Opinions

Johanna Hipangelwa In Namibia, as in many post-colonial nations, the question of whether the system has failed its youth is a pressing one. Franz Fanon's seminal work, particularly his ideas on decolonization and the psychological effects of colonialism, offers a lens through which we can critically examine this issue. Namibia’s independence from South Africa in 1990 after a protracted struggle, initially held promise for its youth. Liberation movements like SWAPO (South West Africa People's Organization) fought not just for political sovereignty but also for social justice and economic equity. However, decades later, many young Namibians find themselves grappling with systemic…

YOURS Truly Ideologically cannot help but increasingly fear and get the impression that Namibia is heading for the worse economically. In that sooner rather than later she would have no natural resources of her own to speak of. Article 100 of the Namibian Constitution on the Sovereign Ownership of Natural Resources enshrines that: Land, water and natural resources below and above the surface of the land and in the continental shelf and within the territorial waters and the exclusive economic zone off Namibia shall belong o the Sate if they are not otherwise lawfully owned.” Be that as it may…

Tomas Nashongo As a point of departure Frantz fanon posits that reality requires total comprehension. In society a black man who acts, dresses and enunciates his words like a white man is considered well-articulated and educated. Subsequently a white man imitating a black man is rather uncommon. In turn racism is fundamentally about racial hierarchy and power. The misconception comes in when racism is abruptly defined as verbal discrimination based on skin color, racism has to do with systematic power. Systematic power hosts racism through various practices and policies in society and institutions . Such as how the Namibia legal…

Appolonia Iithete  In recent years, Namibia has observed a transformative evolution in its political landscape, driven by the dynamic rise of young parliamentarians championing youth empowerment and innovation. These young leaders, entering political arenas early in their careers, have demonstrated remarkable resilience and vision, challenging conventional scepticism and redefining leadership expectations. In their roles, these parliamentarians have not only tackled pressing issues but also initiated transformative projects that resonate across the country. Their commitment to innovation and inclusivity has brought tangible advancements, from digital transformations to environmental sustainability efforts. One notable initiative is their advocacy for women's and adolescent sexual…

Henning Melber After the horror of the Nazi regime and witnessing the Soviet dictatorship under Stalin, the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill declared in 1947:  ‘Many forms of Government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe.  No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise.  Indeed it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.…’ Namibian Fight for Democracy Namibians suffered under white minority rule until 1990. There was no democracy.  Only whites were entitled to…

Sem David What a Namibian youth should do to effect changes in the country? As an advocate of youth empowerment and community development, I often ask myself where we are headed in this current state. It is concerning to observe the lack of understanding and limited participation among youth in the revolutionary process of change. We sit down and complain and attack each other on social media, ignoring the fact of what we are supposed to do to bring about the changes we claim to have. We are in a state of chaos and disarray, and it is only when…

Are some of the political parties and formation and/or would be politicians what the Namibian voters deserve, and therefore they must accept and leave with them and the mediocrity presented to them? Yours Truly Ideologically cannot but pose this question. Since sooner in November the country is going to the polls when voters must make that important and crucial choice. A choice that every voter only makes every five years or so. Meaning, unless she/he makes that choice this November, for the next five years in one way or another she/he is doomed. Because given the nascent nature of Namibian…

Heiki Namboga In the midst of Namibia's political fervour, where every party seeks a seat in Parliament or the presidency, the predicament of young leaders is shown vividly. The emergence and eventual demise of young leaders such as Henny H. Seibeb (LPM), Sadam Amushelelo (NEFF), and Vipuakuye Muharukua (PDM) raises serious concerns about youth leadership, political stability, and maturity. While youth-oriented parties provide forums for policy advocacy and community representation, many young leaders leave due to internal party issues, discontentment, a lack of support, or sabotage. In this respect, Michael Sadam Amushelelo's activisms alongside the NEFF as an 'Advocate for…