Opinions – Page 6 – Windhoek Observer

30 Oct

Political reset: a test of fiscal discipline and political recalibration and credibility

Opinions

PAUL T. SHIPALE (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) When finance minister Ericah Shafudah stood before Parliament on 21 October 2025, her address carried a tone of sober realism. Namibia’s mid-year budget review revealed uncomfortable truths: economic growth is slowing, revenue performance has softened, and public debt continues its upward trajectory. Yet, instead of yielding to populist pressures or political expediency, Shafudah chose a path defined by discipline, recalibration, and credibility. The mid-year review presented an unchanged expenditure envelope of N$ 89.4 billion, signalling fiscal restraint amid deteriorating conditions. Growth projections for 2025 were revised downward from 4.5% to…

30 Oct

THE TIDE LINE | Police score a win in the battle against drugs

Featured, Opinions

The Namibian Police deserve full credit for their swift and effective action in apprehending a 38-year-old woman at Walvis Bay this week in connection with drug trafficking. Acting on intelligence, officers raided a residence in the Nampost residential area, recovering 1 070 Mandrax tablets valued at N$128 400. While this arrest is only one in a series of drug-related busts along Namibia’s coastline, it is nonetheless significant. It reflects diligent policing, improved intelligence gathering, and inter-unit coordination. At a time when drug abuse continues to infiltrate communities, this successful operation reminds citizens that law enforcement is still in the fight…

30 Oct

Paving the road to a safer, smarter Namibia: The role of tech in transport modernisation

Opinions

Reuben Williams Namibia stands at a critical juncture. As the nation pursues its vision of economic growth and greater social development, the efficiency and reliability of its transport sector are non-negotiable. An outdated system can be a drag on productivity and a threat to public safety. But technology offers a clear and immediate solution. By embracing digital innovation and establishing a clear regulatory framework, Namibia can transition from a legacy transport model to a dynamic, safe, and reliable ecosystem. The imperative for digital transformation The traditional public transport system in our cities, while essential, often struggles with consistency, transparency, and…

30 Oct

The art of the comeback: Leadership lessons from Singapore

Featured, Opinions

Mufaro Nesongano Something that has always amazed me is the remarkable comeback after a setback. As human beings, we tend to celebrate success stories more, for few people wish to be associated with failure. Yet those who have experienced moments of loss and disappointment know that the greatest growth often comes from the hardest seasons of life. Recently, I watched a documentary exploring what made Singapore the great nation it is today. It served as a powerful reminder that real progress is often born from adversity and thoughtful leadership. At independence in 1965, Singapore had very limited natural resources, deep…

30 Oct

OBSERVER DAILY | Namibia clears its eurobond: A victory worth applauding, but with eyes wide open

Editorial, Featured, Opinions

Namibia this week announced that it has fully settled its US $750 million Eurobond, a decade after it was first issued in 2015. The Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Namibia confirmed that all payments were made in full and on time, a move that many have described as a major fiscal milestone. At first glance, this is indeed a moment to celebrate. In a world where several developing nations have defaulted on external debt in recent years, Namibia’s ability to meet its Eurobond obligations reflects discipline, foresight, and credibility. Yet, while the country deserves credit for fulfilling its…

29 Oct

OBSERVER DAILY | The five-year investor visa: A bold step toward a more competitive Namibia

Editorial, Featured, Opinions

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s recent announcement of a five-year visa for serious investors marks a decisive and forward-thinking step in Namibia’s quest to become a truly competitive investment destination. Speaking at the launch of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Forum in Windhoek, the President not only underscored her administration’s recognition of the bureaucratic barriers that discourage investment but also signaled a broader philosophical shift, from gatekeeping to gateway. For years, investors have lamented Namibia’s slow, paper-heavy, and often frustrating visa and business registration processes. The President’s call for a simplified, investor-friendly visa regime acknowledges this bottleneck and proposes a solution aligned with…

29 Oct

President Nandi-Ndaitwah at 73: Seven months of measured hope

Featured, Opinions

As President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah marks her 73rd birthday this week, her first since assuming Namibia’s highest office, The Windhoek Observer extends heartfelt wishes for good health, clarity of vision, and continued strength in leadership.Birthdays are often a moment of personal reflection, but for a Head of State they also offer the nation an opportunity to pause and take stock, not just of years lived, but of months served, decisions made, and futures imagined. President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s first seven months in office have unfolded against a backdrop of global uncertainty and domestic transition. Yet, through it all, she has brought to State…

28 Oct

OBSERVER DAILY | Less threats, more leadership, minister Nekundi

Editorial, Featured, Opinions

When Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi took to the podium at the 10th National Road Safety Conference in Swakopmund this week, his message was clear: he has no patience for inaction. He warned that any official or agency failing to translate road safety reports into tangible outcomes risked dismissal. His “less talk, more action” rallying cry, paired with a threat to “fire” those who do not deliver, certainly caught attention. Yet, while the minister’s frustration with bureaucratic lethargy is understandable, the tone of his message risks overshadowing the substance of his intent. Leadership, especially in a public service context,…

28 Oct

TIME FOR INDEPENDENT STATE-OWNED HOLDING ENTERPRISE

Featured, Opinions

JOSEF KEFAS SHEEHAMA It is time for Namibia to establish an Independent State Holding Enterprise rather of passing down duties to the Prime Minister, which could threaten the separation of powers due to a lack of check and balances. As a result, it is critical to set up a separate entity to overhaul the current model of operating State-Owned Enterprises, which is deemed inefficient due to bureaucratic interference that weaken both SOE governance and performance. It is commendable that the government aspires to promote governance and compliance among state-owned enterprises (SOEs) by enhancing or re-engineering the Public enterprises Governance Act…

28 Oct

From the mine to the macro: Why my seat on this UNIDO jury is a testament to Africa’s sustainable future

Featured, Opinions

Zenzi N Awases For as long as I can remember, I have been a builder. As a geologist, I learned to read the story of the earth, written in rock layers and mineral deposits. But I soon realized that the most valuable resources we have are not just the minerals we extract, but the people, the systems and the ideas we build around them. My journey from the field to the policy table, and now to the international jury for UNIDO’s inaugural ONE World Sustainability Awards, has been guided by one unwavering belief: purpose and profitability are not just compatible;…