info_e12wt4cs – Page 381

20 May

Unaddressed quality of education a ticking time bomb

info_e12wt4csNational News

Martin Endjala Ben Bertolini, the managing director of M&G Investment Southern Africa, asserts that failing to address the quality of education is akin to a ticking time bomb. He said this last week in Windhoek, in collaboration between M&G Investment and the Bank of Namibia, in an effort to address the education crisis. “This is according to the University of Science and Technology's recent statistics prepared on behalf of the United Nations Educational Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). Since then, I have had sleepless nights. Having only one-third of ten-year-olds who can read and write, for me, education is sitting…

20 May

Geingob’s portrait to continue hanging

info_e12wt4csNational News

Ester Mbathera The portraits of the late President Hage Geingob will remain hanging until a directive is issued for their removal. Spokesperson in the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT), Shoki Kandjimi, said on Tuesday that the Cabinet will soon announce the way forward. “The Ministry would like to inform the public that Cabinet will soon make a public pronouncement on the availability and hanging protocols associated with the presidential portraits of the seating president vis-à-vis the former presidents including protocols of the late president. For now, the status quo remains the same as announced by the MICT minister…

20 May

G7 diamond ban still concerns Namibian traders

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché The Group of Seven (G7) nations; the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Canada, are planning to introduce further sanctions on Russia that would have a further negative impact on Namibia’s ability to trade in diamonds. These measures proposed by the G7 nations are part of broader efforts to reduce Russia's revenue, which is believed to be financing its conflict in Ukraine. Brent Eiseb, the Chief Executive Officer of the Namibia Diamond Trading Company, said that in addition to market challenges, the diamond industry must contend with the impact of the G7 restrictive measures against…

20 May

Shanghala regrets not reforming prison conditions

info_e12wt4csMain

Ester Mbathera Former justice minister Sacky Shanghala says he doesn't wish prison conditions on anyone. He points out the inhumane conditions within the cells, including overcrowding, noise, fights, and illicit drug smuggling, which he says exacerbate health issues. The trial awaiting Shanghala was reflecting on the harsh realities of prison life on Monday when he and his co-accused brought an urgent application to put on hold the transfer of some of them from C Sections to Echo Sections. “Had I known, honestly, in the high position that I occupied before, I probably would have done something about it. It is…

20 May

Nored silent about on-duty fatalities

info_e12wt4csNational News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Northern Regional Electricity Distributor (Nored) has remained silent regarding fatalities in the line of duty following the deaths of its employees in the past two years. Last month, Ananias Iyambo, aged 36, died while on duty in Okongo, in the Ohangwena Region. He was allegedly attending to a power failure in the village when he was electrocuted. The recent incident echoes a similar tragedy that occurred in April 2022, when 34-year-old Nored employee, Thomas Shikomba died in Okahao after falling from an electric pole. Shikomba, who was also on official duty, was allegedly removing cable wires from…

20 May

Swapo yet to confirm participation in presidential discussion

info_e12wt4csMain

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Swapo Secretary General Sophia Shaningwa said the party did not receive the invite to the presidential discussion, and even if it did, there is no assurance of participating. Shaningwa said this on Monday while responding to questions about whether the party will allow its presidential candidate to participate in the presidential discussion taking place in Windhoek on Thursday. The public discussion is organised by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) to give presidential candidates from all political parties a platform to share their manifestos and plans to address social issues affecting the country. According to a local daily, KAS…

20 May

SA’s ConCourt barres Zuma from serving in parliament

info_e12wt4csFeaturedPresident Jacob Zuma

Niël Terblanché South Africa's highest court has ruled that former President Jacob Zuma is barred from running for parliament in that country’s general election next week. The Constitutional Court's judgement hinges on Zuma's 15-month prison sentence for contempt of court, rendering him ineligible under the country's constitution. Zuma was convicted in 2021 for his refusal to testify at an inquiry into corruption during his presidency, which concluded in 2018. Despite his imprisonment and subsequent release after three months by his successor, President Cyril Ramaphosa, the court maintained that the original sentence disqualified him from serving in parliament. The former president…

20 May

Iran’s President Raisi and Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian killed in helicopter crash

info_e12wt4csFeatured

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian died in a helicopter crash, state media reported Monday. Iranian state television reported there was “no sign of life” at the crash site of the helicopter that carried Raisi, Amirabdollahian, and others. “All the passengers of the helicopter carrying the Iranian president and foreign minister were martyred,” semi-official news agency Mehr News reported. Drone footage published on state media FARS News Agency showed the chopper’s wreckage on a steep hillside. “The consequences of this are probably going to be rather contained,” Ali Ahmadi, executive fellow at the Geneva Center for Security…

19 May

Ivonne Kooper Shines with Hat-Trick in FC Ongos’ Dominant Victory

info_e12wt4csSports

Ivonne Kooper of FC Ongos bagged a hat-trick, leading her team to a commanding 5-2 victory over Namib Daughters in the Round of 12 of the PstBet NFA Cup. The match, held at Oshakati Stadium, saw Kooper's exceptional performance solidify her status as one of the tournament's standout players. Her first goal came early in the match, setting the tone for FC Ongos' dominant performance. She followed up with two more goals, each demonstrating her sharp instincts in front of the goal. After the match, Kooper was presented with the match ball by PstBet Marketing Manager Valdez Hamunyela, a recognition…

19 May

Oryza Sativa FC Continues Ascendancy in PstBet NFA Cup

info_e12wt4csSports

Oryza Sativa FC, representing the Zambezi Regional Second Division in the PstBet NFA Cup, secured their spot in the quarterfinals by defeating relegation-bound Life Fighters FC in the round of 16. This victory is yet another milestone in the club's remarkable journey from humble beginnings to competitive success. Oryza Sativa FC, established in 2012 by Ben Uerikua and Dr. Deon Hepute, originated as a social outlet for its founders. Far from home in Katima Mulilo, Zambezi Region, they sought a weekend pastime that quickly blossomed into a robust football club. What began as casual matches among friends evolved into a…