Opinions

Are these just early  signs of early days?

Are these just early  signs of early days?

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro Is it early days? Yours Truly, Ideologically, I cannot but ask but at the same time also answer that it is by no means early days. Simply because for someone determined that it is “business unusual”, it cannot be early days at all. Since the message has been loud and clear, the media seem to be having a field day with the new administration “hitting the ground running” in their respective spaces. What does the new administration mean by "hitting the ground running"? One may be prompted to ask. Given that the president has only had three months…
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Namibia policy of reciprocity on visa; A tit for tat or the Vienna convention on diplomatic and consular relations

Namibia policy of reciprocity on visa; A tit for tat or the Vienna convention on diplomatic and consular relations

PAUL T. SHIPALE I. Prologue: A tit for tat From April 1, 2025, Namibia started to implement a reciprocal visa policy, requiring nationals from 32 countries, including the US, UK, and Canada, to obtain a visa for entry, as these countries haven’t reciprocated visa-free access for Namibian citizens. In this regard, a statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security on Thursday, 27 March 2025, indicated that since the launch of the e-visa on arrival portal and the visa on arrival application form on 3 March 2025, a total of 10 016 visa applications have been successfully…
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Sam Nujoma’s unfinished mission

Sam Nujoma’s unfinished mission

Ndumba J. Kamwanyah When Namibia gained independence in 1990, founding president and the father of the nation Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma declared that true freedom meant more than just breaking the chains of colonial and apartheid rule.  His vision was loud and clear: Namibia must liberate itself from hunger, diseases and ignorance. This was not just a mere slogan—it was a call to action, a guiding philosophy for building a strong and self-sufficient independent Namibia. This was also a  futuristic foresight.  He knew that a country that depends on others for its survival and development can never be truly free.…
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The Impact of Colonial Borders on Post-Independence African States: A Case Study of the DRC and Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania, and South Africa and Zimbabwe

The Impact of Colonial Borders on Post-Independence African States: A Case Study of the DRC and Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania, and South Africa and Zimbabwe

Lot Ndamanomhata  The artificial borders imposed by colonial powers during the Scramble for Africa have had profound and lasting effects on African states. The Berlin Conference (1884–1885) formalized the division of Africa among European colonial powers, often disregarding pre-existing ethnic, cultural, and political entities (Herbst, 2000). These arbitrary borders have led to fragmented communities, cross-border tensions, and challenges in governance. This article examines the effects of colonial borders on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania, and South Africa and Zimbabwe, highlighting the socio-political challenges that have emerged post-independence. Furthermore, the article explores international comparisons and…
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Kavango deserves better: why appointed governors undermine true democracy

Kavango deserves better: why appointed governors undermine true democracy

Joseph Diescho The consternation or unhappiness about the appointment of brother Julius Hamunyera Hambyuka (Mukwanzadi) as 'governor' of Kavango East is not about rejecting him as a person or impugning the decision of the President who has the prerogative to appoint 'governors' under the current  laws. The unhappiness is about the bigger picture of Namibian Democracy and Popular Political Participation. It reveals the awkward context of Kavango political participation in Namibian politics. The reality in which this appointment took place is most unfortunate. Here is why: The appointment of these so-called governors in the 35 years old Namibia must be…
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Reimagining Brand Namibia

Reimagining Brand Namibia

Lazarus Jacobs In his farewell speech at the inauguration of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, outgoing President Nangolo Mbumba reflected on Namibia’s long journey:   "It has been a long journey filled with trials and tribulations, but just as our struggle for independence… has paid dividends, likewise the struggle for gender justice, spearheaded by the brave women of Namibia and their allies across the international community."   Shortly after, President Nandi-Ndaitwah made history as Namibia’s first female head of state. Recognizing the significance of this moment, she appointed Lucia Witbooi as the nation’s first female vice president—making Namibia the only country in…
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The nationalists’ voice

"Namibian nationality is a national treasure – it is not for sale" Lazarus Kwedhi  Namibian nationality is not for sale at any price. It cannot be tampered with or handed out indiscriminately to satisfy or protect any individual or group at the expense of native Namibians. Any action that compromises Namibia’s sovereignty is, fundamentally, an act of treason. Nationalists are conservative and deeply patriotic. They are not surprised—though they are troubled—by those who argue that an offspring born in Namibia to foreign parents is a Namibian citizen, as stipulated in Article 4 of the Namibian Constitution. This provision grants such…
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Like two phoenixes rising from the ashes, president Nandi-Ndaitwah And Prime Minister Ngurare’s new beginning and mantra of “It Will Not Be Business As Usual” and “To Make Namibia The Best Place For One To Live In”

Like two phoenixes rising from the ashes, president Nandi-Ndaitwah And Prime Minister Ngurare’s new beginning and mantra of “It Will Not Be Business As Usual” and “To Make Namibia The Best Place For One To Live In”

PAUL T. SHIPALE In one of my articles published online in the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday, 18 March 2025, I attempted to advise President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to adopt a three-pronged strategy in order to achieve economic transformation. In that article I said the key priorities should be: 1- Restructuring and reducing the Cabinet to enhance operational efficiency and accountability; 2-Prioritizing quality over quantity by selecting competent, results-driven individuals for leadership positions and 3- Eliminating bureaucratic inefficiencies to ensure that decision-making and implementation processes are streamlined.  President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah wasted no time in stamping her authority on the country’s Executive branch…
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MPs need ideological self-reflection, introspection and re-interrogation! 

MPs need ideological self-reflection, introspection and re-interrogation! 

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro As the ancient and recycled reunite and meet the not-so-very-old as well as complete freshmen and women in the National Assembly, Yours Truly Ideologically cannot but muse about this mixed bag the 8th Parliament of the Republic of Namibia is.  As well as wondering what the input and output of this eclectic mix will be, for most, a political potpourri can and/or shall be Because ideologically the august house cannot be said to be so august, besides for the ideological grandstanding a few of the newcomers may put up. Other than that, little can be said about the…
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FIMA Act: A Step Towards Financial Transparency or an Economic Burden?

FIMA Act: A Step Towards Financial Transparency or an Economic Burden?

Thomas Nashongo  The Financial Institutions and Markets Act (FIMA) is a Namibian financial regulation law designed to strengthen oversight of financial institutions, protect clients, and encourage transparency. FIMA was gazetted  in 2021 to replace the Pension Fund Act of 1956 it  was put on hold owing to public concerns, and is now being evaluated for re-tabling in Parliament. The FIMA act was  scheduled to be enacted on 01 October but subsequently faced societal criticism leading to its postponement. The  lack of consultation during the drafting phase also stems as a flaw in the act.  The Act contains a pension preservation…
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