National News

Niël Terblanché In an innovative approach to public engagement and awareness, the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Derek Klazen, turned the National Assembly into a vibrant marketplace and exhibition centre for Namibia's bountiful seafood. On the evening of 2 April 2024, Parliament became the stage for a unique showcase aimed at promoting the nation's fisheries sector. During the budget presentation for Vote 22 (Fisheries Vote), Klazen extended an invitation to fishing companies and the general public to participate in an event that was as much about parliamentary debate as it was about celebrating Namibia’s aquatic resources. Annely Haiphene, the…

Hertta-Maria Amutenya The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) has expressed concern about the cost of electricity, emphasising the urgent need for transparency and accountability from all involved stakeholders this week. In a recent statement, demanding clarity on the factors contributing to these prices, the PDM stressed the need for both the government and regulatory bodies to prioritise the welfare of the people. Highlighting the plight of ordinary citizens, especially those in remote areas, PDM Secretary for Information and Publicity, Hidipo Hamata, stressed the necessity for immediate action to alleviate financial burdens imposed by exorbitant electricity prices. Hamata emphasised that every Namibian…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja A senior male editorial employee from a local daily newspaper is facing allegations of assaulting his girlfriend, a radio journalist, on Tuesday, following an April Fool's prank. It's alleged the prank resulted in water spilling over the editor’s passport. A case of assault was opened by the victim with the Namibian police. The Namibia Media Professionals Union (NAMPU) condemned the alleged assault, expressing concern over the prevalence of violence against women in local newsrooms. According to NAMPU, the suspect, identified as a prominent editor, has allegedly engaged in such behaviour repeatedly. NAMPU emphasised the importance of justice, demanding…

Niël Terblanché The Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Modestus Amutse, called on United Nations member states to urgently finalize the Convention on Countering the Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for Criminal Purposes. Amutse spoke at the China-Africa Internet Development and Cooperation Forum where he said that unity will be a critical step forward in the global fight against the ever-evolving threat of cybercrime. He highlighted the need for a unified and robust legal framework to prosecute cybercrime perpetrators effectively. The deputy minister emphasized that the complexity and borderless nature of cyber threats demand a cohesive effort…

Niël Terblanché In order to reassess and possibly reshape the electoral landscape, President Nangolo Mbumba officiated the commissioning of the Boundaries Delimitation and Demarcation Commissioners at State House. This key event marks the beginning of the fifth Delimitation Commission's work since Namibia gained independence, reflecting the nation's commitment to ensuring equitable representation and governance. Presidential Press Secretary, Alfredo Hengari said that the commission's task is to evaluate the current regional and constituency boundaries. He added that this assessment aims to determine the necessity for modifications to enhance development planning and ensure effective governance. “The initiative is grounded in the Constitution…

Niël Terblanché During the early hours of a Sunday morning, the residents of Smarties Extension 9 in Okahandja were shaken awake by an explosion before being engulfed in darkness once again. As the sun rose, the grim reality became apparent: three copper cables, lifelines of electricity to their homes, were severed from a transformer, leaving the community powerless and in despair. This theft, described by onlookers as "barbaric," signals a burgeoning crisis not unique to Okahandja but reflective of a distressing trend across nations. Okahandja is struggling with an escalating wave of copper cable theft. This malaise isn't merely a…

Niël Terblanché In order to bolster the sustainability and productivity of inland fisheries, Namibia's Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources has laid out a comprehensive plan for the 2024-2025 financial year, seeking over N$61 million in funding. Minister Derek Klazen highlighted the ministry's proactive approach towards understanding and enhancing the nation's aquatic resources through detailed biological surveys conducted across major rivers and water bodies, including the Zambezi, Kwando, Kavango, and Orange Rivers. During his budget motivation, Klazen said that the past financial year saw the ministry engage in a multifaceted strategy to nurture the aquaculture sector. This included the implementation…

Niël Terblanché In order to foster improved international collaboration, Namibia and Türkiye have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at bolstering parliamentary cooperation. This historic event took place in Istanbul, with Professor Peter Katjavivi, the Speaker of the National Assembly of Namibia, and his Turkish counterpart, Professor Numan Kurtulmuş, leading the ceremony. The MoU signifies a mutual commitment to upholding core values such as respect for human rights and the promotion of global peace. Professor Katjavivi emphasized this shared vision, while Kurtulmuş expressed an eagerness to deepen ties between the two nations. While speaking about the current low volumes…