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Ester Mbathera The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development (MURD) has called on regional councils to identify new and ongoing regional projects to be funded through the One Region, One Initiative (OROI). This is because the ministry has set aside N$800 000 for the OROI projects this financial year. Minister Erastus Uutoni explained that the initiatives need to be innovative and geared towards addressing gaps and fostering economic growth and employment creation nationwide. “We are encouraging young people to inform other young people who have an idea or plans for unique initiatives or projects, to approach the regional council. The…

Niël Terblanché Approximately 690 fishermen are on the brink of fulfilling their dream of becoming homeowners as they prepare for a significant milestone in their journey. Thomas Mununga, a representative of the fishermen, explained that they formed the October 2015 United Land and Housing Federation to facilitate their goal of homeownership and have been proactive in their efforts to secure land at Farm 37, situated on the outskirts of Walvis Bay. “This initiative is more than just about building houses; it’s about creating a community and a better future for our fishermen and their families. Through our strategic endeavour, we…

Martin Endjala Namibia and Botswana on Wednesday signed a Civil-Military Cooperation Plan (CIMIC) to be launched on 11 June in Gaborone and 13 June in Katima Mulilo. The CIMIC launch is themed “Working together to ensure peaceful coexistence, security, and human development.” According to the joint statement, the two military defence forces will conduct a sensitization campaign for the general public of the two countries, with the first leg set for 9 to 12 July. “The two countries will hold community sensitisation in 19 villages in Namibia and 21 villages in Botswana. Discussions will focus on poaching, illicit products, illegal…

Niël Terblanché The governments of Namibia and Angola have successfully facilitated the return of 73 Angolan minor children and their mothers to their homeland. The repatriation process started on Tuesday with the transportation of the displaced people to the Santa Clara Border Post, which is viewed as a display of international cooperation and marked the beginning of their secure journey back to Angola. Ettienne Maritz, the executive director of Namibia’s Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security, said officials from the ministry played a pivotal role in this operation, ensuring the safety and well-being of the affected individuals. “The…

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Airports Company (NAC) executed a comprehensive emergency simulation at Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) last Thursday. The full-scale drill, which involved a Fly Namibia aircraft with a bomb on board, a bomb threat, and a hostage situation inside Terminal 2, aimed to test and evaluate the airport's emergency response procedures, inter-agency coordination, and overall personnel readiness. NAC's Public Relations Officer, Dan Kamati, made it clear that all the scenarios were completely fictitious and posed no actual risk to passengers or staff. Kamati also described the simulation as a success. "The primary objective was to ensure our…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) views the media as one of the key stakeholders that plays a critical role, as a public educator, in assisting the ECN to enhance electoral democracy through robust voter and civic education. Peter Shaama, the chief electoral and referenda officer for ECN, made this statement on Tuesday during the commissioned media engagement workshop in Windhoek. He explained that the media is an open forum for debate and discussion to ensure that voters can educate other voters, politicians, and electoral staff. “I am sure you agree with me that the media are essential…

Niël Terblanché The Trade Union Congress of Namibia (TUCNA) and other unions, along with minority representative organisations, have launched the Namibia Civil Society Non-State Actors Network (NamNet). This new body is designed to amplify the collective voice of Namibian civil society and facilitate meaningful engagement with the government. Mahongora Kavihuha, who will chair the newly founded NamNet, said that the network will operate independently of development agencies to ensure it remains driven by Namibian civil society from the onset. “NamNet aims to be a reliable partner in development while holding the government accountable,” said Kavihuha. The primary mission of NamNet…