Opinions – Page 15 – Windhoek Observer

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

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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,…

25 Apr

Local content, beneficiation, inclusivity all flipsides of ideology of capitalism

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The Namibian capitalist economic elite has just emerged from the Namibia Local Content Conference in Lüderitz. Yours Truly Ideologically cannot but muse about what “local content” means. Because typical of Namibia, actually the socio-economic elite, things have been done at their behest and their agenda, and indeed, more than anything else their socio-economic, and indeed political interest. Even the definition let alone interpretation of operative words in the socio-economic sphere has been conceptualised and invented by them. To use them as tools to maintain their stronghold and hegemony over the country all in the name of capitalism and all the…

25 Apr

Just Saying

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Am saying as we gaze into the future of our nation, it's crucial to recognize that the development of sporting infrastructure cannot solely rest on the shoulders of the central government. Am just saying, while government initiatives play a significant role, the responsibility should also extend to local authorities and private entities. All am saying it that we should all consider the vast potential and opportunities that proper sports facilities can unlock for our country. Beyond mere athletic endeavours, investing in sports infrastructure holds the promise of fostering community engagement, promoting healthy lifestyles, and nurturing talent from grassroots levels. Am…

25 Apr

Small Stock Farming: The Imperatives

ObserverOpinions

Nichlas Mbingeneeko The previous article focused on genetic value creation in small stock farming, i.e. the significance of quality in small stock farming. Genetic value creation relates to the act of producing livestock that have some level of quality and usefulness for the commercial farmer or stud breeder and the entire farming fraternity. Genetic superiority is the pivot on which the success of genetic value creation hinges. Genotype and phenotype spell quality. Quality livestock must be the preoccupation of every farmer and breeder. This article will focus on phenotypical and other key considerations for the farmer or breeder when selecting…

18 Apr

Just Saying

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Am just saying that, last week, I had the honor of participating in a gathering organized by the Namibia Sport Commission, where I shared the stage with a prominent figure in Namibian sport governance. Am just saying that the event was organized to shed light on the state of governance frameworks and corporate governance in sports, drawing together various members of the sports fraternity, including leaders and managers from federations and umbrella bodies. Am saying, from the outset, I was impressed by the turnout and the sense of camaraderie among the sports federations. It was clear that there is a…

18 Apr

Small Stock Farming: The Imperatives

ObserverOpinions

Nichlas Mbingeneeko The previous article focused on small stock dosing or drenching and dipping. This article will focus on genetic value creation in small stock farming, i.e. the significance of quality in small stock farming. In understanding genetic value creation, understanding of some related concepts is a prerequisite. The terms ‘gene’, ‘genetic value’, and ‘genetic value creation’ will be explained in brief so as to ease understanding. Simply put, a gene is a unit of heredity passed on from the parent to the offspring. Genes control the morphology or phenotype of animals. Genetic value relates to the effects that the…

18 Apr

False alarms, a foretaste of the political brand of Ndaitwahism?

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Simply the news headlines surrounding the impulsive and trigger happy reactions of the government concerning European Union mission to Namibia’s entertainment of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), actually its leader singularly, as it transpired. “Netumbo slams ‘regime change’ agenda after IPC meets with European Diplomats,’ splashed one of the local dailies. Regurgitating the near-to hysterical diatribe by the Swapo Vice President, hashed evidently negligently, arrogantly and without any decorum, political and/or diplomatic, by and from the party’s central committee. To say the least the actions and reactions by both the government and Swapo Party leaders, upon which the media…

16 Apr

BON PSD-9 Directive: The Cross-Border Payment System’s Anatomy and Operations

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Josef Kefas Sheehama Even though it usually causes people to feel more nervous, it's critical to keep in mind that compliance, security, and safety are important in a world of highly sophisticated financial crime. The Bank of Namibia released PSD-9 in 2022, and the new regulation may have taken effect on April 15, 2024. The Bank of Namibia's most recent directive has extended until September 2024 the date of implementation for cross-border payments under PSD-9. It specifies how electronic fund transfers (EFTs) transactions are to be carried out within the National Payment System, with the goals of ensuring their cost-effectiveness,…