Columns
We Are Each Other’s Keepers: Diversity And Divergence
THE Delimitation Commission, drought and general poverty in the country seem to have triggered some kind of pent-up tension among communities. This and that community is demanding this and that in the name of whatever. It is...[more]
Notable Quotes
China has never and will not aim to seek one-sided benefits from trade with Africa. – The Chinese Ambassador to Namibia Xin Shunkang said in response to questions regarding trade between Namibia and China. [more]
Chasing the dots ... The Statistical Animal!
AS a once fanatic of the spreadsheet from the days of “Visicalc” and one who progressed and enjoyed and to be rather big-headed, was rather good at the complexities and subtleties of the advanced versions with their ifs and buts,...[more]
Notable Quotes
The minister’s practise is tantamount to sabotage of government’s initiatives to address the needs and challenges experienced by people with disabilities. – NFPDN’s Secretary General Gerson Mutendere reacted to the Minister of...[more]
The Paralysis And The Parallelisation Of The State
ARTICLE 1(4) of chapter 1 of our Constitution defines the boundaries of our country. And as a logical sequence, chapter 2 deals with the acquisition and loss of citizenship – that is the answer to who is or is not a Namibian.[more]
Notable Quotes
NAMIBIA should step up efforts to address problems of landlessness and the land insecurity of San groups and do so, to the extent compatible with the rights of others, in accordance with their historical or traditional land...[more]
Rambler: African solutions for the world’s problems
Thabo Mbeki used to preach about “african solutions for african problems” but I believe, as the world’s only real civilisation, africa must start to take its place as the solver of the problems of the world. Irrevocable evidence...[more]
Quotes
Namibians are stupid, because instead of adding value to local resources and thinking out of the box, they import the majority of finished products. – Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Tjekero Tweya declared at the official...[more]
The Value Of Statistics
THE United Nations (UN) and the International Statistical Institute (ISI) have declared 2013 as the International Year of Statistics. This declaration is a worldwide initiative that is aimed at promoting the importance of...[more]
Break Up The Ministry Of Health
THE problems in the public health sector are well-known. Everyone understands: The whole debacle is not just a problem with nurses or doctors. But the structure of the health system taken over at independence is the root cause.[more]
Cassinga Day In A Contemporary Context
TOMORROW is Cassinga Day. This is the day when Namibians remember one of the saddest episodes in this country’s struggle for independence from the shackles of the apartheid system. Perhaps with the exception of the genocide...[more]
Banks Must Step Up For SME Development
THE importance of SMEs in any economy cannot be understated. They play a formidable role in national development by creating employment, contributing to domestic and export earnings, reducing poverty, and spurring product...[more]
Swapo Must Shutdown Tribalism
SWAPO opened the floodgates but can still close them down before it is too late. We can only hope that the ruling party’s leaders are worried enough to recognise the mistakes which have led to increased ethnic differences at the...[more]
Notable Quotes
The governor should understand that the African set-up still honours our kings and chiefs, and it’s a democratic right for everyone to approach any traditional leadership for any advice without any fear from any politician,...[more]
Chasing the dots Ex-Workers Day or May Day?
MAY Day celebrations originally had their source in my long ago ancestors, the Celts, when May 1 was the beginning of summer and a celebration of the fertility rights of the land, animals and, of course, the most fun, people.[more]
Notable Quotes
EVEN if it’s N$30 million or N$100 million, it’s not about the land deal but the developmental benefits that will come. – Owner of United Africa Group Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun said after the municipality and property developers...[more]
The Police Should Not Be A Law Unto Themselves
DURING the dark lawless days before independence, the police were probably the most feared, but hardly respected, agents of the state. For the most part, they operated outside the law, played God and thus held the fate of...[more]
Beware of Crack
ALTHOUGH Namibian society has many social challenges to manage, I must raise the alarm about yet another. Drugs – in particular crack cocaine – if left to spread unchecked, will destroy our society. [more]
Notable Quotes
There is a perception that the board is corrupt. – Finance Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has urged the Namibia Tender Board to tighten its grip on effective governance in order to improve the image of the institution and...[more]