Donald Matthys

Namibia

Journalist at Namibia Economist

Journalist @thenamibian, Blogger @namibinsider 🏳️‍🌈🇳🇦🇵🇸 I generally don’t care about things that much

Featured in: Favicon

economist.com.na Favicon

allafrica.com Favicon

namibian.com.na

Articles

Road to presidency was long and bumpy - Nandi-Ndaitwah

1 week ago | namibian.com.na | Donald Matthys

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says her ascent to Namibia’s highest office was “long and bumpy” and shaped by a male-dominated political landscape. Speaking at a recent public lecture during her first official presidential visit to Tanzania, Nandi-Ndaitwah reflected on the challenges she faced as a woman in politics, revealing that her proximity to the top leadership of the ruling Swapo party often felt like a paradox.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s first international trips reinforce SADC ties

2 weeks ago | namibian.com.na | Donald Matthys

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s first international official trips since taking office have drawn mixed reactions from international relations experts and political analysts. Some praise her reaffirmation of Namibia’s regional foreign policy, while others question the real impact of such symbolic gestures.
Industry experts urge Govt to prioritise Namibia before granting Starlink ownership exemption

3 weeks ago | namibian.com.na | Donald Matthys

Industry experts want the government to prioritise Namibia’s future as it weighs exempting United States (US)-based Starlink from the 51% local ownership rule. Nearly a year after it applied to operate in Namibia under its 100% foreign ownership model, billionaire Elon Musk’s satellite internet company remains in regulatory limbo.
Sacu warns US tariffs threaten hard-won trade gains

3 weeks ago | namibian.com.na | Donald Matthys

The Southern African Customs Union (Sacu) says the decision by the United States (US) to impose new tariffs on imports risks reversing vital development gains across southern Africa. Speaking in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Monday, Sacu Council of Ministers chairperson and finance minister Ericah Shafudah criticised the Trump administration’s move to implement a universal 10% tariff, set to take effect on 9 April, without prior consultations with affected member states.
Livestock sector slows as farmers rebuild herds

3 weeks ago | namibian.com.na | Donald Matthys

Namibia’s livestock sector saw a slow start to 2025, recording a sharp drop in market-ready animals due to widespread herd rebuilding efforts following good rains early in the first quarter of the year. According to the Livestock Producers Association, the favourable weather has encouraged farmers to retain their animals, leading to reduced supply across key marketing channels.
Pep Stores, Big Daddy merger approved

3 weeks ago | namibian.com.na | Donald Matthys

The Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC) has officially approved the acquisition of Big Daddy Clothing by Pep Stores Namibia. Commission spokesperson Dina //Gowases on Monday said the decision to approve the merger was made at a meeting last Thursday.
Nudo leadership shake-up as Muinjangue, Kauandenge step aside amid party infighting and decline

1 month ago | namibian.com.na | Donald Matthys

National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) president Esther Muinjangue yesterday confirmed that she has notified the party of her intention to resign as party leader. Muinjangue said this just after Joseph Kauandenge on Wednesday announced that he has resigned from the secretary general position. When approached for comment on Kauandenge’s resignation, Muinjangue said she was not in the best position to offer comment.
Nama leaders, LPM slam Genocide Remembrance Day

1 month ago | namibian.com.na | Donald Matthys

As the government gears up for the inaugural Genocide Remembrance Day on 28 May, the Nama community has demanded fresh genocide negotiations. The Nama Traditional Leaders Association (NTLA) says the joint declaration agreed upon by former German and Namibian governments in 2021 “has failed, morally and politically”. “It [2021 negotiations] was concluded without the consent of the affected communities, rejects binding reparations and fails to fully acknowledge the scope of the historical injustice.
Trump's tariff threat: Namibia's diamonds face deep cut

1 month ago | namibian.com.na | Donald Matthys

Namibia’s diamond industry may be pushed into deeper crisis if United States (US) president Donald Trump pushes ahead with implementing an export tariff of 21% on Namibia. Bank of Namibia (BoN) governor Johannes !Gawaxab says the country’s diamond sector is already struggling with declining global demand and mounting competition from lab-grown alternatives.
First gentleman defends Presidency’s oil and gas oversight

1 month ago | namibian.com.na | Donald Matthys

First gentleman Denga Ndaitwah has defended the placement of oil and gas projects directly under the office of president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. In a recent report by OneAfrica TV, Ndaitwah said the decision to place the critical portfolio within the Presidency was to safeguard it from corruption. Speaking at a student workshop held at Triumphant College in Windhoek, Ndaitwah said the oil and gas sector is one that is easily corruptible.