Opinions – Page 2 – Windhoek Observer

06 Feb

Political rhetoric is meaningless without ideological recalibration

Opinions

Kae Matundu - Tjiparuro “We are too few to be poor” is and has been one of the famous catchphrases of the president of the eighth administration of the Republic of Namibia. Yours Truly Ideologically indeed, this catchphrase has been given serious reflection, wondering if it ever has or shall have any practical and consequential meaning or if it is just another popular rhetoric by a politician? One, for that matter, without any hint of ideological conviction. For, indeed, unless backed by some serious ideological conviction and inclination, as much as ambition, such shall remain no more than just another…

06 Feb

Namibia’s strategy for performance-driven governance – from delay to delivery, the tone is set

Opinions

PAUL T. SHIPALE (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) In a defining address that has recalibrated the nation’s governance priorities, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah declared the era of excuses over. Opening the new judicial year, she delivered a stark verdict on public service, saying there is no room for failure. This was not merely a speech; it was a strategic blueprint, positioning a strong legal framework and an efficient judiciary as the indispensable engines of national performance. The timing could not be more critical. With magistrates grappling with caseloads of up to 63 cases simultaneously, public trust is under strain.…

06 Feb

An engineer’s perspective on leadership in Namibia

Opinions

Ndeya Iita As engineers, we are trained to think in systems. We analyse problems, design solutions, test assumptions, and measure outcomes. We value clarity, evidence, and continuous improvement. From this professional lens, one conclusion becomes unavoidable: Namibia would benefit greatly if its ministers and public officials became regular writers. Engineering teaches us that complex systems fail when communication is weak. The government is one of the most complex systems in any country, involving people, policies, institutions, budgets, and infrastructure. Yet too often, decisions appear disconnected from clear explanations, data, or long-term logic. Writing can help close this gap. When leaders…

05 Feb

Petroleum Amendment Bill: dead on arrival?

Editorial, Featured, Opinions

The Petroleum Amendment Bill is back before the National Assembly, retabled on Wednesday by the Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Modestus Amutse. On paper, it is presented as a technical adjustment to Namibia’s petroleum governance framework. In substance, however, it represents a profound shift of power, one that would allow the President of the Republic to grant and revoke oil and gas rights. From the very onset, it is clear that this bill will be vehemently opposed. Not because Namibians are anti-development, nor because they are hostile to investment in oil and gas, but because the bill raises serious…

05 Feb

Beyond ritual: Reconnecting Namibia’s state with its people

Featured, Opinions

A public reflection on Namibia’s governance week PAUL T. SHIPALE (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) Every system of governance that is born without clarity about the role of each actor creates a silent war within the state. That war makes no noise, but it paralyses the country. As Namibia formally opens the three arms of the state, namely the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary, for the 2026 working year, the moment calls for more than constitutional observance. It calls for reflection. Not only by leaders, but by citizens as well. A fundamental question must be asked: how…

04 Feb

Customer-centric with insurance in the revolutionised digital era

Featured, Opinions

Martin Shaanika The winds of change are not coming; they are here. Across our nation, from the bustling streets of Windhoek to the tranquil vistas of the Zambezi, a digital revolution is reshaping how we live, connect and do business. For the insurance industry, this presents not just a challenge of technology but a profound imperative to re-centre on our core purpose: the customer. At Namforce, as a proudly 100% Namibian-owned company, we see this era not as a disruption to be feared but as an unparalleled opportunity to deepen trust, enhance value, and truly serve the people whose aspirations…

03 Feb

Vision without specifics risks losing public confidence

Editorial, Featured, Opinions

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s address at the official opening of Cabinet for the 2026 calendar year was, by all accounts, polished, optimistic, and rhetorically disciplined. It emphasised commitment, unity, and the high expectations Namibians have for their leaders. It recognised achievements, highlighted ongoing initiatives, and called for renewed focus as the administration advances toward Vision 2030. Yet, for all its lofty language and moral gravitas, the speech reveals a recurring challenge in Namibian political communication: ambition that is often unaccompanied by concrete operational clarity. In short, while the words inspire, they leave many questions unanswered. The President began appropriately, welcoming cabinet…

02 Feb

Winner takes all, the state loses: How political purges are hollowing out Namibia

Opinions

Last week, after laying my mother to rest, a retired Executive Director, what we used to call a Permanent Secretary, came to pay his respects. After the cultural formalities, we sat and spoke, as Namibians often do, about life. I asked him a simple question: what are you doing with yourself after retirement? He shrugged, almost apologetically. “I’m just busy with a few things, here and there,” he said. There was no bitterness in his voice, only resignation. That moment stayed with me long after he left. Not because of the words themselves, but because of what they symbolised. Here…

02 Feb

New Year full of empowerment and recommitment as mine workers

Featured, Opinions

Shavuka Mbidhi The growth in Namibia's domestic economy is anchored by upbeat activities in the natural resources sector, namely mining. A look back at the economic stories of 2025 began with a radical policy shift geared towards addressing long-standing social constraints, including high levels of poverty and unemployment. Undeniably, Namibia has one of the highest levels of income inequality in the world, and youth unemployment stood at 37.3% in 2024. Part of its Vision 2030, and under the current sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), the government focus is on promoting industrialisation, economic diversification, health and education, job creation, and social…

30 Jan

Dear Inspector General Joseph Shikongo,

Editorial, Featured, Opinions

We write to you as the Windhoek Observer, and by extension on behalf of a concerned but hopeful Namibian public, to commend the Namibian Police Force for launching a national crime prevention operation scheduled to run from 30 January to 1 February across all 14 regions of our country. At face value, this is a welcome and necessary intervention. More importantly, it is long overdue. For far too long, crime has crept steadily into every corner of Namibian life, from our cities to our villages, from our homes to our places of work. What was once sporadic has become routine.…