Opinions

Nrupesh Soni Windhoek, Namibia – When 31-year-old Dr. Esperance Luvindao was appointed as Namibia’s Minister of Health, the country saw more than just a political announcement. It became an immediate flashpoint—a real-time test case in how societies today handle young leaders who carry with them the unavoidable baggage of their digital pasts. Within hours of her appointment, Namibian social media exploded. Conversations quickly moved from her professional credentials (impressive, by any standard) to her private life, digital history, and rumored political connections. Even former First Lady Monica Geingos had to publicly deny having any hand in Luvindao’s appointment—a denial, however,…

Josef Kefas Sheehama Given the current state of trade tensions, the executive orders imposed by the United States of America's (USA) new administration are a wake-up call for the global community because they serve as a clear reminder that maintaining economic stability and growth in today's interconnected world requires cooperation and respect for one another in trade policies. The United States' 20% tariff on Chinese imports, which was imposed under the pretext of the fentanyl problem, will lead to supply chain instability and disrupt international trade. The trade war, which challenged international economic standards and put pressure on ties with…

Sakaria Johannes As Namibia celebrates 35 years of independence, it is a time for reflection on what independence truly means and how far we have come since the dawn of freedom. For many Namibians, independence signifies the end of colonial rule, the promise of a better future, and the vision of equality and freedom. However, despite the triumphs of liberation, we must critically assess the state of our nation today. Are we truly free? What have we achieved since we gained our independence, and are we living the dream our forefathers fought for? What Have We Achieved So Far? While…

P T SHIPALE I. PROLOGUE For the seventh time this year, SADC will commemorate the Southern Africa Liberation Day which marked the end to one of the fiercest battles at Cuito Cuanavale in Southern Angola, on 23rd March 1988.  The historic and decisive battle of Cuito Cuanavale, where the combined FAPLA Forces of Angola together with the Cuban Internationalist Forces and the Combatants of the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN), SWAPO’s Military Wing, inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy forces and forced the apartheid regime to the negotiation table on 19th March 1989.  This led to the signing of…

Lilongeni Unoovene With the proverbial energy poverty that rural communities are faced with, it is safe to say that it has adverse impacts on the social well-being of women and children living in those areas. It is a common truth that limited access to clean, or rather, green energy has detrimental effects on women's health and economic opportunities. This can be witnessed as their living conditions and their productive time use are compromised due to the utilisation of conventional biofuels. The main producers and consumers of household energy are women and children. Contextually, women and girls in African culture are…

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro Next Friday, Namibia will turn 35 years old. If Namibia were a human being, one would have considered him or her a grown-up and middle-aged and thus expected her/him to be mature enough to either be entrusted with crucial decisions in life or be entrusted with full responsibility for his life. Because a person is already considered mature—although not that mature— by the age of 21 years. This is symbolised by giving them a key, The key symbolises the transition to adulthood, the assumption of new responsibilities, and the unlocking of opportunities and independence. Intriguing enough it seems…

Sem Billy I. David In any growing city, successfully implementing development projects is crucial to improving residents' lives. The City of Windhoek, together with the Regional Council Office, are responsible for ensuring that projects meet the requirements of the people and should be completed efficiently and on time. However, there have been mounting concerns regarding delays, mismanagement, and even abandonment of projects in Windhoek, especially in the informal settlement, such as Mix Settlement (Mix Primary School, started 2023 till now not completed), Groot Aub, Havana (road infrastructures, Schools and Hospitals) and Goreangab Dam, which ultimately damage service delivery and public…

P T SHIPALE The Confidante newspaper of 03 March 2025, aptly described this moment as a dawns of a new era on the SWAPO Party, signalling a shift in leadership paradigm under the first female elected leader in the region, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, and the end of an old era which coincides with the passing of Africa’s last liberation icon, Dr. Sam Nujoma. Similarly, the editorial of the Namibian Sun Newspaper of Tuesday, 11 March 2025, properly described the moment as President-elect Nandi-Ndaitwah’s defining test as she finalizes her Cabinet.  This time, the stakes could not be higher.  The editorial further…