Namibia's fishing industry transparency remains critical six years after Fishrot scandal
via The Namibian2 min read
Six years after the Fishrot scandal, Namibia's fishing industry still lacks transparency, despite its economic importance. The sector, a major contributor to jobs and export earnings, operates with a level of secrecy that allows for abuse and corruption. There is no public register of fishing rights holders, quota recipients, or ultimate beneficiaries. This lack of transparency is identified as a governance failure, perpetuating the structural weaknesses that enabled Fishrot. Graham Hopwood, the Institute for Public Policy Research's executive director, emphasizes that discretionary powers over quotas remain concentrated, allocation processes are opaque, and 'paper quota holders' profit without investment. To address this, the government must publish full lists of rights holders, quota allocations, and beneficial owners. It also needs to align the sector with global transparency standards like the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, reform the Marine Resources Act to limit unchecked discretion, and commit to open, rules-based allocation systems. Joining initiatives like the Fisheries Transparency Initiative would signal a serious commitment to reform. This is crucial not only for preventing corruption but also for rebuilding trust, attracting investment, and ensuring Namibia's marine resources benefit broad-based development.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged traditional authorities to partner with universities, schools, historians, museums, and research institutions to document and preserve diverse cultural heritages. Speaking at the annual Masubia Cultural Festival in Bukalo, Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized that such collaboration would ensure the preservation of languages, customs, traditions, leadership history, indigenous knowledge, and cultural practices. She highlighted that this undertaking would provide educational resources, deepen understanding of Namibia's heritage, and strengthen national unity. The President also noted the importance of cultural festivals in equipping youth with conflict resolution skills, urging them to learn from elders. Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed concern over succession disputes being handled in civil courts rather than through customary laws, stating that this dilutes cultural norms. She welcomed the recent coronation of Hompa Bartholomeus Aruita Kayoka, chief of the VaGcriku Traditional Authority.
Mentor, life, and business coach Sidney Boois encouraged men to speak up about their mental health challenges during an awareness event at Eros Primary School. Boois stated that speaking is the initial step towards addressing mental health and that good mental health involves learning to respond to problems rather than avoiding them. He also urged men to support each other and recognize when someone close to them is struggling. This call for open dialogue comes as Namibia faces high suicide rates, with 1,474 Namibians dying by suicide last year, according to the Ministry of Health and Social Services and the World Health Organisation. Soccer coach Costa Khaiseb believes open conversations can help break the silence surrounding mental health and encourage individuals to seek support. Hockey player Berthwell Sabisa emphasized that people should not feel they have to face difficult moments alone. The article also included a separate anecdote from single mother Annalize Tjipanga about how a letter from her son altered her parenting approach, making her realize she had placed excessive pressure on him.
Olympic gold medallist Noah Lyles secured his third US 100m title on Friday at the US athletics championships, clocking a world-leading time of 9.79 seconds. Lyles, who was trailing early in the race, surged in the final 30 meters to win convincingly. Veteran Ronnie Baker finished second, and Kenny Bednarek took third, both with a time of 9.88 seconds. Former world champion Christian Coleman placed fourth in 9.93 seconds. Lyles's performance matched his personal best from the 2024 Paris Olympics and surpassed the previous world-leading time of 9.82 seconds set by Oblique Seville in June. In the women's 100m, Sha'Carri Richardson, the 2023 world champion and 2024 Olympic silver medallist, won her third national title with a time of 10.77 seconds. Kayla White was second in 10.90 seconds, and Tamari Davis finished third in 11.00 seconds. Lyles is scheduled to compete in the 200m heats on Saturday. In other events, 17-year-old Cooper Lutkenhaus advanced to the men's 800m final, winning his heat in 1:45.83. Quincy Hall, the 2024 Paris Olympics 400m gold medallist, did not advance from his heats.