Opinions

Trump’s triumph to benefit US economy first, then World Economy

Trump’s triumph to benefit US economy first, then World Economy

Josef Kefas Sheehama It is crucial to remember that whether a Democrat or a Republican holds the White House tends to have little impact on American policy. Remember that President Trump will prioritize strengthening the U.S. economy during the first two years of his administration. To accomplish this, President Trump will assess the country's financial situation and closely monitor the successful reduction of $35.95 trillion in gross national debt. According to Jodey Arrington, chair of the House Budget Committee, that amounts to $107,345 per individual, $273,533 per household, and $497,080 per child. We must realize that Trump is a businessman…
Read More
Regime change agenda to dislodge former liberation movements from power

Regime change agenda to dislodge former liberation movements from power

Paul T. Shipale Peter Fabricius, a consultant at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), wrote in the Daily Maverick an opinion piece that appeared in the local Newspapers on 12 November 2024, titled; “SWAPO could be the next former liberation movement to lose its grip on power.” Fabricius quoted Henning Melber, Professor Department of Political Sciences, University of Pretoria, who also doubles and calls himself “A member of SWAPO since 1974”. Melber said “SWAPO might face defeat for the first time since independence in 1990.” He said the above in an opinion piece titled; “Namibia’s game-changing 2024 elections,” published on…
Read More
“Make America big again” but at what expense other than South Africa and Namibia?

“Make America big again” but at what expense other than South Africa and Namibia?

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro Many people around the world harbor a deep-seated hatred towards the newly elected President of the United States. Because of the many derogatory diatribes against especially people of the South, not excepting Africans and/or Namibia for that matter, Namibia may be under the false illusion that she may be in a league of her own in this regard. Ironically, he has directed his racist rhetoric, bordering on fascism at times, against those who have just returned him to power. But such to them has not been less inconsequent than his trademark electioneering resolve during the recently ended presidential…
Read More
HOW TOO MANY POLITICAL PARTIES IN A SMALL VOTING POPULATION MAY LIMIT THE RIGHT TO VOTE

HOW TOO MANY POLITICAL PARTIES IN A SMALL VOTING POPULATION MAY LIMIT THE RIGHT TO VOTE

In what appears to be winds of political change in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, the question on everyone’s mind is whether such winds will blow over Namibia and have the same chilling effect. We are justified to ask this question because history has taught us that political waves such as these can indeed sweep across the region, the continent and even the whole world, especially in an election year such as this where a whopping 64 countries will have headed to the polls by the end of this year. Namibia is one of the last countries to…
Read More
Trumped Again

Trumped Again

Jackie Wilson Asheeke One early slave-holding US president, Thomas Jefferson, once said, “The government you elect is the government you deserve.” That statement is more evident now in the re-election of Donald Trump as President of the United States and Republican control of both houses of Congress. Republicans continue their control of the Supreme Court as well, making a mockery of the symbol of blind justice. The much-praised American tricameral system of checks and balances does not exist, at least for now. Kamala won only 226 electoral votes (you need 270 to win), and Trump won 295. Remember, there is…
Read More
A moment of choice: Standing on the right side of history

A moment of choice: Standing on the right side of history

Setson Tangeni Haidula As Namibians prepare to head to the polls on 27th November 2024, we are called to reflect on our past and its lessons. Our history is filled with resilience, bravery, and the unwavering determination of those who fought for freedom. During the liberation struggle, our people were divided into three groups: those who resisted oppression, those who collaborated with the colonial regime, and those who remained silent. The choices they made have not only shaped Namibia’s past but also influence the very democracy we live in today. Now, on election day, we face a new kind of…
Read More
The rise of BRICS and Namibia’s geopolitical strategy as the Naval HQ, logistical hub and gateway for SADC landlocked countries

The rise of BRICS and Namibia’s geopolitical strategy as the Naval HQ, logistical hub and gateway for SADC landlocked countries

Paul T Shipale Bo Mbindwane, a South African-based socio-political researcher, with a focus on geopolitical risk management and national security, wrote an article titled; “Namibia and South Africa – Partners in History, Allies in the Future,” which appeared in the Windhoek Observer on 28 October 2024. In that article, Mbindwane says it is time to re-elevate Namibia’s role, strengthen its partnerships, and leverage a unique geographical bond to safeguard its future as that of neighbouring South Africa with whom it has a shared legacy and a shared destiny. Both nations’ fates and futures are geographically intertwined: sharing a land border…
Read More
Given its aversion to ideology Namibia to learn little from UDC

Given its aversion to ideology Namibia to learn little from UDC

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro The victory of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) in the recently concluded Botswana national polls, which saw the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), also known as Domkrag, exit the corridors of governance after 58 years, would be the height of political naiveté for the Namibian so-called opposition political parties. The UDC's triumph has been a gradual process, not a sudden accomplishment. Determination, patience, resolve, principles, and a strong ideological disposition have all contributed to the UDC's success. All these attributes and traits are in rare supply among all, if not most, Namibian political parties and/or formations. With the…
Read More

Will you win the Black Friday deals?

João Bismarck It’s a warm November morning in Windhoek, and the streets are alive with anticipation. Some Namibians have saved diligently for the day, while others have sought assistance from financial institutions. Black Friday, the global shopping phenomenon, is around the corner, promising deals worth the dash. But as Namibians flock to stores, eyes fixed on “SALE” signs, Letshego Holdings Namibia poses a crucial question: Will the shoppers win the deals, or will their wallets lose out? Behind the thrill lies the threat of overspending, overindebtedness, and post-shopping remorse. Many Namibians know this feeling too well: wallets stretched thin, with…
Read More

The Namibian Education System: A Call for Accountability and Real Change

Andreas Robert The education system in Namibia has long been a subject of intense debate and scrutiny, with many attributing its shortcomings to the system itself. However, I firmly believe that it is not the structure or curriculum that is failing us, but rather the individuals responsible for overseeing and implementing these systems. This reality has often been ignored in discussions about the future of education in Namibia. As an experienced educator and high school counselor, I feel compelled to address these issues and advocate for a critical reevaluation of the leadership, accountability, and attitudes that shape our educational landscape.…
Read More