Opinions – Page 18

30 May

Small Stock Farming: The Imperatives

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Nichlas Mbingeneeko The previous article focused on mitigating the effects of the drought. This article will focus on preparing small stock for showcasing or participation in agricultural shows. The showcasing of livestock or participation of livestock in agricultural shows is a strategic marketing imperative. The presentability of livestock during agricultural shows and their phenotypic appearance are sine qua nons for effective marketing. In the end, the best animal must win the agricultural show competition. Therefore, in this article tips will be shared with small stock exhibitors on how best to prepare livestock for agricultural shows. The same preparation applies equally…

30 May

It is no longer about liberation credentials

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The Swapo Party of Namibia would very much like to be judged on its pre-liberation credentials especially on its abrogation of having delivered independence to the Namibian people. Let it be for those who may be still nostalgic about the liberation era. The sole and authentic era. Only a fool would deny the pivotal role of the Swapo Party especially its armed wing in causing if not speeding up freedom ushered in in 1990. Parallel to its armed struggle was its political and diplomatic engagements which saw the likes of Hidipo Hamutenya (HH) and company crisscrossing many a capital of…

30 May

Change is ineludible

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Erasmus Nekundi Some moons ago you were a toddler, but today you are an adult. We were in summer not long ago, but today we are freezing because winter has just arrived. So the jerseys are out of the wardrobes, so we adopt to survive the new season. In the 90s, our parents had feature phones, but today smartphones are dominant. They used to paddle oars in canoes, but now it’s about cruising in yachts. All these, however distinct they are, are evidence that change is a guaranteed and inevitable reality; and timely evolution is central to survive in a…

24 May

Vision, aspirations of freeing South African workers much alive, how about in Namibia?

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“Down with Capitalism, Forward with Socialism,” a representative of the South African Communist Party (SACP) sounded the once popular slogan of the workers during the observance of Workers Day in South Africa earlier this month, that is on the 1st of May, which is Workers Day or May Day. Coming from a member and leader of the SACP, which arguably in terms of the believe and conviction in the rights of the workers, let alone in the genuine emancipation of the workers and the unshackling of the chains of Capitalism, Yours Truly Ideologically, could not but believe that more than…

24 May

Small Stock Farming: The Imperatives

info_e12wt4csOpinionsstrategic 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

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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…