Opinions

Unpacking Netumbo’s leadership vision for Namibia

Unpacking Netumbo’s leadership vision for Namibia

Toini Sam Netumbo Ndemupelila Nandi-Ndaitwah ( NNNN) has served in various leadership positions and demonstrated her dedication to the Namibian nation. Her leadership vision is forward-looking and centered on a social economic developmental model grounded in five key principles: Pragmatism, Integrity, Accountability, Meritocracy, and Inclusivity, abbreviated as (PIAMI), which she relates to Namibia’s context - simple yet effective and efficient. Netumbo aims to build on her predecessors’ legacy with creativity and innovation while promoting these principles. Despite numerous challenges, she has remained resilient and committed to serving her people beyond the call of duty. She is a tried and tested…
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Namibia and South Africa – Partners in History, Allies in the Future

Namibia and South Africa – Partners in History, Allies in the Future

Bo Mbindwane As Namibia moves toward elections, it’s a critical moment to recognize not only the nation’s historical legacy but also its potential future. A strikingly important yet often overlooked aspect of Namibia’s past is its experience under apartheid—a story as profound and painful as that of neighboring South Africa. Like Nelson Mandela, Namibian leaders sacrificed their freedom on Robben Island for decades to dismantle an oppressive system, striving for independence and equality for all Namibians. But while South Africa’s apartheid struggle is rightly honored on the world stage, Namibia’s history is frequently marginalized, often omitted from discussions about global…
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What fundamental socio-economic principles underpin political manifestos?

What fundamental socio-economic principles underpin political manifestos?

Kae Matundu YOURS Truly Ideologically has lately been glancing through the election manifestos of some of the political parties and formations taking part in next month’s Presidential and National Assembly elections, thereby staking with them the claim to be the next government after the elections depending on their performance at the polls. The changes they are promising to bring about are equally premised on one cardinal aspect, which may be motivating them to stake their claims to power. The Swapo Party of Namibia, the ruling party for the past 34 years since Namibia's independence, has been accused of perceived inability…
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The role of the African clergy in the liberation struggle; The case of Zimbabwe and Namibia Part II

The role of the African clergy in the liberation struggle; The case of Zimbabwe and Namibia Part II

Paul T Shipale Firstly, Muzorewa slowly entered into the turbulent Black Nationalist politics when the radical white Bishop Ralph Edward Dodge, Head of the United Methodist Church between 1956 and 1964 was deported in 1964. The deportation Order asked Bishop Dodge to leave Rhodesia within fifteen days as from 16 July 1964. The main reason was that Dodge had characteristically defied ‘white Rhodesian tradition’ by insisting on ‘eating with blacks, staying with blacks and riding on the same buses with African pastors, to the extent it was possible to become one with the people and churches he had been sent…
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A hermeneutical re-appraisal of the biography of Bishop Peter T. Kalangula; A Revisionist/ oppositional narrative Part 1

A hermeneutical re-appraisal of the biography of Bishop Peter T. Kalangula; A Revisionist/ oppositional narrative Part 1

Paul T. Shipale There is a new trend in post-colonial Namibia which inspires and propels the publishing of political autobiographies and memoirs by theologians, ex-combatants, politicians, journalists, public servants etc. Indeed, currently in vogue is the re-writing of the dead and forgotten by either their friends or children. The biography of the late Bishop Peter Tanyengenge Kalangula titled: ‘A Namibian of Stature’, authored by Nelson T. Kalangula, falls in this category as one of the recent writings that are meant to immortalise some people and indicate a growing interest in re-membering the ‘heroic deeds of those who are not pedestalled…
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Can socio-economic ills be addressed if the root cause, capitalism, remains intact?

Can socio-economic ills be addressed if the root cause, capitalism, remains intact?

Kae Matundu Many, if not most, of the political parties and/or formations aspiring to form the next government of the Republic of Namibia after the 27 November Presidential and National Assembly elections have now presented their manifestos. These manifestos encapsulate the aspirations of those who have embraced them. For all intents and purposes, the contents of these manifestos and those of some others amount to nothing more than hollow promises that border on fantasy. With political analysts, the very ones who have been insisting on these manifestos, reducing some, if not all of them, to nothing but mere political hallucinations.…
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Media Coverage of Women’s Health: Cancer awareness month

Media Coverage of Women’s Health: Cancer awareness month

Yemisi Akinbobola As we reflect on Breast Cancer Awareness Month , I am reminded of the crucial role we as key media actors play in shaping the conversations around women's health, especially breast cancer. For too long, discussions about breast cancer and other women's health issues have been clouded by cultural taboos, and it is time we use our platforms to change that. The theme for this year, No One Should Face Breast Cancer Alone, speaks volumes about the power of connection and community. We, as storytellers and information gatekeepers, can foster dialogue that encourages support for those navigating breast…
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Talking sports with Dimitri Bittler

Talking sports with Dimitri Bittler

Bridging the Gap In the realm of sports development in Namibia, the collaboration between the Namibia Schools Sports Union (NSSU) and various sports federations is paramount. As schools serve as the foundational stage for nurturing young talent, it is essential to establish robust partnerships that bridge the gap between school leagues and national federations. This synergy will not only enhance the quality of sports education but also ensure a seamless transition for athletes from school to higher levels of competition. The NSSU plays a vital role in promoting sports at the grassroots level, organizing inter-school competitions, and identifying talent among…
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How can the government secure private land when it can’t even manage its own?

How can the government secure private land when it can’t even manage its own?

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro Simply uncommitted, unwilling, incompetent, un- and non-ideological, if not totally anti-ideological and a-ideological. How else could one describe and define the inability of the current Swapo of Namibia government, which, despite being a government of the country, appears to be merely posturing, to facilitate and release land to the town of Usakos for necessary economic development? Land which is being held back wilfully and deliberately, with such withholding being an economic sabotage in effect. Not only that, but the town is essentially holding the much-needed development at ransom. Transnamib is retaining the land needed for a development park…
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Only a developmental state can bring happiness to Namibia

Only a developmental state can bring happiness to Namibia

Sem B.David Imbodi In my recent studies, I thoroughly uncovered that the economy of Namibia is under threats of inflation and downfall due to a lot of public debt, inland revenue circulation, and our dependency on other states. It is really disappointing that our headlines in newspapers and reports speak the opposite of the based reality. If you keep taping or fetching water from the neighbor's house, you will always do that on good terms. The day good terms are withdrawn, thirst and hunger will strike your house. We are so dependent, even on little things, and have no means…
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