Page 1287 – Windhoek Observer

17 Jul

Has anti-colonial revolution merely replaced the colonial bureaucracy?

Yours Truly Ideologically-Fourth Instalment: Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro It is a big question today in an independent Namibia whether the country, with the attainment of political freedom about 30 years ago on March 21, 1990, she at the same time may also have embarked upon what the late African ideologue from Botswana, Dr. Goabamang Kennetn Koma, would describe as the Second Phase of the African Revolution. This question naturally comes up partly because of the generally imposed and accepted narrative of national resistance as being purely nationalist or patriotic in nature and character. There was little reference during war for independence in…

17 Jul

Abortion

UncategorisedAbortion, Hugh Ellis

The Time Traveler: Hugh Ellis I have some confessions to make. For a brief while I attended a Catholic school. At this school one of the teachers was, if not fired, let’s say ‘asked to leave’, after sharing pictures of dead fetuses, which were apparently ‘victims of abortions’, with us learners. You don’t forget seeing pictures like those. Later in my life, as a university student, I was briefly a member of an evangelical church on campus. We raised money for a ‘Pregnancy Crisis Center’, whose stated mission was to help young women who had unwanted pregnancies and difficult life…

17 Jul

I still support Air Namibia

UncategorisedAir Namibia

Jackie Wilson Asheeke I won’t apologize for my years of support for Air Namibia. My long background in the tourism industry has always made me see the national airline’s true value. This national debate about the airline’s future needs to hear from different points of view. I have said for many years to those screaming for the closure of the airline, that there is no money savings in the short and medium term in precipitously closing down Air Namibia. The leases and outstanding bills for the airline are government guaranteed. They have to be paid by the Namibian tax payer…

17 Jul

Geingob instructs MPs – can they comply?

National NewsHage Geingob, MPs, Parliament, Swapo Party

After reading the Swapo Party President’s speech to the class of MPs sitting in the current Parliament, we see a glimmer of something that has been dimmed for so long. In his well-written speech before Swapo MPs this week, Hage Geingob delivered brass tacks, internal political strategizing guidelines. His message was clear and on-point. The president’s insightful words included tactical strategies, marching orders for diligence, demands that MPs read and be informed and orders to stand together as an active party. He challenged opposition tactics and called for an end to the lackadaisical lethargy borne of 30 years of a…

17 Jul

FNB donates equipment to Monte Christo Primary

Uncategorised

Staff Writer FNB, through the FirstRand Namibia Foundation has donated a photocopier valued at N$17 300 to Monte Christo Primary school. “It is our hope that the donation will serve to improve the teaching and learning environment at the school and ensure that the leaners have all they need to excel. Education is one of the important sectors for the socio-economic development of this country and the Foundation has been assisting this sector through various initiatives and sponsorships. We are delighted to partner with Monte Christo Primary School because it allows us, as a corporate to bring resources that enhance…

17 Jul

BoN calls for structural interventions

UncategorisedBank of Namibia (BoN), Governor of the Bank of Namibia (BoN), Johannes Gawaxab

Staff Writer The Governor of the Bank of Namibia (BoN), Johannes !Gawaxab says although the central bank has continuously ensured a favorable macroeconomic environment for the country’s economic growth over the past 30 years, structural interventions are required to increase Namibia’s growth potential. “This Bank is ready to work with the Government, not in a subservient role, but rather in a complementary fashion to set the framework for accelerated economic development. The Namibian economy needs structural interventions to achieve a sustained increase in our growth potential,”! Gawaxab said during commemorations of BoN’s 30th anniversary. “We need to dedicate our time…

17 Jul

Make it easier for companies to tender

National Newscompanies, SOE, tender

Preparing a government tender is a nightmare. Those who do so have PhDs in paperwork. A thriving business sector can lessen the income gap between the rich and poor. And yet, the process to use opportunities to compete for government or SOE contracts is only accessible to a few. Namibian laws that claim to help business grow are laden with overregulation and stifling bureaucracy. The rich, already-advantaged and 'connected' thrive in the existing procurement process. Everyone else drowns. Understanding the 50-page bid documents requires flawless English comprehension, a law degree, accountancy courses, and a crystal ball. There are other hurdles…

16 Jul

Reflections on Singapore: Lessons for Namibia

Observer MoneyNamibia, Singapore

Metusalem Nakale (DSocSci) Singapore’s economic transformation is the envy of many countries around the world. From 1967 to 1989, the real gross domestic product of Singapore increased six-fold, growing at 8.8 % a year. But how did Singapore do it? And what lessons can Namibia draw from Singapore’s experiences? Upon independence, in 1965, Singapore adopted a developmental state model of economic development. In this type of economic model, the state plays a significant role in directing economic activities. This model is contrasted with the free-market. The latter regards state intervention as detrimental to economic development. Supporters of the free-market ideology…

16 Jul

Swartbooi – the game changer

National NewsBernadus Swartbooi, Swapo Party

Bernadus Swartbooi, head of the Landless People’s Movement (LPM) is loud and emotive. he has a dedicated constituency that is growing and as an MP, he has a legitimate platform. He has tolled the bell for new politics in Namibia; he is a game-changer. Recently, Swartbooi gave his reactions to comments made at a Swapo Party media conference. Doubling down on his critics, he labeled Former Swapo Prime Minister Nahas Angula and former Minister of Justice (and Swapo Secretary-General) Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana embittered opportunists. His words raise the stakes. He said that no Swapo leaders or senior members, either in current…

16 Jul

Germany grants N$250m to MEFT

Observer MoneyCovid-19, Forestry and Tourism, German Federal Government, Ministry of Environment, Namibian government

…to mitigate pandemic effects on environment and conservation Staff Writer The German Federal Government has availed approximately N$250 million to support the Namibian Government, through the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, in mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the conservation and tourism sector. This comes as the conservation and tourism sector has been significantly affected by the loss of income from tourism, caused by worldwide lockdown measures and international travel restrictions, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Countrywide employment and vital conservation activities are in jeopardy, risking the survival of local communities, wildlife and protected areas. The funds…