Opinions – Page 17 – Windhoek Observer

07 Feb

“Goodnight Omes, see you in the morning”

ObserverOpinionssee you in the morning”, “Goodnight Omes

Stanley Nick KATZAO Imagine you’re getting ready to leave for Swakopmund on 23 December to celebrate the festive season at sea. You’re packed and the family is only waiting on you to take the driver’s seat and hit the road. It’s around 11h00 in the morning and you get a call and it goes like this: “Moro Katzao, tae ets ta di?” I replied: “I’m getting ready to go to Swakop uncle, what’s up?” “Come around before you leave, I’ve something to share with you”, he replied and without further interrogation I said “I’m coming” My wife didn’t think it’s…

06 Feb

Cityscape Chronicles, with Vivian !Nou-/Gawaseb, Synergy Unleashed: Good Governance Elevates Spatial Planning

ObserverOpinionsCityscape Chronicles, Synergy Unleashed: Good Governance Elevates Spatial Planning, with Vivian !Nou-/Gawaseb

In the realm of urban development, the fusion of good governance principles and local-scale spatial planning is a vital but often overlooked dynamic. Good governance encompasses elements such as transparency, accountability, and public participation, while spatial planning entails the meticulous organisation of land use and resources to facilitate sustainable, equitable, and prosperous communities. In this opinion piece, I will explore how these concepts intersect and why their harmonious application is essential for nurturing resilient and inclusive local communities. Transparency and Accountability: Transparency stands as a fundamental pillar of good governance. On a local scale, this involves making the spatial planning…

06 Feb

Dr. Hage Geingob: A Legacy of Democracy, Freedom, and Unity

ObserverOpinionsDr. Hage Geingob: A Legacy of Democracy, freedom

Nrupesh Soni, Facilit8 Namibia In the wake of Dr. Hage Geingob’s passing, a mixed chorus of voices has emerged, ranging from expressions of profound grief to unsettling jubilations. It is indeed a moment of great reflection for Namibia, a young democracy that, under his stewardship, demonstrated a remarkable commitment to democratic values and freedom. As we navigate through this period of mourning, it is crucial to remember and celebrate Dr. Geingob’s unparalleled dedication to his country and its democratic foundations. Dr. Hage Geingob, as the President of Namibia, stood as a staunch defender of democracy. His leadership was marked by…

02 Feb

Just Saying with Matts Haikali

ObserverOpinions, SportsJust Saying with Matts Haikali

Am just saying that as the first month of 2024 draws to a close, it feels as though half the year has passed, given the whirlwind of activities unfolding in the realm of sports. Cricket, Rugby, Hockey, Football, Gymnastics, Volleyball, Netball – all these sports have set an elevated standard, particularly in terms of leadership. This surge of activity has ignited a spark of hope, suggesting that 2024 may very well be a turning point for sports in Namibia. Am just saying, for far too long, the lamentation of a lackluster approach by sports leaders towards transforming sports into an…

02 Feb

Problematic of non-delivery not time but ideology, will and capacity to deliver

ObserverOpinionsProblematic of non-delivery not time but ideology, will and capacity to deliver

Yours Truly Ideologically in last week’s edition took exception and reservation to the notion that 32 years, and 33 years next month, March 21st, that Namibia has been independent and free, may, could, should and must be seen as not long enough for the government to have been able to deliver, especially the basic needs of life in particular to those at the lower end of the socio-economic ladder. Because such a notion of 33 years not being long enough, as those in power and authority would like to maintain, to deliver on their promises, has not only become repetitive…

02 Feb

Small Stock Farming, The Imperatives with Nichlas Mbingeneeko: Small Stock Farming For Beginners

ObserverObserver Money, OpinionsSmall Stock Farming, The Imperatives with Nichlas Mbingeneeko: Small Stock Farming For Beginners

Farming requires teamwork and the sharing of expertise as well as mentoring, particularly for the novice farmer. The spirit of Ubuntu is paramount in farming. The importance of farming can neither be overemphasized nor be gainsaid. Around 70% of Namibia’s population depends directly or indirectly on agriculture for their income and livelihood. Consequently, success in farming cannot be left to chance. To that effect, I will utilize this space every Friday to share the imperatives that are pivotal for sustainable and profitable small stock farming. The terms small stock, in the agricultural arena, refer to goats and sheep. It is…

30 Jan

The Disintegration of ECOWAS: Two Sides Of A Coin

ObserverOpinionsThe Disintegration of ECOWAS: Two Sides Of A Coin

Esther Shakela On the 28th January 2024, military rulers of Mali, Burkina Faso (Upper Volta) and Niger announced their exit from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) following a series of coup d’états carried out in the region overthrowing Presidents and regimes considered to be threats to the welfare of citizens or demonstrating incompetence in governance. The reasons cited for this move include assertions that the organization no longer identifies with Pan-Africanist ideals, operates under foreign influence, imposed imprudent sanctions which exacerbated the living conditions of their populace and “has not provided assistance to the states in the…

29 Jan

Cityscape Chronicles with Vivian !Nou-/Gawaseb: Harmonizing SDGs Towards Namibia’s National Urban Policy

ObserverOpinionsCityscape Chronicles with Vivian !Nou-/Gawaseb: Harmonizing SDGs Towards Namibia’s National Urban Policy

Namibia stands at a pivotal juncture in the pursuit of sustainable urban development, and the imperative to navigate this complex terrain is underscored by the need to curate a comprehensive national urban policy.This policy should be intricately woven with the principles embedded in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); a task made even more compelling by aligning with the transformative vision of the Local2030 Coalition. This opinion piece delves into the significance of this integration, unravelling its potential benefits, challenges, and the pivotal role it plays in steering Namibia towards a resilient and equitable urban future. The Crucial Alignment:Aligning…

27 Jan

Just Saying with Matts Haikali

ObserverOpinions, SportsJust Saying with Matts Haikali

In recent times, the sporting landscape in our nation has been marred by a disheartening phenomenon known as “PHD” or Pull Her Down. All am saying is this unsettling trend points to a persistent lack of support for those diligently working to ensure transparency and accountability within our sports federations and clubs. Am just saying a stark contrast emerges when comparing the governance of men’s and women’s sports. Men’s sports are predominantly managed by men, yet when women take the helm in women’s sports, it often undermined by the men in these sports space. Am saying this raises questions about…

25 Jan

Opinion Piece: Strategic Evolution in African Football: Lessons from the 2023 AFCON

ObserverOpinions, SportsOpinion Piece: Strategic Evolution in African Football: Lessons from the 2023 AFCON

Matts Haikali The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has unfolded as a captivating spectacle, and one cannot overlook the impressive performances of Portuguese-speaking nations—Cape Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Angola, and Mozambique. As we dissect their success, it becomes apparent that their triumphs are indicative of broader trends and lessons for the entire African football landscape. Senegal’s unwavering dominance, fortified by a local coach with over a decade in charge, is a testament to the dividends of stability and continuity in leadership. Morocco, buoyed by substantial economic investment, stands as a formidable force that should not be underestimated. This strategic approach…