Opinions

Sakaria Johannes Namibia's recent commitment to introducing free tertiary education in 2026 has been met with a mix of optimism and scepticism. On the surface, it appears to be a bold and progressive move, one that seeks to remove financial barriers and make higher education accessible to all citizens regardless of their socio-economic background. Education, undeniably, is a powerful tool for transformation. It can lift individuals out of poverty, equip them with knowledge and skills, and foster innovation and growth. However, the context in which Namibia is making this decision raises pressing concerns about whether free tertiary education, in isolation,…

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro After everything was said and done, including both good and bad speeches, some well-meaning and others not worth the paper they were written on, most of these speeches lacked sincerity, as has become routine; many were more like recitals than genuine speeches. Therefore, Yours Truly Ideologically could not derive many takeaways from them. Other than the remarks of one of the unionists, “Comrade”, inviting and informing fellow “Comrades” to what would be perhaps the most pleasing and physically and practically nourishing moment of the observance of Workers Day and May Day, as it is also alternatively known. She…

PAUL T. SHIPALE (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) Introduction The Perennial Light of a Revolutionary Mind In an era where the cadence of national reflection often oscillates between commemorative reverence and the pragmatic urgencies of the present, the towering figure of the Founding Father Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma emerges not merely as an indelible echo from the annals of a hard-won liberation, but as an essential, vital compass. His enduring presence, particularly as we contemplate the trajectory of the nation he so singularly shaped, serves as both an inspiration and a profound challenge. Founding Father Nujoma transcended the conventional…

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro With its mantra of “business unusual”, needless to mention, the 8th administration of Namibia, new as it may be and proffered and sounded and perceived to be under President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, is essentially old. The Swapo of Namibia is a long-standing political party that has undergone constant change, transformation, transition, and metamorphosis. In many aspects and respects. Whether democratically, ideologically, politically and otherwise. Thus, it must have its work cut out. Because it is surely a tall order for it to navigate the entrenched capitalist system in the country and, at the same time, fulfil the “business unusual”…

PAUL T. SHIPALE (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) A Legal and Political Analysis of the Tension Between Constitutional Aspiration and Fiscal Reality The maiden State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Repiblic of Namibia, on April 24, 2025, represents a significant political milestone in Namibia’s governance trajectory. Themed “Unity in Diversity, Natural Resources Beneficiation and Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development,” this address articulates a comprehensive vision for national development while introducing substantive policy reforms across multiple sectors. As the 8th administration charts a bold course for national development, the financial sustainability…

Josef Kefas Sheehama On the 24 April 2025, President H.E. Dr. Netumbo Ndemupelila Nandi-Ndaitwah of the Republic of Namibia delivered her first State of the Nation Address (SONA), emphasizing "Unity in Diversity, Natural Resources Beneficiation, and Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development." She outlined the administration's goals and strategies for an array of the economy. In the SONA, the president outlines the targets for the year, the current state and achievements of the economy, and plans for implementation. In addition to highlighting important challenges and transformative initiatives, her 2025 State of the Nation Address outlined eight key economic enablers and seven…

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro With its mantra of “business unusual”, needless to mention, the 8th administration of Namibia, new as it may be and proffered and sounded and perceived to be under President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, is essentially old. The Swapo of Namibia is a long-standing political party that has undergone constant change, transformation, transition, and metamorphosis. In many aspects and respects. Whether democratically, ideologically, politically or otherwise, it must have its work cut out. Navigating the entrenched capitalist system in the country and fulfilling the ideal of "business unusual" is undoubtedly a challenging task. Let alone giving it a definition and practical…

CHAMWE KAIRA  Alpha Namibia Industries Renewable Power (ANIREP) has concluded a conditional binding offer, in terms of which ANIREP will acquire a 45% shareholding in Cerim Luderitz Energy (Pty) Ltd for a total consideration of N$60 million. The vendors are Allied Worldwide Trading Limited, for a 30% shareholding, and Riminii Investment (Proprietary) Limited, for a 15% shareholding. CERIM is an Independent Power Producer (IPP) currently developing a 50 MW (AC) wind power plant located 17km south of Lüderitz in the Karas Region. The project will include the development of 743 hectares of land into a power-generating facility and the construction…

Josef Kefas Sheehama Namibia will be susceptible to this financial contagion in the short to medium term, but I disagree with the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of Namibia's assessment that tariffs will have little immediate effect on GDP. It is critical to recognize that Namibia's economy is comparatively small, and a reduction in revenue from international sources will negatively affect the country's liquidity, given that Namibia does not possess sufficient domestic markets to yield adequate income to offset the impacts of earnings from export markets. The markets are projected to continue being highly volatile, undergoing considerable fluctuations…