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Martin Endjala The director general of the National Planning Commission (NPC) said the country is experiencing hardship as a result of the failure to stage a national census in 2021. The census could not take place as it was not provided for in the national budget of 2022/2023 due to financial constraints. This was said by the NPC director general, Obeth Kandjoze, during the mid-term budget review discussion on Monday with civil society organisations in Windhoek. “The missed targets, particularly the 2021 Census that did not take place due to a lack of funds, and the two-year extension due to…

Niël Terblanché The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has called for a strike at Menzies Aviation at all major airports in South Africa. The strike started on Monday and is organized in response to Menzies Aviation's refusal to convert workers from Permanent Hourly Pay (PHP) to Permanent Monthly Pay (PMP), a move that has left many workers frustrated and financially vulnerable. According to a statement issued by NUMSA, workers on hourly pay face severe challenges. “These workers are only compensated for the hours they work, meaning any absence due to illness or leave results in lost income.…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The mayor of Karib has condemned gender-based violence (GBV) following a tragic incident in which a man murdered his girlfriend and her two children before taking his own life by setting fire to their home early on Sunday morning. According to Davey van Wyk, the nation should denounce domestic violence with the greatest hatred. “We don’t condone GBV at all, and it is regrettably sad that this incident happened. We urge men to stand up and own up rather than resorting to GBV,” van Wyk stated. He added that the recent allocation of space for a new police…

Niël Terblanché More than 60 learners from all 14 regions of Namibia are gathered in Windhoek as part of the 6th Children’s Parliament that started on Friday. The special parliament is a demonstration of Namibia’s commitment to empowering the youth and transforming the education system to secure a brighter future for all children in the country. President Nangolo Mbumba opened the week-long session, which will be held under the theme “Transforming Education in Namibia.” It was a historic event because it was both the President’s first and last time addressing the Children’s Parliament. In his speech, President Mbumba congratulated the…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Landless People’s Movement’s (LPM) leader Bernadus Swartbooi says the Swapo-led government has since independence, failed to introduce the right policies that can provide young people with opportunities. According to Swartbooi, the only way young people gain freedom and independence is through their everyday struggles. Swartbooi made these remarks during the LPM rally that took place in Windhoek’s Khomasdal suburb over the weekend. “Those of you who have never seen the sunrise, you who vote to see electricity, we welcome you to the dawn of a new era, where we will make the change happen in this country…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Joseph Kauandenge, from the National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO), has blamed aspiring party leader Barry Rukoro for the party's failed elective congress. NUDO was set to elect new leaders over the weekend, but the party's national executive committee called the congress off to avoid a possible physical brawl. On Sunday, Rukoro said the congress was called off because the outgoing leadership was not ready to host the election, and many reports that were supposed to be presented to the congress were missing. Kauandenge said that Rukoro is manipulating the truth. He said Rukoro put his personal interest above…

Martin Endjala Hundreds of landless Walvis Bay residents are preparing to submit applications for land. This is an initiative launched by the Walvis Bay Backyard Tenants Group, who say they want to purchase Portion 23 of Farm 37 near Dune 7. According to a public notice inviting those who live in backyard shacks who were left out to become beneficiaries of Portion 19, well known as Extension 6 of Green Valley. “We are going to apply to the Walvis Bay Municipality to purchase portion 23 of farm 37,” read the notice. The group leader, Festus Immanuel, said they are a…

Stefanus Nashama The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has cautioned the public to disregard a poster depicting men with a rainbow flag that is associated with the LGBTQ+ community. On Monday, the party issued a warning to those who reproduced its communication material. “The IPC noted with concern that members of the public are defacing IPC communication posters by imposing and reproducing communication material depicting the logo of the party. We hereby issue a stern warning to those culprits to cease doing so with immediate effect,” stated the party. The poster bearing the party's logo is being circulated on social…

Niël Terblanché The Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund donated three pieces of medical equipment, valued at N$1.1 million, to the Windhoek Central Hospital on Friday. According to Rosalia Martins-Hausiku, the MVA Fund’s Chief Executive Officer, the contribution is expected to enhance the hospital’s capacity to provide high-quality care to its patients. The donated equipment includes an intensive care unit (ICU) monitor, a diathermy unit, and a suction machine. Each piece of equipment plays a vital role in ensuring patient safety and improving the overall effectiveness of medical interventions at the hospital. The ICU Monitor is designed to enable healthcare professionals…