Opinions

My personal recollections with the Founding Father H.E. Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma; The Last Man Standing

My personal recollections with the Founding Father H.E. Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma; The Last Man Standing

P T Shipale Although, in my capacity as the Senior Special Assistant to the Founding President, I was kept abreast of the condition of the Founding President, one is never prepared to hear the sad news of the passing of a person who is close to our hearts.  More so, if such a person is of the calibre of the Founding President and Father of the Namibian Nation, H.E. Dr Sam Nujoma.  The first time I met the Founding President in person was in 1979 after the Cassinga Massacre on the 4th of May 1978 as I was part of…
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Dr. Nangolo Mbumba: The unlikely president who became Namibia’s steady hand in times of sorrow

Dr. Nangolo Mbumba: The unlikely president who became Namibia’s steady hand in times of sorrow

Lot Ndamanomhata History sometimes unfolds in ways that no one anticipates. When Dr. Nangolo Mbumba was sworn in as the fourth President of the Republic of Namibia on 4 February 2024, it was under circumstances no one could have foreseen. The nation was in mourning following the passing of President Hage G. Geingob, and in that moment of deep national sorrow, leadership fell upon a man who had never sought the highest office but whose service to the nation had been unwavering for decades. Dr. Mbumba, the unassuming statesman from Olukonda, Pohadopate, became the nation’s guiding hand at a time…
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“Business unusual” mantra must be consequent on two-economies!

“Business unusual” mantra must be consequent on two-economies!

In its 1976 political programme the Swapo Party of Namibia notes two economies that existed in parallel in colonial Namibia. “Wealthy white-owned economy based on the extensive extraction of varied natural resources” and “a separate subsistence economy enveloping the majority of the African population who are forced to live in Bantustans.” “The two economies have been consciously designed in accordance with the social interests of the white settler group and international monopoly capitalism.” Yours Truly Ideological cannot but note the observation of, by and in the Swapo 1976 Political Programme of the two economies existing side by side, most notably…
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President Nangolo Mbumba’s consequential leadership

President Nangolo Mbumba’s consequential leadership

PAUL T. SHIPALE A year after the shocking untimely passing of the Late President Hage Geingob, many Namibians are still grappling with the reality that he is gone forever. On the 04th of February 2024, a sombre cloud hovered over the nation as, in the early hours, then Vice-President Nangolo Mbumba announced that Geingob had passed away, said the reporters in the daily newspapers. On the occasion of the commemoration of the first anniversary of his passing, Namibians from all walks of life paused to reflect and pay tribute to him. Indeed, in honour of the Late President Geingob, the…
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The paradoxical effect of trumponomics: Lesson for African leaders

The paradoxical effect of trumponomics: Lesson for African leaders

Josef Kefas Sheehama President Trump's executive orders serve as a wake-up call for African leaders, demanding that they put public service and economic development ahead of foreign aid and begging. The time has come for them to learn from these directives. To make sure that everyone feels appreciated and respected, every sovereign country should put in place an inclusive and equitable system. Trumponomics and Double-Edged Sword President Trump must be credible and relevant in his actions against world leaders. It is true that America has been feeding African nations for a long time despite the fact that they have rich…
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Climate change: A growing threat to Namibia’s natural resources

Climate change: A growing threat to Namibia’s natural resources

Wayambekange N Hamufenhu Namibia is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and natural resources. From the sprawling desert landscapes of Namib to the lush wildlife in the northeast, the nation’s natural affluence is an integral part of its identity and economy. However, the threat of climate change is beginning to cast a dark shadow over this fragile bio-network. The impacts are already evident and pose a severe threat to the sustainability of the country’s environment, economy, and future. As a largely arid country, Namibia’s reliance on its natural resources, especially water, agriculture, and wildlife, is undeniable. The rising temperatures…
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Shell exit won’t sink Namibia oil

Raffik Lazar Last month Shell's decision to write off its 400 million USD exploration investment in PEL39 and failure to find commercial hydrocarbon in a high-profile exploration well in PEL90 by a Chevron-led consortium, have left some wondering about the viability of the petroleum potential in the offshore Namibia Domain. While previous successes bolster positive sentiment and generate enthusiasm, the reverse is certainly not true. Let’s start by stating the obvious: the recent years exploration activities in the Offshore Namibia domain prove that the potential is present and the discovered barrels did not disappear with Shell decision. Rather it reflects…
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What ideology is “business unusual”?

What ideology is “business unusual”?

The mantra of President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (NNN) is “business unusual.” Yours Truly Ideologically, cannot but ask the pertinent and daunting question, as indeed all, including our celebrated policy analysts in their respective orientations, should ask: what is “business unusual,” and unusual from what? What has been the "business as usual" for NNN's predecessors and their administrations, of which she has been an integral part at every step of the way, in one capacity or another? From which, a la her mantra, is she determined to depart? Is it in terms of the Swapo Party ideological foundation on which all her…
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SOUTH AFRICA’S G20 PRESIDENCY; A TIME FOR NAMIBIA TO RECALIBRATE TO A PEOPLE-CENTRED PLANNING PROCESS

SOUTH AFRICA’S G20 PRESIDENCY; A TIME FOR NAMIBIA TO RECALIBRATE TO A PEOPLE-CENTRED PLANNING PROCESS

PAUL T. SHIPALE André du Pisani, emeritus professor of politics at the University of Namibia, wrote an article with the headline: “Politics as a Site of Extraction” that appeared in one of the daily newspapers on Friday, 24 January 2025. In that article, du Pisani says the SWAPO Party’s manifesto outlines laudable and necessary priorities such as; economic growth,  development of agriculture, natural resources beneficiation; energy and infrastructure as well as youth empowerment, but despite the President-elect, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, emphasis that the manifesto would be consistently and fully implemented, he thinks none of these priorities will be realized as the…
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A New Era for Africa: Embracing Self-Reliance and Accountability

A New Era for Africa: Embracing Self-Reliance and Accountability

Sakaria Johannes In recent days, we have seen the United States, under the leadership of President Donald Trump, make significant decisions that challenge the status quo of foreign aid to Africa. One of the most notable actions was the Trump administration’s decision to cut financial assistance to certain African countries. While this move was met with controversy and criticism, I believe it carries with it a deeper message for Africa; a message that, if embraced, could pave the way for a more prosperous and self-sufficient continent. For too long, African nations have been reliant on foreign aid. While international support…
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