​​The war on women—Dismantling misogyny…promoting women’s rights and empowerment at the workplace through policy reform

Nsozi Mwazi Misogyny is hatred, contempt, or prejudice against women. It is a branch of patriarchy that fuels harmful societal and gender norms, placing women as inferior to men. This leads to women being treated as lesser beings, often exploited, undermined, ignored, disrespected, or ridiculed. There is a clear link between the rise of independent women who know their rights and the increase in misogyny. Women are targeted on social media and face growing online violence and harassment because of their success, beauty, or morals. Women’s achievements are frequently undermined and linked unfairly to ‘sexual favours,’ which is a form…
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The youth fund: Dead on arrival?

The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) recently launched the Youth Fund, a loan scheme meant to empower young Namibians to start businesses and create economic opportunities. Yet, the Fund sits idle, with “little to no uptake” from the very demographic it seeks to uplift. This scenario is both perplexing and revealing, pointing to deeper systemic flaws in how youth-targeted economic interventions are conceptualised and implemented in Namibia. The Youth Fund’s poor performance raises the fundamental question: was it designed with the realities of young Namibians in mind? Debt, particularly in the context of a weak job market and an unforgiving…
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The silent crisis: Addressing the plight of the boy child and men facing mental health challenges

The silent crisis: Addressing the plight of the boy child and men facing mental health challenges

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…
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NNN engineered needed economic, national, and sustainable goals

NNN engineered needed economic, national, and sustainable goals

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…
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Relocated families threaten return to Otjomuise

Relocated families threaten return to Otjomuise

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Families relocated to Farm 508 behind Goreangab, known as Okapale, have threatened to return to Otjomuise if the City of Windhoek does not address unsafe and inhumane living conditions at the relocation site.  In a petition submitted to the City of Windhoek (CoW) Council, mayor, and chief executive officer, the Khomas Rate Payers and Residents Association stated that the city plans to move more households to the area on 31 July without proper services in place. The petition, signed by 387 affected households, warns that if their concerns are not addressed by 31 July, they will move back…
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Nandi-Ndaitwah troubled by spike in suicides 

Nandi-Ndaitwah troubled by spike in suicides 

Allexer Namundjembo  President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has expressed concern over the rising suicide cases in the Ohangwena region, describing the situation as one that keeps her awake at night.  Speaking during the official opening of the 15th Eenhana Expo, she paused her economic address to address the recent spate of suicides in the region.  "I cannot leave this podium without addressing an issue which is giving me sleepless nights. I am sure you, as residents of the Ohangwena region, have been feeling the same. I call on all residents of Ohangwena to do soul-searching and ask the big question: What is…
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Financial sector misses local ownership target by 5%

Financial sector misses local ownership target by 5%

Justicia Shipena  The financial sector has underperformance in several areas, with local ownership and control reaching only 20% against a target of 25% in the last ten years.  This shortfall indicates limited local participation in the financial system and highlights ongoing challenges in empowering domestic stakeholders and businesses. Bank of Namibia (BoN) governor Johannes !Gawaxab acknowledged the gap at the launch of the Financial Sector Transformation Strategy for 2025–2035. The strategy, developed by the BoN, the Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (Namfisa), and the Ministry of Finance, aims to address gaps in the financial system, particularly in rural and informal…
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NA speaker defends gender focus in climate policy

NA speaker defends gender focus in climate policy

Hetta-Maria Amutenja  The speaker of the National Assembly, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, says Namibia's climate policy recognises that women and children, especially in rural areas, are hit harder by climate change. Speaking at the 15th Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament in Geneva on Monday, she emphasised that while climate change affects everyone, its impacts are unequal.  "While climate change itself may be indiscriminate in its occurrence, its impacts are far from equal. Pre-existing gender inequalities shape how climate change is experienced," she said. Kuugongelwa-Amadhila noted that women and children in rural areas bear the brunt of climate impacts, particularly regarding agriculture,…
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Supreme court clears sale of Anga Enterprises’ bonded properties

Supreme court clears sale of Anga Enterprises’ bonded properties

Justicia Shipena  The Supreme Court has overturned a High Court decision that delayed the sale of bonded commercial properties in the case involving Nedbank Namibia and Anga Enterprises CC.  The ruling follows Nedbank’s appeal against the High Court’s temporary suspension of the sale of properties used as collateral for a loan of more than N$7.8 million. In 2022, Nedbank obtained a default judgment against Anga Enterprises and its owners. The bank later applied to declare four commercial properties executable. The properties were not primary residences but used for business purposes. The High Court granted the application but ordered a six-month…
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Not all wounds bleed: The invisible pain of men’s mental health

Not all wounds bleed: The invisible pain of men’s mental health

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…
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