Forty Years of Consistently ‘Telling It Like It Is’

Creatives celebrate The Namibian @40

The Namibian is celebrating 40 years of fearless journalism, a journey that has shaped conversations, challenged power and amplified voices across the nation. To mark this milestone, Namibian creatives from all walks of life have come together to share their heartfelt messages, reflecting on the role The Namibian has played in telling our stories and holding up the mirror to society.

Big Ben

“For me, The Namibian has always been one of the very few publications that truly gets the importance of the arts. The entertainment industry, especially the music scene, has consistently received the attention it deserves. Through countless features, interviews and solid coverage, you’ve not only boosted our work but genuinely promoted us. The Weekender editions have always been a favourite of mine. They’ve been so comprehensive that it could easily be its own paper. As a reader, The Namibian has been my go-to for everything. I turn to it for breaking news, in-depth insights and opinions. This newspaper has been a part of my life for so long that I honestly can’t imagine a well-informed Namibia without it.

Hishishi Papa Shikongeni

I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to The Namibian on celebrating 40 years since its establishment during the apartheid regime. This milestone is not only a testament to journalistic resilience but also to the vital role The Namibian has played in promoting honesty and truth from the days of the liberation struggle to our current era of independence. Over the decades, The Namibian has consistently amplified the voices of artists and preserved our cultural heritage by highlighting the arts industry with light and life. Nombili nombili.

Johanna Swartbooi

Happy birthday to The Namibian! Wishing you many more decades of fearless storytelling and impactful reporting. Cheers to 40 years of amplifying voices, shaping conversations and to the talented journalists whose dedication keep the nation informed and inspired. Here’s to 40 more years of excellence.

Zenobia Kloppers

Congratulations to The Namibian on 40 remarkable years! As an artist, I know the importance of stories – and you have carried ours with dedication and care, day after day. May your reporting continue to light the way: investigating, informing, inspiring and giving voice to our shared truths. Here’s to many more years of telling it like it is.

Lioness

Happy anniversary to The Namibian, telling it like it is for 40 years. We celebrate and appreciate your efforts in media coverage and supporting artists’ visibility.

Sandy Rudd

Forty years of fabulous! I will never forget the first The Namibian. It was a great day for freedom of speech and democracy. From day one, the paper was a fierce supporter of the arts. Jean Sutherland and Carmen Honey were encouraging, enthusiastic and kind, celebrating my productions with glowing reviews. This spirit carried into The Weekender — the highlight of every week.
The Weekender was a haven for arts and culture lovers. Under editors Johnathan Beukes and later Natasha Uys, it was a joy to enter that buzzing office, greeted by passionate journalists. I would promote my shows there, and always left uplifted, my fears soothed by their delight and enthusiasm.
In 2012, Martha Mukaiwa joined, becoming Namibia’s first truly intellectual critic. Her fearless, sharp reviews challenged and inspired us. For 13 years, waiting for her critique on a Friday was exhilarating – sometimes nerve-wracking, sometimes joyful, always valuable.
Thank you, The Namibian, for taking the arts seriously. You filled galleries, theatres and hearts. Many audiences would never have come without your support. My 40-year journey with you can only be summed up with extreme joy and gratitude.

Lize Ehlers

Happy 40th birthday, The Namibian! You have not only told Namibia’s story, but walked beside me as I carved out my path as an artist. From my earliest theatre work with Sandy Rudd to the stages I’ve stood on locally and internationally, you reminded me our creative voices matter. You celebrated my biggest music moments at the Namibian Annual Music Awards in 2019 – not just the awards but the meaning behind them! You gave space to Song Night Namibia and stood by Drag Night Namibia, amplifying queer voices. Through it all, you have been witness, amplifier and truth-teller. Thank you for walking with us.

Nashilongweshipwe Mushaandja

I got my first writing gig at The Namibian’s Weekender, which granted me the opportunity to comment on local arts and culture. I began with writing critical reviews of theatre performances and eventually ended up writing a weekly column known as The Chanting Warrior. This weekly corner became a space to examine subject matter relating to cultural work. I recall this to be an enriching experience which allowed me to express critical and creative perspectives and in turn receive criticism. I think the paper has played a fundamental role in shaping national discourse in various ways. The Weekender, in particular, has supported artists by offering visibility and representation, consistently contributing to the Namibian cultural landscape. I wish The Namibian a happiest 40th birthday. May it grow from strength to strength and continue being the people’s paper.

Michelle McLean-Bailey

Happy, happy 40th birthday to The Namibian, keeping our news reliable, and telling real stories about inspirational people in our country, not only celebrity news, but real heroic stories of individual triumphs and struggles. Thank you for all the years of reporting the good work of the Michelle McLean Children Trust – we are able to highlight our projects and initiatives, and make a huge positive impact in communities throughout Namibia, thanks to your amazing support! With warmest appreciation and looking forward to many more years of working with you all, the amazing team at The Namibian.

Rodelio Lewis

Happy 40th anniversary, The Namibian! I was first seen in your pages when I placed in the Trustco ‘Be a Star Performer’ competition at 17 – my voice carried onto the stage and into the hearts of many. Then came vivid reviews of ‘Prime Colours’ and ‘Illusions of Grandeur’, the thrill of the film and theatre awards red carpet with my sister, and the honour of winning best newcomer. To be named among The Namibian’s movers and shakers made me feel like I truly belonged. Your pages have been my stage, your articles my microphone. Cheers to 40 years – may the next 40 be even more fabulous.”

Philippe Talavera

Since I first came to Namibia in 1997, I have looked forward to my Friday read of The Namibian and its Weekender. It has been a place to connect virtually with other artists, know what is coming soon, hear feedback about shows that just premiered and exhibitions that just opened as well as to read features about other performers that made me want to learn more about their work. For artists, The Namibian has always been a connecting place. Happy 40th birthday to the newspaper and its dedicated team. To many more exciting reads!

Jeiyo

Happy 40th to The Namibian! Thank you for telling our stories and for being such a huge supporter of Namibian music. You provided a vital platform for artists like me to share our work and grow. Cheers to 40 years of telling it like is.

EES

Yes-ja! Happy birthday to The Namibian! To 40 years of telling it like it is and making sure important news gets distributed to the nation. It was and still is very important to have a newspaper like The Namibian to make sure a democracy stays democratic and that freedom of press stays free! Greetings from Germany where I just finished the shooting of my latest music video that will be dropping soon.

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