THE HONEST IMPACT with Gideon Kapuka

Among the many things I have observed over the last ten years, both in my own life and in the lives of others, there is none that returns to my mind so frequently, and with such persistent clarity, as the quiet failure of many young men to grow up even after they have long since left home. The matter, if it were a private one, would not deserve mention here. But it is repeated with such regularity, and in so many forms, that it becomes difficult to ignore without appearing blind to what stands plainly in front of us. A man, if he is to grow in the true sense, must at some point leave behind the comforts of his parents’ house. That much is understood. He must, as we say, go out into the world. But the act of departure, though useful and sometimes even admirable, carries no guarantee of internal change. I have known young men who moved from home, settled in towns far away, began to speak with the assurance of someone who had arrived at maturity, and yet in the small things, revealed that...

A Glimpse Into the Future Imagine Namibia in 2045. The cities are bigger, the roads smoother, and technology has reached every corner of daily life. But beneath this progress, a quiet crisis is brewing. Hospitals are flooded with cancer patients, young and old fighting for treatment in overstretched wards. Families are burdened. The healthcare system is on its knees. Cancer has become one of Namibia’s biggest health emergencies, and the saddest part is: we saw it coming. The Hubbly Bubbly Craze: More Than Just Smoke Rewind to the 2020s, and you’ll see hubbly bubbly also called hookah or shisha becoming a social staple in lounges, parties, and even homes. To many, it seemed like harmless fun. The sweet flavors, smooth smoke, and stylish look made it more attractive than cigarettes. But very few people realized the danger. Health experts had warned us: one hour of smoking hubbly bubbly could expose users to more toxins than a pack of cigarettes. Carcinogens, carbon monoxide, and heavy me...

In today’s Namibia, forget values or purpose, your worth is now measured in emojis and algorithmic applause. If your post doesn’t rack up fire emojis, did you even slay? And without WiFi? You might as well not exist. Let’s talk about digital identity formation  or more accurately, how our youth have confused likes for love, followers for friends, and TikTok dances for self-expression. It’s a tragic comedy playing out in real-time, one selfie at a time. Likes Are the New Lobola Forget cows. Your bride price today is your Instagram engagement rate. You’re only as valuable as your latest reel’s performance. Namibia’s youth have mastered the international language of clout: filtered faces, fake lifestyles, and flexing things they don’t own. That iPhone 14 Pro in her hand? Sponsored by her cousin’s hustle, but don't worry she’ll still hashtag it #blessed. Enter: The Slayqueen Era 😜🤑 Ah, the slayqueen.... Namibia’s new national export. She’s got 3 outfits, 10 poses, and a permane...

Namibia is embracing the wave of digital transformation in education, spurred by both government-led initiatives and private sector innovations. The integration of technology into the classroom promises to revolutionize how learning is delivered and experienced. For many, digital education holds immense potential to bridge educational gaps, expand access to knowledge, and equip learners with critical 21st-century skills. However, this progress is not without its pitfalls, raising the question: Is digital education in Namibia a blessing or a burden? One of the greatest advantages of digital education is its ability to overcome geographic barriers. In a country where many learners live in remote or rural areas, online platforms and digital resources offer unprecedented access to educational content that was once concentrated in urban centers. Students can attend virtual classes, watch tutorials, and explore a world of information at the click of a button. Furthermore, technology supports...

In recent years, the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) has gained considerable traction across the globe. As Namibia grapples with economic inequality, high unemployment, and widespread poverty, the idea of implementing UBI has re-emerged in public discourse as a potential policy tool for social transformation. But how feasible is UBI in the Namibian context? Understanding Universal Basic Income Universal Basic Income is a government program in which every citizen receives a fixed amount of money regularly, unconditionally, and regardless of employment status or income level. The goal is to ensure a basic standard of living, reduce poverty, and promote economic inclusion. UBI differs from traditional welfare programs in that it is universal (for everyone), unconditional (no means-testing or work requirements), and predictable. Advocates argue that it provides dignity and autonomy to recipients while stimulating economic activity through increased consumer spending. The Namibian C...

In what should be a moment of triumph and relief for newly completed nursing students in Namibia, many are instead facing distress, uncertainty, and financial strain. The Nursing Council of Namibia (NCN) has introduced a new policy that requires student nurses, who have already completed their academic and clinical training, to undergo additional oral and written evaluations before they can graduate. While the intention may be to uphold professional standards, the reality on the ground tells a much more troubling story. A Policy of Double Standards One of the most glaring issues with this new policy is its selective application. Only newly completed student nurses are being subjected to this extra evaluation, while previously qualified nurses continue to practice without undergoing the same process. This creates an unfair and discriminatory standard. If the aim is truly to protect public health, shouldn’t all practicing nurses be held to the same level of scrutiny? The inconsistency is...

The SWAPO Party-led government has never, ever been about serving the Namibian people. I mean, let’s be real here, how on earth could Meekulu President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndeitua come out and boldly declare that she will not deal with the corruption cases from the past? Oh, I get it. Why bother cleaning up the mess when you’re too busy enjoying the fruits of it, right? Meekulu President is essentially telling us, "If you missed out on your golden opportunity to cash in on the corruption of the SWAPO-led government over the last 35 years, well… tough luck! That’s your problem, not ours!" Period. So, just to make sure we’re all on the same page here, forget about all the following (and many more that probably didn’t even make it to the list): FishCor / Fishrot N$4B – because why worry about the fishing industry when you’ve already hooked yourself a N$4 billion payout? GIPF N$600M – who doesn’t love a good pension fund scandal to spice up a career in government? SME Bank N$200M – Sm...

Ah 😂, politics. That beautiful world where the rules of logic are a bit… fluid? Enter Mac Hengari, Namibia’s latest public figure to make headlines, not for policy achievements, but for a legal scandal dripping with controversy: rape, bribery, and a whole lot of questions. Let’s break this down. The accusation? A rape case involving a young woman who, curiously, came forward this year after Hengari’s rise to ministerial power. Is it justice delayed or a calculated move? Skeptics question the timing. Supporters of the alleged victim argue it’s about time. But let’s not sugarcoat the core issue here. We're talking about a 50-year-old man who allegedly had sexual relations with a 15-year-old minor. That’s not just inappropriate it’s a criminal offense, full stop. And while some try to dress it up as “consensual” or “complicated,” the law sees it differently. Mac himself reportedly acknowledged the encounter. Maybe he didn’t know she was that young? Maybe. But ignorance doesn't ab...