Page 348 – News Stand

20 May

Shanghala regrets not reforming prison conditions

info_e12wt4csMain

Ester Mbathera Former justice minister Sacky Shanghala says he doesn't wish prison conditions on anyone. He points out the inhumane conditions within the cells, including overcrowding, noise, fights, and illicit drug smuggling, which he says exacerbate health issues. The trial awaiting Shanghala was reflecting on the harsh realities of prison life on Monday when he and his co-accused brought an urgent application to put on hold the transfer of some of them from C Sections to Echo Sections. “Had I known, honestly, in the high position that I occupied before, I probably would have done something about it. It is…

20 May

Nored silent about on-duty fatalities

info_e12wt4csNational News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Northern Regional Electricity Distributor (Nored) has remained silent regarding fatalities in the line of duty following the deaths of its employees in the past two years. Last month, Ananias Iyambo, aged 36, died while on duty in Okongo, in the Ohangwena Region. He was allegedly attending to a power failure in the village when he was electrocuted. The recent incident echoes a similar tragedy that occurred in April 2022, when 34-year-old Nored employee, Thomas Shikomba died in Okahao after falling from an electric pole. Shikomba, who was also on official duty, was allegedly removing cable wires from…

20 May

Swapo yet to confirm participation in presidential discussion

info_e12wt4csMain

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Swapo Secretary General Sophia Shaningwa said the party did not receive the invite to the presidential discussion, and even if it did, there is no assurance of participating. Shaningwa said this on Monday while responding to questions about whether the party will allow its presidential candidate to participate in the presidential discussion taking place in Windhoek on Thursday. The public discussion is organised by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) to give presidential candidates from all political parties a platform to share their manifestos and plans to address social issues affecting the country. According to a local daily, KAS…

20 May

SA’s ConCourt barres Zuma from serving in parliament

info_e12wt4csFeaturedPresident Jacob Zuma

Niël Terblanché South Africa's highest court has ruled that former President Jacob Zuma is barred from running for parliament in that country’s general election next week. The Constitutional Court's judgement hinges on Zuma's 15-month prison sentence for contempt of court, rendering him ineligible under the country's constitution. Zuma was convicted in 2021 for his refusal to testify at an inquiry into corruption during his presidency, which concluded in 2018. Despite his imprisonment and subsequent release after three months by his successor, President Cyril Ramaphosa, the court maintained that the original sentence disqualified him from serving in parliament. The former president…

20 May

Iran’s President Raisi and Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian killed in helicopter crash

info_e12wt4csFeatured

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian died in a helicopter crash, state media reported Monday. Iranian state television reported there was “no sign of life” at the crash site of the helicopter that carried Raisi, Amirabdollahian, and others. “All the passengers of the helicopter carrying the Iranian president and foreign minister were martyred,” semi-official news agency Mehr News reported. Drone footage published on state media FARS News Agency showed the chopper’s wreckage on a steep hillside. “The consequences of this are probably going to be rather contained,” Ali Ahmadi, executive fellow at the Geneva Center for Security…

19 May

Ivonne Kooper Shines with Hat-Trick in FC Ongos’ Dominant Victory

info_e12wt4csSports

Ivonne Kooper of FC Ongos bagged a hat-trick, leading her team to a commanding 5-2 victory over Namib Daughters in the Round of 12 of the PstBet NFA Cup. The match, held at Oshakati Stadium, saw Kooper's exceptional performance solidify her status as one of the tournament's standout players. Her first goal came early in the match, setting the tone for FC Ongos' dominant performance. She followed up with two more goals, each demonstrating her sharp instincts in front of the goal. After the match, Kooper was presented with the match ball by PstBet Marketing Manager Valdez Hamunyela, a recognition…

19 May

Oryza Sativa FC Continues Ascendancy in PstBet NFA Cup

info_e12wt4csSports

Oryza Sativa FC, representing the Zambezi Regional Second Division in the PstBet NFA Cup, secured their spot in the quarterfinals by defeating relegation-bound Life Fighters FC in the round of 16. This victory is yet another milestone in the club's remarkable journey from humble beginnings to competitive success. Oryza Sativa FC, established in 2012 by Ben Uerikua and Dr. Deon Hepute, originated as a social outlet for its founders. Far from home in Katima Mulilo, Zambezi Region, they sought a weekend pastime that quickly blossomed into a robust football club. What began as casual matches among friends evolved into a…

19 May

Amushelelo not scared of !Gawaxab legal threats

info_e12wt4csNational News

Stefanus Nashama Social activist Michael Amushelelo says for Bank of Namibia's governor Johannes !Gawaxab to sue him, his actions are merely akin to those of a dying donkey. “I won't be silenced by thieves, and I will continue fighting until all these corrupt thieves are in prison. Inform Johannes that I will continue sharing his number. This is a number paid for by taxpayers,” stated Amushelelo. The conflict between the two escalated after Amushelelo recently posted !Gawaxab's mobile phone number is on his social media accounts. This comes after Amushelelo alleged that the !Gawaxab has benefited from a N$451 million…

19 May

Namwandi urges graduates to create jobs

info_e12wt4csNational News

Stefanus Nashama The founder of the International University of Management (IUM), David Namwandi, has encouraged graduates to create wealth and employment, despite the slim job market. He made the remarks at the 30th IUM graduation ceremony of over 2 300 students on Friday. “If you cannot implement what you have learned in the university, then you are not educated. Although the market is tight, it is still absorbing people. The only animal we don’t want in our market is corruption,” he told the graduates. Despite not receiving government subsidies, Namwandi revealed that the institution has chosen to expand its infrastructure…

19 May

Namibia centralises the payment of universal education grants

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture has centralized payment of the universal education grants, ensuring direct transfers into school accounts across Namibia. Sanet Steenkamp, the ministry's Executive Director, said this measure aims to enhance the efficiency and timeliness of fund distribution, which is critical for the smooth operation of schools. Steenkamp confirmed that 75% of the grants for the 2024–2025 financial year have already been disbursed to 1,322 schools nationwide. She said the remaining 438 schools are on track to receive their funds soon. This move, according to Steenkamp, is intended to prevent delays and ensure that…