Featured

Capitalism be warned it is “business unusual!” For Meme Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is here?

Capitalism be warned it is “business unusual!” For Meme Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is here?

Since the official announcement of the presidential and national elections by the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) on the 30th of November last year, the local media, both the traditional mainstream media, printed and broadcast, as well as the social media, has seen a mixed bag of congratulations and exasperation. Punctuated by celebrations with praise-singing for President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, popularly and gloriously dubbed NNN by the media, dubbing that seems indeed to have received the popular approval at large of her Swapo Party of Namibia, of which she was the presidential candidate. As for the party diehards, membership, supporters, sympathisers,…
Read More
Namibia’s national sanitation and hygiene strategy 2022-2027, could be a beacon of hope to address the country’s sanitation predicament

Namibia’s national sanitation and hygiene strategy 2022-2027, could be a beacon of hope to address the country’s sanitation predicament

Wayambekange N. Hamufenhu Each evening, “Kelao,” a 16-year-old girl, and her peers undertake a dangerous journey to the mountains of the “One Nation” informal settlement of Windhoek. The young Kelao, like many residents of the informal settlements, daily navigate risks such as snake bites and potential assaults in their search for basic hygiene. The urgency of their situation is heightened by the unintended consequence of trampling upon the waste they carry back to their shacks amid hurried retreats prompted by any hint of danger. The Government of Namibia has boldly decided to address the challenges faced by residents like Kelao,…
Read More
Growing political maturity emerging in SA

Growing political maturity emerging in SA

JUANITA MAREE Now is the perfect moment to assess the lessons we have learned, evaluate performance and focus on how South Africa and our Government of National Unity (GNU) can apply these critical lessons to build resilience, avoid mistakes and safeguard the future of SA Inc. Progress is evident, from a logistics point of view. A growing political maturity is emerging in some critical areas, fostering positive change, boosting confidence and introducing new dynamics. Policy reforms are unlocking new opportunities, opening the way for some of the national institutions to deliver improved operational performance as the nation continues to work…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More