Opinions

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro Whose Heroes'/Heroines' Day? This is by no means a rhetorical question but a pertinent one after 35 years of the observation of this day. That is supposed to be not only historic but also sacrosanct, and this year it was just observed, or should one say some observed it, this Tuesday in Katima Mulilo in the Zambezi Region.  Yours Truly Ideologically could not but observe the pre-coverage of the Day in the media a few days leading up to the official observance with keen interest but also trepidation later replaced by consternation. Especially the articles and broadcasts, as…

Sakaria Johannes According to Karl Marx, class consciousness is the awareness by a social class of its own position, interests, and power in relation to other classes within the structure of a society. As Namibia heads toward the regional and local authority elections this November, the role of young people in shaping the future of this nation cannot be overstated. This moment demands not only youth participation but also youth awakening. It is a time for young Namibians to rise with clarity, purpose, and class consciousness, to seize democratic spaces and steer the country toward a more just and equitable…

Hidipo Hamata There are moments in our national life when an ordinary act inside a classroom transforms into something extraordinary for the whole country. One teacher, a woman, a mother, stood before her pupils not with a textbook in hand, but with a song that has since captured our collective imagination. Her initiative — teaching children a song to protect themselves from inappropriate touching and harassment — is more than just a creative method of education. It is a national call to conscience, a mother’s cry for protection, and a teacher’s oath to safeguard the innocence of every child entrusted…

Julius Natangwe Across Namibia, a quiet injustice has become routine: workers supplied by private employment agencies often called labour-hire firms are doing the same work as permanent staff while taking home a fraction of the invoice paid by the client enterprise. In some cases, workers report receiving as little as 30% of the invoiced amount, with the remainder disappearing in the pockets of private employment agencies as mark-ups.  Their complaints aren’t isolated; One of the aims and objectives of The Revolutionary Union (RU), a trade union that I represent reads “6.5 to promote or oppose as the case may be,…

Ester Shafashike In too many corners of our country, the foundations of progress are crumbling. Schools lack proper buildings, and classrooms made of zinc sheets or tents have become the norm. Learners struggle with inadequate materials and science labs that exist only on paper. These conditions not only undermine the quality of education but also rob young minds of the opportunity to thrive. Beyond education, basic services remain out of reach for countless communities. Residents walk long distances to access medical facilities, often navigating deteriorated roads that suffer from poor workmanship. Even when road projects begin, the results are substandard…