The Missing Safety Net: Why Namibia Desperately Needs Debt Counselling Legislation

In the bustling streets of Windhoek and across rural Namibia, thousands of consumers are drowning in debt with nowhere to turn for professional help. While our southern neighbour South Africa has comprehensive debt counselling frameworks that have helped millions of over-indebted consumers, Namibia remains stuck in a regulatory time warp, relying on colonial-era legislation that offers little protection to vulnerable borrowers.

The Stark Reality: A Legislative Vacuum

Since independence in 1990, Namibia has made remarkable strides in many areas, yet consumer debt protection remains anchored in the past. Our primary consumer credit laws—the Usury Act of 1968 and the Credit Agreements Act of 1980—were inherited from South Africa's apartheid-era legislation. These outdated laws contain virtually no provisions for debt counselling, leaving Namibian consumers without the professional debt relief mechanisms that have become standard practice globally.

This legislative vacuum is particularly troubling given Namibia's economic challenges. With unemployment rates persistently high and cost of living pressures mounting, many Namibians find themselves trapped in cycles of over-indebtedness. Without regulated debt counselling services, these consumers have few options beyond informal arrangements with creditors or, in worst cases, asset repossession and legal action.

What Debt Counselling Could Offer Namibians

Debt counselling, when properly regulated, provides a lifeline for over-indebted consumers. The process typically involves:

Professional Assessment: Trained debt counsellors evaluate a consumer's financial situation, distinguishing between temporary cash flow problems and genuine over-indebtedness that requires intervention.

Negotiated Relief: Counsellors work with creditors to restructure payment terms, reduce interest rates, or consolidate debts into manageable monthly payments that align with the consumer's actual income.

Legal Protection: During the counselling process, consumers receive protection from legal action by creditors, preventing hasty repossessions and giving families breathing room to stabilize their finances.

Financial Education: Beyond immediate relief, debt counselling includes financial literacy training to help consumers avoid future debt traps.

Learning from South Africa's Success

South Africa's National Credit Act, implemented in 2007, demonstrates what comprehensive debt counselling legislation can achieve. The Act established:

• Professional Standards: Debt counsellors must be registered with the National Credit Regulator and meet specific qualification requirements
• Fee Regulation: Counselling fees are strictly regulated to prevent exploitation of vulnerable consumers
• Legal Framework: Clear procedures for debt review applications and creditor negotiations
• Consumer Protection: Strong safeguards against predatory lending and abusive debt collection practices

The results speak for themselves. Since 2007, hundreds of thousands of South African consumers have successfully navigated debt review processes, with many emerging debt-free and financially rehabilitated.

The Cost of Inaction

Namibia's failure to modernise debt counselling legislation carries significant economic and social costs:

Individual Impact: Families lose homes and assets that could have been saved through proper debt restructuring. The absence of professional debt counselling often leads to informal "loan sharks" filling the void, creating even more exploitative lending relationships.

Economic Efficiency: Without proper debt resolution mechanisms, the economy suffers from reduced consumer spending power and higher rates of bad debt that ultimately increase borrowing costs for everyone.

Social Stability: Over-indebtedness contributes to family breakdown, mental health challenges, and social unrest—problems that effective debt counselling can help mitigate.

A Glimmer of Hope: The Consumer Credit Bill

The Namibian Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (NAMFISA) has been developing a comprehensive Consumer Credit Bill that promises to revolutionize consumer protection in Namibia. This bill represents the most significant reform of consumer credit legislation since independence and may finally introduce proper debt counselling frameworks.

The proposed legislation aims to repeal the outdated Usury Act and Credit Agreements Act, replacing them with modern consumer protection mechanisms. While the full details of debt counselling provisions remain to be seen, the bill's emphasis on "fair and transparent rules within the consumer credit market" suggests that debt counselling could finally receive the attention it deserves.

What Namibians Deserve

As the Consumer Credit Bill moves through the legislative process, policymakers must ensure that debt counselling receives comprehensive treatment. Namibian consumers deserve:

Professional Standards: A regulated profession with proper training requirements and ethical guidelines Accessible Services: Affordable debt counselling available in both urban and rural areas Legal Protection: Clear procedures that protect consumers from creditor harassment during debt review Cultural Sensitivity: Services that understand Namibia's unique economic and cultural context

The Path Forward

The introduction of proper debt counselling legislation won't solve Namibia's economic challenges overnight, but it would provide crucial consumer protection infrastructure for the future. As we await the Consumer Credit Bill's passage, civil society organizations, consumer advocacy groups, and financial institutions should collaborate to raise awareness about the importance of debt counselling.

Financial literacy programs should be expanded to help consumers understand their rights and options. Legal aid organizations should prepare to support consumers navigating new debt counselling procedures. And the banking sector should view debt counselling not as a threat to profitability, but as a tool for creating sustainable lending relationships.

Conclusion: No More Waiting

For too long, Namibian consumers have been left to face debt crises alone, armed only with colonial-era laws that offer little protection in today's complex financial landscape. The time for half-measures and delays has passed.

As our legislators consider the Consumer Credit Bill, they hold the power to transform the lives of countless Namibian families. Comprehensive debt counselling legislation isn't just about financial regulation—it's about human dignity, economic justice, and building a more equitable society where temporary financial setbacks don't become permanent life sentences.

The question isn't whether Namibia can afford to implement proper debt counselling legislation. The question is whether we can afford not to.

The author advocates for comprehensive consumer protection reforms and writes on financial inclusion issues in Southern Africa.

How Namibia’s Laws Have Changed to Protect You from Bad Credit Deals (1990–2025)

Why Should You Care?

If you’ve ever taken a loan, bought a car on instalment, or borrowed money from a micro-lender, you’ve been affected by consumer credit laws. These laws are designed to make sure lenders don’t rip you off—and Namibia’s have come a long way since independence.

Here’s a breakdown of how consumer credit protection in Namibia has evolved, what it means for you, and what’s coming next.

The Old Rules We Inherited

Before Independence (Pre-1990):

Namibia used laws from South Africa. Back then, we were under South African rule, and they applied their laws in South West Africa (what Namibia was called before independence).

Two main laws controlled consumer credit (i.e., loans and borrowing):

1. Usury Act of 1968

   • What it did: Set limits on how much interest lenders could charge.

   • Why it mattered: It stopped lenders from charging ridiculously high rates.

   • Still used after independence? Yes.

2. Credit Agreements Act of 1980

   • What it did: Controlled how credit agreements (like buying things on hire purchase) should work.

   • Still used after independence? Yes, for decades.

These laws were never really designed for Namibia’s unique financial situation, but we used them anyway for more than 30 years after 1990.

Namibia Starts Making Its Own Laws

2018 – The Microlending Act

• Why it’s important: This was Namibia’s first homegrown law for small loans, especially those given by microlenders (think cash loans and short-term lending).

• What it aimed to fix: Some micro-lenders were operating without clear rules, and people were getting stuck in cycles of debt.

  
  

Who’s Watching the Lenders?

NAMFISA – Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority

• What they do: They’re like the watchdog of the financial sector.

• Why they matter: They make sure banks, insurers, microlenders, and now even debt collectors follow the rules.

• Main goal: Protect you, the consumer.

Big Changes Happening Now (2020–2025)

2020 – Consumer Credit Policy

• What’s that? A policy that identifies problems in the old laws and sets the direction for new ones.

• What it looks at: How to fill the gaps, regulate lenders better, and protect borrowers.

2023–2025 – Drafting the New Consumer Credit Bill

This is the most important change coming soon. It’s still being finalized after public consultations.

The new Consumer Credit Bill plans to:

• Replace the old laws (Usury Act 1968, Credit Agreements Act 1980, Microlending Act 2018).

• Regulate debt collectors for the first time in Namibia.

• Create fair rules so borrowers understand the real cost of loans.

• Introduce debt counselling to help people who are overwhelmed by debt.

What Is “Debt Counselling”?

It’s when trained professionals help you manage your debt. They can:

• Negotiate better repayment terms with lenders

• Help you avoid losing your assets

• Offer financial advice

Timeline of Namibia’s Credit Law Journey

Year	Key Event
1990	Independence – inherited credit laws from South Africa
2018	Microlending Act introduced to control small loan lenders
2020	Government starts writing a full Consumer Credit Policy
2023–2025	Drafting and consultation for the Consumer Credit Bill

What Does This All Mean for You?

If you’re a young adult in Namibia trying to borrow money, buy a car, or use credit in any way, the new laws aim to:

• Protect you from predatory lenders

• Ensure you understand your credit terms

• Give you support if you’re drowning in debt

The Consumer Credit Bill, once passed, will be a major step toward a fairer financial system in Namibia. It’s about time we moved on from laws made for another country over 50 years ago.

Let’s Talk:

Have you ever had a bad experience with a lender or been confused by loan terms? Share your story in the comments, or message me—we’re all learning how to navigate Namibia’s financial system better.

Namibian Telephone Numbering Plan - Updated 2025

 Consumer Rights and Number Portability

Your telephone number belongs to you. This is a basic accepted principle by any consumer. After all, who would dial your number unless they wanted to speak to you?

It should therefore mean that you can keep your number even if you change your provider from one network to another or even from a mobile company to your home telephone. The idea that your number belongs to you is called number portability and the method of implementing this is through a National Telephone Numbering Plan.

As a consumer, you have an attachment to your number. After all, you give it out on your CV, to your friends and family and to creditors. If you change your telephone service provider, you will have to face the inconvenience of learning the new number, changing your documents and making sure everyone knows your new number. This inconvenience has a financial cost and could be important in forcing you to stay with your service provider, even if you are unhappy with the service, or can get a better deal from another provider.

Being able to change your provider without changing your number gives you, as the consumer, the power and the right to choose the telephone service provider that makes you happy with its price, service and products.

Global Context and Standards

Since 2002, most countries around the world have opened their telecommunications markets to competition (that include a national numbering plan), which has accelerated the deployment of telecommunications services more quickly and cost-effectively than past monopolies have achieved. For example, the European Union (EU) Universal Service and Users' Rights Directive (2002/22/EC), Article 30 effective since July 2003 imposes on all EU member states the following obligations:

"Member states shall ensure that all subscribers of publicly available telephone services, including mobile services, who so request can retain their number(s) independently of the undertaking providing the service:

• In the case of geographic numbers, at a specific location; and
• In the case of non-geographic numbers, at any location."

CRAN's Mandate and Current Status

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) is mandated to establish a numbering plan and to require mobile number portability. Update 2025: Despite the original 2013 deadline, mobile number portability has not yet been fully implemented in Namibia.

Current Status: Number portability implementation has been stalled due to technical alignment issues between operators, with CRAN stating that "Number Portability will not be enforceable and the amended regulations cannot be promulgated until all operators are aligned in terms of the technical requirements."

However, CRAN has indicated that it is still determined to liberalize telephone numbers through Mobile Number Portability service and steer telecom carriers to focus on service delivery.

Regulatory Framework

CRAN must establish a numbering policy that provides a legal, legislative, and regulatory basis for competition. The regulator must decide on numbering and dialing schemes, services, technologies, and billing and tariff methods that support its chosen numbering policy. It must also establish a fair, neutral office for numbering administration.

Legal Basis: Section 81(3) of the Communications Act requires that the Numbering Plan must provide for mobile number portability by all technology and service neutral licensees, with Section 81(4) authorizing CRAN to impose additional requirements in the Numbering Plan relating to number portability.

Current Numbering Structure

Update 2025: Namibia's current telephone numbering structure includes:

• Country Code: +264
• Landline numbers: Follow the format 061 XXXXXX (for Windhoek area)
• Mobile numbers: Typically start with 081 XXXXXXX format
• Toll-free numbers: Use 080 XXXXXXX format

Industry Resistance and Challenges

From discussions with CRAN and industry representatives, it remains evident that certain telephone providers would prefer not to have a numbering plan fully implemented. The argument being put forward is that the plan has not worked well in some countries because of the costs involved, the implementing agency not being technically capable, etc.

It is understandable that CRAN should look at the costs or other issues involved for the providers as they will put these costs on to us as the end user. However, the power granted to the consumer to change providers will force cheaper prices and better service which is the ultimate reason for the establishment of regulatory authorities that need to "take into account consumer needs."

Market Context 2025

Update 2025: As of January 2024, mobile connections in Namibia equaled 110.8% of the population, representing a decrease of 18,000 connections from the start of 2023. This high penetration rate makes number portability even more critical for consumer choice and market competition.

The telecommunications market has evolved significantly since 2012, with mobile services becoming even more dominant and consumers increasingly dependent on their mobile numbers for business, banking, and personal communications.

The Path Forward

Regulatory Developments: The regulator suspended the issuing of new telecoms and broadcasting licenses between October 2022 and September 2023 and intends to review the current frequency band plan. This suggests ongoing efforts to restructure and improve the telecommunications regulatory framework.

As consumers, we often do not have the regulations or protection we need because we lack an adequately funded organization that will look after our needs and address issues such as the national numbering plan to ensure that government and its regulatory authorities such as CRAN take into account consumer needs.

The Need for Consumer Advocacy: The delay in implementing number portability over a decade past the original 2013 deadline highlights the ongoing need for stronger consumer advocacy and pressure on regulatory authorities to prioritize consumer rights over industry resistance.

This needs to change. Consumers deserve the right to keep their numbers when switching providers, and this basic consumer protection should not be indefinitely delayed due to technical or commercial disputes between operators.

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Originally published: November 12, 2012
Updated: June 29, 2025

Navigating the Debt Maze: How Namibia's Consumer Law Can Offer a Lifeline

The 'In Duplum' Rule and the Fight Against Endless Debt

In an increasingly complex financial world, many individuals find themselves caught in a relentless cycle of debt, often exacerbated by mounting interest charges. For consumers in Namibia, understanding their rights and the legal frameworks designed to protect them is paramount. This blog post delves into a crucial legal principle, the 'in duplum' rule, and explores how robust consumer law can serve as a vital safeguard against predatory lending practices and the spiral of perpetual indebtedness.

Understanding the In Duplum Rule: A Shield Against Excessive Interest

The term "in duplum" is a Latin phrase meaning "in double," and its origins can be traced back to Roman Dutch law. At its core, the in duplum rule dictates that interest on a debt ceases to accrue once the total amount of unpaid interest equals the outstanding capital amount. This principle serves as a critical mechanism to prevent interest from accumulating indefinitely, thereby protecting debtors from an insurmountable burden of debt.

Historically, it has been considered both illegal and immoral to charge interest that exceeds the original principal amount owed. However, as the initial basis highlighted, this common law rule often faced uncertainty in its application, particularly in court proceedings. Creditors, including banks, lawyers, and debt collectors, sometimes exploited this ambiguity, leading to situations where additional charges like legal fees, tracing fees, and administrative costs could inflate the debt far beyond the original amount, effectively circumventing the spirit of the in duplum rule.

In South Africa, the in duplum rule has been codified into statute, providing clearer guidelines and stronger protection for consumers against exorbitant interest rates. This statutory enactment has brought much-needed clarity and certainty to its application, ensuring that consumers are better shielded from predatory practices.

The In Duplum Rule in Namibia: A Call for Codification

While the in duplum rule has its roots in common law and is recognized in Namibia, its application has historically been subject to the same uncertainties faced in other common law jurisdictions. The lack of a clear statutory framework in Namibia, similar to that in South Africa, means that the interpretation and enforcement of this crucial principle can vary. This ambiguity leaves consumers vulnerable to situations where their debt can still escalate significantly due to various charges that fall outside the strict definition of 'interest' but effectively double or even triple the original capital owed.

The need for legal clarity and explicit statutory protection for consumers in Namibia is evident. Without it, the principle of in duplum, while morally and legally sound in theory, may not provide the comprehensive safeguard that indebted individuals desperately need. The original article emphasised that the Consumer Law in Namibia *can* do a lot, but the reality is that without codification, its effectiveness in preventing the 'endless circle of debt and poverty' remains limited. 

Namibian Consumer Protection: Historical Context and Current Frameworks

Before Namibia's independence in 1990, the legal landscape, including consumer protection, was largely governed by South African laws. Key legislation that applied during this period included the "Credit Agreements Act (75 of 1980)" and the "Usury Act", which provided some level of protection against exploitative lending practices and excessive interest rates. These acts, inherited from the pre-independence era, formed the foundational elements of consumer protection in the territory.

Post-independence, Namibia has developed its own set of laws and regulations aimed at ensuring fair and transparent business practices. While there isn't a single, comprehensive consumer protection act that consolidates all aspects, the current framework is a mosaic of various pieces of legislation. It's important to note that the Consumer Protection Act (No. 68 of 2003), often referenced in discussions about consumer rights in the region, is a South African law and not directly applicable in Namibia.

Instead, Namibia's consumer protection landscape includes:

• Competition Act (2003): This Act promotes and maintains competition by regulating anti-competitive practices, ensuring consumers benefit from diverse goods and services at competitive prices.
• Sale of Goods Act (1990): This legislation governs the sale of goods and services, outlining consumer rights regarding product quality, delivery, and payment terms. 
• Consumer Protection Regulations (2011): These regulations complement existing consumer protection efforts, offering detailed rules on consumer dispute resolution, labeling, and product safety standards.
• Consumer Protection Policy(2020): Namibia is in the process of developing a comprehensive Consumer Protection Act to safeguard consumer rights and promote fair business practices

Consumers in Namibia are afforded several fundamental rights, including the right to accurate information, safety, redress, fair treatment, choice, and privacy. Businesses are mandated to provide clear and truthful information, ensure product quality and safety, honor warranties, and maintain transparent pricing. Existing consumer protection efforts also extend to e-commerce transactions, including provisions for cooling-off periods and data privacy. 

Despite these existing frameworks, a significant gap remains: the absence of a single, comprehensive consumer protection law that consolidates and clarifies all aspects of consumer rights and protections. As noted in various discussions, Namibia currently relies on a principles-based approach, which, while allowing for flexibility, can lead to fragmentation and uncertainty in application. This fragmented approach means that while certain aspects of consumer protection are covered, the overarching legal clarity and unified enforcement mechanism that a codified in duplum rule would bring is still lacking. 

The Imperative for Stronger Consumer Protection: Codifying In Duplum

The original article, published in 2012, presciently highlighted the urgent need for legal protection for consumers in Namibia, stating that "the Consumer law is a necessity not a nicety!" This sentiment remains profoundly relevant today. While Namibia has various laws aimed at safeguarding consumer interests, the absence of a statutory in duplum rule leaves a critical vulnerability in the fight against excessive debt. 

The experience of South Africa, where the in duplum rule has been codified, serves as a compelling example of how statutory clarity can empower consumers and curb predatory practices. Such codification provides a definitive legal basis, reducing ambiguity and ensuring consistent application by courts and creditors alike. It would prevent the "inflation" of debt through various charges that currently circumvent the common law rule, offering a true shield against the endless accumulation of interest and other fees. 

Stronger consumer protection, particularly through the codification of the in duplum rule, would:

• Provide Legal Certainty: Eliminate the ambiguities of the common law rule, offering clear guidelines for both debtors and creditors.
• Protect Vulnerable Consumers: Safeguard individuals from falling deeper into debt due to unchecked interest accumulation and ancillary charges.
• Promote Fair Lending Practices: Encourage responsible lending by limiting the potential for creditors to profit excessively from a debtor's inability to pay.
• Reduce Litigation: With clearer rules, there would be less room for disputes, potentially leading to fewer court cases related to excessive interest.

Ultimately, codifying the in duplum rule is not merely a technical legal adjustment; it is a fundamental step towards fostering a more equitable financial environment in Namibia. It would transform a common law principle with uncertain application into a robust statutory right, truly empowering consumers and fulfilling the promise of comprehensive consumer protection. 

Conclusion: A Necessity, Not a Nicety

The journey to financial stability for many Namibians is fraught with challenges, not least of which is the burden of debt. The in duplum rule, with its historical roots and protective intent, offers a powerful concept to mitigate the relentless accumulation of interest. However, for this principle to truly serve as a bulwark against the "endless circle of debt and poverty," it must be enshrined in clear, unambiguous legislation.

Namibia has made strides in consumer protection, but the time has come to solidify these protections with a statutory in duplum rule. This is not a mere nicety for legal purists; it is a fundamental necessity for the economic well-being and dignity of its citizens. By adopting a codified in duplum rule, Namibia can ensure that its consumer law truly empowers individuals, prevents exploitation, and fosters a financial landscape where debt does not become a life sentence.

It is imperative for policymakers, legal professionals, and consumer advocates to champion this cause, working collaboratively to enact legislation that provides the clarity and protection Namibian consumers deserve. Only then can the promise of a fair and just financial system be fully realised.

Creating an Information Bank for Namibian Consumers: A Vision from 1993 to Today

Since Namibia gained Independence in 1990, one of my personal missions has been to contribute to nation-building through data. As a student of computer science and statistics, I began developing a central register of information in 1993—what I now refer to as an Information Bank for Namibian consumers.

The idea was simple: make use of public data sources—such as electoral rolls, land registers, and other publicly available records—to build a comprehensive register that could assist in economic modelling and decision-making. Over time, this effort has grown into a personal data register with over 3 million records, representing more than half the country’s population.

Collaboration with Global Partners

In 1999, I began collaborating with Creditreform Düsseldorf Frormann KG in Germany. Together, we crafted a proposal for an integrated central register of both personal and business data. The goal was to support both government and the financial sector in delivering better, more targeted services.

Our primary focus during that time was on compiling a business register, which now includes more than 11,000 Namibian businesses. We’ve engaged with several government officials over the years to showcase the benefits of such a system—ranging from improved service delivery to better economic forecasting. However, despite ongoing conversations, implementation has been hampered by a limited understanding of the technology and its potential.

Personal Data as a National Asset

More recently, the World Economic Forum (WEF) has introduced a compelling concept: personal data as a new asset class. In their 2011 report “Rethinking Personal Data: Strengthening Trust”, the WEF outlines four major action points to develop a trusted global personal data ecosystem:

1. Engage in Dialogue

   A robust, structured conversation is needed—one that includes individuals not just as data subjects but also as creators. The focus should be on transparency, accountability, and securing trust.

2. Agree on Shared Principles

   With the slogan “think globally, act locally”, the WEF encourages the development of guiding principles that can adapt to different regulatory and cultural contexts.

3. Create New Governance Models

   Effective data ecosystems require participation from all sectors—government, private institutions, and civil society—to co-create enforcement mechanisms and frameworks for trust.

4. Establish Living Labs

   These are safe, scalable environments to test policies, technologies, and business models in real-time. They allow countries to learn and adapt quickly in a data-driven world.

A Call to Collaborate: Making Namibia a Living Lab

Namibia is uniquely positioned to become a “living lab” for personal data. We are a small but connected society, and the groundwork of data collection has already been laid. What is needed now is a collaborative effort to bring together researchers, developers, civil society, and government to build something transformative.

I invite any research institution, NGO, or data-focused initiative to partner with me in testing new models of data governance, accountability, and service delivery—right here in Namibia. The Information Bank I have developed is not only a digital archive; it is a foundation for the future.

As we rethink how we manage and use personal and business data, Namibia has a chance to lead—not by having the biggest system, but by creating the smartest and most trusted one.

Can Entrepreneurship Be Taught? Rethinking How We Nurture Innovators

For decades, entrepreneurship has been viewed through a romantic lens—one that celebrates lone geniuses, risk-takers, and rule-breakers who build empires out of thin air. This perception has given rise to a myth: that entrepreneurship is a rare, inborn talent that can’t be taught. But as the global economy shifts and innovation becomes a necessity rather than a luxury, we must challenge this idea.

It Starts with a Definition

To answer the question of whether entrepreneurship can be taught, we must first redefine what it means to be an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurship is not simply about starting a business or owning a company. According to management thinker Peter Drucker, entrepreneurship is “not magic, not mysterious, and it has nothing to do with genes. It is a discipline—and like any discipline, it can be learned.”

Entrepreneurship is about identifying opportunities, applying creative solutions, and building value—whether in the private, public, or social sectors. This mindset can be taught, nurtured, and embedded in individuals from a young age.

Education as a Catalyst

Around the world, forward-thinking education systems are integrating entrepreneurship into mainstream learning—not as a standalone subject, but as a way of thinking.

Best practice example: Finland

In Finland, entrepreneurship education starts early. Schools encourage project-based learning, teamwork, problem-solving, and student-led initiatives. Entrepreneurship is embedded across subjects, helping students develop a sense of initiative and responsibility.

What we can do locally:

• Teachers should develop cross-disciplinary approaches that promote critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.

• Curriculum designers must focus on instilling entrepreneurial attitudes—curiosity, resilience, adaptability—not just business skills.

• Entrepreneurship should be embedded in school life: through competitions, idea fairs, student-run enterprises, and exposure to role models.

These methods help students see entrepreneurship not as a career path for a chosen few, but as a mindset for navigating life.

Families and Communities Have a Role Too

Parents and communities can spark curiosity and innovation by encouraging children to explore, create, and experiment. Whether it’s starting a garden project, a small side hustle, or managing a household budget, every activity that encourages responsibility and innovation lays the foundation for future entrepreneurial thinking.

The Role of Government: Enabling, Not Controlling

Government policy can make or break a country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Best practice example: Singapore

Singapore has developed one of the most entrepreneur-friendly environments in the world by combining robust education reforms with strong public-private partnerships. Government incentives include start-up grants, innovation hubs, simplified business registration, and bankruptcy laws that encourage risk-taking without lifelong penalties.

What we can do locally:

• Reform bankruptcy laws to remove the stigma of failure.

• Provide tax breaks and incentives for start-ups and early-stage investors.

• Celebrate entrepreneurs as national assets—not just when they succeed, but for taking the initiative in the first place.

Unlocking the 15%

Globally, it’s believed that around 20% of any given population has entrepreneurial potential. Yet in many developing countries, including Namibia and South Africa, the actual entrepreneurship rate hovers far lower—around 5%. That means we’re missing out on a huge pool of potential.

This deficit isn’t due to a lack of talent. It stems from a lack of exposure, support, and belief. Our job—whether as educators, policymakers, or community members—is not necessarily to “teach entrepreneurship” to everyone, but to create the conditions where it can emerge. We must help individuals recognise their potential and give them the tools to act on it.

Not Everyone Needs to Be an Entrepreneur—But Everyone Needs Entrepreneurial Skills

Title: Labour Hire in Namibia – A Necessary Evil or Just Exploitation?

In recent years, the debate over labour hire in Namibia has intensified. Some see it as a tool for job creation and business flexibility. Others, especially workers themselves, experience it as a form of modern-day exploitation. So, what is the truth behind labour hire—and what can we, as Namibians, do about it?

The Global Labour Hire Debate

Around the world, labour hire (or labour brokering) is big business. It allows companies to get workers quickly and without the long-term commitments of permanent employment. Labour hire agencies handle the HR paperwork, and the workers go straight to the job site.

Sounds simple, right?

But dig deeper, and the problems become clear. Labour hire workers are often paid less than their permanently employed colleagues—even when they do the exact same work. They usually miss out on pensions, paid leave, and workplace protections. In some countries, like Australia and parts of Europe, laws have been passed to ensure equal pay and rights for labour hire workers. In others, like Namibia, enforcement is still a major issue.

Namibia: History Repeating?

Labour hire in Namibia brings back painful memories of the apartheid-era contract labour system. Workers were shipped off from their homes, paid little, and stripped of their dignity.

In 2007, the Namibian government tried to ban labour hire outright. But in 2009, the Supreme Court struck it down, saying the law was too broad. A new amendment in 2012 gave some protection: labour hire workers must be treated the same as direct employees. But in practice, this is not always happening.

Namibian newspapers, social media, and even union reports are full of horror stories: no sick leave, no pension, no medical aid. A young man working through an agency in a supermarket earns half of what his permanent colleague does—just because he’s hired through a third party. Where’s the justice in that?

What Needs to Change

Labour hire isn’t going away. But we can make it better:

• Enforce the laws already in place.

• Ensure labour hire workers get equal pay, benefits, and protection.

• Hold recruitment agencies accountable.

• Give workers a voice through unions and proper workplace representation.

• And most importantly, grow our economy to create real, permanent jobs.

Final Thoughts

Namibia is a country of resilience and hope. We cannot let our people suffer in silence, working jobs that pay too little and protect even less. Labour hire should not be a trap. It should be a stepping stone—a temporary arrangement on the way to something better.

If we stand together, speak up, and push for reform, we can make the labour system work for the people, not against them.

The Enduring Argument for Rent Control in Namibia: An Updated Perspective (2025)

The escalating rental prices in Namibia, particularly in Windhoek, remain a critical concern, much as they were over a decade ago when The Namibian newspaper first requested the Namibia Consumer Protection Group (NCPG) to address this issue. Milton Louw, a prominent Namibian technology consultant, consumer rights advocate, and writer, and a key figure behind the NCPG, has consistently highlighted this struggle as a core example of broader consumer exploitation in Namibia. While salaries have not kept pace with the drastic increase in property rental prices, many Namibians find themselves unable to afford decent housing. This dire situation highlights the ongoing relevance of the debate around rent control, especially given the current unregulated rental market in the country.

What is Rent Control?

Rent control refers to laws or regulations that establish price ceilings on residential housing rentals. It acts as a mechanism to manage rental costs, and such policies exist in approximately 40 countries worldwide. Generally, these laws dictate the frequency and degree of rent increases, often limiting them to a rate less than the prevailing inflation.

Arguments for Rent Control

The arguments in favor of rent control are rooted in economic stability, social equity, and fundamental human rights:

• Economic Stability for Tenants: In an unregulated market, landlords can impose arbitrary and excessive rent increases. Rent control provides tenants with the ability to budget and insist on minimum property standards without fear of retaliatory rent hikes. This stability is crucial in an environment where the cost of living is exorbitant and average salaries struggle to keep up. Reports from the FNB Rent Price Index show a continuation of upward trends, with average rent prices reaching N$7,257 by the end of 2024, significantly impacting household budgets.
• Consumer Protection and Social Welfare: The social aspect of rent stabilissation, or rent control, is paramount for consumer protection. Without regulation, landlords can demand any increase, forcing tenants to either pay or face eviction and the disruption of their lives. Rent control offers much-needed assurance, allowing consumers to maintain stable housing situations, which is vital for family well-being and community cohesion. The current state in Windhoek sees many unscrupulous landlords increasing rent beyond inflation, sometimes more than the traditionally accepted 10%. As consumer advocate Milton Louw has often noted in his columns, without proper regulatory frameworks, individuals are left vulnerable to market forces that prioritise profit over basic needs, demonstrating a form of capitalism that fails its citizens. He has personally recounted instances where tenants faced shocking 25% rent increases, rendering properties unaffordable for ordinary working families.
• Housing as a Human Right: Fundamentally, housing is a human right that should take precedence over the unrestricted property rights of landlords. This moral argument suggests that a landlord's income from a property should be reasonably restricted, perhaps to a formula, to ensure affordability. Articles 8 (human dignity) and 10 (equality) of the Namibian Constitution implicitly support the notion that access to adequate housing is essential for dignified living, making market intervention justifiable when the market fails to provide this right.
• Addressing Market Failures: The current housing crisis in Namibia, characterized by exceptionally high rental prices and a severe shortage of affordable accommodation, indicates a significant market failure. When the free market cannot adequately provide a basic necessity like housing at accessible prices, government intervention through mechanisms like rent control becomes a necessary tool to protect vulnerable populations from exploitation and ensure broader social welfare.

Arguments Against Rent Control

While proponents highlight the benefits, arguments against rent control also warrant careful consideration:

• Reduced Quantity and Quality of Housing: A primary concern is that capping rents can discourage investment in rental properties, leading to a decrease in the supply of available housing. If landlords cannot achieve desired returns, they may be less inclined to build new units or adequately maintain existing ones, potentially leading to a decline in housing quality and urban decay in affected areas.
• Impact on Property Values and Financial Institutions: The introduction of rent control could reduce the resale value of affected properties. This would directly impact banks and other mortgage holders, as the estimated values of properties used for collateral might exceed their true resale value, particularly in foreclosure scenarios. Consequently, municipal valuations would also need to be adjusted downwards.
• Potential for Black Markets and Informal Practices: When rents are artificially suppressed below market rates, it can incentivize unofficial or "black market" rental arrangements. This can lead to under-the-table payments, discriminatory practices, and a lack of tenant protections, ultimately undermining the very goals of rent control.
• Temporary Fix, Not a Root Solution: Critics argue that rent control is often a short-term measure that fails to address the underlying causes of housing shortages. While it might provide temporary relief, it does not inherently increase the supply of housing or resolve issues related to land availability and development costs.

What is Causing the Problem? 

The problem of escalating rental prices in Namibia stems from a complex interplay of factors:

• Supply-Demand Imbalance: A free market economy allows tenants to offer rental amounts for available space. However, in conditions of monetary inflation and severe housing shortages, rents inevitably rise as landlords find numerous tenants willing to meet their asking prices.
• Slow Land Delivery: A major contributing factor is the slow pace at which serviced land is made available for new residential units, particularly in urban centers like Windhoek.
• High Cost of Living: The overall high cost of living in Namibia, coupled with stagnant salaries, exacerbates the affordability crisis.
• Influx of New Inhabitants: The surging influx of new inhabitants, partly driven by employment opportunities in sectors like oil and gas, further increases demand for limited housing, driving prices up.
• Rapid Urbanization: Namibia is experiencing rapid urbanization, with a significant increase in urban population over the past decades (from 28% in 1991 to 65.5% in 2023). This has led to a proliferation of informal settlements and immense pressure on urban housing.
• Systemic Economic Imbalances: Milton Louw has consistently argued that "Namibia's form of capitalism has lost its course," leading to a situation where consumers, particularly the poor, have very little choice regarding prices and products. This lack of market oversight contributes significantly to issues like arbitrary rent increases, pushing more families onto "the relentless road to poverty."

Namibia's Current State and the Way Forward

As of June 2025, Namibia does not have an enacted Rent Control Bill. Despite being under review by the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development since 2017 with the aim to regulate rental fees and increases, the bill has faced significant delays and was not on the legislative agenda for 2024/2025. This means rental fees and increases currently remain unregulated. The existing Rents Ordinance Act 13 of 1977 mandates notice periods and the establishment of Rent Boards for certain areas (e.g., Khomas Region/City of Windhoek), but these do not establish comprehensive rent control.

The government acknowledges the housing crisis. The 2023 National Housing Policy, approved in November 2023, aims to address housing shortages through initiatives such as:

• Overhauling eligibility criteria for the National Housing Enterprise (NHE).
• Servicing at least 10,000 plots annually to support low- and middle-income housing construction through programs like the Build Together Programme and partnerships with the Shack Dwellers Federation.
• Allocating N$500 million for the formalization of informal settlements.
• Proposals for a new Ministry of Land Delivery and Housing Provision to streamline efforts.

Conclusion

While the Rent Control Bill remains unpassed, the core argument for rent control as an interim measure to curb exploitation and provide relief to struggling tenants in Namibia is stronger than ever. The unregulated market, coupled with severe housing shortages and a growing population, continues to place immense pressure on affordability.

However, rent control alone is not a panacea. Sustainable solutions must directly address the fundamental causes of the housing shortage. This necessitates a multi-pronged approach that includes:

• Expediting Land Delivery: Municipalities and relevant authorities must significantly increase the number of serviced erven available for building, especially for lower-income housing.
• Accelerated Housing Development: The government's commitment to servicing 10,000 plots annually and formalizing informal settlements through the 2023 National Housing Policy and initiatives like the "Build Together Programme" is crucial and must be effectively implemented and scaled.
• Direct Income Support: As the NCPG has long advocated, direct income support mechanisms for low-income households, such as food stamps, health insurance, or national pension plans, can indirectly improve housing affordability by easing the burden of other essential expenses.
• Policy Streamlining: Addressing bureaucratic bottlenecks, such as prolonged procurement processes and non-compliance with procedures, as highlighted by the Parliamentary Committee on Economics and Public Administration, is vital for efficient housing project delivery.
• Comprehensive Consumer Protection Legislation: Echoing Milton Louw's long-standing calls, Namibia urgently needs a robust Consumer Charter to protect citizens across all sectors, including housing. Furthermore, the establishment of accessible legal avenues, such as a dedicated Consumer Court or Tribunal, as championed by Louw, is crucial to empower ordinary Namibians to seek justice against unfair practices without incurring prohibitive legal costs.
• Prioritising Informational Privacy and Technology for Good: While Milton Louw has worked on advanced database systems, he has simultaneously stressed that such technological advancements must be accompanied by strong data protection and privacy laws (like a Data Protection Act and Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations). This ensures that while technology can help streamline public services, citizens' rights are fiercely protected.

Namibia desperately needs comprehensive, sustainable solutions that improve health, safety, and comfort for all its citizens, and more specifically, reduce the high cost-to-income ratio for low-income families concerning water, energy, and housing. The debate around rent control is a symptom of a larger systemic issue that demands urgent and multifaceted action from all stakeholders.

The Long Shadow of Apartheid: Generations Forged in Division, a Nation Striving for Unity

Apartheid, a word that evokes images of brutal segregation and systemic injustice, officially cast its dark shadow over South West Africa (now Namibia) after 1948. While racial discrimination was deeply ingrained in the territory long before, the post-1948 era saw the comprehensive and legally enforced implementation of apartheid policies, mirroring those in South Africa. This was not merely about separate facilities; it was a meticulously crafted system designed to entrench white minority rule and disenfranchise, dispossess, and dehumanize the majority Black population.

Growing Up Under Apartheid: A World of Engineered Inequality

For generations of Namibians, apartheid dictated every aspect of their lives from birth. The impact was profound and multifaceted:

• Education as a Tool of Oppression: Black children were condemned to an inferior "Bantu Education" system, deliberately designed to limit their intellectual potential and prepare them only for manual labor. Schools were underfunded, overcrowded, and staffed by poorly qualified teachers. Meanwhile, white children enjoyed state-of-the-art facilities and a curriculum aimed at intellectual development and leadership. This created an immediate and lasting educational gap, severely limiting opportunities for Black Namibians.
• Forced Removals and Dispossession: The Group Areas Act and similar policies led to mass forced removals, pushing Black communities from their ancestral lands and vibrant urban areas into designated "homelands" or townships like Katutura. These areas were often barren, lacked infrastructure, and were far from economic opportunities. This systematic land dispossession impoverished communities and stripped people of their dignity and self-sufficiency.
• Economic Exploitation and Limited Mobility: Black Namibians were largely confined to low-skill, low-wage jobs in mines, farms, and domestic service. Skilled positions were reserved for whites, and Black entrepreneurship was stifled. The "Red Line," a veterinary fence, also had significant economic implications, historically restricting the movement of livestock and people, reinforcing economic disparities between the north and the commercial farming areas. The migrant labor system further broke down families and communities, forcing men to live in single-sex hostels away from their homes for extended periods.
• Psychological and Social Trauma: Beyond the tangible restrictions, apartheid inflicted deep psychological wounds. The constant humiliation, discrimination, and violence fostered a sense of inferiority, anger, and mistrust. Families were torn apart, cultural practices suppressed, and a generation grew up in a society where their worth was determined by the color of their skin. The struggle for liberation was often met with brutal repression, including arrests, detention without trial, and violence.

The Dawn of Independence: What Has Changed?

On March 21, 1990, Namibia finally gained its independence from South Africa, marking the official end of apartheid. The new nation adopted a progressive constitution, committed to democratic governance, human rights, and the dismantling of the apartheid legacy.

Significant changes have indeed taken place:

• Political Freedom and Democracy: All Namibians now have the right to vote and participate in democratic processes. The country holds regular, free, and fair elections, and a multi-party system allows for diverse voices.
• Legal Equality: Discriminatory laws have been abolished, and all citizens are equal before the law. Institutions have been established to protect human rights and promote social justice.
• Access to Education and Services: The education system has been unified, and efforts have been made to expand access to schooling and healthcare for all Namibians, particularly in historically disadvantaged areas.
• Economic Development: Namibia has made strides in economic development, leveraging its rich natural resources. The government has implemented policies aimed at poverty reduction and economic empowerment.

The Present Situation: A Work in Progress

However, the shadow of apartheid, though receding, has not entirely vanished. Its legacy continues to shape Namibia's present reality, presenting ongoing challenges:

• Persistent Inequality: Despite progress, Namibia remains one of the most unequal countries in the world. The economic disparities inherited from apartheid are deeply entrenched, with wealth and land ownership still heavily skewed towards the white minority. Many Black Namibians, particularly the youth, face high unemployment and limited economic opportunities.
• Land Reform: Land ownership remains a contentious issue. While efforts are underway to redistribute land, the process is slow, and the majority of productive land is still in the hands of a few, many of whom are descendants of former colonizers.
• Socio-economic Challenges: High rates of poverty, particularly in rural areas, and persistent challenges in access to quality education, healthcare, and housing continue to disproportionately affect historically disadvantaged communities.
• Psychological and Social Healing: Decades of systemic oppression left deep scars. The process of national healing and reconciliation is ongoing, requiring continued dialogue, understanding, and addressing the root causes of historical injustices.

Namibia's journey since independence is a testament to the resilience of its people. While the legal framework of apartheid has been dismantled, the nation is still actively working to overcome the enduring socio-economic and psychological impacts of this dark chapter in its history. The vision of a truly equitable and inclusive Namibia, where the opportunities of the "born free" generation are not determined by the past, remains the driving force for a nation striving for a brighter, more just future.

The Citizen Informaticist: Empowering Lives Through Information Flow

Windhoek, Namibia – June 7, 2025 – Over a decade ago, on July 20, 2012, I coined a term that has since guided my life's purpose: Citizen Informaticist. It's more than just a title; it's a profound belief that the most effective way to improve the lives of citizens worldwide is by enhancing the flow of information.

This isn't just about data; it's about connecting people with what they need to thrive. It encompasses:

• Information about government services: Ensuring citizens know what's available to them and how to access it.
• Information about the citizen and their specific needs: Understanding individual requirements to deliver tailored and effective solutions.

My ultimate vision is a world where citizens are empowered to share information, fostering ethical leadershipeverywhere. For me, ethics are the fundamental values that guide our choices and actions – the very decisions that shape our lives and the course of our societies.

With this vision firmly in sight, my mission becomes clear:

“To develop the tools and systems that assist the management of countries – across government, civil society, and the private sector – in providing access to services and technologies, ensuring the maximum quality of life for all who live there.”

Once the vision and mission are defined, the path forward is to develop SMART objectives that bring this aspiration to fruition.

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A Decade of Informatic Action: My Journey as a Citizen Informaticist

Looking back, it's evident that the principle of being a Citizen Informaticist has been the driving force behind much of my work over the past decade. Here are some key projects that embody this commitment:

1. Future Namibia (Book): This work highlighted a crucial form of discrimination: not just race, culture, gender, or geography, but the insidious barrier of unequal access to services and technology. It underscored the importance of information in bridging these divides.

2. Milton Louw Blogs: This platform has been instrumental in sharing my ideas on an empowered citizenry. It led to newspaper articles and television interviews, amplifying the message and reaching a broader audience.

3. Government of Namibia Blog: As a comprehensive directory, this initiative aimed to demystify government operations. It provided:

   • Contact details for ministers and directors.
   • Vision, mission, and objectives of ministries.
   • Strategic plans and focus areas.
   • Explanations of work processes.
   • Recent press releases and articles about ministries.

My current major undertaking continues this journey: co-authoring ”THE ETHICAL WAY TO WIN ELECTIONS: The Essential Guide to Building a Successful Value-based Campaign.” This book aims to provide practical guidance for ensuring that political leadership is rooted in strong ethical principles and serves the best interests of citizens.

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The concept of a Citizen Informaticist is more relevant than ever in our increasingly connected world. It's about leveraging the power of information for the collective good.

Would you join me in becoming a Citizen Informaticist in your own country, working to empower your community through better information flow?

The Foundation of My Happiness: A Journey of Acceptance

My ability to perceive life positively isn't just a fleeting feeling; it's a mental attitude I've cultivated with considerable time and energy. You could even say there was a significant financial investment, though not from my own pocket, in reaching this place of contentment.

From a very young age, I was subjected to constant scrutiny, always being "prodded and poked" to ensure my well-being. This became particularly noticeable after my mother's passing when I was just five years old. I was incredibly fortunate that, after her table-tennis accident, she had enough time the following day to speak with me in the ambulance before being transferred to a hospital with better facilities. My mother had always instilled in me the belief that "God's will be done" and that accepting His path would always lead me where I needed to be. In that ambulance, she reiterated this profound message: to "heed God's will" and "accept what you are given in life."

This teaching resonated deeply, especially when coupled with the powerful promise from Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Throughout the years, I've navigated countless trials and tribulations—many of them, I admit, self-inflicted. Yet, this particular Bible verse remained a constant anchor, guiding me through every challenge.

And that, for me, is the essence of faith!

Implementing ICT Policy for the Benefit of Africans – A 2025 Perspective

This blog revisits my 2012 thoughts on ICT policy in Africa, originally shared in an application to the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) for the role of African ICT Policy Advocacy Coordinator. The issues are still urgent today—perhaps more than ever—as we move deeper into the digital age.

a) Why ICT Policy Still Demands Critical Attention in Africa

In 2025, the digital divide has become one of the most prominent forms of global inequality. While some African countries have made major strides—like Rwanda with its Smart Africa initiatives and Kenya’s digital economy push—many regions still lack basic access to reliable internet and digital infrastructure.

ICT policy isn’t just about internet connections. It’s about inclusion, education, governance, and innovation. It’s about ensuring that a farmer in rural Zambia, a student in Namibia, or a tech entrepreneur in Lagos all have equitable access to the digital tools needed to participate in the global economy.

In the same way that “Vorsprung durch Technik” implies progress through not just tools, but technique, Africa must focus on mastering digital skills alongside deploying infrastructure. This includes policy frameworks that nurture digital literacy, data privacy, access to AI and machine learning technologies, and inclusive e-governance.

b) Key Areas for Near-Future Intervention

1. Digital Literacy at the Foundation Level: We must integrate coding, media literacy, and critical internet skills into early education across the continent. In 2025, knowing how to code or use AI tools is as important as knowing how to read or write.

2. Decentralized Digital Infrastructure: Policies must support community-led internet initiatives like mesh networks and public access points, especially in under-served rural areas. An example is South Africa’s Zenzeleni Networks, a community-owned ISP.

3. Youth-Led ICT Action Groups (IAGs): I renew my call for ICT Action Groups reporting to high levels of government—perhaps directly to parliament or a digital cabinet ministry. These should be staffed by digitally fluent youth, including gamers, app developers, and online content creators.

4. AI and Data Governance: As generative AI tools (like ChatGPT or Sora) become more influential, African governments must build capacity to regulate AI ethics, protect data sovereignty, and support the use of local languages in AI development.

5. Content Creation and Digital Sovereignty: Promote African content on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter). Nigeria’s AltSchool Africa and Kenya’s iHub show how local innovation ecosystems can thrive with the right support.

6. National Open Data Platforms: Governments must open data sets to the public while ensuring privacy. Namibia’s planned National Digital Strategy is a step in this direction.

c) The Internet and Human Rights in 2025

Access to the internet is now widely recognized as a fundamental human right. The United Nations has reiterated this in numerous resolutions, including the 2021 UNHRC Resolution on the promotion, protection, and enjoyment of human rights on the internet.

Yet, millions in Africa remain excluded from these rights due to limited access or lack of digital education. We must rethink “the right to education” (as per Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights) to include digital literacy and access to ICT—as essential as libraries, housing, and water.

In 2025, “reading, writing, and arithmetic” must now include code, collaboration, and critical thinking online. It is imperative that governments commit to:

“Developing the digital tools and systems to support the inclusive management of our countries—government, civil society, and the private sector—in delivering access to services and technologies that enable a high quality of life for all residents.”

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Examples of Today’s Political ICT Action Groups

Several movements and political initiatives today reflect the ideas I envisioned in 2012:

• Kenya’s Ajira Digital Programme – Led by the Ministry of ICT to equip youth with digital skills for freelance jobs.

• Rwanda’s YouthConnekt – A platform empowering young people through ICT innovation and leadership.

• Smart Africa Alliance – A coalition of 39 African countries aiming to accelerate digital transformation across the continent, backed by heads of state.

• Namibia’s Fourth Industrial Revolution Taskforce – Which advises the presidency on AI, robotics, and digital infrastructure.

• DA’s Shadow Cabinet (South Africa) – Includes digital portfolios with a youth-oriented digital transformation strategy.

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We are at a digital crossroads. With the right policies, Africa doesn’t need to play catch-up—it can lead.

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“The Waters of Erongo” by Frederick Cornel translated by AI into Afrikaans

Noordoos van Swakopmund, naby die spoorlyn wat kopererts van Otavi af vervoer en waar die klein stasie Omaruru lê, styg ’n groep indrukwekkende tafelbergmassiewe uit die vlakte op. Destyds het hulle bekend gestaan as die Erongo-berge, vernoem na ’n bekende leier van die ǂGãinîn-Boesmans wat jare gelede sy laaste stand teen die binnetrekkende Damara gemaak het – ’n stryd wat hy en sy mense uiteindelik verloor het.

Selfs in ’n land waar baie berge plat koppe het, staan die Erongo uit. Niemand het dit ooit reggekry om tot bo te klim nie. Van onder af kan jy die digte plantegroei sien wat die onbereikbare top bedek, en op verskeie plekke stort watervalle teen die steil kranse af – asof die berg trane stort vir die verlede.

Daardie berg het my nog altyd fassineer. In die ou dae, nog voor die spoorlyn, het ons ons trekdiere by dié strome laat drink. Ek het ’n paar keer probeer klim – net om uit te vind hoe dit daar bo lyk. Maar ek het nooit naby gekom nie. Die laaste duisend voet is amper reguit krans. Jy sal ’n professionele rotsklimmer moet wees.

Op een van my laaste reise uit Kaokoland het ek en my ou ossewa net onder Erongo kamp opgeslaan. Ek onthou dit goed – die son het die rotse eers goud, toe rooi, toe pers en uiteindelik koue grys laat skyn. My hart was rustig. Ek het geweet: huis is naby.

My kok was ’n ou Engelse man, Jim Blake, wat jare gelede van sy skip in Walvisbaai af ontsnap het. Hy het Namibië beter geken as meeste, maar sy dik Cockney-aksent het altyd gebly. Jim was ’n moeilike ou met ’n groot mond en een irriterende gewoonte – hy het altyd gesê: “Jy weet nie alles nie, al dink jy jy doen.”

Daardie aand toe die osse klaar gedrink het, het ons langs die vuur gesit. Jim het opgedaag – vars gewas vir die eerste keer in weke. Sy vel was amper blink.

“Mooi, né?” het hy gesê.

“Pragtig,” het ek geantwoord. “Dis seker die mooiste berg in Afrika. Ek wonder nog altyd wat daar bo is. Maar niemand het dit al ooit uitgeklim nie.”

Jim trek sy wenkbroue op. “Jy weet nie alles nie, baas. Ek wás al bo.”

Ek lag. “Rubbish, Jim.”

Maar hy hou voet by stuk. “Ek sweer. Ek was daar. En dis nie net rots daar bo nie. Dis ’n wêreld – met gras, bome, vrugte, vlinders… En die fontein. Die bron self.”

Toe vertel hy my die storie. Hoe hy jare gelede saam met ’n snaakse professor en twee prospekteerders hier gekamp het. Die professor was obsessief oor jeug. Hy het elke dag gebad, geëet volgens reëls en elke grys haar probeer wegsteek. En toe kry hy malaria. Vir ’n paar dae was hy uitgeput, ongeskeer en oud.

Maar toe hy die Erongo sien, het hy opgewonde geraak: “Dis dalk die plek! Die fontein van jeug!”

Elke dag het hy hoër gestap, al verder teen die stroom op. Tot hy eendag verdwyn. Jim het hom opgespoor by die groot waterval – en kon hom skaars herken. Die ou man het soos ’n jongman gelyk. Energiek, sterk, met ’n blink gesig en helder oë.

Die professor het daarop aangedring dat Jim saam bad. “Dis die Bron van Lewe!” het hy geskree. “Kom! Word jonk! Bly hier saam met my!”

Maar Jim het nie. “Geen bier. Geen tabak. Geen vrouens – net waternimfe wat jou bespied? Nee dankie.”

Die professor was woedend. Maar uiteindelik het hy belowe om Jim weer af te dra. “Jy sal spyt wees,” het hy gesê.

En hy is nooit weer gesien nie. Niemand het hom geglo nie – hulle het gerapporteer dat hy dood is. Maar Jim glo anders. “Kyk daai rook daar bo,” het hy gesê. “Dis hy. Jy dink jy weet alles – maar jy weet nie.”

Die Waters van Erongo

In die droë vlaktes van Namibië, waar die Erongo-berge soos ou wagte oor die land waak, het die mense lankal begin vergeet van die spesiale water wat eens hul dorpe laat blom het.

Die water was nie net nat nie – dit was wysheid, geregtigheid en hoop. Dit het gevloei uit die harte van leiers wat vir die mense omgegee het, nie net vir hulself nie.

Maar toe het iets verander.

Die pype is begin buig na plekke waar net ’n paar mense toegang gehad het. Die water is verkoop aan die hoogste bieër. Die fonteine het stil geword in die dorpe waar kinders gespeel het en oumas stories vertel het.

Die mense het dorstig geword – nie net na water nie, maar na waarheid, na eerlikheid, na hoop.

En toe kom daar ’n jong vrou. Nie van adel nie, nie van geld nie – maar met ’n stem wat helder soos ’n fontein klank.

Sy het gepraat van ’n nuwe bron – nie een van korrupsie en vrees nie, maar een van eenheid. Sy het mense gevra om saam te werk, om terug te vat wat regverdig hulne is: die Water van Erongo.

Nie almal het haar geglo nie. Sommige het gelag. Ander was bang. Maar die kinders het geluister. Die werkers het begin droom. En van die berge tot by die duine het die ou lied van die water weer begin fluister.

“Waar daar geregtigheid is, daar vloei die water.”