Interview TranscriptsInterview: 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 […] today17 February, 2025
insert_link Interview TranscriptsInterview: 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 […] today17 February, 2025
insert_link Interview TranscriptsInterview: 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 […] today17 February, 2025
insert_link Interview TranscriptsInterview: 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 […] today17 February, 2025
insert_link Interview TranscriptsRatepayers’ 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 […] today13 February, 2025
Interview TranscriptsLydia Amutenya Responds to Redforce Allegations Windhoek, February 13, 2025 City of Windhoek spokesperson Lydia Amutenya has dismissed allegations of irregularities in the municipality’s dealings with Redforce Debt Management, stating that no evidence has been provided to substantiate the claims. Speaking in response to recent concerns raised by residents and activists, Amutenya emphasized that account holders who require clarification regarding their municipal bills should contact the City of Windhoek’s customer service center at 061-290-3377 or email […] today13 February, 2025
