… If we prematurely burden them, we risk condemning them to regression instead of empowerment. – Hidipo Hamata is a former parliamentarian. …
The Complexities of Allowing Children To Vote at 16Namibia Minute.
Monday, 11 May 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 11 May 2026
Windhoek—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Person
Hidipo Hamata
Also known as: Hamata
In coverage
Verbatim sentences from the source article.
- October 2025
- August 2025
… The future is ours – but only if we claim it. – Hidipo Hamata
Youth Must Take Charge of Local and Regional Management- July 2025
… Hidipo Hamata is a former member of parliament, writing from Omafo, Helao Nafidi Town. …
Namibia Must Stop Planning Development and Start Delivering- April 2023
… Popular Democratic Movement member of parliament Hidipo Hamata will ask minister of mines and energy Tom Alweendo this about Matthews’ involvement in the N$1-billion tender. …
Namcor offers Matthews N$230 000 a month, but ex-banker hints at N$350 000
Politics
Namibians reflect on 36 years of independence, hard-won freedoms
The News
As Namibia marks 36 years of independence, citizens including academics and community voices are urging the country not to take its hard-won freedom and democratic stability for granted, while highlighting ongoing challenges such as youth unemployment, healthcare gaps, and water scarcity in rural areas that require urgent government attention.
20 March 2026 · New Era →
Friday 20 March
Namibians reflect on 36 years of independence, hard-won freedoms
As Namibia marks 36 years of independence, citizens including academics and community voices are urging the country not to take its hard-won freedom and democratic stability for granted, while highlighting ongoing challenges such as youth unemployment, healthcare gaps, and water scarcity in rural areas that require urgent government attention.
20 March 2026 · New Era →
Friday 6 March
Namibia must address unresolved land question through national dialogue
An op-ed argues that Namibia's post-independence policy of national reconciliation, while avoiding violence, was never meant to end conversation about justice and land dispossession. The author contends that unresolved historical grievances—exemplified by a 4 March parliamentary incident—risk weakening democracy unless confronted honestly, citing scholarship on how democracies decline when internal tensions remain unaddressed.
6 March 2026 · New Era →
Friday 13 February
Health insurers failing Namibians through unfair claim denials
According to an opinion piece, Namibian health insurance policies fail policyholders when claims are rejected on technical grounds that were never clearly disclosed, disproportionately affecting women's medical procedures and leaving families in financial hardship. The author calls for Parliament and regulators to strengthen consumer protections, require plain-language policy explanations, and establish binding dispute mechanisms that align with constitutional values of fairness and dignity.
13 February 2026 · New Era →
Saturday 7 February
Law students could ease Namibia's pre-trial detention crisis
Namibia's justice system faces a constitutional crisis with pre-trial detentions at 185 per 100,000 citizens—far above Africa's 33.7 average—and nearly 43% of Windhoek detentions deemed unnecessary. An opinion piece proposes deploying supervised law students and recent graduates to assist with bail applications and early court matters, drawing on existing legal-aid provisions and clinical legal education models from South Africa and elsewhere.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Friday 30 January
Opinion: National focus needed on marriage and family stability
A former MP and bishop argue that rising divorce rates in Namibia—including 111 cases listed on one court day—demand national reflection and stronger support systems. They call for marriage preparation as a cultural norm, investment in counselling and family education, and renewed emphasis on understanding marriage as a life-long commitment rooted in emotional maturity and mutual respect.
30 January 2026 · New Era →
Friday 23 January
Grade 11 exit policy lacks clarity, leaves learners stranded
An opinion piece argues that Namibia's Grade 11 exit policy, while well-intentioned, has created uncertainty because multiple educational pathways are not adequately aligned—universities, funding, and vocational institutions lack coordination, leaving learners with certificates but no clear destinations. The author calls for urgent action including a 90-day government initiative, a national education alignment summit, transitional protections for affected learners, and clear public communication on available pathways.
23 January 2026 · New Era →
Friday 16 January
Opinion: Double-shift schooling proposed to cut class sizes
An opinion piece argues that Namibia should introduce a double-shift school system (07:00–13:00 and 13:30–19:00) with class sizes capped at 35 learners to address overcrowding, maximise existing infrastructure, create employment for graduate teachers, and fulfil constitutional education rights. The author contends this reform is rational, economically sound, and internationally practised, and would particularly benefit disadvantaged students while reducing off-school risks for youth.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
Sunday 11 January
Free tertiary education must include dropout returnees
An opinion piece argues that while Namibia's new free tertiary education policy is welcome, it should extend to students who dropped out due to financial hardship and those seeking postgraduate qualifications, noting that 42% of youth aged 15–24 are not in employment, education, or training.
11 January 2026 · The Namibian →