Opinions

Lucia Sibanga Established under Namibia’s Electoral Act of 1992, the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) holds the exclusive authority to direct, supervise, manage, and control elections and referenda fairly and impartially. Yet, as the dust settles on the 2024 National Assembly and Presidential elections, these very principles have been called into question. The chaos and logistical failures experienced during this year’s elections have shaken public confidence leaving many asking: who takes responsibility? The ECN’s core values accountability, professionalism and integrity were overshadowed by a series of irregularities that disrupted the electoral process. Ballot paper shortages, polling stations opening late, and…

JUNIAS ERASMUS Public speaking is often cited as one of the most common fears, even surpassing the fear of death for some people.The anxiety of standing in front of a crowd, with all eyes fixed on you, can be paralyzing. Yet, those who conquer this fear often find that it opens doors to new opportunities and elevates their careers in ways they never imagined. The journey from fear to fame in public speaking is not just about mastering a skill; it’s about transforming yourself and redefining your professional trajectory. At the heart of this transformation is the realization that public…

Adolf Kaure The world has transitioned, and we now find ourselves in the fourth industrial revolution. With this has come a shift in many industries, especially with Artificial Intelligence (AI) coming to the fore. We cannot find out from the fact that these industries include journalism and public relations. With this shift there are several questions which need answers, especially if you happen to be a media practitioner or public relations officer (PRO). Questions like: what does this transition look like and how will the transition to artificial intelligence affect the work of journalists and PROs? More importantly, how does…

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro Many voters may think that next Wednesday, 27 November, which is voting day, is crucial. It cannot be because it is and can neither be the beginning nor the end of anything. As voting is not a matter of just casting one’s vote on any given day, month, and year, like on 27th November, 2024. For many voters, especially those who have not been blindly loyal to any political party and/or formation, particularly those who take their votes seriously, have already pledged them to any political party or formation, receiving nothing but empty promises in return. However, even…

Paul T. Shipale Namibia Media Trust director, Zoé Titus, says the increase of misinformation and disinformation during elections are tactics aimed at eroding trust, creating confusion and influencing voter behaviour. This should not be a surprise as we come closer to election day to hear different stories about contesting presidential candidates and political opponents fabricating lies, distributing fake news and artificial intelligence (AI) pictures to tarnish the integrity of their opponents instead of engaging in mature political campaigns and comply with the code of conduct signed with ECN rather than engaging in name-calling, especially during the last stretch to the…

Sakaria Johannes Poverty in Namibia is not an inevitable condition, nor is it a natural disaster. It is an artifact, created by human decisions, policies, and leadership. The persistence of poverty in a country rich with resources is a result of political choices that prioritize short-term political gain over long-term national development. Political ignorance among the electorate, combined with a lack of accountability, allows these policies to persist, ensuring that many Namibians continue to live in poverty. What is Poverty? Poverty, at its core, is the condition where individuals or communities lack the financial resources and access to services needed…

GRAHAM HOPWOOD It has been five years since Namibians awoke to the headline "The Kickback Kings" on the front page of The Namibian on November 13, 2019. The Fishrot corruption scandal had been laid bare in disturbing detail. Two weeks later, the Al Jazeera documentary Anatomy of a Bribe provided the world with an in-depth look into Fishrot’s web of deceit, bribery, and exploitation. In the intervening half decade, ten arrests have been made in Namibia, while no one has been charged in Iceland. Namibia’s court process has been plagued by delays, and political leaders have largely evaded taking significant…

Rui Tyitende When a party is as electorally dominant as Swapo, there is a natural propensity for political analysts, journalists and the public to closely follow and analyse its internal politics, the way it governs and its shortcomings. This is because Swapo has dominated the policy-making process and its ramifications for 34 years. It goes without saying that Namibia has a political problem and Swapo is its main architect. With Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (NNN) as its presidential candidate, it has promised the electorate a candidate who is ‘clean’ and will propel Namibia to new heights as she is a ‘tried and…

Jona Musheko The Africa Energy Chamber announced Munolwisho Elizabeth Ipangelwa, Green Hydrogen Advisor at GIZ as one of this year’s 25 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars. This accolade celebrates her commitment to advancing gender inclusivity in Namibia’s oil, gas, and green hydrogen sectors, making her an anchor of hope for women and young professionals in the energy industry. Ipangelwa joins a distinguished list of accomplished African women in the oil, gas, and green hydrogen sectors. Her fellow achievers include Amena Bakr, Senior Research Analyst, Energy Intelligence, UAE; Amoetsoe Mkwena, Senior Associate, Watson Farley & Williams, Middle East; Janice Faria,…