More from Namibia
馃嚦馃嚘The Namibian路12 mins ago
Namibia's green energy potential: balancing hope, hype, and greenwashing
Disney Andreas, a Namibian communication professional, discusses the growing excitement in Namibia about its renewable energy potential, particularly in green hydrogen. The country aims to leverage its abundant sunshine and strong coastal winds to become a leader in green energy, promising jobs, economic growth, and energy independence. Projects like Hyphen Hydrogen Energy, HyIron Oshivela Facility, and Daures Green Hydrogen Village are highlighted as examples of this momentum, attracting international investment and technology. However, Andreas cautions against "greenwashing," where optimistic promises overshadow practical challenges. She emphasizes the need for honest conversations about the impact of large projects on land and nature, especially in sensitive areas and regarding water usage in an arid country. Concerns are raised about whether jobs and benefits will genuinely reach Namibians, and the adequacy of public participation, particularly for indigenous groups. Andreas points out red flags such as vague promises without clear timelines, a focus on positive aspects while downplaying trade-offs like water consumption or limited local benefits, and narratives that ignore on-the-ground realities. She cites the ReconAfrica oil exploration in the Kavango regions as a cautionary tale regarding weak public participation and insufficient engagement. Andreas concludes by stressing the importance of learning from past experiences and insisting on genuine free, prior, and infor
6 min read
Must Read馃嚦馃嚘The Namibian路12 mins ago
President Nandi-Ndaitwah to lead Namibian business delegation to China
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced that she will lead a delegation of Namibian business personalities to China in the coming days. The announcement was made this week at Ondangwa. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations and deepen economic cooperation between Namibia and China. President Nandi-Ndaitwah urged the business delegation members to clearly define their objectives for the trip, emphasizing the two-way nature of the cooperation.
2 min read
Must Read馃嚦馃嚘The Namibian路12 mins ago
Namibian mental health crisis deepens amid medication shortages and policy failures
Namibian Catholic bishops recently highlighted a growing mental health crisis, noting that stigma exacerbates the situation and prevents individuals from seeking necessary help. They referenced Pope John Paul II, who stated that depression is an illness requiring understanding and treatment. The Namibian newspaper reported that state hospitals in Oshakati, Engela, and Okahandja lack medication for mental health patients, a situation reportedly mirrored across the country, forcing patients to return home without treatment or purchase medicine privately. Medical doctor Cornelia Ndifon warned that treatment interruptions can reverse progress and worsen a patient's condition, potentially leading to escalated aggression. The article suggests that a lack of access to antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and antidepressants could lead to societal degeneration. To address this, the government is urged to remedy the medicine shortage, and the Ministry of Finance is called upon to reinstate comprehensive mental health pharmaceutical coverage under both Low and High Psemas options. The newly proposed mental health bill of 2025, introduced by health minister Esperance Luvindao, aims to replace the 1973 Mental Health Act, shifting towards a rights-based, patient-centered approach and decentralizing treatment to community and primary health clinics. The state is also encouraged to fund community-level mobile mental health clinics to distribute multi-month medicine supplies to rural and unders