Windhoek Observer

Lazarus Kwedhi  Many still vividly remember the funeral of Her Majesty, the late Queen Elizabeth II, where African presidents were transported in buses while other world leaders, particularly from the USA and Europe, travelled in the comfort of their presidential fleets. These arrangements angered many Africans back home, who felt their leaders were disrespected and made to appear like schoolchildren on a tour bus. The privacy and security of African leaders seemed far less important than those of their Western counterparts. If that happened in public, one wonders what treatment they received behind closed doors. Were African presidents also placed…

Nandeshasho Nickanor The extractive industries stand at a critical crossroads, because while the world demands resources, there are also calls for urgent action to protect our natural environment. Mining, often perceived solely as extractive, holds a powerful opportunity to contribute meaningfully to global biodiversity goals. By embedding biodiversity and community well-being into operational DNA, the sector can demonstrate that development and conservation are not opposing forces but complementary pillars of sustainable progress.  Biodiversity as an operational priority This goes beyond compliance but is a conscious integration guided by a company’s environmental policy. Through efforts such as habitat restoration, biodiversity monitoring,…

Taapopi Naftali  As a student leader, I have seen firsthand how student representative bodies like NANSO, NASA, SUN, and others are constantly contradicted and undermined, often for the wrong reasons. These organisations are essential because they are the voice of the learners; they identify challenges, propose solutions, and implement programmes that improve the educational experience for everyone. Yet, instead of being supported, we face unnecessary resistance from directors, principals, and institutional authorities.  Student leaders are often blocked from carrying out their programmes; mentorship initiatives, awareness campaigns, peer-support sessions, and skill-building workshops are delayed or cancelled due to bureaucracy and unnecessary…