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Judge stresses access to justice amid IPC election case

Judge stresses access to justice amid IPC election case

Allexer Namundjembo High Court Judge Orben Sibeya has emphasised the importance of ensuring the judicial system remains accessible to everyone, irrespective of financial means. He said this during the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) legal challenge against the results of the 2024 National Assembly elections on Wednesday. Judge Sibeya voiced his concerns after respondents in the case demanded substantial security costs from the IPC, with amounts ranging from N$500 000 to N$750 000. The judge warned that such exorbitant demands risked barring access to the courts for applicants with limited resources, undermining the principles of justice. Anton Katz, representing the…
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EU grants N$42 Million to boost development agenda

EU grants N$42 Million to boost development agenda

Martin Endjala The European Union (EU) has disbursed a N$42 million grant to four civil society organisations (CSOs) to advance the country’s development agenda. The funding is part of a strategic partnership aimed at fostering inclusive green growth, strengthening civil society participation, and addressing the country's economic, environmental, and social sustainability. The grants, awarded to the Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation, Namibia Development Trust, Namibia Nature Foundation, and Deutsche Welle Academy, were the result of a competitive call for proposals launched by the EU delegation in 2024. “These promising projects will be funded under our bilateral programme with Namibia,…
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Bomb threat at HKIA highlights need for stringent airport security measures

Bomb threat at HKIA highlights need for stringent airport security measures

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) faced a bomb threat on January 14, disrupting operations and bringing airport security protocols under scrutiny. The incident occurred when a 66-year-old passenger on a departing flight claimed, "There could be a bomb on the aircraft, for all we know. Section 198 (2) C of the Civil Aviation Act states that acts contrary to public safety and order at an airport where a person who, while in an airport, and in a manner contrary to public order or safety at the airport - without justification makes an alarming statement, uses alarming words…
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Namibia welcomes removal of Cuba from terrorism sponsor list

Namibia welcomes removal of Cuba from terrorism sponsor list

Niël Terblanché Namibia welcomed the United States of America’s decision to remove Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism and hailed it as a victory for justice and international diplomacy. President Nangolo Mbumba commended the announcement made by the Biden Administration on 14 January 2025, describing it as a long overdue step in the right direction. In a statement on Wednesday, Mbumba lauded the decision as one that aligns with Namibia’s consistent calls in international forums for Cuba’s removal from the contentious list. “I commend the US Government for having eventually taken the long overdue decision to remove…
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Namibia’s renewable energy ambitions are being realised

Namibia’s renewable energy ambitions are being realised

Niël Terblanché Namibia is steadfast in its aim to achieve 70% of its energy supply from renewable sources by 2030. The Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, said this during the 15th Session of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly held from 11 to 13 January 2025 in Abu Dhabi. "Several key initiatives are nearing completion, and new projects will be launched in early 2025," he said while addressing the assembly. He stressed that Namibia is focused on harnessing solar, wind, and biomass resources to diversify the energy mix of the country. The minister also outlined Namibia's electrification…
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NamPower received 1 014 bursary applications

NamPower received 1 014 bursary applications

Mallex Shipanga NamPower has awarded bursaries to 14 students from a competitive pool of 1 014 applicants. The bursaries will enable recipients to pursue studies in fields including data science, electrical engineering, logistics, mechanical engineering, and transport management. Two of the recipients, who live with disabilities, were granted bursaries to study accounting and law. Bursary recipient Maria Nashapi spoke on behalf of the bursary recipients. “It is with deep gratitude and humility that we recipients of this prestigious bursary stand before you today. This occasion is not merely about signing a contract. It is a celebration of opportunity, potential, and…
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Hardap dam irrigation resumes as water levels improve

Hardap dam irrigation resumes as water levels improve

Erasmus Shalihaxwe NamWater, in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, has announced the resumption of irrigation water supply from the Hardap Dam. The decision was approved by Agriculture Minister Calle Schlettwein to support national priorities of agricultural productivity and economic stability in the Hardap region and will be implemented on 20 January. NamWater spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata revealed the development on Wednesday, following a thorough assessment of the dam's water availability. The analysis determined that irrigation water can be supplied with a 20% demand reduction, allowing 80% of arable land to be irrigated until July while maintaining…
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Namibia’s sanitation sustainability could be through circular economy

Namibia’s sanitation sustainability could be through circular economy

Wayambekange N. Hamufenhu Financial resources many not always be sufficient to address all sanitation challenges; however, sanitation systems can be designed to be self-sustaining. In an era where environmental challenges loom large, the concept of a circular economy offers a promising solution to many of our most pressing issues, including waste management and sanitation. Traditionally, waste has been seen as a byproduct, something to discard and forget. However, in a world increasingly defined by resource scarcity and environmental degradation, waste can no longer be viewed as a mere nuisance. Instead, it should be seen as a resource, a resource that…
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Analysts call IPC protest premature

Analysts call IPC protest premature

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The planned protest by the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has been described as premature given that the electoral court is still processing the case. The IPC planned to stage a protest on 15 January against the irregularities in the November 2024 presidential and National Assembly election process. The Supreme Court has scheduled the case's status hearing for 3 February. Political analyst Sacky Johannes expressed concerns about the timing of the protest, suggesting that it is premature given that the electoral court is still processing the case. “Why are they demonstrating while we have no results on something…
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Top performers aspire to careers in medicine

Top performers aspire to careers in medicine

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The country’s top performers in the National Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSCO) Ordinary and Advanced Subsidiary (AS) levels are setting their sights on careers in medicine. Many of the high achievers expressed aspirations to study at the University of Namibia (UNAM) or abroad. The exam results were announced on Tuesday by the minister of education, arts and culture, Anna Nghipondoka. Trinity /Oxurus from Rukonga Vision School in Kavango East shared her passion for radiology and medicine. “I enjoy learning about the human body and that is why I want to study either radiology or medicine. I am mostly motivated…
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