In April this year, I wrote an article bemoaning the speed at which we seem to be lowering standards and embracing mediocrity in public institutions. That article, titled ‘Developmental State, Meritocracy and Minimum Requirements’ had these important lines: “Our country has subordinated meritocracy in preference of irrational and irrelevant considerations. Ordinary Namibians are aware that...
Year: 2024
Editorial – Ethics in the time of AI
The recent barbs exchanged by youth leaders regarding allegations that the ruling party, Swapo, generated parts of its election manifesto using ChatGPT has stirred debate. This commotion comes at the time Namibia celebrated the eighth National Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Summit, centred on digital transformation and artificial intelligence. There, ICT minister Emma Theofelus said...
Swakop bridge to get streetlights
SWAKOPMUND – Erongo Red, Roads Authority (RA) and the Road Fund Administration (RFA) have teamed up to install streetlights at the Swakopmund bridge and key interchanges to enhance visibility along coastal roads. Coastal roads are fog-prone and a major safety risk at times. This initiative aims to improve visibility for motorists and residents, reducing the...
Bigger and better ARAF Slated for next week
SWAKOPMUND – The Amalgamated Rotation Annual Festival is set to return next week, promising to be bigger and better than before. ARAF was established after Omaruru, Karibib and Usakos agreed in 2022 to promote collaboration and resource-sharing by jointly hosting their trade expo named OKULAC (Omaruru, Karibib, Usakos Local Authority Corporation). The inaugural festival was...
Guided democracy or autocracy …how parties choose their MPs
With less than three months to go before election day, different political entities have deployed different strategies to identify those of their members best- suited to drive their agenda in the National Assembly. The stark divide between political parties embracing democratic values and those leaning towards autocratic practices has come into sharp focus. While some...
Opuwo Academy beacon of hope… breathes life into talented footballers
Uakutura Kambaekua OPUWO – Over the years, Opuwo has faced significant under-representation and limited opportunities in football for young people, making the Kunene region’s capital the only town without a football foundation structure out of all seven constituencies. Despite several efforts to improve the situation, football remained dominated by older boys and girls until last...
Baainaars bay for RedForce’s blood
WALVIS BAY – The dust won’t settle around the RedForce saga in Walvis Bay, as residents are now mobilising support for court action against the town council. This turn of events came after a settlement agreement was reached between the Walvis Bay municipality and debt-collectorRedForce, in which the municipality apologised for recent allegations of fraud...
Cabinet approves red line removal study
The Cabinet has approved a phased approach to lifting restrictions imposed by the veterinary cordon fence as announced in its 16th decision-making meeting of 2024 yesterday. The decision, announced by the Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology Modestus Amutse, aims to promote economic development and improve livestock health in affected regions. Cabinet has proposed...
Kauandenge: No U-turn on electoral college, manifesto dates
Amidst deepening cracks of division within the party, the Utjiua Muinjangue-led Nudo leadership appears undeterred, as they have now set the dates for the party’s electoral college and manifesto launch. The dates were officially confirmed by the party’s secretary general Josef Kauandenge, who said they will first hold their national executive committee meeting on 3...
Academics discuss tech advancement in education
Iuze Mukube Leading academics, decision-makers and various stakeholders convened for the University of Namibia’s biannual education conference, which took place for three days at the university’s main campus and concluded yesterday. The conference, held under the theme ‘Fostering Innovative Skills-Based Education in the 21st Century for a Sustainable Future’, focused on transforming, changing and forming...









