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Ballot battles continue as opposition calls for electoral overhaul

Ballot battles continue as opposition calls for electoral overhaul

Martin Endjala The Namibian United Party (UNP) has described the just-concluded 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections as illegitimate. In a statement issued recently, UNP chief servant, Amos Likuwa criticised the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), saying it had no valid reason to create a chaotic voting process given the time and resources at its disposal. “Fellow Namibians, the ECN’s actions are undeniable, unbelievable, indescribable and unacceptable,” he said. Likuwa claimed that the ECN was acting against the interests of many Namibians, denying and grossly violating citizens' rights throughout the nation. “The only question that lingers in my mind is…
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Councillor says BIG approach mirrors apartheid policies

Councillor says BIG approach mirrors apartheid policies

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Rundu Rural Constituency Councillor Paulus Mbangu has criticised the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare for excluding unemployed rural residents from benefiting from the Basic Income Grant (BIG). The grant, introduced to alleviate poverty among struggling families, targets Namibians aged between 18 and 59. Its implementation has largely been concentrated in urban areas, angering rural communities. Mbangu likened the ministry’s urban-focused approach to apartheid-era policies, arguing that it discriminates against rural residents and fosters negative perceptions of the government. “The ministry’s urban-centric policies are no different from apartheid policies, as they ignore the unique challenges…
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President-Elect Nandi-Ndaitwah’s missed opportunities to show she is a unifier and set a reconciliatory tone for her presidency as done by Ghanaian President-Elect Mahama’s victory speech

President-Elect Nandi-Ndaitwah’s missed opportunities to show she is a unifier and set a reconciliatory tone for her presidency as done by Ghanaian President-Elect Mahama’s victory speech

Paul Shipale The editorial in the Sunday Newspaper of 11 December 2024 titled; “Time for Netumbo to preach unity” says that since Namibians have bestowed the highest honour available on Vice-President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to take over as head of state for the next five years, “her rhetoric since being announced as president-elect has been lacking that ‘mother to all’ ingredient” the editorial said and questioned “…where’s that message of unity?” Indeed, elections are over and the President-elect is now the leader of even her fiercest critics. I agree with the editor when he said the acceptance speech by the President-elect…
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Conscious choices for career success

Conscious choices for career success

Junias Erasmus As you approach the end of your Grade 12 journey, you stand on the threshold of a new chapter in your life. The choices you make now will have a profound impact on your future, shaping not only your academic path but also the trajectory of your career and personal growth. This is an exciting yet critical moment, one that requires careful thought and strategic decision-making.Choosing a career is more than just selecting a field of study or a job title. It is about aligning your strengths, interests, and values with a profession that will bring you fulfillment…
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Privacy Under Surveillance: Namibia’s SIM Card Registration and Biometric Data Collection

Privacy Under Surveillance: Namibia’s SIM Card Registration and Biometric Data Collection

By: Jessica Uiras Introduction Namibia’s mandatory SIM card registration, established under the Communications Act of 2009[1],was passed to combat identity fraud, enhance national security, and align the country with global telecommunications practices. However, this law has extended into biometric data collection without comprehensive protections, raising significant privacy concerns. Mobile Telecommunication company (MTC), Namibia’s primary telecom provider, now requires citizens to submit fingerprints and facial scans to activate SIM cards, leaving Namibians vulnerable to state surveillance and potential misuse without the security of a dedicated data protection law. The rolling out of sim card registration is happening outside of a data…
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Namibia under cyberattack

Namibia under cyberattack

Niël Terblanché and Ester Mbathera The minister of health and social service Kalumbi Shangula feels uncertain about the future after his sensitive information was leaked on the dark web. “Nobody can feel safe because you don't know what they (hackers) can do with the information. There are many ways that they can use the information. It's just terrible,” he said. Shangula whose ministry was also targeted said the IT officials are attending to the matter. The cyberattack that resulted in one of the largest known data security incidents in Namibian history is suspected to have been orchestrated by the ransomware…
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ECN security breach – YouTuber arrested

Erasmus Shalihaxwe A South African YouTuber says he spent nearly 14 days in police custody after sneaking into an Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) media briefing held on 28 November in Windhoek. Cleo Bonny, a well-known figure often referred to as the "African Reading Ambassador," travels widely throughout the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, driven by his passion for reading and promoting literacy. Bonny posted a video on his YouTube channel on Saturday, titled "I Regret Visiting Namibia During the Elections." According to Bonny, he was arrested at the ECN for questioning the relationship between the ruling party, SWAPO,…
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Security unions implement wage resolution

Security unions implement wage resolution

Martin Endjala The Namibia Security Labour Forum (NSLF) and the Security Association of Namibia (SAN) have implemented a resolution aimed at bringing fairness and sustainability to the security industry. The wage order, which comes into effect on 1 January 2025, introduces critical changes designed to uplift the standard of living for security company employees. Dhiginina Uutaapama, president of SAN, said on Friday that the revised minimum wages ensure fair remuneration aligned with the cost of living and respect. “It also emphasises the vital role security officers play in safeguarding our communities,” he said. Uutaapama added that the changes will improve…
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An average of 436 lives are lost on Namibian roads each year

An average of 436 lives are lost on Namibian roads each year

Martin Endjala On average, 436 deaths have been recorded each year on Namibian roads over the past three years This is according to Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, John Haufiku, who made the revelation on 13 December during a road safety campaign sponsorship acknowledgement event in Windhoek. The campaign, launched last month in the Oshikoto region, is a collaborative effort between the National Road Safety Council, Roads Authority, the Namibian Police, and the Road Fund Administration. From 1 January to 7 December, 2 925 crashes have been recorded, resulting in 5 297 injuries and 385 fatalities.…
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NYC board members demand reinstatement

NYC board members demand reinstatement

Allexer Namundjembo Suspended members of the National Youth Council (NYC) board issued an ultimatum to youth minister Agnes Tjongarero, demanding their immediate reinstatement after what they describe as an unjust suspension. Former chairperson Eva Awases, along with Simon Taapopi, Josef Petrus, Melinda Mogotsi, Rozaline Joseph, and Viviane De Koe, were suspended on Friday over allegations of fund mismanagement and other irregularities. In a letter addressed to Awases, the minister cited several reasons for the suspension, including disregard for ministry directives, failure to adhere to procurement procedures, non-disclosure of conflicts of interest, and misuse of council funds. The suspended board members…
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