The Namibian Will March On

THIS newspaper is no stranger to adversity. Even before was born, the then apartheid government tried to block it from ever appearing. We challenged the authorities in court and won.

In the ensuing years, its offices were bombed, its journalists faced constant harassment – physical and psychological – from the security forces, its editor was jailed, and vicious smear campaigns were launched against the paper and its staff.

It was also boycotted by many advertisers as South Africa’s proxies exerted pressure on businesses in a bid to financially strangle the paper. We survived.

The newspaper did not escape unscathed after independence. In 1990, its offices were firebombed by right-wingers. Despite extensive damage, we did not miss a single edition.

The post-independence era brought yet another challenge: Economic viability. Pre-independence propaganda and prejudices still prevailed, and the newspaper had to prove itself in a new arena. Among others, staff members sacrificed benefits like housing allowances and medical aid to sustain the newspaper. We survived.

Now a conflagration of factors poses a new threat. The economic depression in Namibia over the past five years has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Like newspapers worldwide, we have been hard hit. We wish it were otherwise, but it has forced to undergo a restructuring process which, painfully, will affect some jobs. We will do everything in our power to support our colleagues.

As an independent voice, has carved out a unique place in Namibia. We aim to continue this: Robust journalism, quality reporting, and providing a platform for people’s voices.

We would not be here today if it were not for the loyal support of our readers and advertisers over the years. We remain committed to serving all Namibians, to an inclusive democracy, to freedom of expression, and to expanding ways to keep you informed.

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