Opinions

Rui Tyitende When a party is as electorally dominant as Swapo, there is a natural propensity for political analysts, journalists and the public to closely follow and analyse its internal politics, the way it governs and its shortcomings. This is because Swapo has dominated the policy-making process and its ramifications for 34 years. It goes without saying that Namibia has a political problem and Swapo is its main architect. With Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (NNN) as its presidential candidate, it has promised the electorate a candidate who is ‘clean’ and will propel Namibia to new heights as she is a ‘tried and…

Jona Musheko The Africa Energy Chamber announced Munolwisho Elizabeth Ipangelwa, Green Hydrogen Advisor at GIZ as one of this year’s 25 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars. This accolade celebrates her commitment to advancing gender inclusivity in Namibia’s oil, gas, and green hydrogen sectors, making her an anchor of hope for women and young professionals in the energy industry. Ipangelwa joins a distinguished list of accomplished African women in the oil, gas, and green hydrogen sectors. Her fellow achievers include Amena Bakr, Senior Research Analyst, Energy Intelligence, UAE; Amoetsoe Mkwena, Senior Associate, Watson Farley & Williams, Middle East; Janice Faria,…

Josef Kefas Sheehama It is crucial to remember that whether a Democrat or a Republican holds the White House tends to have little impact on American policy. Remember that President Trump will prioritize strengthening the U.S. economy during the first two years of his administration. To accomplish this, President Trump will assess the country's financial situation and closely monitor the successful reduction of $35.95 trillion in gross national debt. According to Jodey Arrington, chair of the House Budget Committee, that amounts to $107,345 per individual, $273,533 per household, and $497,080 per child. We must realize that Trump is a businessman…

Paul T. Shipale Peter Fabricius, a consultant at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), wrote in the Daily Maverick an opinion piece that appeared in the local Newspapers on 12 November 2024, titled; “SWAPO could be the next former liberation movement to lose its grip on power.” Fabricius quoted Henning Melber, Professor Department of Political Sciences, University of Pretoria, who also doubles and calls himself “A member of SWAPO since 1974”. Melber said “SWAPO might face defeat for the first time since independence in 1990.” He said the above in an opinion piece titled; “Namibia’s game-changing 2024 elections,” published on…

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro The victory of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) in the recently concluded Botswana national polls, which saw the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), also known as Domkrag, exit the corridors of governance after 58 years, would be the height of political naiveté for the Namibian so-called opposition political parties. The UDC's triumph has been a gradual process, not a sudden accomplishment. Determination, patience, resolve, principles, and a strong ideological disposition have all contributed to the UDC's success. All these attributes and traits are in rare supply among all, if not most, Namibian political parties and/or formations. With the…