Opinions – Page 12 – Windhoek Observer

13 Jun

Who is learning what from who between Namibia and South Africa?

ObserverOpinions

“You will not be able to stay home, brother You will not be able to plug in, turn on and cop out You will not be able to lose yourself on skag And skip out for beer during commercials, because The revolution will not be televised”. Goes the opening lyrics from the song by Gill Scott-Heron, pioneer of rap music. I relived the song live at Hyde Park in the late 1980s while performing live during the days of agitation for the end of Apartheid capitalism colonialism in Namibia, and likewise the reform of Apartheid in South Africa. Reform of…

10 Jun

NDP 5, Industrialization and the Youth

ObserverFeatured, OpinionsIndustrialization and the Youth, NDP 5

Namibia, a nation characterized by its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is on a transformative journey toward economic prosperity and social development. Central to this endeavor is the fifth installment of its National Development Plan (NDP5), a strategic blueprint aimed at fostering inclusive growth, industrialization, and, crucially, empowering the youth. As we examine NDP5, it becomes clear that the synergy between industrialization and youth engagement is pivotal for Namibia's future. Namibia’s National Development Plan 5: An Overview Launched in 2017, NDP5 spans a five-year period, encapsulating Namibia's vision for sustainable development from 2017 to 2022. This plan is structured…

02 Jun

A Tale of Lost Opportunities and Shattered Promises: The Downfall of ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa

ObserverOpinions

Stephanus Pombili In the annals of political history, the downfall of Cyril Ramaphosa and the African National Congress (ANC) will forever be etched as a tragic tale of lost opportunities and shattered promises. Once the beacon of hope in post-apartheid South Africa, the party succumbed to the corrosive effects of corruption, arrogance, and incompetence. Ramaphosa, a charismatic leader who initially inspired confidence, soon found himself ensnared in a web of scandals that unraveled his credibility. The Marikana massacre of 2012, in which police brutally killed 34 striking miners, cast a long shadow over his presidency. Ramaphosa's handling of the scandal,…

30 May

Small Stock Farming: The Imperatives

ObserverOpinions

Nichlas Mbingeneeko The previous article focused on mitigating the effects of the drought. This article will focus on preparing small stock for showcasing or participation in agricultural shows. The showcasing of livestock or participation of livestock in agricultural shows is a strategic marketing imperative. The presentability of livestock during agricultural shows and their phenotypic appearance are sine qua nons for effective marketing. In the end, the best animal must win the agricultural show competition. Therefore, in this article tips will be shared with small stock exhibitors on how best to prepare livestock for agricultural shows. The same preparation applies equally…

30 May

It is no longer about liberation credentials

ObserverOpinions

The Swapo Party of Namibia would very much like to be judged on its pre-liberation credentials especially on its abrogation of having delivered independence to the Namibian people. Let it be for those who may be still nostalgic about the liberation era. The sole and authentic era. Only a fool would deny the pivotal role of the Swapo Party especially its armed wing in causing if not speeding up freedom ushered in in 1990. Parallel to its armed struggle was its political and diplomatic engagements which saw the likes of Hidipo Hamutenya (HH) and company crisscrossing many a capital of…

30 May

Change is ineludible

ObserverOpinions

Erasmus Nekundi Some moons ago you were a toddler, but today you are an adult. We were in summer not long ago, but today we are freezing because winter has just arrived. So the jerseys are out of the wardrobes, so we adopt to survive the new season. In the 90s, our parents had feature phones, but today smartphones are dominant. They used to paddle oars in canoes, but now it’s about cruising in yachts. All these, however distinct they are, are evidence that change is a guaranteed and inevitable reality; and timely evolution is central to survive in a…

24 May

Vision, aspirations of freeing South African workers much alive, how about in Namibia?

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“Down with Capitalism, Forward with Socialism,” a representative of the South African Communist Party (SACP) sounded the once popular slogan of the workers during the observance of Workers Day in South Africa earlier this month, that is on the 1st of May, which is Workers Day or May Day. Coming from a member and leader of the SACP, which arguably in terms of the believe and conviction in the rights of the workers, let alone in the genuine emancipation of the workers and the unshackling of the chains of Capitalism, Yours Truly Ideologically, could not but believe that more than…

24 May

Small Stock Farming: The Imperatives

ObserverOpinionsstrategic approach to marketing

The previous article focused on the marketing of commercial goats. The farmer needs to adopt a strategic approach to marketing. A strategic approach to marketing is, in a nutshell, informed by a strategic approach to mating and kidding. This article will focus on mitigating the effects of the drought. As a matter of course, the poor rainfall in most parts of Namibia has the propensity to engender fatalities of livestock due to drought occurring in varying degrees of severity. It is thus incumbent upon the farmer to employ resolute measures that would mitigate the effects of the drought. First and…

15 May

Navigating the Namibia-China Partnership: A Strategic Advisory

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Dr Penny TM Uukunde As Namibia prepares to engage with China in the evolving landscape of Sino-African relations, it is crucial to chart a clear and strategic path forward. The enduring friendship between Namibia and China extends beyond economic cooperation, encompassing shared values, cultural exchanges, and a mutual commitment to deepening bilateral ties. Strengthening Economic Ties: Beyond Traditional Frameworks While China remains a vital economic partner for Namibia, recent developments in China's investment strategy for Africa necessitate a reevaluation of traditional frameworks such as FOCAC. Namibia must explore alternative avenues for economic cooperation and foster closer collaboration with Chinese stakeholders…

09 May

Small Stock Farming: The Imperatives

ObserverOpinions

Nichlas Mbingeneeko The previous article focused on how farmers and breeders need to take care of and look after stud rams. This article will focus on the marketing of commercial goats. As a matter of fact, quality is a primary pivot on which the success and profitability of small stock farming hinge. Genotype and phenotype underpin quality. Any goat that a farmer markets must be appealing in terms of genotype and phenotype in order to attract the attention of the buyer and consequently tilt the scale in favour of the seller. In tilting the scale in favour of the seller,…