Opinions – Page 5 – Windhoek Observer

05 Sep

The Significance of the Fourth Industrial Revolution for Africa

ObserverOpinionsFourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)

Tomas Nashongo Africa, with its vast and diverse population, continues to grapple with challenges such as poverty, which many can trace back to historical factors like colonialism and current issues related to governance and stability. However, in recent years, the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has emerged as a transformative force, offering the continent a unique chance to confront these challenges and stimulate economic growth. The 4IR is defined by the integration of advanced technologies, including robotics, artificial intelligence (AI). This blend of technologies holds the promise of transforming entire industries in Africa. For instance, robotics could help address labor shortages,…

05 Sep

UN cybercrime treaty enables threatening state intrusion

ObserverOpinionsUN convention on cybercrime

Flawed treaty will provide cover for installing a highly problematic law in Namibia Frederico Links Alarm has reverberated around the world following the adoption of the draft UN convention on cybercrime in early August 2024 by the Ad Hoc Committee of the UN General Assembly specifically created to draft such a treaty. What is fueling the alarm within the global human rights community is the fact that the draft convention, which is set to be adopted by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) over coming months, has been adopted without addressing critical flaws in the treaty text that threatens to further…

05 Sep

Choosing best perfectionist of capitalism, and the continuous exploitation of workers

ObserverOpinionsNational Assembly and Presidential Elections

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro In anticipation of the forthcoming National Assembly and Presidential Elections this November, there has been a cry about the lack of manifestos by most of the political parties, and/or the late production thereof. Yours Truly Ideologically instead has been thinking this has been much ado about nothing. Because election after election political parties have been coming forth with manifestos. Most of which, for all intents and purposes, have remained unfulfilled for those that has never had the opportunity to implement them because of failing to grab the reigns of governance. For those which has been in governance all…

03 Sep

The changing weather patterns ahead of the summer crop season in Namibia

ObserverOpinionsLa Niña, Southern Africa Climate Outlook Forum

As we approach October 2024, Namibian farmers and farm workers are gearing up for the start of the summer crop season. This period marks the beginning of land preparation and planting activities for staple crops such as maize, pearl millet (mahangu), sorghum, groundnuts, and other legumes. Much like our counterparts in Southern Africa, the timing of these activities in Namibia is heavily influenced by rainfall patterns. In Namibia, the onset of the rainy season typically begins in late October to early November. The central and northern regions, which are the main agricultural hubs, are the first to receive rain. However,…

03 Sep

Reporting on Gender-Based Violence: Ethical Considerations for African Journalists

ObserverOpinionsViolence Against Persons Prohibition

Yemisi Akinbobola Welcome to September, a month that often marks a time of reflection and renewed commitment. With just 12-weeks before the 16 Days of Activism commences on 25 November, it is crucial for us as media practitioners to remember the role we play in reporting on gender-based violence, particularly when it involves minors. Our work carries immense weight, and how we handle these stories can either foster change or perpetuate harm. In Nigeria, where Kano remains the only state yet to pass the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, the need for responsible, ethical journalism is more pressing than…

03 Sep

SMEs as catalysts for Namibia’s green industrial future

ObserverOpinionsSmall and Medium-sized Enterprises

Dino Ballotti Namibia is at a critical point in its journey towards becoming a green industrialised nation. This transition presents a unique opportunity for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to assume a central role. As we fully embrace renewable energy and sustainable development, SMEs are uniquely positioned to drive innovation, form strategic partnerships, and propel economic growth. Why SMEs are the Key Players Frequently referred to as the lifeblood of an economy, SMEs are poised to become key architects of Namibia’s green future amid the country’s transition to a sustainable economy. The agility allows scalable businesses to quickly adapt to…

29 Aug

On privatized & corporatised liberations

ObserverOpinions

Paul Shipale While the editorial of the Sun Newspaper on Friday, 23 August 2024, was cautioning the voters against “a litany of mega thumb sucked promises in the manifestos” of political parties without explaining how they will be fulfilled, on his part, Emeritus Professor André du Pisani said this was “A time of empty hollow ringing manifestos” in a country where words have lost their meaning due to deep racial and social divides. Du Pisani’s assertion is premised on his argument that in the context of Southern Africa, there has been two dominant modes of transition from national liberation movements…

29 Aug

Namibia’s economic growth could be affected by growing geopolitical unrest

ObserverOpinionsRussia's military-industrial complex

Josef Kefas Sheehama Namibia relies heavily on imports, and rising geopolitical upheaval may limit the country's economic growth. Within this framework, the growing geopolitical environment, which includes the war between Russia and Ukraine, unrest in the Middle East, and a series of sanctions aimed at preventing Russia's military-industrial complex from obtaining critical and essential goods such as sophisticated machinery and electronic components, can be attributed for inciting World War III. It is worth noting that Namibia saw positive growth in the first quarter of 2024, despite expectations that real growth would slow to 3.7 percent in 2024. However, real economic…

29 Aug

Investments necessary but insufficient Without ideological foundation, firmness

ObserverOpinions

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro For all the good efforts those entrusted with attracting and luring, if not enticing investors to the country, at the end of the day their efforts may prove futile and the resources so invested wasteful? Until and when all the necessary ingredients to their efforts are in place. Because investments alone is necessary but not a sufficient ingredient to make Namibia what she wants to be. And herein lies the problematic. Because except for craving investments, scant and significant attention, and/or no attention at all is given to how investments can, may and could benefit the whole country.…

28 Aug

NSA EMBARKS UPON THE NEXT STATISTICAL PROJECT

ObserverOpinionsNamibia Household Income and Expenditure (NHIES)

Iipumbu Sakaria The NSA will be conducting the Namibia Household Income and Expenditure (NHIES) during 2025 / 26. The NHIES is the primary source of data on income, wealth and expenditure in Namibia and is instrumental in calculating poverty indicators at both household and individual levels. This will be the fifth NHIES to be conducted in Namibia since independence. The NHIES is important because it helps in understanding income distribution, measuring poverty and analysing consumption trends, hence enabling governments to design effective social and economic policies and allocate resources efficiently. The information that will be collected includes information on various…