Opinions – Page 20 – Windhoek Observer

24 Nov

Namibia’s witnessed conspicuous absence fromthe Accra Reparations Conference needs explaining!

ObserverOpinions

FROM 14-17 November the African Union (AU) and the government of Ghana hosted the first ever Afrikan Reparations Conference in Accra, Ghana. To formulate a common agenda and front by the African nations and countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to continue with claims, foremost from the European Union (EU) nations, for their supreme role in the Transatlantic trade in slavery. In a nutshell for colonial crimes perpetrated by the European countries against Afrikans. This a historic first for Afrika and needless to say overdue. Because the Afrikans in the Diaspora, notably in the Carribean, through CARICOM have already taken…

22 Nov

Understanding Government Advisors roles

ObserverOpinions

Captain Nelson Tuhafeni Kalangula It has become interesting to see advisory committees not utilised or listened to when it comes to key decisions.It makes many if not all ask questions like; Who are they and what do they do? How are they different from the cabinet ministers? Why do we have so many of them and yet appear to portray to be less effective in their duties? Is the overwhelming number of advisors a sign of job employment on promises perhaps? and the list of questions goes on. Let us have a look at it together and understand what advisors…

22 Nov

Tribute to an Ideological Associate, Uazuva Kaumbi

ObserverOpinionsTribute to an Ideological Associate

KAE MATUNDU-TJIPARURO I am not inclined to giving tribute to personas rather than in what they believe in. Because as I have been rudely awakened by the passing on of one, people are mortal but their ideas shall live forever, hence providing for their legacy. But a legacy soon forgotten after the departure of their upholders. This is why I shall be inclined to speak of him, an affable persona, not to mention his wisdom and ideological commitment that he was and has been. This sojourner, as it has been rudely awaken upon us as if it has not been…

21 Nov

Is Namibia becoming a gerontocracy?

ObserverOpinionsIs Namibia becominga gerontocracy?

Sakaria Johannes I have observed that some of our leaders are not ready to retire and leave public office. On November 15, 2023, President Hage Geingob appointed the Former Top Cop, Sebastian Ndeitunga, as the new governor of the Ohagwena region.Not so long ago, on October 12, former Windhoek City Police Chief Abraham Kanime was appointed as the Head of Safety and Security at Paragon Namibia. These are just a few occurrences of leaders retiring from one office to the other. One can also observe that many civil servants after retirement turn to politics and campaign for public offices.Before I…

20 Nov

Reforming Namibia’s Divorce Laws for Modern Realities

ObserverOpinionsPatience Masua & Anupriya Dhonchak, Reforming Namibia’s Divorce Laws for Modern Realities

Patience Masua& Anupriya Dhonchak In an era where the complex web of relationships weaves its own narrative, Namibia’s divorce laws are at a critical juncture, demanding an evolution that reflects the intricate realities of human bonds and the evolving dynamics of contemporary society. The existing divorce legislation in Namibia relies on assigning fault, necessitating one spouse to demonstrate the wrongdoing of the other. Currently, the four grounds for divorce consist of adultery, habitual criminality, mental disability, or malicious desertion for prolonged periods. This oversimplifies the reality that relationships can unravel due to a combination of factors involving both spouses. ‘Irretrievable…

17 Nov

So-called new resettlement policy inherently fraught as capitalist invention

ObserverOpinionsSo-called new resettlement policy inherently fraught as capitalist invention

The 1991 First National Land Conference was definitely a lost opportunity in terms of putting the country’s land reform on a different pedestal albeit for a starter. One may have an understanding for this and leave with such a lost opportunity. Because it could have been and was expecting at best wonders for the country, only a year old then, to have taken any revolutionary decisions at the said conference in terms of land. Because then the historical-politico-socio and economic if not cultural significance of land, if only to some of the indigenous populace who during colonial penetration were dispossessed…

17 Nov

A Call for Action: Upholding the Commitment to 15% Domestic Funding for Health in Africa

ObserverOpinionsA Call for Action: Upholding the Commitment to 15% Domestic Funding for Health in Africa

Patience Masua& Emma Theofelus In 2001, in the historic city of Abuja, Nigeria, African Heads of State and Government gathered at a Special Summit to address the exceptional challenges posed by HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases. This gathering led to the Abuja Declaration, a unified vow to directly confront these challenges and gather resources for effective interventions. Now, more than two decades later, it is crucial to reexamine and reinforce this commitment, particularly the pledge to allocate a minimum of 15% of annual national budgets towards the enhancement and improvement of the health sector. The Abuja Declaration represented a…

15 Nov

Revitalizing Namibia’s Tourism and Hospitality Industries: A Path to Economic Recovery

ObserverNational News, OpinionsRevitalizing Namibia’s Tourism and Hospitality Industries: A Path to Economic Recovery

Josef Kefas Sheehama The global tourism industry, contributing approximately 10% to the global GDP, holds immense significance. In Namibia, tourism and hospitality contribute N$7.7 billion, equivalent to 3.7% of nominal GDP, with an indirect contribution of N$24.8 billion or 12.0%. Despite its importance, the industry faced severe setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating strategic interventions for recovery. The Namibian Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism aims to rejuvenate the tourism sector by emphasizing domestic tourism and marketing Namibia as a safe holiday destination. Acknowledging the Namibian Tourism Board’s role, the Ministry’s active involvement is deemed critical in navigating the…

14 Nov

Who is to benefit from Green Hydrogen?

ObserverOpinionsWho is to benefit from Green Hydrogen?

OW much do ordinary Namibians really stand to benefit immediately and directly from Green Hydrogen? Yours Truly Ideologically cannot but think loudly and wonder in view of the ongoing seeming fanfare bordering on craziness if not misplaced expectation surrounding Green Hydrogen. Especially in terms of the ordinary user, especially those who currently do not have access to any means of energy, starting from the so-called informal settlements in most of Namibia’s urban centres, which at a rapid rate have been gaining room as sprawling towns or cities. As well as our rural areas, predominantly the communal ones, where and which…

10 Nov

Who is to benefit from Green Hydrogen?

ObserverOpinions

HOW much do ordinary Namibians really stand to benefit immediately and directly from Green Hydrogen? Yours Truly Ideologically cannot but think loudly and wonder in view of the ongoing seeming fanfare bordering on craziness if not misplaced expectation surrounding Green Hydrogen. Especially in terms of the ordinary user, especially those who currently do not have access to any means of energy, starting from the so-called informal settlements in most of Namibia’s urban centres, which at a rapid rate have been gaining room as sprawling towns or cities. As well as our rural areas, predominantly the communal ones, where and which…