Opinions

PAUL T. SHIPALE (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) Abstract This article critically examines the constitutional status of Namibia’s Leader of the Official Opposition, a position declared unconstitutional by Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC). Employing a dialectical analysis (thesis-antithesis-synthesis), the study explores the tension between statutory deficiencies and parliamentary conventions that underpin the office. By situating Namibia’s semi-presidential hybrid system within a global comparative framework, including France and Zambia, the article argues that, while the role lacks constitutional grounding, its functional necessity in a democratic system warrants formal legislative codification. It concludes with recommendations for…

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro LOOKS like those living in shacks in suburban Namibia, which euphemistically are defined by officialdom as informal settlements, not to mention in the rural areas where since the dawn of colonialism, shacks have been the only form of decent housing and settlement, they are here to stay forever. Telling from the latest push by the administration that has just been ushered in following the inauguration of Meme Netumbo Nandi-Ndeitwah (NNN) as President of the Republic of Namibia on the 35th anniversary of our independence on the 21st of last month. Barely a month after NNN’s announcement of her…

Sakaria Johannes I was listening to a powerful and heartfelt speech by Namibia’s First Gentleman, General Lt. Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah. He was speaking about the need to uplift the boy child, a message that struck me deeply. In his voice, I heard the urgency, the concern, and the compassion of someone who sees the invisible struggles that many of our boys endure. lingered in my mind because they capture a growing truth in Namibian society, weare losing our boys, not all at once, but slowly, quietly, and tragically. Namibia, like much of Africa, is transitioning from a traditional African society…

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro Is it early days? Yours Truly, Ideologically, I cannot but ask but at the same time also answer that it is by no means early days. Simply because for someone determined that it is “business unusual”, it cannot be early days at all. Since the message has been loud and clear, the media seem to be having a field day with the new administration “hitting the ground running” in their respective spaces. What does the new administration mean by "hitting the ground running"? One may be prompted to ask. Given that the president has only had three months…

PAUL T. SHIPALE I. Prologue: A tit for tat From April 1, 2025, Namibia started to implement a reciprocal visa policy, requiring nationals from 32 countries, including the US, UK, and Canada, to obtain a visa for entry, as these countries haven’t reciprocated visa-free access for Namibian citizens. In this regard, a statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security on Thursday, 27 March 2025, indicated that since the launch of the e-visa on arrival portal and the visa on arrival application form on 3 March 2025, a total of 10 016 visa applications have been successfully…

Ndumba J. Kamwanyah When Namibia gained independence in 1990, founding president and the father of the nation Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma declared that true freedom meant more than just breaking the chains of colonial and apartheid rule.  His vision was loud and clear: Namibia must liberate itself from hunger, diseases and ignorance. This was not just a mere slogan—it was a call to action, a guiding philosophy for building a strong and self-sufficient independent Namibia. This was also a  futuristic foresight.  He knew that a country that depends on others for its survival and development can never be truly free.…

Lot Ndamanomhata  The artificial borders imposed by colonial powers during the Scramble for Africa have had profound and lasting effects on African states. The Berlin Conference (1884–1885) formalized the division of Africa among European colonial powers, often disregarding pre-existing ethnic, cultural, and political entities (Herbst, 2000). These arbitrary borders have led to fragmented communities, cross-border tensions, and challenges in governance. This article examines the effects of colonial borders on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania, and South Africa and Zimbabwe, highlighting the socio-political challenges that have emerged post-independence. Furthermore, the article explores international comparisons and…

Lazarus Jacobs In his farewell speech at the inauguration of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, outgoing President Nangolo Mbumba reflected on Namibia’s long journey:   "It has been a long journey filled with trials and tribulations, but just as our struggle for independence… has paid dividends, likewise the struggle for gender justice, spearheaded by the brave women of Namibia and their allies across the international community."   Shortly after, President Nandi-Ndaitwah made history as Namibia’s first female head of state. Recognizing the significance of this moment, she appointed Lucia Witbooi as the nation’s first female vice president—making Namibia the only country in…