Opinions

Paul T. Shipale There is a new trend in post-colonial Namibia which inspires and propels the publishing of political autobiographies and memoirs by theologians, ex-combatants, politicians, journalists, public servants etc. Indeed, currently in vogue is the re-writing of the dead and forgotten by either their friends or children. The biography of the late Bishop Peter Tanyengenge Kalangula titled: ‘A Namibian of Stature’, authored by Nelson T. Kalangula, falls in this category as one of the recent writings that are meant to immortalise some people and indicate a growing interest in re-membering the ‘heroic deeds of those who are not pedestalled…

Kae Matundu Many, if not most, of the political parties and/or formations aspiring to form the next government of the Republic of Namibia after the 27 November Presidential and National Assembly elections have now presented their manifestos. These manifestos encapsulate the aspirations of those who have embraced them. For all intents and purposes, the contents of these manifestos and those of some others amount to nothing more than hollow promises that border on fantasy. With political analysts, the very ones who have been insisting on these manifestos, reducing some, if not all of them, to nothing but mere political hallucinations.…

Yemisi Akinbobola As we reflect on Breast Cancer Awareness Month , I am reminded of the crucial role we as key media actors play in shaping the conversations around women's health, especially breast cancer. For too long, discussions about breast cancer and other women's health issues have been clouded by cultural taboos, and it is time we use our platforms to change that. The theme for this year, No One Should Face Breast Cancer Alone, speaks volumes about the power of connection and community. We, as storytellers and information gatekeepers, can foster dialogue that encourages support for those navigating breast…

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro Simply uncommitted, unwilling, incompetent, un- and non-ideological, if not totally anti-ideological and a-ideological. How else could one describe and define the inability of the current Swapo of Namibia government, which, despite being a government of the country, appears to be merely posturing, to facilitate and release land to the town of Usakos for necessary economic development? Land which is being held back wilfully and deliberately, with such withholding being an economic sabotage in effect. Not only that, but the town is essentially holding the much-needed development at ransom. Transnamib is retaining the land needed for a development park…

PAUL SHIPALE As I was looking for an answer to the question in the famous Ndilimani Cultural Troupe’s song ‘Hifikepunye Pohamba Ndhira Dhipi Wahenda’ and the titled of the autobiography “The footprints of Hifikepunye Pohamba – Ondjila Eyi A Enda,” or what I would rather title ‘The Arduous Life Journey Pohamba Traversed’ or ‘The Pathways Pohamba Walked in’ or even ‘Retracing Pohamba’s Footsteps,’ I realised that the answer to the above question is none other than what the son of former President Pohamba, Tulongeni Tutungeni Tudanaukeni Tuhafeni Pohamba, aptly put it that ‘The book shows that the path of integrity…

PAUL SHIPALE Speaking at the launch of former President Hifikepunye Pohamba’s Autobiography titled ‘The footprints of Hifikepunye Pohamba – Ondjila Eyi A Enda,’ Struggle Veteran Uncle Ben Amathila, a long-time friend and Comrade-in-Arms of former President Pohamba, said ‘through the book, Pohamba tells this story as he experienced it, and even more, as he was part of shaping it’. “To put the story in perspective, he starts with his family history as far as remembered in Oukwanyama and Oukwangali, and with his grandfather Hamukoto fighting together with King Mandume against Portuguese and British colonists. He tells us his story with…

Windhoek Observer talked to Shoki Kandjimi, the Senior Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Information Communications Technology (MICT), on the role and operations of the Government Information Centre (GIC) as well as its mandate. WO: Kindly please explain what the purpose of the GIC is? Why was it created?SK: The Government Information Centre was established to communicate government information proactively to the public in line with the ethos of access to information. The centre allows government offices, ministries and agencies to communicate pertinent updates andinformation to the public ensuring the timely flow of reliable, accurate and relevant information. WO:…