THE HONEST IMPACT with Gideon Kapuka

Let's face it: how many times have you walked away from a conversation feeling more drained than when you started? The gossip, the negativity, the complaints, it’s exhausting. And yet, so many of us stay in those conversations because they’re familiar. But what if I told you that you don’t have to settle for that? What if your conversations could be 'so much richer'? Conversations that actually help you grow, motivate you, and push you to do better. This is where networking comes in, and not just any networking, but networking that uplifts. A network where the people around you are all about moving forward together, sharing wisdom, and building each other up. Because, let’s be honest, 'we need more of those conversations'.  The Circle: Where Uplifting Conversations Live A 'circle' isn’t just about hanging out with people who nod their heads and agree with everything you say. A real circle is about engaging with people who challenge you in a good way, encoura...

We've all noticed how the average apple in any grocery store can sit on the shelf for months, even over a year, without showing any signs of mold or fungus. This is because apples are often treated with ethylene oxide (EO), a gas that helps preserve them during transport, usually from thousands of miles away. Ethylene oxide, a colorless, flammable gas, is used to sterilize food by killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi. While effective, EO is also toxic, classified as a carcinogen and mutagen. Its potential to harm human health is a significant concern, leading to bans in certain regions, such as the European Union, where its use has been prohibited since 1991. Global Incidents Highlighting EO Contamination In recent years, global incidents have highlighted the risks associated with EO contamination in food: - Sesame Seed Contamination (2020): Belgium alerted the European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) about sesame seeds from India that contained EO levels exceeding EU ...

By: Gideon Kapuka The case of Rufus Mutunga Kandara, the former CEO of Avid Investment Corporation, remains one of Namibia's most controversial and heart-wrenching chapters in its ongoing battle against corruption. Accused of orchestrating a N$30 million fraud scheme involving the Social Security Commission (SSC), Kandara died in what was officially ruled a suicide. However, lingering suspicions surrounding his death leave many questions unanswered. Kandara’s tragic demise has cast a long shadow over the nation, fueling a relentless quest for justice. As CEO of Avid Investment Corporation, he was accused of concocting a scheme to swindle N$30 million from the SSC with the assistance of politically connected individuals. He allegedly conspired with influential figures to divert public funds into private hands. The case not only drew national attention but also implicated high-ranking government officials, exposing corruption at the highest levels. At the heart of the scandal was an ...

Namibia, with its stunning scenery and vast untapped opportunities, is frequently recognized for its rich natural resources. From the mining industry, which plays a crucial role in the country’s GDP, to the burgeoning sectors of tourism and agriculture, Namibia’s economic growth seems undeniable. However, a closer look at the lived experiences of many Namibians reveals a stark contrast: while GDP figures rise, a significant portion of the population struggles to meet basic needs. So, what’s happening behind the numbers?  Namibia’s economic growth, reflected in rising GDP, often masks the inequality that persists across the country. High profits from industries like mining and tourism have fueled an economy that thrives on exports, primarily benefitting large corporations and foreign investors. However, many Namibians living in rural areas or informal settlements are excluded from these benefits. Despite the country’s resource wealth, poverty and unemployment remain deeply entrenche...

The Namibian Newspaper, once heralded as a beacon of free press and unwavering critique in post-independence Namibia, is now the subject of a storm of controversy. For decades, it has stood at the intersection of journalism and politics, drawing praise for its investigative reporting and commitment to exposing the ills of the government. Yet, recent revelations regarding its origins and editorial stance have cast a long shadow over its storied history, sparking a critical reassessment of the publication’s role in shaping Namibia’s political landscape. A Paper Born in Controversy The recent disclosure that The Namibian was financed by Sam Nujoma, Namibia's first president, via Aaron Mushimba through Lusaka, sheds a new light on the publication’s origins. The connection between Nujoma, a prominent figure in the SWAPO liberation movement, and the founding of The Namibian is now clear. For years, the paper was seen as a pro-SWAPO outlet that championed the struggles of the people under...

Ah, the "soft life." The Instagram dream where every woman is a queen, every man is a billionaire, and everyone’s life is bathed in gold and luxury. Who wouldn’t want to be part of this glamorous circus? I mean, who needs love, integrity, or hard work when you can have designer bags, VIP access to clubs, and 10K in the morning after a good night’s “work,” right? It’s like a fairy tale, only, spoiler alert: it ends in spiritual bankruptcy. Gold Diggers? More Like Spiritual Sacrifices Here’s a fun fact: some of these women aren’t even "gold diggers," per se. They’re just out here living their best “soft life,” chasing designer bags, expensive wigs, and ice-cold Moët. But wait, before you get too excited, let’s talk about the price. You see, the money isn’t free, darling. That 10K? Yeah, it's not just for a breakfast smoothie and a new pair of heels. It's a payment, a sacrifice. No, really. You think you’re getting rich quick? Well, your soul might be the price...

Namibia's Brave Gladiators have been shaken by the omission of their captain, Zenatha Goieman Coleman, from the squad set to face Eswatini in the upcoming 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The 29-year-old forward, widely regarded as one of Namibia's most skilled footballers, took to social media to express her disappointment and hinted at the possibility of retiring from international football. "I think it's time to retire now," Coleman posted on her social media, following the announcement of a 21-player squad by coach Woody Jacobs. The exclusion of the experienced international player has raised questions and sparked heated debates within the local football community. Coleman has been a cornerstone of the Brave Gladiators' success for years, representing Namibia on the global stage and making significant contributions to the team’s performance. Her omission has led many to speculate on the reasons behind it, with some expressing frustration over...

Let’s talk about why men get into relationships, shall we? We all know they typically fall into two categories: SEX and LOVE. It’s that simple, right? But guess what? When it comes to marriage, none of that really matters. What do they really marry for? STABILITY. Hold on, before you get all defensive, let me break it down for you. A man can love you with all his heart, and sure, he might be perfectly happy having sex with you for years —but don’t get too excited, because that doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be walking down the aisle anytime soon. Oh no. You see, once he meets a woman who actually brings some stability into his chaotic, emotionally-disastrous life, guess what happens? He’s proposing. Yep. Bye-bye, long-term girlfriend; hello, the woman who offers him peace of mind. And by stability, I mean peace. A sense of calm . Because men, despite their bravado and overcompensating self-confidence, are looking for one thing when it comes to marriage: Can this woman provide them...

Youth is a powerful, dynamic phase of life. It’s a time when we have the energy, ambition, and drive to achieve greatness. But it’s also a time when distractions can easily knock us off course. Some of these distractions can have a deep and lasting impact on our future. In this post, I’ll share some hard truths and advice that could shape your destiny. Control over your sexual urges is one of the most important things you can master as a young person. Pornography and masturbation may seem harmless, but they can have a devastating effect on your brain and mental clarity. These habits drain your energy and stunt your growth, both mentally and emotionally. When you constantly give in to these urges, you’re wasting your potential. Discipline in this area isn’t just about avoiding temptation; it’s about focusing that energy on your goals and your future success. Your mind and body need to be sharp and clear to achieve greatness, and that starts with control over your desires. Alcohol is ano...

By: Gideon Kapuka This week, the Namibian government allocated over 7 million Namibian dollars to transport the remains of former President Sam Nujoma across the country, to at least seven of Namibia’s fourteen regions. The question that immediately arises is: Is this an expenditure of genuine necessity? Namibia is currently battling a devastating drought, one that is projected to persist until the next harvest season. Against this backdrop of urgent national hardship, the government’s decision to deploy substantial state resources towards a national funeral, while vital issues such as drought relief and infrastructure demands remain unaddressed, is not only alarming but also difficult to defend. While there is no denying that Sam Nujoma, as the country’s founding president, made indelible contributions to Namibia’s historical and political landscape, the current approach to honoring his memory through such extravagant expenditure is deeply contentious. Acknowledging the legacy of a n...

By: Gideon Kapuka  Sam Nujoma, the founding president of the Republic of Namibia, is undeniably a pivotal figure in the country's history. As a central leader in the struggle for independence from South African colonial rule, he is hailed as a hero who brought Namibia to the threshold of freedom. However, a critical examination of his presidency uncovers a more troubling legacy—one that is marked not only by the persistence of deep poverty and inequality but also by widespread corruption that undermined the very principles of the liberation struggle. While Nujoma's role in securing Namibia's independence is not up for debate, the economic and social promises that accompanied that liberation were left largely unfulfilled. The slogan of "it's our time now" is emblematic of a mindset that has plagued many post-independence African leaders, and Nujoma was no exception. Under his leadership, the wealth and resources of the nation became concentrated in the hands of...

Overview Namibia, known for its vast desert landscapes and abundant natural beauty, has recently made headlines with the discovery of new and valuable mineral resources. These findings, ranging from rare earth minerals to lithium, have the potential to transform Namibia’s economy, making it a key player in the global mineral market. However, as these discoveries unfold, there is an urgent call for a review and potential revision of the country’s current legal frameworks—specifically, 'Chapter 19' and 'Chapter 99' of the Namibian Constitution. These chapters govern the exploitation of natural resources, but critics argue that they are outdated and insufficient to address the complexities of modern mineral extraction, environmental concerns, and equitable wealth distribution. The New Mineral Discoveries: A Game Changer In recent years, Namibia has attracted global attention for its mining potential, especially with the discovery of large deposits of lithium, a key element...

 The trauma of being raped or sexually assaulted can be shattering, leaving you feeling scared, ashamed, and alone or plagued by nightmares, flashbacks, and other unpleasant memories. But no matter how bad you feel right now, it’s important to remember that you weren’t to blame for what happened and you can regain your sense of safety and trust. “THEY TOLD ME TO KEEP QUIET, TO KEEP THE PEACE, TO MAKE HIM COMFORTABLE. SO THE TRAUMA DANCED AROUND IN MY HEAD, MIGRATING INTO MY CHEST AND HARDENING MY LIMBS. I CARRIED THE WEIGHT OF.” Here is a story of a Namibian lady who was once a victim of sexual assault and abuse. In the summer of 2022, she was sexually assaulted by someone she considered a friend. Like many other men and women who have been in her shoes, processing what happened to her has been a never ending roller coaster of emotions. She had good days, bad days, and really bad days. Sometimes, she let her bad days get the best of hers. There are times where she started feeling l...

Namibia, with its stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures, might seem like a dream, right? But hold up, there's a dark side lurking beneath all that glitz and glam. Yep, we're diving deep into the shady world of Namibia's modeling industry. Get ready for some serious eye-opening, folks! So, picture this: you've got these modeling agencies flashing the promise of fame and fortune like it's candy on Halloween. But guess what? Behind those flashy lights and runway struts, there's a whole mess of exploitation going down. Young women get sucked into this whirlwind of manipulation and abuse, all in the name of chasing their modeling dreams. Talk about a rude awakening! Ever wondered who pulls the strings in the modeling world? Spoiler alert: it's not the models. Nope, it's these agencies, wielding power like it's going out of style. They dictate who's in and who's out, setting the beauty standards while exploiting models left, right, and center. I...

The Growing Problem of Payola in Namibia In recent years, Namibian entertainment has been thriving, with local artists producing music that resonates with both national and international audiences. However, behind the curtain of this apparent success lies a disturbing practice that undermines the integrity of the industry: payola. Payola, the illegal practice of paying radio and TV presenters to play an artist’s music on air, has become an increasing problem in Namibia, distorting the natural flow of promotion for local talent. The Rise of Payola in Namibia  Payola is not a new phenomenon in the global music industry, but it has found fertile ground in Namibia, where radio and TV stations play a significant role in shaping public opinion and promoting musical careers. The practice involves artists or record labels offering bribes or incentives to media personalities to ensure that their songs are played more frequently than others. This creates an unfair environment where some arti...

Watching a loved one spiral into addiction is one of the most heart-wrenching experiences. It’s not just painful to witness, it’s an emotional rollercoaster that leaves you questioning everything. The truth is, addiction isn’t something that can be fixed by love alone, no matter how deeply you care for them. True addiction can only be overcome when the addict fully confronts and processes their own demons. Until they do, there is nothing you can do to rescue them. This creates a unique form of pain for those of us who love them. You feel powerless. You want to help, but no amount of sympathy, support, or encouragement will make a difference unless they are ready to change themselves. Watching someone you love walk down a path of self-destruction can be confusing and deeply frustrating. You may feel torn between offering them comfort and drawing the hard line of tough love. And, sometimes, tough love feels like betrayal. They can’t understand why you, someone who loves them so much, wou...

Namibia’s healthcare system, like many in developing countries, faces significant challenges. From limited resources and understaffed hospitals to delays in medical attention and medical malpractice, the country’s healthcare sector struggles to meet the needs of its growing population. While Namibia does have a Health Council, the institution's impact has been far less than expected. It is time to revive the Namibia Health Professions Council (NHPC) to strengthen oversight, improve patient care, and safeguard the well-being of citizens across the country. Challenges Facing Namibia’s Healthcare System Namibia’s healthcare system has faced numerous challenges, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Limited access to medical professionals, overcrowded hospitals, and delays in medical treatment have had serious consequences for many patients. For example, a significant number of maternal and child deaths in Namibia can be attributed to delayed access to healthcare. According to t...

In Namibia, Community Policing Forums (CPFs) are pivotal in creating safer communities by fostering collaboration between law enforcement and local residents. The increasing concerns around crime, including robberies, theft, gender-based violence (GBV), and passion killings, highlight the urgent need to support and strengthen these forums. A collective approach, where police work alongside community members, is essential to combat crime effectively and ensure that all Namibians can feel safe in their communities. The Importance of Community Policing in Namibia Namibia faces an alarming rise in crime, including violent acts such as robberies, sexual offenses, and GBV. According to the Namibian Police’s 2020 Crime Report, property crimes, including theft and robberies, accounted for nearly 25% of reported offenses, while violent crimes, particularly those related to domestic violence and sexual assault, also showed a disturbing upward trend. In 2020, there were over 2,000 reported cases ...