The Namibian @40: Oswald Shivute

Oswald Shivute says he wanted to become a journalist in 1975, but there was no way he could become one.

He served his community by compiling news stories from communities that were colonised by the South African apartheid regime.

In 1985 The Namibian was launched and Shivute became an official in the paper’s administration, operating from the office at Oshakati in the Oshana region.

Shivute says he was happy because his articles could finally be published, after newspapers such as Republikein refused, while magazines like Omukuni and Omukwetu were afraid to publish his stories.

He says Windhoek Observer also tried its best to expose the South African apartheid rule but were afraid to.

“I started with The Namibian from its inception and I was so happy because I could send my reports on human rights violence to them,” he says.

He says most people in northern Namibia had no voices and were afraid of the South African colonial forces that often harassed the people.

Shivute says as an official in the paper’s administration, he opposed colonial rule and made himself a self-styled activist.

The Namibian gave him mentors like Gwen Lister, Chris Shipanga and Jean Sutherland who guided him. He says the paper has had an impact on the community as it has been serving as the voice of the voiceless.

“They really mentored me and exposed me to the outside world. Community needs have also been addressed and the paper told it as it is,” says Shivute.

He says The Namibian turning 40 means something more than just turning a year older, adding that it helped him know journalism and connect with people.

“People started knowing me while working with the paper,” he says.

He wishes the paper a happy and blessed 40th anniversary.

– Compiled by Dolly Menas.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.