Editorial – Page 5 – Windhoek Observer

28 Jul

Liberation Movements – Past Their Sell-By Dates?

Editorial, Featured, Opinions

The former liberation movements of southern Africa – the ANC in South Africa, SWAPO in Namibia, the MPLA in Angola, among others – have gathered in South Africa under the lofty theme:“Defending the Liberation Gains, Advancing Integrated Socio-Economic Development, Strengthening Solidarity for a Better Africa.” On paper, it sounds noble. In reality, it reeks of irony. For decades, these movements carried the dreams of their people, leading struggles that dismantled colonialism and apartheid. They promised freedom, prosperity, and dignity. Today, however, many citizens look at them and ask: What liberation gains are left to defend? Liberation vs. Governance The transition from…

25 Jul

Let’s confront the spectre of tribalism before it consumes us

Editorial, Featured, Opinions

Tribalism is rearing its ugly head in Namibia. What was once whispered in hushed tones has now found a loudspeaker in burning food stalls, toxic social media narratives, and widening social fault lines. The recent incident in Otjinene — where food stalls belonging to Aawambo and Ovazemba people were torched, reportedly by members of the Ovaherero community — is not just an isolated act of criminality. It is a symptom of a deeper, more dangerous illness spreading through our national fabric: a growing sense of ethnic resentment. The background to this violent escalation is as tragic as it is telling.…

24 Jul

When the Cost of Living Becomes the Cost of Life.

Editorial, Featured, Opinions

In recent months, Namibia has borne witness to a heartbreaking and deeply troubling trend: a spate of suicides among teachers — the very custodians of our children’s futures. These tragedies are not isolated incidents. They are echoes of a deeper national pain — one rooted in financial strain, psychological isolation, and a silent war waged every day in households across this country. The teaching profession has always demanded sacrifice: long hours, modest salaries, and an unwavering emotional investment in others. But when those giving so much to society find themselves drowning in debt, struggling to feed their families, and confronting…

15 Mar

Charting a future for a youthful, growing population

Editorial

Namibia's recent census has provided an unadulterated illumination of the challenges and opportunities facing the nation as it navigates its future. With a population now exceeding three million, the growth trajectory since independence is undeniable. It is also a significant milestone in the country's demographic landscape. This latest count, delayed by the pandemic and resource constraints, marks the nation's first digital and spatially-enabled census effort, showcasing a leap in technological adoption for national planning. The surge in urban population, outpacing rural growth, accentuates a global trend towards urbanization, but it also brings to light the pressing issues of urban planning,…

08 Mar

Commitment strengthens the pillars of democracy in Namibia

Editorial

Niël Terblanché As Namibia embarks on yet another significant chapter in its democratic journey, the 2024 electoral processes, including the General Registration of Voters (GRV) and the Presidential and National Assembly elections, the nation's commitment to democratic principles must be the ultimate focus. The Electoral Commission of Namibia's (ECN) launch of the Electoral Calendar, Democracy Building, Awareness Campaign, and Service Charter in Windhoek marks a crucial moment, underlining an integrated effort to modernize and refine electoral systems. Yet, this moment also invites the nation to reflect critically on the health of democracy in Namibia, assessing both its strengths and the…

01 Mar

Namibia’s National Budget: Marching relentlessly in the direction of economic recovery and social equity

Editorial

Namibia finds itself at a crossroads in its journey towards economic stability and social justice.The National Budget for the fiscal year 2024/25 tabled by the Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, Ipumbu Shiimi earlier this week, serves as proof of the government's commitment to leveraging the country's improved economic outlook for the collective good.The budget arrived at a critical juncture, with Namibia grappling with the dual challenges of a recovering domestic economy and the persistent spectre of food insecurity affecting nearly 40 percent of the population.Shiimi's financial blueprint for the nation is both ambitious and pragmatic, focusing on stimulating domestic…

16 Feb

Reimagining education in Namibia for a brighter future

Editorial

The current state of education in Namibia, characterized by overcrowded classrooms, inadequate foundational learning, and a curriculum struggling to meet the needs of its students, demands a radical reimagination. The recent revelations by Sanet Steenkamp, the Executive Director in the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, and a troubling report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Science, ICT, and Youth Development paint a picture of an education system in dire need of reform and substantial investment. But how can Namibia navigate these turbulent waters to secure a prosperous future for its next generation? The crux of Namibia's educational dilemma…

09 Feb

Light at the end of the tunnel

Editorial

The sudden passing of President Hage Geingob shortly after midnight on Sunday, has the Namibian Nation still reeling with shock while at the same time having to cope with a sense of sadness never felt before in the country’s short history as a fiercely independent and sovereign state. As the reality of the situation where people went to bed on Saturday evening in a Namibia they knew and loved and waking up a few hours later to a country where opportunism might derail what they have built over the past 35 years is yet to set in. However the landscape…

02 Feb

Streamlining of policies is essential to ease doing business in Namibia

EditorialStreamlining of policies is essential to ease doing business in Namibia

With Namibia facing significant challenges but also possessing the potential for substantial economic growth and development, the country finds itself at a crossroads. Government initiatives to improve the business environment and legislative reforms aimed at easing the process of doing business indicate a commitment to fostering a more conducive climate for investment. However, addressing structural issues such as unemployment, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and economic inequality remains critical to unlocking the full potential of Namibia’s economy. Doing business in Namibia presents both challenges and opportunities, reflecting the nation’s commitment to improving its business environment while grappling with structural issues. Investors and businesses…

27 Jan

Is a fist full of dollars, worth it over the long run?

EditorialIs a fist full of dollars

Legislation and the direction of sound policies will play a crucial role in the expected transformation of the revolutionary transformation of the Namibian Economy. In anticipation of gains from green hydrogen projects and newly discovered oil off the coast, the Namibian Government must create effective policies and laws that will direct new industrial development in such a way as to secure the economic future. It was recently reported that China’s trade with Namibia amounted to N$18 billion over the past year and that it will increase. Multinational oil giants have been boasting about new and promising oil discoveries in the…