Most against winter time

Recent public consultations with Namibians on their view of winter time have again found that the vast majority are in favour of cancelling winter time. The results from widespread consultations in all 13 regions, and with ministries, mirrored the outcome of previous consultations, which found that out of 3 507 respondents, close to 90% strongly supported the abolishment of winter time. Reasons for the widespread support include the fact that crime rates surge during winter time and that many feel that it costs the country economically in a number of ways. The majority of participants in public consultation sessions over the past three months supported the Namibian Time Bill, which seeks to abolish Namibian Winter Time. A report on the consultation process, tabled by the parliamentary standing committee on foreign affairs, defence and security this week, listed numerous reasons for the public support of the bill. These included feedback from the education and safety and security ministries, farmers, businesspeople, border security, working mothers and others. In February, the Time Bill was shelved by the National Assembly after MPs failed to reach consensus. Subsequently the standing committee was tasked to consult further on the issue. The committee's report recommends the adoption of the bill and recommends that the education ministry regulate school hours and consider reintroducing the four-term school system with a focus on providing a proper winter school holiday. Robberies and rapes rise The report notes that the Namibian police observed that limited afternoon daylight jeopardises the safety of many Namibians, especially workers who depend on public transport or who have to travel by foot to reach their homes after work, risking exposure to criminals, including robbers and rapists. The police said that during winter, crimes such as rapes, robbery, stock-theft, illegal hunting and poaching tend to increase. Car crash rates also increase due to the winter times, when reduced daylight diminishes visibility and increases the risk of accidents. Moreover, police said that they find it “difficult to do foot patrols at cuca shops and shebeens as it is too dark.” Security sector respondents also noted that “some civil servants opt to leave or disappear from their workplaces, many times without permission, for safety and security reasons.” Following consultations with the education ministry, the report noted that “during the current winter time, school children are exposed to criminal activities when they walk to school, as it is still dark in the mornings.” The same concerns apply to the afternoons, the ministry said, as some rural children only attend afternoon classes and have to return home in the dark. For learners, as well as others who participate in extramural activities or have to attend events after school or work farmers, “the current winter times has an adverse impact as it is already dark after 17:00”. Frustrations abound The time change in winter can cost up to four business hours a day with major trading partners across the border, participants said. “Providing for one standard time, may improve productivity during winter and ensure speedy provision of goods and services, which may improve the economy of the country.” Electricity costs also rise in winter, as artificial light has to be used more. Communal and resettlement farmers told the committee that during the winter months it is difficult to check the condition of their livestock when they return from grazing, because of the lack of light. Production times are impacted and valuable time lost due to the changed times, the farmers complained. The report stated that due to winter time, “serious disruptions occur with the opening and closing times of border posts with South Africa and other neighbouring countries” causing delays and increasing costs for tourists and other travellers. In terms of health, studies found that “the current winter time has an adverse effect on people's body clocks. It makes them inactive, tired and unproductive simply because it is dark.” Another concern is that working parents “neglect their parental responsibilities during winter time because when they reach home it is already dark and they are exhausted. As a result, it is challenging to assist their children with homework and caring for them.” Single parents especially are impacted by the various challenges posed by winter times, the report found. JANA-MARI SMITH

Most against winter time

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-14

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Most against winter time

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-14

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