Interview Transcripts

INTERVIEW: Justice Activist Rinaani Calls for Increased Accountability from Local and Regional Councilors Accountability Concerns

Justice activist has expressed serious concerns about the lack of accountability among local and regional councilors, despite their crucial role in addressing the needs of the communities they serve. Rinaani Musutua emphasized that councilors, who hold significant power to bring about meaningful change, are often the least held accountable by both the public and the government. Lack of Education and Awareness Rinaani pointed out that a major contributing factor to this issue […]

March 17, 2025 12

Interview Transcripts

Namibia’s aviation safety record should revive discussion on national airline

Namibia's solid safety record enables the discussions to allow for the revival of a national airline. Civil aviation managing director Tosca Sem says the country performed well last year after undergoing an international civil aviation safety audit. Sem made the remarks in her congratulatory message to the country's incoming first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. She noted that Namibia's election of a female president raises the bar, and other countries may […]

March 15, 2025 35

Interview Transcripts

MVA CEO urges next administration to strengthen medical specialisation

By: Selma Taapopi MVA CEO Rosalia Martins-Hausiku says the incoming administration should strengthen the country’s medical specialisation. She said the country’s health sector needs improvement. Martins-Hausiku shared some key areas the incoming president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, should focus on when she takes office. "The public hospitals—I think we need to look into that. We need to look into current skills that we have in terms of doctors, specialists, etc. I think […]

March 15, 2025 34

Business / Economics

Interview: Josef Sheehama on Rent: A Call for Fairness and Stability in Namibia’s Property Market

In a recent statement, Business and Economics researcher Josef Sheehama discussed the potential impacts of a rent strike in Namibia, drawing comparisons to similar actions, such as the "blackout" protests in the U.S. against wealth inequality. Sheehama's analysis raises important concerns about the rising cost of housing in Namibia and stresses the need for fairness and stability in the property market. The Impact of a Rent Strike in Namibia's […]

March 10, 2025 21

Interview Transcripts

Interview: Ben Schernick Urges Government to Implement Universal Basic Income Grant

By: Leonard Witbeen The Director of the Nutrition Alliance of Namibia, Ben Schernick, has called on the government to reconsider its approach to social protection, arguing that targeted grants are inefficient and fragmented. His remarks come in response to Finance Minister Iipumbu Shiimi’s commitment to increasing social protection investments. Schernick highlighted that Namibia’s current social grant system requires significant administrative effort and is prone to corruption. He advocates for a […]

February 17, 2025 51

Interview Transcripts

Interview: LPM’s Lifalaza Simataa Criticizes SEOM Report’s Impact

The Landless People's Movement (LPM) has raised concerns about the effectiveness and impact of observer mission reports, particularly those conducted by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM). According to LPM’s Lifalaza Simataa, such reports often lack enforcement mechanisms and fail to hold electoral bodies accountable for discrepancies in elections. Simataa expressed skepticism regarding the weight these reports carry beyond their written mandates, arguing that governing bodies […]

February 17, 2025 21

Interview Transcripts

Interview: Generational Farmworker Evicted After 41 Years of Service

A 61-year-old generational farmworker, Gerson "Gearbox" Sani Danab, and his family were evicted from Farm Aandrus in the Khomas Region on Friday, February 14, after working on the farm for 41 years. The eviction was carried out by farmer Dani Botha, leaving Danab without a home, despite his long service to the Botha family. Danab, who began working on the farm as a 20-year-old in 1982, initially worked under […]

February 17, 2025 50

Interview Transcripts

Interview: Musutua Slams Shiimi Over Lack of Action on Poverty

Activist Rinaani Musutua has taken a firm stance against Finance Minister Iipumbu Shiimi, condemning what she calls decades of unfulfilled promises regarding poverty eradication and unemployment in Namibia. Musutua argues that the government’s approach to social grants has been ineffective, particularly criticizing targeted programs such as the Conditional Basic Income Grant, which she refers to as a rebranded Harambee cash grant. She insists that such measures fail to make a […]

February 17, 2025 12

Interview Transcripts

Ratepayers’ Struggle: The City of Windhoek’s Selective Billing and Redforce’s Questionable Practices

By Leonard Witbeen Windhoek residents continue to face inconsistent and seemingly unfair treatment regarding municipal bills, with some accounts being swiftly rectified while others suffer at the hands of aggressive debt collectors. A recent case involving a prominent Governor highlights the glaring disparities in how the City of Windhoek (CoW) and Redforce Debt Management handle ratepayers. A Governor’s Bill Magically Reduced A Governor who owns property in Windhoek recently discovered […]

February 13, 2025 16