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Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform held a National Validation Workshop on March 26, 2024, to discuss the final draft of the National Agricultural Investment Plan (NAIP) and its Implementation Action Plan (IAP), alongside the Revised Drought Management Policy and StrategyIn in an effort to revitalize Namibia’s agricultural sector. The workshop saw the gathering of a broad spectrum of agriculture stakeholders such as government officials, farmers' representatives, industry leaders, and development partners. All stakeholders converged to enrich the proposed investment plan with their insights. The Executive Director of the Ministry, Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, opened the workshop with…

Niël Terblanché President Nangolo Mbumba emphasized the multifaceted partnership between Namibia and the European Union (EU) that transcends mere resource exchange during a courtesy visit by Ambassador Ana Beatriz Martins to State House. The cornerstone of this growing alliance is a comprehensive agreement, signed in 2022 by the late President Hage Geingob and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, to develop a strategic hydrogen roadmap. The meeting between President Mbumba and Ambassador Martins reiterated the deepening relationship of the partnership. The relationship is anchored in mutual commitment to sustainable development and green energy and is seen as a testament…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA), has announced that the Namibian economy continued to stride in a positive direction, posting a growth of 4.2 percent in 2023 relative to a growth of 5.3 percent recorded in 2022. The growth rate indicates the pace at which the economy is expanding and serves as a barometer of economic activity. The NSA’s Statistician-General and Chief Executive Officer, Alex Shimuafeni, announced yesterday that in nominal terms, the size of the economy was estimated at N$227.8 billion during the reporting period relative to N$205.5 billion recorded in 2022. This shows a moderate expansion of…

Stefanus Nashama The African National Congress (ANC), which governs South Africa, has lost a legal battle to prevent a newly formed party, backed by former President Jacob Zuma, from participating in the general election in May this year. The party in question is called uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), named after the now-defunct armed branch of the ANC. This development is expected to impact ANC's support, given Zuma's endorsement of the MK party. According to a report by the BBC yesterday, the electoral court dismissed the ANC's claim that the MK party did not meet the official registration requirements. Supporters of…

Niël Terblanché The recent induction of new members into the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) marks a key moment in Africa's ongoing battle against war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity. The orientation program not only introduced the members to the council's extensive mandate, powers, and functions but also reinforced the continent's resolve to silence the guns and ensure collective security. Established two decades ago, the PSC has emerged as the cornerstone of Africa's efforts to maintain peace and security across the continent. Bankole Adeoye, the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, emphasized the council's significant…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The community of Gobabis is set to present a petition to the Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Erastus Uutoni, voicing their discontent over recent developments within the municipality. Led by community activist Veronia Mokaleng-Kuzeeko, residents are scheduled to gather at the Government Office Park today to deliver their petition. The petition follows dissatisfaction among the council's management and community members regarding recent decisions that include salary adjustments for municipality employees made by the Gobabis Municipal Council. Despite objections raised by residents, the municipality proceeded with salary adjustments for its employees without proper consultation or authorisation, sparking controversy…

Hertta-maria Amutenja The President of the United People's Movement (UPM), Jan Johannes van Wyk, has filed an urgent application at the Windhoek High Court, challenging his abrupt withdrawal from the National Assembly (NA) earlier this month. According to the founding affidavit, Van Wyk seeks redress for what he claims to be an unconstitutional and invalid decision by the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM). Van Wyk and Frans Bertolini were in Parliament on the ticket of the PDM. They were however removed after forming an alliance with Independent Presidential Candidate, Ally Angula. The two former members of Parliament were then replaced by…