Page 52 – Windhoek Observer

25 Jul

THE FIRST 100 DAYS OF PRESIDENT NANDI-NDAITWAH THROUGH THE LENS OF FREIRE AND UNGER’S EMPOWERED DEMOCRACY: FROM SYMBOLISM TO SUBSTANCE

Featured, Opinions

PAUL T. SHIPALE (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) Abstract This analysis examines President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's inaugural 100 days through the theoretical frameworks of Paulo Freire's conscientization and Roberto Mangabeira Unger's institutional reinvention. Moving beyond ceremonial assessments, this scholarly examination interrogates the substantive transformation of Namibian governance structures and the symbolic yet significant declaration of Nujoma Day. The analysis provides an honest evaluation of performance metrics while establishing a framework for understanding the trajectory from electoral promises to developmental praxis. Introduction: The Crucible of Transformative Leadership Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah first 100 days in office have marked a decisive shift in Namibia’s…

25 Jul

Student Leaders clash with Nust over rushed registration

National NewsNamibia University of Science and Technology (NUST)

Allexer Namundjembo The Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) is facing backlash from student bodies after it reopened registration for self-funding students but gave them only two days to register. In a directive issued through the Student Representative Council (SRC) on Wednesday, 23 July 2025, Nust allowed students with tuition debts below N$7,500 to register without payment. Those owing less than N$10,500 could register by paying N$2,500. The directive expires today. Student groups say the window is too short to help the very students the relief aims to support. The Student Union of Namibia (SUN) welcomed the initiative but…

25 Jul

New APOC chapter to empower Namibian patients

National NewsAfrican Patient Organisation Connect (APOC)

Allexer Namundjembo The African Patient Organisation Connect (APOC) launched its Namibian chapter in Windhoek on Wednesday, aiming to strengthen patient advocacy and influence inclusive healthcare policies across southern Africa. The launch forms part of APOC's 2025 regional training programme. The first session was held in Zambia on 5-6 June, with the next set for Mauritius on 7- 8 August. Roche supports APOC, which equips patient-led organisations with the tools, skills, and networks to drive healthcare reform and amplify community voices in policy spaces. Executive director of the ministry of health and social services,Penda Ithindi, said patient empowerment is key to…

25 Jul

Shihomeka appointed as new media Ombudsman

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Editors’ Forum of Namibia (EFN) has appointed Sadrag Panduleni Shihomeka as the new Media Ombudsman. His term runs from 23 July 2025 to 22 July 2028. EFN secretary general Selma Ikela announced the appointment on Thursday, following an extraordinary general meeting held on 18 July 2025. Shihomeka takes over from John Nakuta, whose term ended on 30 June 2025 after serving for seven years and 10 months. “Dr Shihomeka is currently a senior lecturer in Journalism and Media Technology at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), where he teaches modules including Corporate Public Relations,” said…

25 Jul

Govt accused of misrepresenting stadium progress in NDP6

Sports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Senior sports administrators in the Ohangwena region have rejected claims in the newly launched Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) that the Eenhana Sports Stadium is complete. They say the facility is far from finished. An administrator, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation, said he recently visited the site and found that only the pavilion appears complete. “I passed by the stadium a week ago. There is still a lot that needs to be done. I only saw people cleaning. The pavilion might be done, but everything else is far from complete,” he said. He…

25 Jul

Let’s confront the spectre of tribalism before it consumes us

Editorial, Featured, Opinions

Tribalism is rearing its ugly head in Namibia. What was once whispered in hushed tones has now found a loudspeaker in burning food stalls, toxic social media narratives, and widening social fault lines. The recent incident in Otjinene — where food stalls belonging to Aawambo and Ovazemba people were torched, reportedly by members of the Ovaherero community — is not just an isolated act of criminality. It is a symptom of a deeper, more dangerous illness spreading through our national fabric: a growing sense of ethnic resentment. The background to this violent escalation is as tragic as it is telling.…

25 Jul

Fraud in the age of digital disruption

Observer Money

Ujandja Zatjirua With digitalisation reshaping the insurance and financial services industry in Africa, the threat of fraud has evolved in terms of its magnitude and complexity. While institutions race to digitise procedures and embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI), the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Global Cybersecurity Outlook shared that fraudsters employ online platforms to target the most vulnerable: micro-enterprises, families, and individuals. Fraud isn't about stolen cash. It's about stolen trust, peace of mind, and dignity. In Namibia, where families work to create financial security, the emotional impact of fraud can be crushing. Victims feel shock, denial, shame, and fear; too many…

25 Jul

Stop studying the problem. Start equipping the youth.

Opinions

Nrupesh Soni I’ve been in too many rooms where “youth empowerment” is thrown around like confetti at a national pity party. Boardrooms, conference halls, panel discussions, and press releases—all overflowing with the language of potential. But when the talk is over and the confetti is swept away, nobody is handing over the tools. Let’s be brutally honest. We don’t have a shortage of ideas or intelligence among Namibian youth. We have a crisis of access. A deficit of trust. A paralysis of action. And most of all, we have a surplus of committees, reports, and roundtables. I've had the privilege…

25 Jul

Diamond production drops 5% in second quarter

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Diamond production in Namibia dropped by 5% in the second quarter of 2025, falling to 535,000 carats from 561,000 carats in the first quarter. According to De Beers’ second quarter production report, the decline followed planned actions to reduce output at Debmarine Namibia. In total, Namibia produced 1,166,000 carats in the first half of 2025, down from 1,194,000 carats during the same period in 2024. De Beers said that after a fleet optimisation study, the Coral Sea vessel was retired, and the Grand Banks vessel was taken out of service, awaiting a decision on possible decommissioning or sale. …

25 Jul

First Capital denies delays in home loan disbursements

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira First Capital Namibia has dismissed claims that it delayed implementing its home loan portfolio. First Capital's chief investment officer, Martin Mwinga, said all funds allocated by the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) were fully drawn down and disbursed on time. "We are aware of the allegations and accusations against First Capital, and at the right and appropriate time, and if necessary, we will issue a press statement to clarify issues. However, we must clarify that First Capital has never delayed the implementation of the home loan portfolio. All funds allocated to us by GIPF were fully drawn down…