Opinions

PAUL T. SHIPALE (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) Abstract This article critically examines the contemporary relevance and challenges facing Southern Africa’s former liberation movements, specifically in the context of the LIBERATION MOVEMENTS SUMMIT 2025: The three-day indaba, which began last Friday and concluded on Sunday with the Summit of Heads of State and Leaders of Liberation Movements, ran under the theme “Defending the Liberation Gains, Advancing Integrated Socio-Economic Development, Strengthening Solidarity for a Better Africa.” The summit brought together six former liberation movements—the ANC of South Africa (host and outgoing chair), Zanu-PF (Zimbabwe), MPLA (Angola), SWAPO (Namibia), Frelimo…

JOSEF KEFAS SHEEHAMA It's time to have an uncomfortable conversation and be honest with each other. It is upsetting and sad to watch Namibia's multiple scandals emerge, particularly those involving State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in an array of critical economic sectors. This piece will not pinpoint specific entities involved in corruption and mismanagement scandals that have threatened our citizens' livelihoods and service delivery. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah stated during her inaugural speech that corruption is treason and should be treated as such. As a result, corruption emerges as soon as new administrations take office as part of their commitment to improving transparency…

Julia Nyanyukweni Alfeus In recent times, a concerning pattern has emerged across the Namibian region of Ohangwena and beyond: the rising number of men and boy children succumbing to depression and, tragically, taking their own lives. This month (July) alone, three teachers in Ohangwena made the heartbreaking decision to end their lives, adding to a growing tally that continues to rise. These devastating incidents underscore a silent crisis that demands urgent attention. Mental health remains a stigmatised and often neglected aspect of overall well-being, especially among boys and men. Cultural expectations often dictate that males should be strong, resilient, and…

Josef Kefas Sheehama  The President of Namibia, Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has my sincere gratitude for the excellent accountability report she delivered during her first ninety days in office. Prior to Vision 2030, Namibia launched its medium-term plan, the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6). Therefore, Namibia's degree of industrialisation is greatly influenced by how well or poorly this plan is implemented. The First Hundred Days of Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's presidential administration was characterised by severe scrutiny, particularly when it came to cabinet resignations and emotive issues involving her cabinet members. Namibians express concerns about the administration's cohesion…

Junias VH Shipwilikineni The world is crying softly, almost silently, but the pain is real. Each day, we are losing men to a hidden battle, one that rarely makes the headlines: suicide. Fathers, sons, brothers, and friends are disappearing, not because of war or disease, but because of the weight they carry in silence.  These are not loud exits. These are quiet tragedies, unfolding in bedrooms, bathrooms, cars, and workplaces. Their wounds don’t bleed, but they are deep. And too often, they are fatal. From boyhood, males are taught to suppress emotion. They are told to “man up,” not to…