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Bucks Buccaneers appoints Kanalelo as head coach after sudden shake-up

Bucks Buccaneers appoints Kanalelo as head coach after sudden shake-up

Erasmus Shalihaxwe In an unusual series of events, Bucks Buccaneers Football Club has made swift changes to its technical team within just three days. In a statement issued on 5 April, the club announced that Head Coach Nicholas Woody Jacobs and Striker Coach Geoffrey Roman had been relieved of their duties with immediate effect. Following their departure, the club said Bertus Bock would step in as interim head coach, assisted by former national team player Rudi Louw. However, just three days later, on 8 April 2025, the club issued a follow-up statement announcing the appointment of Ronny Kanalelo as the…
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Zambezi police officer arrested for aiding inmates to escape

Zambezi police officer arrested for aiding inmates to escape

Allexer Namundjembo A police officer stationed at the Goma Police Station in the Zambezi region was arrested on Saturday for opening a holding cell, which led to the escape of five trial awaiting prisoners.  The Zambezi Regional Police Commander, Commissioner Andreas Shilelo, confirmed the incident, revealing that two Namibians and three Zambians were among the escapees. Shilelo said the officer acted alone and failed to inform fellow officers before opening the holding cell. “The inmates did not use force to escape. They simply fled after the cell was opened,” he said. By Monday, four of the five escapees were re-arrested.…
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Luvindao calls for action on maternal deaths

Luvindao calls for action on maternal deaths

Niël Terblanché At the World Health Day commemoration in Katima Mulilo on Monday, the minister of health and social services, Dr Esperance Luvindao, addressed the pressing issue of maternal mortality in Namibia. She described many causes of maternal deaths as preventable tragedies that require urgent action. “Improved antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, exclusive breastfeeding, and better nutrition could further reduce these fatalities,” Luvindao said while stressing the necessity of people taking more time to care for and help each other. She also expressed concern that only 49% of mothers in Namibia practise exclusive breastfeeding, a factor contributing to child stunting.…
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KEFA referee faces scrutiny after Divayi game

KEFA referee faces scrutiny after Divayi game

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…
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Kavango deserves better: why appointed governors undermine true democracy

Kavango deserves better: why appointed governors undermine true democracy

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…
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Ballotti steps down from Julinho Athletic FC

Ballotti steps down from Julinho Athletic FC

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…
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SADC PF one step from becoming full parliament

SADC PF one step from becoming full parliament

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

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

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…
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‘No room for delays or inaction’ – NNN

‘No room for delays or inaction’ – NNN

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

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

 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…
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