Interview Transcripts

INTERVIEW: Lüderitz Mayor Balhao Breaks Silence on Crayfish Festival Dispute

May 2, 2025 | Lüderitz, Namibia Lüderitz Mayor Phillipus Balhao has spoken out about the ongoing controversy surrounding the Crayfish Festival, calling for understanding and transparency as the town council continues its due diligence before making final decisions regarding the event. In a recent statement, Mayor Balhao emphasized that the Lüderitz Town Council has no ill intentions but is simply fulfilling its responsibility to ensure accountability and good governance. "It's […]

2 May, 2025

Interview Transcripts

INTERVIEW: NANSO Welcomes Free University Education as Historic Victory for Students

By Leonard Witbeen The announcement of free tertiary education has been met with overwhelming support from students across the country, with the National Students’ Organization of Namibia (NANSO) being one of the most vocal supporters. In a statement following the news, NANSO President Dorthea Nangolo expressed deep satisfaction, highlighting how this moment fulfills a longstanding generational mandate that the organization has worked towards for years. Nangolo emphasized that NANSO has […]

25 April, 2025

Health / Medical

INTERVIEW: Free Health Screenings Offered in Kuisebmond This Saturday 26 April, 2025

By Leonard Witbeen One Health Pharmacy, in collaboration with Dr. Charlie Ithete’s Medical Practice, is hosting a community-focused Health Awareness Day this coming Saturday, 26 April, in Kuisebmond, Walvis Bay. The initiative is a response to the growing need for accessible healthcare in low-income communities and aims to provide free health screenings, medical referrals, and nutritional advice. The event will take place opposite Shop 4, near Shoprite, in the heart […]

25 April, 2025

Interview Transcripts

INTERVIEW: Health Ministry Addresses Viral Video of Nurses at Swakopmund State Hospital

The Ministry of Health and Social Services has addressed concerns following a video circulating on social media, which showed nurses at Swakopmund State Hospital seated while patients waited outside for dental services. The video, taken by a member of the public, sparked widespread discussions about the hospital's handling of patient care. In a statement issued by the Ministry's Public Relations Officer, Walters Kamaya, the ministry confirmed awareness of the video. […]

22 April, 2025

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 […]

17 March, 2025

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 […]

15 March, 2025

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 […]

15 March, 2025

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 […]

10 March, 2025

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 […]

17 February, 2025