National News

Training will empower social workers to tackle TB and leprosy

Training will empower social workers to tackle TB and leprosy

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Health and Social Services has launched a critical training program focused on arming social workers with the vital expertise necessary to effectively tackle the challenges posed by tuberculosis (TB) and leprosy. The primary objective behind the initiative is to fortify social workers with advanced knowledge, positioning them to address the intricate challenges tied to these diseases. Given that these ailments persist as substantial public health concerns, the ministry stressed the need for a holistic, multi-pronged strategy. Social workers, through this comprehensive training, are set to gain in-depth knowledge on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of…
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MFV Helena Ndume will make history on maiden Antarctic voyage

MFV Helena Ndume will make history on maiden Antarctic voyage

Niël Terblanché The Motorised Fishing Vessel (MFV) Helena Ndume, owned by Honeyguide Investments and named after “Namibia’s miracle doctor” recently set sail on a historic expedition to the icy waters of Antarctica. This voyage is the first-ever foray by a Namibian fishing vessel into international waters. Costing N$100 million, the ice-breaker vessel has been commissioned to fish for Patagonian toothfish within the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) Convention area. The crew, comprising 32 members, including 12 proud Namibians, anticipate a 60-day journey. Derek Klazen, Minister of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, lauded Honeyguide…
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Excessive study fees might result in public outrage

Excessive study fees might result in public outrage

Stefanus Nashama The Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement has cautioned vocational institutions nationwide against charging registration and examination fees to government-funded students. The group suggests that continuing this practice might lead to public outrage. The AR’s National Spokesperson, George Kambala, believes that vocational institutions should prioritize affordable, quality education. He contends that charging such fees is not only unethical but also puts unnecessary financial strain on students looking to gain essential vocational skills. “Consider this a clear warning. If these institutions don’t change their ways, we’re prepared to hold them accountable through legal and regulatory avenues,” he warned. Kambala also emphasized…
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Namibia launches Etotha Carnival in a bid to revive tourism

Namibia launches Etotha Carnival in a bid to revive tourism

Niël Terblanché Namibia is gearing up to host its very first Etotha Carnival, an initiative that emerged as a response to rejuvenate the nation’s tourism sector, which suffered a significant setback due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Romeo Muyunda, spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, unveiled the ambitious plan. He remarked that a collaborative effort involving the Ondonga Traditional Authority, Namibia Tourism Board, and other pivotal stakeholders is already underway to ensure that the carnival, slated for July 2024 will be an overwhelming success. Drawing inspiration from the challenges posed by the pandemic, the event’s primary objective is…
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MAWLR warns against illegal land deals

MAWLR warns against illegal land deals

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) issued an urgent notice, alerting Namibians against partaking in unauthorized land sales, particularly on designated resettlement farms. The appeal comes after a series of reported illicit land allocations, sales, and occupations on specific farms in the Oshikoto Region. Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, the Executive Director of the ministry said they have identified the farms involved in these illicit dealings as Chudib-Nuut No. 1137, Urwald Farm No. 1150, and Tsintsabis No. 881. She indicated that all the farms are located approximately 62 kilometres north of Tsumeb along the Tsumeb-Katwiti road and have…
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Trust fund misses 100 percent sanitation goal

Trust fund misses 100 percent sanitation goal

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Trust Fund for Regional Development and Equity Provision has not met its ambitious 100 percent target for delivering basic sanitation and municipal services in the towns of Helao Nafidi and Divindu. This was highlighted in Auditor General Junias Kandjeke’s report for the financial years ending March 31, 2021, and 2022, which was presented to Parliament last month. Overseen by the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, the Trust Fund offers financial support to local authority councils to implement development initiatives. Kandjeke noted that the shortfall emerged from a procurement procedure that began but was subsequently cancelled. “The…
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Inmates sue government over denial of prescription diet

Inmates sue government over denial of prescription diet

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Two inmates from the Hardap Correctional Facility have initiated a lawsuit against the Ministry of Home Affairs, Safety and Security, in which they demand N$1.6 million in damages due to alleged negligence and the cessation of their prescribed diets. Joseph Shikongo and Wilem Valombola, both serving their sentences at the facility, are each seeking N$800,000 for the suffering they underwent on 19 November and 17 December 2020. The duo contend they are on lifelong, chronic prescribed medication. This medication must be taken daily alongside their prescribed diets to ensure their health and preserve their lives. As per their…
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Venaani challenges Presidency’s statement about genocide

Venaani challenges Presidency’s statement about genocide

Stefanus Nashama McHenry Venaani, leader of the Popular Democratic Movement, has called into question the statement released by the Presidency this week. The statement attempted to clarify President Hage Geingob’s controversial remarks on the genocide, made during a lecture in France last month. In his lecture, Geingob drew comparisons between the 1904-1908 genocide and apartheid, controversially claiming that apartheid was more severe than the genocide. He also argued that many who never previously cared about the genocide issue are now positioning themselves at the forefront of the debate. Venaani, responding yesterday, noted that Geingob’s remarks have ignited considerable debate. He…
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Karasburg councillors set to appear in court again

Karasburg councillors set to appear in court again

Martin Enjdala Members of the Karasburg Town Council, who were arrested on Monday, are scheduled for their second court appearance on Friday. During this session, they plan to file a formal bail application. Their initial appearance was at the Karasburg Magistrate Court on Tuesday, where Magistrate Samingo Kasaone ordered their continued detention. The LPM’s Spokesperson, Lifalaza Simaata, confirmed this decision yesterday. The councillors were taken into custody by members of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for alleged violations of the Local Authority Act. On Tuesday, the ACC confirmed the arrests of Karasburg Town Council Mayor Maria Veldskoen, Chairperson of the Management…
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PDM raises concerns over editor’s suspension

PDM raises concerns over editor’s suspension

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Maximalliant Katjimune, a Member of Parliament from the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), has voiced concerns over the recent suspension of Jonathan Beukes, the Managing Editor of New Era Newspaper. The suspension, which took place last Friday, has sparked debates about potential government encroachment on press freedom, particularly with Namibia on the cusp of an important election year. Christof Maletsky, the Chief Executive Officer of New Era Newspaper, acknowledged the suspension. However, he mentioned that the situation is internal and refrained from sharing further details. Nevertheless, during parliamentary sessions yesterday, Katjimune aimed to probe the Minister of Information and…
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