Opinions

Corruption in Namibia is Systemic,  and there is a Psychology behind it

Corruption in Namibia is Systemic,  and there is a Psychology behind it

Ndumba J Kamwanyah Namibia is once again in the spotlight because of corruption. This time it's not the Fishrot but the state-owned oil company, NAMCOR. Thirteen individuals, including entities, Have been charged in connection with a corruption scandal involving over N$500 million. This is not just another news story. It’s a serious reminder of how deep corruption has grown in our country, and how much work is needed to fix it. What’s shocking is not only the amount of money involved, but the network involved and  how long it took for action to be taken. Signs that something was wrong…
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When shall Africa ever awaken to the writing on the wall and rise?

When shall Africa ever awaken to the writing on the wall and rise?

Kae Matundu Tjiparuro IT is mindboggling how many times African leaders have to read the writing on the wall, which has been there since the days Imperialism and Colonialism, for them to realise that they are on their own. Regarding steering and shepherding African societies towards genuine economic emancipation and/or the whatever after Kwame Nkurumah’s political kingdom which all of the African countries have obtained. But since the dawn of political kingdoms not much have been happening and is happening to reach what should be the promised land. Economic emancipation.  That few if any of these countries can ever claim…
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The shattered mirror of Namibia: A Pan-Africanist analysis of economic decline and the urgency of sovereignty

The shattered mirror of Namibia: A Pan-Africanist analysis of economic decline and the urgency of sovereignty

PAUL T. SHIPALE (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) There are realities whose poignancy transcends mere numerical quantification. Namibia’s recent downgrade by the World Bank’s classification - a global singularity, being the only state to transition from upper - middle - income to lower - middle - income status in 2025 does not constitute a mere statistical datum. It represents, rather, the visceral cry of an economic paradigm in the process of disintegration, an echo vehemently amplified by intellectual contributions in this prestigious journal.  This imperative cry demands an introspection that transcends the coldness of econometric language, delving into…
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Is consolidation in the cement industry justifiable? A closer look at the Swenk // Whale Rock Cement merger

Johannes Shangadi  On 5 June 2025, the Namibian Competition Commission convened a public conference under Section 46 of the Competition Act in relation to the proposed acquisition of Swenk’s shareholding in Ohorongo Cement by Whale Rock Cement, the owner of Cheetah Cement. This transaction would effectively consolidate Namibia’s only two cement manufacturers into a single integrated entity. As clarified by Mr. Johannes Ashipala, Director of Mergers and Acquisitions at the Commission, Section 46 conferences are investigative by design. They serve as fact-finding exercises, critical engagements that precede the Commission’s final determination. This article seeks to discuss the issues raised at…
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Diplomacy in the 21st century: a Pan-Africanist analysis of the legitimacy crisis and the path to a just global order

Diplomacy in the 21st century: a Pan-Africanist analysis of the legitimacy crisis and the path to a just global order

PAUL T. SHIPALE (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) Abstract As President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah marks 100 days in Office and is expected to announce a new round of ambassadorial and high commission appointments, with envoys scheduled for deployment in September this year, this article seeks to interrogate diplomacy in the 21st century which confronts a multifaceted crisis of legitimacy and effectiveness, characterized by inherent contradictions between economic interests and discernible discrepancies in geopolitical practices.   The article explores the evolution of contemporary diplomacy, with a particular focus on economic diplomacy, and critically analyzes its impacts, especially on African countries.  It…
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Africa, the benign second class capitalist denialist

Africa, the benign second class capitalist denialist

Kae Matundu Tjiparuro With the world on the brink of the Third World War (WWIII), African political leaders were meeting in the Angolan capital of Luanda. Presumably to find and foster business links with business people from the United States of America (USA). Oblivious to the war ongoing, which was then in its 12th day between Israel and Iran, was nothing but a capitalist war America waging in the Middle East, with Israel as its proxy. One of the many wars Capitalist and Imperialist America has ever been waging all over the world since the dawn of Capitalism and Imperialism.…
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Growing wealth through micro-investments

Growing wealth through micro-investments

Ivan Heigan For many first-time investors, especially those with a limited income, building wealth can seem so out of reach. Many believe it takes a lot of money to start investing, making it something only wealthy people can do. Micro-investing tears down the barriers that come with traditional investing and helps more and more people grow their money. Micro investing is an investment strategy where one invests a small amount of money, into stocks, funds, or other financial instruments. You can buy a fraction of a whole share of the company's stock instead of necessarily needing to buy a whole…
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Essential rules and lessons for every man in 2025

Essential rules and lessons for every man in 2025

Hanhote Hotty Ndinomolo In most cases, we are worried about things that are less important, such as what people are going to say, losing friends or doubting ourselves. All that does not really matter. However, there are essential values, basic principles and rules that every man should live by, silently; in private or public. In a group or when alone. Talk to God often. No one is comparable to God. He is our father, Alpha and Omega. He is always ready to listen; he will not judge nor tell the next person. Read your bible. I like the books of…
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Maybe God Will Judge Us by How We Treat Our Animals: Noah’s  Ark, Part ll 

Maybe God Will Judge Us by How We Treat Our Animals: Noah’s  Ark, Part ll 

Mauricio Adelino The Bible has long emphasized treating animals with kindness and respect. In the story of Noah’s Ark, God commanded Noah to save each species, highlighting the intrinsic value of all creatures. Proverbs 12:10 reinforces this, stating, "The righteous care for the needs of their animals." In Namibia, where animals play integral roles—whether as companions, livestock, or working animals—we have a profound responsibility to ensure their welfare. This biblical directive resonates deeply in our society, where animals are central to both rural and urban life. As a veterinary student deeply invested in the welfare of domestic animals in Namibia,…
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Celebrating World MSME Day 2025: A Namibian Perspective on Progress and Possibilities

Celebrating World MSME Day 2025: A Namibian Perspective on Progress and Possibilities

Hasekiel Johannes On 27 June 2025, the world gathers once again to commemorate World Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) Day. This annual event, declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2017, is more than just a symbolic occasion. It is a global call to recognise the indispensable role of MSMEs in job creation, economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development. For Namibia, a nation forged in unity and freedom since its independence in 1990, this day carries particular resonance as we reflect on our journey and the ongoing work to empower local enterprises. As a proud member of the…
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