Featured – News Stand

02 Apr

KEFA referee faces scrutiny after Divayi game

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Sports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Namport Kavango East Football Association (KEFA) is facing calls to investigate a referee’s conduct following a match between Divayi Football Club and Kagcuva FC, during which 14 penalty cards were issued to Kagcuva FC, including two red cards. Kagcuva FC Secretary Frans Muhembo lodged an official complaint with KEFA Chairperson Patrick Mukoya on Monday, requesting disciplinary action against the referee and appealing the red card issued to team captain, Albin Munyenda. The match, played on 30 February at the Divayi Sports Field, was described by Kagcuva FC as being marked by biased refereeing. Muhembo said 12 yellow…

01 Apr

Kavango deserves better: why appointed governors undermine true democracy

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Opinions

Joseph Diescho The consternation or unhappiness about the appointment of brother Julius Hamunyera Hambyuka (Mukwanzadi) as 'governor' of Kavango East is not about rejecting him as a person or impugning the decision of the President who has the prerogative to appoint 'governors' under the current laws. The unhappiness is about the bigger picture of Namibian Democracy and Popular Political Participation. It reveals the awkward context of Kavango political participation in Namibian politics. The reality in which this appointment took place is most unfortunate. Here is why: The appointment of these so-called governors in the 35 years old Namibia must be…

01 Apr

Ballotti steps down from Julinho Athletic FC

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Sports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Debmarine Namibia Premier League side Julinho Sporting Football Club has confirmed the departure of Dino Ballotti as chairman, following his appointment as deputy minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture. The club announced that Fabio do Rego will take over as chairman. The club vice president, Norton Luis, said the leadership change was necessary to avoid any conflict of interest and to uphold the integrity of the sport. Luis described Do Rego as a committed football supporter with a clear vision for the club’s future. “We are proud of Honourable Dino Ballotti and grateful for his…

31 Mar

SADC PF one step from becoming full parliament

info_e12wt4csFeatured, National News

Moses Magadza The Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Elias Magosi, has welcomed the signing of the agreement to amend the SADC Treaty to transform the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) into a regional parliament. The agreement was signed by Botswana’s president, Advocate Duma Boko, in Gaborone on Wednesday. Magosi described the signing as a “momentous occasion” and a critical step toward regional integration, enhanced governance, and democratic accountability. He commended President Boko, the government of Botswana, and all leaders who contributed to achieving this milestone. “We did not despair,” Mr Magosi said. “There have been layers…

26 Mar

FIMA Act: A Step Towards Financial Transparency or an Economic Burden?

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Opinions

Thomas Nashongo The Financial Institutions and Markets Act (FIMA) is a Namibian financial regulation law designed to strengthen oversight of financial institutions, protect clients, and encourage transparency. FIMA was gazetted in 2021 to replace the Pension Fund Act of 1956 it was put on hold owing to public concerns, and is now being evaluated for re-tabling in Parliament. The FIMA act was scheduled to be enacted on 01 October but subsequently faced societal criticism leading to its postponement. The lack of consultation during the drafting phase also stems as a flaw in the act. The Act contains a pension preservation…

25 Mar

‘No room for delays or inaction’ – NNN

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Ester Mbathera President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has told her new Cabinet there will be no room for delays or inaction in her administration. She made the statement during the first Cabinet meeting of the 8th Administration held in Windhoek on Tuesday. “This is not a time for complacency and procrastination. Decisions taken must be implemented without any delay. Delays in the implementation of decisions taken will not be accepted,” she said. She reminded ministers that the nation expects improved service delivery and the faster implementation of government programs. Nandi-Ndaitwah said a monitoring dashboard will be used to track progress on all…

18 Mar

African Artificial Intelligence (AAI): A catalyst for African development

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Opinions

Kehad Snydewe "Don't judge a fish by how it rides a bicycle" is a favorite saying of mine, as I believe it sums up the experience of some organizations giving advice. It's my position that 'one size does not fit all.' Teaching a fish to ride a bicycle doesn't work. Thinking we can implement general solutions for individuals and specific challenges simply doesn't work. This got me thinking about Artificial Intelligence. AI holds immense potential for Africa to drive development, innovation, and economic growth. If harnessed and leveraged within an African context, it’s a tremendous strategic asset that can catalyze…

18 Mar

Namibia Motorsport Federation gets new leadership

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Sports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Namibia Motorsport Federation (NMF) has elected new leadership at its recent annual general meeting in Windhoek. Daniel Tjongarero Jr is the new president, with Benson Kalla as vice president. Bradley Ferreira will chair the motoring commission, Andreas Brendel will head the motorcycling commission, and Derek Jacobs will serve as secretary general. The newly elected officials will manage the sport’s administration and regulations for the next two years, focusing on expanding motorsport across Namibia and internationally. Jacobs said the sport struggles to attract participants because many believe it requires a large financial investment. ‘’Anyone can compete in motorsport…

18 Mar

A STREAMLINED CABINET: ENHANCING EFFICIENCY, REDUCING COSTS, AND STRENGTHENING GOVERNANCE

info_e12wt4csFeatured, OpinionsA STREAMLINED CABINET: ENHANCING EFFICIENCY, REDUCING COSTS

By P. T. Shipale The Confidénte newspaper (March 14-20, 2025) reports that Namibia’s President-elect and newly appointed SWAPO leader, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, is taking decisive action to reform the executive branch of government. In a bold move to improve efficiency, cut costs, and facilitate more effective decision-making, the President-elect plans to restructure the Cabinet, reducing the number of ministries to between 12 and 15. Additionally, she is considering eliminating the positions of Vice-President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Deputy Ministers. In 2004 when the government amended the constitution in order to create a Vice-President’s position, I asked the question to find out…

17 Mar

Independence celebratory theme unveiled

info_e12wt4csFeatured, National News

Niël Terblanché With only three days left until Namibia celebrates its 35th Independence Day, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology revealed the official celebratory theme and logo for the next five years. The ministry’s executive director, Audrin Mathe in a statement on Monday announced the theme, “Beyond 35: For a Prosperous Future” and said it reflects the nation’s commitment to unity, development, and progress. Speaking at the unveiling, Mathe said that the theme reinforces the collective responsibility to build a stronger, more prosperous nation. He added that the new logo is aimed at inspiring Namibians to continue working towards…