Namibia faces growing concerns over the struggles of boy children
via The Namibian2 min read
Former US President Barack Obama's words about boys facing unseen storms and hidden wounds resonate with the current challenges in Namibia. While efforts have focused on empowering girls, who now outperform boys in academics and tertiary institution attendance, boys are increasingly struggling. Kavango West education director Pontianus Musore reported that boys accounted for 785 dropouts in his region compared to 675 girls. Teachers observe boys having difficulties with discipline, concentration, substance abuse, absenteeism, and motivation, making them more prone to risky behavior and dropping out. Many Namibian youths, particularly in informal settlements and rural areas, face unemployment, poverty, alcohol abuse, violence, and hopelessness. Some argue that current gender-based policies, while addressing historical inequities, might unintentionally overlook disadvantaged boys. Prisons are seeing an increase in young men, and incidents reveal mental and emotional struggles, sometimes leading to gender-based violence and suicide. High cultural expectations, such as "real men don't cry," lead boys to suppress emotions, contributing to depression and anger. There is a call for more therapeutic and rehabilitative institutions. Education is highlighted as a crucial tool for transformation, emphasizing that true strength lies in discipline, humility, perseverance, and wisdom, not violence. The article stresses that society, including parents, schools, churches, and communities, mu
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Windhoek, Namibia's capital, is experiencing significant pressure on its housing market due to rapid urbanization, population growth, and a limited housing supply. The shortage is particularly acute in the residential rental market, where demand for affordable and middle-income housing far exceeds availability. This has led to increased competition among tenants and rising rental prices, making housing less affordable for many Namibians. Challenges include limited serviced land, high development costs, and slow expansion of housing. An example is the Otjomuise Extension 10 Mass Housing Development Project, where 362 units remained unoccupied due to delays and disputes, highlighting issues with traditional government-led housing models. A potential solution lies in developing a stronger market for residential-real estate investment trusts R-reits. R-reits pool capital from investors to fund income-generating real estate assets, offering a way to expand housing supply and create investment opportunities. While Reits are established globally, Namibia's market is underdeveloped and primarily focused on commercial properties. Expanding into residential-focused R-reits could mobilize capital from institutional investors, pension funds, and private investors for rental housing development. South Africa's Reit market, one of Africa's largest, demonstrates how a well-regulated framework can support property market development. Namibia currently has only two listed Reits, presenting an
Paratus Namibia is providing satellite internet to the Desert Lion Conservation Trust's DLCT research station at M枚we Bay, located in the Skeleton Coast area, to aid in monitoring Namibia's desert-adapted lions. The DLCT has been tracking these lions in north-western Namibia for two decades, with fewer than 100 believed to remain. These lions traverse extensive areas, including communal farming land, occasionally leading to conflicts with people and livestock. The trust collaborates with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and local partners to mitigate these conflicts and safeguard both the lions and farming communities. The satellite connection at M枚we Bay enables researchers to communicate with field teams, share information, and coordinate conservation efforts. At the base camp, researchers process tracking data from collared lions and maintain contact with lion rangers in areas like Purros and Sesfontein. The tracking system issues alerts when collared lions enter areas where they might encounter livestock, allowing rangers to respond swiftly and prevent conflict. Paratus Group chief development officer Barney Harmse stated that this initiative is about enabling conservation and ensuring the DLCT's work remains vital and effective. DLCT founder Flip Stander emphasized the importance of reliable communication for researchers working in remote areas, stating it allows for coordinated work, effective data management, and support for rangers.
Must ReadThe Namibian government, through the new entity Namibia Air, intends to purchase seven aircraft valued at N$594 million for its planned launch by late 2026. This new airline is set to replace the liquidated Air Namibia, which ceased operations in March 2021. Namibia Air has applied for licenses to operate scheduled and charter flights domestically, across Africa, and internationally. The airline projects a market size of 800,000 round-trip passengers on its domestic and regional routes. To serve this market, the plan includes acquiring four Embraer ERJ 145 jets at an estimated US$3 million each and three Embraer E170 / E175 jets at an estimated US$8 million each. Minister of Works and Transport Veikko Nekundi previously stated that a decision on whether to buy or lease aircraft would be made after an economic analysis. Former Air Namibia employees may be considered for employment at Namibia Air if they possess the necessary skills and experience. Proposed scheduled services include routes connecting Windhoek to domestic hubs like Ondangwa, L眉deritz, and Walvis Bay, as well as regional cities such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Luanda. The airline will implement dynamic pricing and revenue management. Air Namibia was liquidated due to N$714 million owed to the Namibia Airports Company and accumulated losses exceeding N$10 billion over a decade, leading to significant job losses. Efforts to establish a new national carrier since then, including discussions with Fly Etosha and