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 Analysing the performance of Namibia’s young parliamentarians

 Analysing the performance of Namibia’s young parliamentarians

Appolonia Iithete  In recent years, Namibia has observed a transformative evolution in its political landscape, driven by the dynamic rise of young parliamentarians championing youth empowerment and innovation. These young leaders, entering political arenas early in their careers, have demonstrated remarkable resilience and vision, challenging conventional scepticism and redefining leadership expectations. In their roles, these parliamentarians have not only tackled pressing issues but also initiated transformative projects that resonate across the country. Their commitment to innovation and inclusivity has brought tangible advancements, from digital transformations to environmental sustainability efforts. One notable initiative is their advocacy for women's and adolescent sexual…
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Why Vote?

Why Vote?

Henning Melber After the horror of the Nazi regime and witnessing the Soviet dictatorship under Stalin, the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill declared in 1947:  ‘Many forms of Government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe.  No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise.  Indeed it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.…’ Namibian Fight for Democracy Namibians suffered under white minority rule until 1990. There was no democracy.  Only whites were entitled to…
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MAWLR managers visit Etunda Green Scheme

MAWLR managers visit Etunda Green Scheme

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) recently concluded a four-day performance review workshop in Oshakati, culminating in a visit to the Etunda Green Scheme Irrigation Project. This visit aimed to familiarise the ministry’s management with various projects within the northern communal areas. Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, the MAWLR’s executive director, emphasised the importance of exposing management to these projects. “It was important to bring the managers here, most of them who are sitting in other regions, to see how other regions are faring and also those who are sitting in Windhoek, so that they know the impact…
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Export of weaners and import of feed to and from SA allowed

Export of weaners and import of feed to and from SA allowed

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) issued a public notification on Friday to clarify the status of exporting weaners (young cattle) to South Africa and the importation of livestock feed from the same country. According to John Shoopala, acting chief veterinary officer, the exportation of live cattle to South Africa has not been halted, as per rumours circulating on social media. “Anyone who wishes to export live cattle to SA should apply for the South African veterinary permit,” he said in the notice. Shoopala added that Namibia continues to allow the importation of fully processed…
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44 MW wind farm to be commissioned in 2025

44 MW wind farm to be commissioned in 2025

Niël Terblanché The Diaz wind farm near Luderitz has a total capacity of 44 megawatts (MW) and is scheduled for commissioning in July 2025. Construction of the farm started in 2023 and is being developed by InnoVent, a company specialising in the installation and operation of wind and solar farms in France and Africa. According to a statement issued by the company, the Diaz wind farm, with its eleven turbines, will boost Namibia’s renewable energy capacity. “With an annual production of over 230 GWh of green electricity, the Diaz wind farm will represent 5 to 6% of Namibia’s electricity consumption…
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Namibia and South Africa agreed to conduct research for a green hydrogen pipeline

Namibia and South Africa agreed to conduct research for a green hydrogen pipeline

Stefanus Nashama Namibia and South Africa will collaborate on developing a cross-border green hydrogen pipeline. This follows after the two countries reached an agreement at the World Hydrogen Summit in May. Theopolina Kapani, the head of technical and construction at the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme, said the move will potentially transform the energy landscape in Southern Africa. “The initial focus will be on the pipeline segment between Lüderitz in Namibia and the Northern Cape in South Africa. This first phase is crucial for setting the foundation for future expansions, which include extending the pipeline to the Western Cape in South…
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Otjiwarongo name streets after medical and doctors sports personalities

Otjiwarongo name streets after medical and doctors sports personalities

Martin Endjala The Otjiwarongo municipality intends to name several streets in Orwetoveni Extension 4 after renowned medical doctors and sports personalities. The list includes health and social services minister, Kalumbi Shangula, former health minister Richard Kamwi, ophthalmologist Helena Ndume, late national forensics expert Paul Ludik, and Moderatha Finken. Another street will be named after Anne Heyman, who created the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village that shelters orphans of the Rwanda genocide. Last week, the town’s chief executive officer, Mberipura Hifitikeko, issued a notice of objection proposing new names for unnamed streets. “Any person objecting to the proposed names may lodge written motivational…
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Funding policy under review to benefit more students

Funding policy under review to benefit more students

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Students Financial Assistance Fund's (NSFAF) funding policy is under review to address the financial challenges faced by students whose parents' income previously disqualified them from receiving aid. This policy review is aimed at providing relief to families who, despite having a combined income of N$500,000 per year, struggle to support more than three students in tertiary institutions. Minister of Higher Education, Technology, and Innovation, Itah Kandjii-Murangi, was responding to questions from Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) member of parliament Kennedy Shekupakela in parliament last week. Shekupakela highlighted the unrealistic assumption that parents earning above the…
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Geingos advocates for social change

Geingos advocates for social change

Ester Mbathera The former first lady, Monica Geingos, last week attended the 2024 Global First Ladies Academy in New York. At the three-day event, Geingos presented at the Legacy Workshop, where she will share insights on building a lasting legacy. She used her One Economy Foundation to illustrate how strategic foresight can sustain first ladies' initiatives. One Economy Foundation was launched in 2016 to facilitate the full social and economic participation of communities to break aspects of the poverty cycle, maximise the potential of as many people as possible, and strengthen those who are already on track to become better.…
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NUDO calls off elective congress

NUDO calls off elective congress

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO) called off its elective congress, which was due to elect the party’s new leadership on Saturday at Ramatex in Windhoek. Outgoing party president, Esther Muinjangue announced on Sunday morning that the party’s national executive committee convened an urgent meeting late on Saturday night to discuss the scenario of ‘’chaos and anarchy’’ that prevailed at the venue. ‘’After careful consideration of all facts and issues at our disposal, we as leaders have decided to call off our elective congress until further notice. This is to avert possible loss of lives and unnecessary harm…
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