National News – Page 381 – Windhoek Observer

19 Aug

Directive: Decongest the ghettos right now . . . But how? – The devil is in the details

ObserverNational NewsCOVID, Erastus Uutoni

A letter from the minister of urban and rural development, Erastus Uutoni to mayors and regional governors announced a ‘directive’ to develop urgent decongestion plans. This is a part of the fight against the spread of COVID-19. Local political officials and appointees, likely without technical skills, must now do the job of the ministry. Assuming there are funds available, they must decongest (undefined) the impoverished peri-urban residential areas. This is easier said than done. The fact that land for residences can materialize out of nowhere in haste, points to something disturbing. If the ministry could provide basic land to house…

18 Aug

We have less than two weeks to get it right

ObserverNational News

The Stage 3 state of emergency rules in play in Windhoek and other areas gives the nation a chance to get it right. Masks, sign-in at stores, hand sanitizing, staying at home, closure of public places (to varying degrees) are all difficult. But, we have 16 days to buckle down and get it right. Let’s do it. Resisting the rules, scoffing at common sense (i.e., going to parties when COVID test results are pending), avoiding quarantine, or moving around without a mask, will prolong the problem. The public must accept that the pandemic is here to stay. Stop resisting the…

14 Aug

Affected communities reject government efforts

ObserverNational NewsGermans, Namibia, president Hage Geingob

The most emotive and sensitive issues in Namibia are the genocide of 1904-1908 and reparations. This week, President Hage Geingob rejected a monetary offer by Germany as ‘reparations’ for genocide. Colonial Germany specifically targeted and killed tens of thousands of people. They stole everything these people owned. They engaged in a vicious military action that permanently drove thousands out of the country of their birth. Deutsche Welle (DW) announced the proposed amount was 10 million euros. Geingob declared the amount, “insulting.” But inside Namibia this issue runs deep. Communities of people directly affected by the genocide are not a part…

14 Aug

Government must declare independence from Struggle Kids

ObserverNational NewsChildren of the Liberation Struggle, Covid-19, Namibia

It is time for the government to free itself from the emotional stranglehold exerted by the group calling themselves Children of the Liberation Struggle. The country is being strangled by COVID-19. It is also facing drought recovery challenges and overall economic disaster. There is alarming unemployment levels (and rising), a horrific housing crisis, and the soon-to-arrive IMF. The government must forgive its original poor handling of this crisis years ago, add up what has been done well, declare victory, and move on. This is a country of 2.5 million people. The needs of 300 citizens calling themselves children of the…

13 Aug

We must protect healthcare workers

ObserverNational NewsCovid-19, healthcare

The rise in the number of healthcare workers who have become infected with COVID-19 is alarming. These dedicated and brave workers are risking their lives to help people who are in need of assistance. Their safety while on the frontline in the war against the pandemic must be topic #1 in all government decision-making meetings. Budgets to finance their needs must be fully funded. Their safety and care must be prioritized. We, as a nation and a grateful community, are not doing enough to protect healthcare workers. We are not showing that we value them and need them. Healthcare workers…

12 Aug

There is a time to let things go

ObserverNational NewsOshana Region, Swapo Party Secretary-General Sophia Shaningwa

The Swapo Party decision to demand disciplinary action against Mirjam Shituula and Selma Namboga is a mistake. This was the perfect platform to act on the meeting just held to introspect. The golden opportunity to face the new normal and be an inclusive party has gone down the drain. The thing to do in the case of these two members who acted on their rights to challenge the outcome of the 2017 election, is nothing. We do not support dumping this bad decision on Swapo Party Secretary-General Sophia Shaningwa. It is her job to be the messenger of the decisions…

11 Aug

Mutorwa speaks truth about poor performance

ObserverNational NewsWindhoek, Works and Transport Minister John Mutorwa

We are impressed that Works and Transport Minister John Mutorwa said that corruption, favouritism, and nepotism are dragging the country down. Given that many ministers are cautious when they speak out about anything that could be perceived to be ‘negative’ in government, Mutorwa spoke bravely. He was speaking to his staff in Windhoek during a presentation on capital infrastructure projects for 2020/21. He gave an example of officials not hiring for positions that are open because they claim they cannot find the right person. He said the real reason is that these people cannot find someone they prefer or someone…

07 Aug

CoW CEO runs for calmer pastures

ObserverNational NewsCity of Windhoek, Police Chief Abraham Kanime, president Hage Geingob

It is no wonder that recently resigned City of Windhoek (CoW) Chief Executive Officer, Robert Kahimise has jumped ship. The worse job in Namibia is to be a CEO of a municipality or township or village. Who would choose a toxic work environment with stones being thrown from all sides? The skills-based portion of the CoW CEO job could be attractive to many seasoned, experienced city administrators. But, swimming through the effluent of political nonsense, power struggles, personality minefields, and entrenched long-serving bureaucrats is not worth it. Potential city executives out there who value their sanity, expect affirmation at work,…

07 Aug

TUCNA leader fires several shots across the bow

ObserverNational NewsNamibia, NamPower, Namwater, SOEs

In a recent interview, Trade Union Congress of Namibia (TUCNA) Secretary-General Mahongora Kavihuha raised challenging issues. He makes one major misfire in his points and yet, he brings other issues to the table that can stimulate the national debate. He decried the supposed ‘deliberate’ destruction of parastatals. He believes that private companies are killing the SOEs so they can buy them up and control strategic portions of the Namibian economy. In the context of bemoaning 'schemes' about parastatals, Kavihuha asks whether the “pandemic itself was purposefully crafted to push some hidden agendas.” Perhaps the unionist's real intention was not reflected…

05 Aug

Police brutality must be challenged

ObserverNational NewsGanja Users Association (GUN), Ganja Users Association (GUN) of Namibia, Namibia, Police

Recently, the Ganja Users Association (GUN) of Namibia made a statement urging that higher salaries be paid to the police. They did this in response to the shameless and consistent police brutality they claim that their members endure. After seeing various videos circulating on social media where Namibian police and army members are playing judge, jury and executioner as they brutalise unarmed people, we conclude that the problem is deeper than salary level. We support more competitive salaries and benefits packages for our security officials. Of course, in this pandemic time of near-catastrophic unfunded budget deficits, there is no money…