Featured – Page 6 – News Stand

23 Jan

Door open for Namibia to export to SA

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Observer Money

CHAMWE KAIRA South Africa’s improved trade balance and economic stability in 2024 carry significant implications for Namibia, given the strong economic linkages between the two countries. The N$150 billion trade surplus achieved by South Africa, driven by lower imports and declining oil prices, enhances its purchasing power, potentially increasing demand for Namibian exports, a Simonis Storm Securities report has said. South Africa’s reduced imports of minerals, metals, and machinery could limit Namibia’s import-driven growth, although declining oil prices may alleviate input costs for Namibia’s imported goods, the firm stated. Simonis said the strengthening of the rand, driven by improved market…

19 Jan

Beyond the game with MT – A call for a change in mindset for sports leadership

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Sports

Mathew T Haikali Am just saying, the dream of professionalizing sports in Namibia will remain out of reach unless there is a shift in the mindset of those leading the sector. Despite claiming to be passionate about sports, many leaders have failed to prioritize the long-term development of the industry. All I am saying is that this stagnation is evident in how teams, clubs and academies continue to rely on handouts and grants without showing genuine commitment or the accountability expected of professional organizations. I still remember a time when a major bank pledged N$2.5 million annually over three years…

17 Jan

Young author from Ongha seeks support to publish first novel

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Opinions

Mallex Shipanga Seventeen-year-old Julia Shaama from Ongha village in the Ohangwena region is seeking assistance to publish her debut novel, Behind Me. Shaama, a learner at Dr Abraham Iyambo Secondary School, has completed her manuscript but faces challenges in getting it published. “The book is complete, but I still have not published the book. I do not know where to publish the book. I have got no sponsors,” she said. She expressed her pride in completing the novel and her eagerness to see it published. “With happiness and a smile on my face, I will be proud to see that…

17 Jan

“QUIS CUSTODIET IPSOS CUSTODES?”

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Opinions“QUIS CUSTODIET IPSOS CUSTODES?”

PAUL T. SHIPALE “Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?” But who will guard the guardians? - Who watches over the watchdogs? In a letter advising a friend about marriage and infidelity in the second century CE, Juvenal posed the question: “Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?” (But who will guard the guardians?). He argued that since men were guilty of infidelity, they could not use marriage to police women into fidelity. In around 380 BC, Plato had tried to grapple with this question politically in the Republic through his Socratic Dialogue. In trying to explain Socrates’s views on the question, he argues that the…

17 Jan

Breaking Stereotypes and Embracing Vocational Education for a Brighter Future in Namibia

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Opinions

JUNIAS ERASMUS For too long, vocational education in Namibia has been seen as less important because of the pervasive belief that only university degrees lead to success. This misconception has not only limited opportunities for many young people but has also contributed to a mismatch between workforce needs and available skills. In reality, vocational education offers a practical and empowering path to personal fulfillment, financial stability, and national development. It is time for Namibians to break free from outdated stereotypes and embrace vocational training as a cornerstone of a brighter, more inclusive future. Vocational education equips individuals with specialized, hands-on…

17 Jan

Capitalism be warned it is “business unusual!” For Meme Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is here?

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Opinions

Since the official announcement of the presidential and national elections by the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) on the 30th of November last year, the local media, both the traditional mainstream media, printed and broadcast, as well as the social media, has seen a mixed bag of congratulations and exasperation. Punctuated by celebrations with praise-singing for President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, popularly and gloriously dubbed NNN by the media, dubbing that seems indeed to have received the popular approval at large of her Swapo Party of Namibia, of which she was the presidential candidate. As for the party diehards, membership, supporters, sympathisers,…

17 Jan

Namibia’s national sanitation and hygiene strategy 2022-2027, could be a beacon of hope to address the country’s sanitation predicament

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Opinions

Wayambekange N. Hamufenhu Each evening, “Kelao,” a 16-year-old girl, and her peers undertake a dangerous journey to the mountains of the “One Nation” informal settlement of Windhoek. The young Kelao, like many residents of the informal settlements, daily navigate risks such as snake bites and potential assaults in their search for basic hygiene. The urgency of their situation is heightened by the unintended consequence of trampling upon the waste they carry back to their shacks amid hurried retreats prompted by any hint of danger. The Government of Namibia has boldly decided to address the challenges faced by residents like Kelao,…

16 Jan

Growing political maturity emerging in SA

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Observer Money

JUANITA MAREE Now is the perfect moment to assess the lessons we have learned, evaluate performance and focus on how South Africa and our Government of National Unity (GNU) can apply these critical lessons to build resilience, avoid mistakes and safeguard the future of SA Inc. Progress is evident, from a logistics point of view. A growing political maturity is emerging in some critical areas, fostering positive change, boosting confidence and introducing new dynamics. Policy reforms are unlocking new opportunities, opening the way for some of the national institutions to deliver improved operational performance as the nation continues to work…

12 Jan

Beyond the game with MT – Building a sustainable sports ecosystem

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Sports

Mathew T Haikali As we prepare to take on the vital task of shaping the future of sports in Namibia, it's essential to pause and acknowledge the unwavering commitment of our country's media practitioners. These dedicated individuals have consistently shined a light on the importance of sports by providing critical coverage and sharing valuable information — often despite resistance from sports administrators. Their role is pivotal in bringing sports into national conversations, helping fans, stakeholders, and policymakers understand the broader significance of sports beyond the field. Yet, a nagging question remains in my mind: Why is it that the sports…

09 Jan

Shell fires warning shots

info_e12wt4csEnergy, Featured, Observer Money

EKKEHARD FRIEDRICH Today Shell wrote down their reserves in PEL39 offshore Namibia by USD 400m stating that it can not be commercially developed. Warning shots have been fired. With inaction to commit to developing adequate onshore support infrastructure, the generally slow administrative pace, and uncertain (and increasingly restrictive) policies, the cost of development of Namibia’s intricate ultra-deep offshore fields becomes increasingly prohibitive (which of course decreases the net present value of the reserves and leads to write-downs). Let us be clear, Namibia’s offshore fields are extremely challenging in the first place and there is a very real risk that oil…