Opinions – Page 7 – News Stand

14 Nov

“Make America big again” but at what expense other than South Africa and Namibia?

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Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro Many people around the world harbor a deep-seated hatred towards the newly elected President of the United States. Because of the many derogatory diatribes against especially people of the South, not excepting Africans and/or Namibia for that matter, Namibia may be under the false illusion that she may be in a league of her own in this regard. Ironically, he has directed his racist rhetoric, bordering on fascism at times, against those who have just returned him to power. But such to them has not been less inconsequent than his trademark electioneering resolve during the recently ended presidential…

14 Nov

HOW TOO MANY POLITICAL PARTIES IN A SMALL VOTING POPULATION MAY LIMIT THE RIGHT TO VOTE

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In what appears to be winds of political change in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, the question on everyone’s mind is whether such winds will blow over Namibia and have the same chilling effect. We are justified to ask this question because history has taught us that political waves such as these can indeed sweep across the region, the continent and even the whole world, especially in an election year such as this where a whopping 64 countries will have headed to the polls by the end of this year. Namibia is one of the last countries to…

11 Nov

Trumped Again

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Jackie Wilson Asheeke One early slave-holding US president, Thomas Jefferson, once said, “The government you elect is the government you deserve.” That statement is more evident now in the re-election of Donald Trump as President of the United States and Republican control of both houses of Congress. Republicans continue their control of the Supreme Court as well, making a mockery of the symbol of blind justice. The much-praised American tricameral system of checks and balances does not exist, at least for now. Kamala won only 226 electoral votes (you need 270 to win), and Trump won 295. Remember, there is…

11 Nov

A moment of choice: Standing on the right side of history

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Setson Tangeni Haidula As Namibians prepare to head to the polls on 27th November 2024, we are called to reflect on our past and its lessons. Our history is filled with resilience, bravery, and the unwavering determination of those who fought for freedom. During the liberation struggle, our people were divided into three groups: those who resisted oppression, those who collaborated with the colonial regime, and those who remained silent. The choices they made have not only shaped Namibia’s past but also influence the very democracy we live in today. Now, on election day, we face a new kind of…

07 Nov

The rise of BRICS and Namibia’s geopolitical strategy as the Naval HQ, logistical hub and gateway for SADC landlocked countries

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Paul T Shipale Bo Mbindwane, a South African-based socio-political researcher, with a focus on geopolitical risk management and national security, wrote an article titled; “Namibia and South Africa – Partners in History, Allies in the Future,” which appeared in the Windhoek Observer on 28 October 2024. In that article, Mbindwane says it is time to re-elevate Namibia’s role, strengthen its partnerships, and leverage a unique geographical bond to safeguard its future as that of neighbouring South Africa with whom it has a shared legacy and a shared destiny. Both nations’ fates and futures are geographically intertwined: sharing a land border…

07 Nov

Given its aversion to ideology Namibia to learn little from UDC

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Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro The victory of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) in the recently concluded Botswana national polls, which saw the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), also known as Domkrag, exit the corridors of governance after 58 years, would be the height of political naiveté for the Namibian so-called opposition political parties. The UDC's triumph has been a gradual process, not a sudden accomplishment. Determination, patience, resolve, principles, and a strong ideological disposition have all contributed to the UDC's success. All these attributes and traits are in rare supply among all, if not most, Namibian political parties and/or formations. With the…

07 Nov

Will you win the Black Friday deals?

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João Bismarck It’s a warm November morning in Windhoek, and the streets are alive with anticipation. Some Namibians have saved diligently for the day, while others have sought assistance from financial institutions. Black Friday, the global shopping phenomenon, is around the corner, promising deals worth the dash. But as Namibians flock to stores, eyes fixed on “SALE” signs, Letshego Holdings Namibia poses a crucial question: Will the shoppers win the deals, or will their wallets lose out? Behind the thrill lies the threat of overspending, overindebtedness, and post-shopping remorse. Many Namibians know this feeling too well: wallets stretched thin, with…

06 Nov

The Namibian Education System: A Call for Accountability and Real Change

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Andreas Robert The education system in Namibia has long been a subject of intense debate and scrutiny, with many attributing its shortcomings to the system itself. However, I firmly believe that it is not the structure or curriculum that is failing us, but rather the individuals responsible for overseeing and implementing these systems. This reality has often been ignored in discussions about the future of education in Namibia. As an experienced educator and high school counselor, I feel compelled to address these issues and advocate for a critical reevaluation of the leadership, accountability, and attitudes that shape our educational landscape.…

03 Nov

Relative and absolute poverty in Namibia

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Pierre Mare I wanted to write a light-hearted comment about relative poverty and mobile bandwidth but a couple of posts about people who have electricity yet can't afford to use it gave pause for thought. Also note pedestrians carrying water to their households, showing they can't afford that utility either (nor the taxi). Relative poverty, in a nutshell, is when people have potential access to utilities, products and services but can't afford them (relative to others) and make trade-offs. Absolute poverty is when people fall below the income level necessary for basic needs such as food, housing and healthcare. Namibia…

03 Nov

Namibia’s Youth Hold the Key to Tomorrow

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Paul Nanyeni I was happy to attend the launch of the Namibian Population and Housing Census main report at Country Club (30.10.2024) The report showed that Namibia's population under 34 years of age is around 2.1 Million (0-14 *1.1 Mil, 15-34 *1.0 Mil) and then population above 60 years is a mere *261000 something. The group held power, and they recycled themselves in positions to eat until the last breath. Unemployment is high, and with this young generation, we need to proactively plan for the future of this generation! Countries like Namibia, with a young population, face several challenges, including:…