young professional who, like me, was excited about the holiday season. One year he…
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N$236.7 million Ogongo-Oshakati Water Pipeline Project starts

N$236.7 million Ogongo-Oshakati Water Pipeline Project starts

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The long-awaited project to replace the ageing water pipeline between Ogongo and Oshakati, which has caused water interruptions over the years, began over the weekend. The pipeline was originally built in 1978 and has been an important source of water for the four north-central regions. Due to increasing demand and the pipeline's age has led to frequent breakdowns and reduced water pressure. The minister of agriculture, water, and land reform, Calle Schlettwein said these events posed challenges to the government’s efforts to ensure an uninterrupted supply. According to him, the replacement of 52.4 kilometres of asbestos cement pipes…
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Shipi FM celebrates excellence

Shipi FM celebrates excellence

Allexer Namundjembo Shipi FM held its first-ever awards ceremony to honour the contributions of its employees, listeners, and key stakeholders. The inaugural Shipi FM Recognition Awards, held in Ondangwa on Saturday, celebrated the individuals and businesses that have significantly contributed to the station's growth and impact. The governor of Oshana Region, Elia Irimari expressed his pride in the station’s achievements, acknowledging its growing influence in the region. “Shipi FM has played a critical role in shaping the media landscape of the Oshana Region. I am proud to witness its success and look forward to seeing even greater impact in the…
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