Blog – Page 11 – News Stand

23 Mar

Female-led government, a first for Africa

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Allexer Namundjembo Namibia has become the first country in Africa where women hold the top three government positions. This followed the swearing-in of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on 21 March as the country’s first female president. She previously served as Namibia’s first female vice president, a role she assumed in February 2024 after Nangolo Mbumba became president following the death of Hage Geingob. Alongside her are Vice President Lucia Witbooi and Speaker of the National Assembly Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila. Kuugongelwa-Amadhila is the first woman to serve as Speaker, while Witbooi is the second woman to become Vice President. Nandi-Ndaitwah has long supported…

23 Mar

African leaders hail Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory

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Hertta-Maria Amutenja Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has praised President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, for becoming the country’s first female head of state. Hassan said Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership marks a milestone for women in Africa. Speaking at the inauguration and Namibia’s 35th Independence celebrations at State House on 21 March, Hassan highlighted the significance of the moment for gender equality. “Your resounding victory is a moment of pride for the continent, but more so for the people of Tanzania, your home during the most formative years. We are happy to see the daughter we nurtured and raised with love and compassion now rise…

23 Mar

Malaria cases surged past 20 000

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Niël Terblanché The country is currently grappling with a surge in malaria cases, with the Ministry of Health and Social Services reporting a total of 20 135 cases as of 9 March 2025. Dr Kalumbi Shangula, the former Minister of Health and Social Services, said last week that 3 890 of these cases were recorded in the first few days of March alone. He added that the outbreak, declared in December 2024, has resulted in 44 fatalities so far. “The most affected health districts include Katima Mulilo, Andara, Nkurenkuru, Outapi, Engela, Eenhana, Okongo, and Nyangana,” he said. Shangula said that…

23 Mar

Efundja threatens northern regions

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Niël Terblanché The northern regions are grappling with the annual "efundja" floods, which have already claimed two lives and are causing increasing anxiety among local farmers. Heavy rains across southern Africa, particularly in Angola, have led to a surge of floodwaters flowing southward into Namibia's Cuvelai River basin, exacerbating the situation. Over the weekend, the Namibian Police reported two drowning incidents linked to standing water in low-lying areas. On Thursday morning, the body of 38-year-old Tuli Christoph Christoph was discovered floating in a waterlogged area near Omuthitu-wenghete village in the Outapi Constituency. He had last been seen alive by his…

23 Mar

Alweendo pledges continued commitment to national development

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Ester Mbathera Former cabinet minister Tom Alweendo, who did not return to the new executive, has thanked the nation for the support he received. Alweendo, who served as Minister of Mines and Energy, said his time in public office has ended, but his commitment to Namibia remains strong. “Our nation is rich in potential, and it is up to all of us—wherever we find ourselves—to do what is required to unlock it. Let us continue to work with integrity, vision, and determination to build the Namibia we all aspire to see. Thank you once again for your support. The journey…

23 Mar

NNN calls for vigilance in protecting peace and freedom on Liberation Day

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Erasmus Shalihaxwwe President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states to continue honouring the men and women who sacrificed their lives in the fight against apartheid and for the freedom and peace the region enjoys today. Southern Africa Liberation Day is observed on 23 March each year to mark the end of one of the fiercest conventional battles at Cuito Cuanavale in Angola’s Cuando Cubango Province. The battle marked a turning point for Angola and laid the foundation for peace and development, placing the country at the centre of the SADC integration agenda. “As the…

23 Mar

The meaning of independence: A reflection on Namibia’s 35th anniversary

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Sakaria Johannes As Namibia celebrates 35 years of independence, it is a time for reflection on what independence truly means and how far we have come since the dawn of freedom. For many Namibians, independence signifies the end of colonial rule, the promise of a better future, and the vision of equality and freedom. However, despite the triumphs of liberation, we must critically assess the state of our nation today. Are we truly free? What have we achieved since we gained our independence, and are we living the dream our forefathers fought for? What Have We Achieved So Far? While…

23 Mar

SADC PF urges parliaments to act on female genital mutilation

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Moses Magadza The secretary general of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF), Boemo Sekgoma, has called for urgent and sustained parliamentary action to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Speaking at the launch of the updated Global Report on FGM/Cutting at the 69th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), Sekgoma described FGM as a “very live and serious issue” in the SADC region that must be tackled with urgency. She noted that, despite regional and international frameworks, the practice continues to devastate the lives of millions of girls, particularly in Africa. “Over 50%…

23 Mar

Balloti vows to fast-track Independence Stadium upgrade

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Erasmus Shalihaxwes Newly appointed deputy minister of sports, Dino Balloti, has pledged to fast-track the upgrade of the Independence Stadium to international standards to ensure the Brave Warriors can play home matches in the country again. Balloti made the commitment over the weekend at State House, shortly after President Netumbo Nandi-Ndeitwah announced his appointment as deputy minister of the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture. He added that he will meet with the minister, Sanet Steenkamp, and the technical team to map out a way forward for completing the project. ‘’We need to hit the ground running…there…

22 Mar

President Nandi-Ndaitwah Reshuffles Cabinet and Restructures National Executive

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Niel Terblanche Namibia’s fifth President, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has announced a sweeping reorganisation of Namibia’s Government Offices, Ministries and Agencies (OMAs), alongside a new Cabinet for the 2025–2029 term.Nandi-Ndaitwah said changes are aimed at eliminating duplications, reducing public expenditure, and improving the implementation of national development programmes. “In accordance with Article 32(3)(g) of the Namibian Constitution, and guided by the Election Manifesto Implementation Plan, I have decided to establish, abolish, and make several alignments in various Government Offices, Ministries and Agencies. I have also merged some ministries and transferred some mandates to the ministries where we can maximise outcomes,” she…