INTERVIEW: Omar van Reenen Reflects on Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize

INTERVIEW: Omar van Reenen Reflects on Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize

In a groundbreaking moment for LGBTQI+ rights in Namibia, Omar van Reenen has been awarded the prestigious Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize. This honor recognizes young leaders worldwide for their dedication to safeguarding democracy and human rights. In an exclusive interview, van Reenen shared his thoughts on receiving this award, its significance for the LGBTQI+ community, and his plans moving forward. Van Reenen expressed his gratitude for being nominated by […]

November 1, 2024 8

Namibia

Human Rights Activist Linda Baumann Advocates for LGBTQIA+ Rights Beyond Labels

In a recent interview, Human Rights Activist Linda Baumann discussed the vital importance of LGBTQIA+ advocacy, urging society to see individuals beyond their sexual orientation. She emphasized that access to information and press freedom are crucial for fostering understanding and support within communities, while also recognizing the interconnected nature of human rights issues that affect various groups. Baumann highlighted the challenges faced by individuals who navigate their personal and professional […]

October 24, 2024 14

Africa

Colonialism and apartheid stripped black South Africans of land and labour rights – the effects are still felt today

By Marthinus van Staden, University of the Witwatersrand Land dispossession among South Africa’s majority black population remains a thorny issue 30 years into democracy. Labour law scholar Marthinus van Staden’s new research examines the historical relationship between land dispossession and labour control in South Africa. It explores how the systematic seizure of indigenous people’s land during colonisation and apartheid reduced them from landowners to labourers, under exploitative […]

September 23, 2024 28

Namibia

Government appeals High Court ruling on sodomy laws

The government has filed an appeal with the Supreme Court challenging a High Court ruling that declared the country's sodomy laws unconstitutional. The decision, delivered on June 21 by Judges Shafimana Ueitele, Claudia Claasen, and Nate Ndauendapo, deemed the laws discriminatory and in violation of constitutional rights. In its appeal, the government argues that the High Court did not adequately consider key factors, including public opinion and the original intentions […]

July 25, 2024 63

Namibia

Namibia’s sodomy laws have been overturned – what that means for LGBTIQ+ rights in the country

Bennian/Getty Images, CC BY By John Nakuta, University of Namibia The Namibian high court recently invalidated the country’s colonial-era “sodomy law”, which had made consensual sexual acts between men a criminal offence. The court declared that the common law offences of “sodomy” and “unnatural sexual offences” were unconstitutional. This ruling follows a separate decision in 2023 where Namibia’s supreme court ruled to recognise certain same-sex unions […]

July 8, 2024 33

Namibia

The role of regulatory investigations in the ICT industry

As Namibia joins the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry starts to have a significant impact on the country’s economy, promoting equality of opportunity, industrial development, economic growth, and poverty eradication. The Namibian government has put laws in place to encourage the growth of ICT due to its importance to economic development. Through the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), the Ministry […]

May 22, 2024 22

Namibia

Old Mutual report shows gender pay gap in Namibia

The Old Mutual Financial Services Monitor 2023 has revealed that we still have a long way to go to foster financial inclusivity. Globally women tend to earn less than their male counterparts and the position is no different in Namibia. Whilst age and income are positively correlated the rate of growth is significantly lower for women. Mignon du Preez, Group Marketing, Public Affairs and Sustainability Executive, Old Mutual Namibia explains […]

March 11, 2024 33

Namibia

LGBTQ+ community reflects on Geingob’s position on same-sex bills

Local human rights activist, Linda Baumann has spoken to Future Media News about the protection and rights of the LGBTQ+ community under President Hage Geingob's leadership. President Geingob had expressed dissatisfaction with anti-same-sex marriage bills presented by Swapo parliamentarian Jerry Ekandjo in 2023, citing a lack of proper consultation within the party. Geingob assigned Minister Albert Kawana to clarify marriage laws in Namibia.

February 5, 2024 18

Local

EU and KAS launch 15 million NAD project focusing on empowering CSOS, women, youth, and marginalized communities

The European Union (EU) and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) are delighted to announce the commencement of the project "Empowering CSOs, Women, Youth, and Marginalized Communities as Equal Partners in Democracy" (ECSO) project. This transformative initiative, co-funded by the EU and KAS, aligns with the joint commitment of the EU and Namibia to enhance the participation of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in governance and development issues. The ECSO project, spanning […]

January 24, 2024 13