Opinions – Page 29 – Windhoek Observer

10 Oct

Only a developmental state can bring happiness to Namibia

OpinionsCommon Monetary Area

Sem B.David Imbodi In my recent studies, I thoroughly uncovered that the economy of Namibia is under threats of inflation and downfall due to a lot of public debt, inland revenue circulation, and our dependency on other states. It is really disappointing that our headlines in newspapers and reports speak the opposite of the based reality. If you keep taping or fetching water from the neighbor's house, you will always do that on good terms. The day good terms are withdrawn, thirst and hunger will strike your house. We are so dependent, even on little things, and have no means…

10 Oct

Pioneer African historiography vs patriotic history & memory politics – Review: Footprints of Pohamba – Ondjila Ei Nda Enda – Part 2

Opinions

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…

07 Oct

Pioneer african historiography vs patriotic history & memory politics – Review: Footprints of Pohamba – Ondjila Ei Nda Enda – Part 1

Opinions

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…

07 Oct

Green is not necessarily clean

OpinionsRenewable energy projects

GRAHAM HOPWOOD Green hydrogen projects in Namibia should apply the highest standards of good governance from the outset. That means complying with the Green Hydrogen Standard. Looking at the programme of the recent Green Hydrogen Summit held in Windhoek, there were plenty of discussions focussing on business models, marketing mechanisms, offtake support, and green industrialisation, but scant mention of governance and corruption challenges. This in a country that has experienced the Fishrot corruption scandal and the collapse of the SME Bank within the last few years. As with both those scandals, we live in denial until it’s too late. The…

07 Oct

The Government Information Centre explained

Opinions

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:…

03 Oct

Genocide negotiations have never been about reparations!!!

Featured, Opinions

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro It is really not only disappointing but a betrayal as much of the highest order tantamount to high treason. Especially when perpetrated by fellow descendants of the survivors of the Genocide of the Ovaherero and Nama by colonial Germany. Yours Truly Ideologically has been careful not to through any broadside at fellow descendants. Believing other descendants other than him are no less and no more descendants then the next one. Thus what they have been and may have been busy with is as much legitimate and genuine like any other descendant. In Marxist-Leninist terms that their interests and…

02 Oct

Ageism in Namibia: A barrier to youthful leadership?

Featured, Opinions

Johanna Hipangelwa Namibia has witnessed a significant debate surrounding ageism, particularly with the appointment of 22-year-old Fenny Tutjavi to the parliamentary list of the SWAPO party. This event has sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning her capacity to serve effectively due to her age. This reaction highlights a broader issue of ageism in Namibian society, where both the young and the elderly face discrimination based on their age. Fenny Tutjavi’s appointment has been met with mixed reactions. While some celebrate the inclusion of young voices in politics, others express doubt about her ability to handle the responsibilities of a parliamentary…

02 Oct

Understanding the generational project: A call to Namibian youth

Featured, Opinions

Sakaria Johanne A generational project refers to the collective efforts and aspirations of a particular generation to address critical issues that impact their society. It encompasses the social, political, and economic challenges that a group faces, and it seeks to create meaningful change over time. In the context of Namibia, the generational project of the past led by figures like Ya Toivo, Sam Nujoma, and Hage Geingob, focused primarily on the struggle for political freedom and liberation from colonial rule. Their efforts laid the groundwork for Namibia’s independence in 1990. However, the notion of a generational project does not end…

01 Oct

Starlink’s debut offers opportunities and drawbacks for local businesses and the economy

Opinions

Josef Kefas Sheehama Namibia continues to have historically low levels of development, but it can industrialize, pursue inclusive growth, and draw in investment by utilizing technological advancements. Namibia intends to license Starlink's operations in order to become known as a country that has fully grasped the potential of technical advancement to improve its citizens' lives and stimulate its economy. According to the Starlink website, it is a constellation of satellites that provides high-speed internet access. Through this new service, SpaceX hopes to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband internet connections to underserved areas of the world, such as rural areas. Furthermore, the…

26 Sep

It is incumbent on youth to bring revolution back on track

Opinions

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro YOURS Truly Ideologically has not been closely observing the happenings on the local political front just and only lately but has been fond, patriotically so been doing over the years . Going back to the pre-revolution era. Till this day. At a loss how to term and define this era. Is it post-revolution, or are we still on the revolutionary journey and what revolution can we be talking about? With elections due in exactly two months today, this question becomes all not only all the more important and relevant but crucial. Especially in view of the fact that…