Columns
The Coming War in Mali
YOU probably haven’t given much thought to the problems in Mali, but United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon has, and his advice on military intervention in that West African country could be summed up in two words: forget...[more]
Notable Quotes
A CANDIDATE who does not make it has a duty to support the winner without hesitation. – President Hifikepunye Pohamba told the candidates vying for Swapo Party top positions during the opening of the congress on Thursday. [more]
We’re still Screwed
So, before we fire people by fax, organise a nice little accident or distribute a list of hibernators at the congress, step back and think.[more]
Notable Quotes
CALLS for any negative review of the relationship is a clear indication that SPYL no longer has the aspirations of any student in Namibia at heart, but there are there to serve their own political expediency. – Kavetu Kavetu, the...[more]
Political Perspective
IN CASE some accuse me of avoidance, it is difficult to write a column that will stand the test of the overnight hours at the Swapo congress, where it seems by morning we may well know who’s won the race. But it also seems crazy...[more]
Namibia As A One (Dominant) Party State
NAMIBIA is supposed to be a multi-party system but for the past 22 years, since independence, the country has been ruled by one party – Swapo. A few years ago I argued that Namibia was a one dominant party system. [more]
Christmas Conversations
Here we are again; less than a month before my least liked holiday of the year– Christmas.[more]
Let’s dance and be happy
Afriend of mine’s Facebook status mentioned recently that The Land of the Brave imports almost everything from South Africa, so is it also necessary to import strikes from them as well?[more]
Uneven Start: Why Early Childhood Education Is Worthy Of Public Dollars
EACH year, hundreds of Namibian students who sit for grade 10 and grade 12 don’t make it, with many reportedly obtaining ungraded results. Similarly, a few years ago, Unesco ranked Namibian children’s reading proficiency after...[more]
DRC Conlict Is Not About Minerals It Is About Dreadful Governance
THE capture of Goma by M23 rebel forces is the latest demonstration of the ineffectiveness of the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and its army (the FARDC). [more]
Swapo On The Right Track
WHAT has happened in Swapo over the past two months may not be of seismic proportions. [more]
Notable Quotes
A PERSON always dreams of travelling and doing things but usually there are financial constraints. Now I have been given the opportunity not only to travel for the first time but also to represent my country. – Tsakana Nkandih,...[more]
Notable Quotes
OUR primary mandate is the workers’ interests and therefore cannot be manipulated by politicians. – A Nafinu member preferring anonymity says the suspension of Nafinu from NUNW is part of the dirty campaign of the Swapo party...[more]
Chasing the dots ...The Paranoia of Choice
ANNUALLY the insanities, dirty tricks and actualisation of pure greed are played out on the garbage tips of humanity, the discount stores, reaping, or is it raping, the propensity of the increasingly stupid customer sheep, to...[more]
Notable Quotes
EVEN the unsuccessful candidates must support the leaders who are elected. That is what democracy is all about. The outcome of the elections during the congress must be accepted by all Swapo members. – President Hifikepunye...[more]
Morsi Goes Too Far
“THERE is no middle ground, no dialogue before (Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi) rescinds this declaration,” said pro-democracy advocate and Nobel Peace Prize winner Mohammed ElBaradei. “There is no room for dialogue when a...[more]
Developmental State Is A Ruse
NOT so long ago, my erstwhile colleagues were debating the latest instalment of government’s industrial policy in the National Assembly. In the course of that debate, some argued for a “developmental state” as a means to...[more]
Notable Quotes
I DON’T think that any permanent secretary willingly decides to spend [more] money; that is unheard of. – Frans Kapofi, the Secretary to Cabinet says overspending in ministries was due to real-life issues that cannot be avoided. [more]
Notable Quotes
IF the president [Pohamba] has a tax-free salary and a range of benefits, my question is what other expenses does he have for us to consider an increment. – Kazeongere Tjeundo says it will be better to increase the salaries of...[more]
Political Perspective
IN over two decades of independence, Namibians have failed to clarify the difference between the public and private in politics and use of state funds and resources when it comes to political campaigning. With the Swapo...[more]