Opinions

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro The government, to be specific, the Upstream Petroleum Unit in the Office of the President, has been having roadshows countrywide and regionally, if not in selected areas and regions, to apparently explain the National Upstream Petroleum Local Content Policy.  Upon picking this up through the media, the first question that occurred to mind is who have been invited to these roadshows, who have been attending and, with due respect and circumspection, if those invited and who have been attending these roadshows do and could realistically be expected to indeed comprehend what this subject matter entails to provide constructive,…

PAUL T. SHIPALE (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) Introduction Africa today finds itself in a paradoxical position, one that demands an introspection transcending the coldness of econometric language, delving into the depths of structural causes and existential implications for the continent's self-determination. The continent is, unequivocally, one of the largest suppliers of the critical minerals and raw materials that form the bedrock of China’s industrial and technological ascendancy, such as cobalt from the Democratic Republic of Congo for electric batteries, oil from Angola to fuel its burgeoning industry, platinum from South Africa for advanced manufacturing, uranium from Namibia,…

Hidipo Hamata Many unemployed youths and adults find themselves unable to provide basic needs or put bread and butter on the table because they are unemployed. Employment is hard to find, and even when you are fortunate enough to secure a job, the salary is often too small to sustain yourself, let alone your extended family. Life is hard, but is our government truly working clockwise to find amicable solutions for her people — solutions that soften the economic pressure while also building the country brick by brick, together with its citizens? Today, thousands of Namibians have found creative ways…

Lazarus Kwedhi  Many still vividly remember the funeral of Her Majesty, the late Queen Elizabeth II, where African presidents were transported in buses while other world leaders, particularly from the USA and Europe, travelled in the comfort of their presidential fleets. These arrangements angered many Africans back home, who felt their leaders were disrespected and made to appear like schoolchildren on a tour bus. The privacy and security of African leaders seemed far less important than those of their Western counterparts. If that happened in public, one wonders what treatment they received behind closed doors. Were African presidents also placed…

Nandeshasho Nickanor The extractive industries stand at a critical crossroads, because while the world demands resources, there are also calls for urgent action to protect our natural environment. Mining, often perceived solely as extractive, holds a powerful opportunity to contribute meaningfully to global biodiversity goals. By embedding biodiversity and community well-being into operational DNA, the sector can demonstrate that development and conservation are not opposing forces but complementary pillars of sustainable progress.  Biodiversity as an operational priority This goes beyond compliance but is a conscious integration guided by a company’s environmental policy. Through efforts such as habitat restoration, biodiversity monitoring,…

Taapopi Naftali  As a student leader, I have seen firsthand how student representative bodies like NANSO, NASA, SUN, and others are constantly contradicted and undermined, often for the wrong reasons. These organisations are essential because they are the voice of the learners; they identify challenges, propose solutions, and implement programmes that improve the educational experience for everyone. Yet, instead of being supported, we face unnecessary resistance from directors, principals, and institutional authorities.  Student leaders are often blocked from carrying out their programmes; mentorship initiatives, awareness campaigns, peer-support sessions, and skill-building workshops are delayed or cancelled due to bureaucracy and unnecessary…