Featured – Page 5 – News Stand

11 Nov

A moment of choice: Standing on the right side of history

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Opinions

Setson Tangeni Haidula As Namibians prepare to head to the polls on 27th November 2024, we are called to reflect on our past and its lessons. Our history is filled with resilience, bravery, and the unwavering determination of those who fought for freedom. During the liberation struggle, our people were divided into three groups: those who resisted oppression, those who collaborated with the colonial regime, and those who remained silent. The choices they made have not only shaped Namibia’s past but also influence the very democracy we live in today. Now, on election day, we face a new kind of…

07 Nov

N$1.5 million winner-takes-all MTC Maris Cup launched

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Sports

Windhoek General Administrators (WGA), a subsidiary of MTC, has launched the MTC Maris Cup, the country’s largest pre-season football tournament with a prize pool of N$1.5 million for the winning team. This is the biggest prize in Namibian football history. The tournament, beginning on 25 January 2025 will feature 16 Debmarine Premier League teams in a knockout format based on last season’s standings. The event also promotes MTC’s new mobile money service, "MTC Maris," and includes additional prizes: a N$30 000 preparation fee for each team, N$20 000 for both the top goal scorer and Player of the Tournament, and…

07 Nov

Talking sport with Dimitri Bittler

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Sports

Breathing New Life into Ramatex The former Ramatex textile factory, once a symbol of Namibia's industrial ambitions, now stands as an abandoned shell, a reminder of opportunities lost. However, this massive facility holds the potential for a new chapter in its history – one that could benefit the entire nation. Transforming Ramatex into a state-of-the-art indoor sports arena could open the doors to hosting international competitions and revitalizing the country’s sporting landscape. The Ramatex facility, located in the heart of Windhoek, offers a vast space that could be repurposed into a world-class indoor sports complex. With its high ceilings, ample…

07 Nov

The rise of BRICS and Namibia’s geopolitical strategy as the Naval HQ, logistical hub and gateway for SADC landlocked countries

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Opinions

Paul T Shipale Bo Mbindwane, a South African-based socio-political researcher, with a focus on geopolitical risk management and national security, wrote an article titled; “Namibia and South Africa – Partners in History, Allies in the Future,” which appeared in the Windhoek Observer on 28 October 2024. In that article, Mbindwane says it is time to re-elevate Namibia’s role, strengthen its partnerships, and leverage a unique geographical bond to safeguard its future as that of neighbouring South Africa with whom it has a shared legacy and a shared destiny. Both nations’ fates and futures are geographically intertwined: sharing a land border…

03 Nov

Leading the charge in Women’s Football

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Sports

Katima Mulilo-born Candy Namataa Kulatau has carved an impressive path in Namibian sports, rising from a young football enthusiast to a leading figure in women's football and refereeing. Speaking about her journey, Kulatau shared insights into her career and the challenges she has faced. "I handle regional affairs as a regional convenor for athletics, NSSU, and as the Regional Chairperson for the Zambezi Women’s Football League," she explained. Despite her many responsibilities, refereeing has been her true passion. "Of all the responsibilities, I had chosen to referee as my favourite path." Her love for sports started early. “As I was…

29 Oct

New divorce law criminalises publication of case details

info_e12wt4csFeatured, National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Namibia's newly introduced Dissolution of Marriages Act, 2024 (Act No. 10 of 2024) now makes it a crime to publish details of divorce cases, with only a few exceptions. Gazetted on 24 October, the Act allows publication only for legal research, law reports, or when the court specifically grants permission. It is unclear whether the media is also restricted from reporting on these cases. The law is aimed at reducing the trauma associated with divorce, particularly for the individuals involved and their children. It encourages a "do-it-yourself" method for divorce proceedings, promoting privacy and easing the emotional burden…

29 Oct

Absent MPs stalls mid-year budget review again

info_e12wt4csFeatured, National News

Allexer Namundjembo The much-anticipated midterm budget review has been delayed once more as National Assembly Speaker, Professor Peter Katjavivi had to adjourn Tuesday’s parliamentary session due to a lack of quorum. This is the second consecutive adjournment after Deputy Speaker Loide Kasingo postponed Monday's sitting for the same reason. Only 47 members were present, along with three non-voting members of parliament, for the session, falling short of the quorum required to proceed. Political analyst Graham Hopwood explained that coordination between party whips and the Speaker's office is essential to ensuring the smooth functioning of the National Assembly. “Members of parliament…

27 Oct

Namibia and South Africa – Partners in History, Allies in the Future

info_e12wt4csFeatured, OpinionsNamibia and South Africa’s bond, Namibia’s history, Robben Island

Bo Mbindwane As Namibia moves toward elections, it’s a critical moment to recognize not only the nation’s historical legacy but also its potential future. A strikingly important yet often overlooked aspect of Namibia’s past is its experience under apartheid—a story as profound and painful as that of neighboring South Africa. Like Nelson Mandela, Namibian leaders sacrificed their freedom on Robben Island for decades to dismantle an oppressive system, striving for independence and equality for all Namibians. But while South Africa’s apartheid struggle is rightly honored on the world stage, Namibia’s history is frequently marginalized, often omitted from discussions about global…

25 Oct

Dr. Julita-Kitwe Mbangula is shaping the future of women in medicine

info_e12wt4csFeaturedDr. Julita-Kitwe Mbangula

Dr. Julita-Kitwe Mbangula, Miss Supranational Namibia 2022, is a trailblazer in women’s empowerment and the founder of The Hermosa Mimosa Affair. Beyond her beauty and grace, she is recognized for her dedication to uplifting young women in the medical field. This weekend, on 27 October, she will host an all-female gathering in Windhoek, aimed at connecting aspiring medical students and interns with experienced female leaders in the profession. Windhoek Observer had the opportunity to engage with Dr. Mbangula to learn more about her inspiring journey and the impact of her work. WO: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind…

23 Oct

NSC dismisses allegations of interference in NFA affairs

info_e12wt4csFeatured, SportsKava Sport Magazine, Namibia Sports Commission

Allexer Namundjembo The Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) has refuted recent claims by Kava Sport Magazine on social media regarding its alleged responsibility for the challenges facing the Namibia Football Association (NFA). In a press statement issued Monday, the commission’s spokesperson, Givean Samulandela, described the claims as unfounded, stating that they misrepresent the roles and mandates of the NSC. “It is crucial to note that the NFA operates as an autonomous body accountable to its members and adheres to regulations set forth by both local and international governing bodies such as COSAFA, CAF, and FIFA. The NFA is committed to fostering…