Government faces scrutiny over Fisheries Employment Program

Government faces scrutiny over Fisheries Employment Program

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The leader of the Official Opposition, McHenry Venaani, has raised questions regarding the Government Employment Redress Programme, specifically focusing on the employment outcomes for fishermen within the hake sector. Venaani’s notice of questions scheduled for this week brings attention to the challenges faced by the program. He plans on asking Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Derek Klazen, about the criteria used to select participants for the Governmental Employment Redress Programme, and the terms and conditions outlined in the designated agreements which he said are a cause for concern. “Particularly clause 3.5, which stipulates that if an employee…
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Kapofi advocates for the apolitical stance of the NDF

Kapofi advocates for the apolitical stance of the NDF

Niël Terblanché In a message during the annual staff meeting at the defence headquarters in Windhoek, Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Frans Kapofi, reminded members of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) of the imperative to remain politically neutral, emphasising their role in maintaining peace and stability. The meeting, attended by all senior officials of the ministry, served as a crucial platform for the exchange of information and updates on the ministry’s strategic plans and objectives. Kapofi defined the scope of political non-involvement for NDF members, highlighting that their engagement should be limited to exercising their voting rights. He explicitly…
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Theft of water pumps leaves rural communities high and dry at Okongo

Theft of water pumps leaves rural communities high and dry at Okongo

Niël Terblanché In a concerning trend that is negatively impacting the livelihood of rural communities, the Okongo Constituency has become the latest victim of a series of water pump thefts, threatening the water supply to several communities and prompting a call for action from local and national officials. Councillor Efraim Shipindo, issued a stern warning against the ongoing theft of community water pumps, incidents that have seen a significant rise, with 13 pumps stolen since last year. He said the recent thefts from boreholes at the Okamanya, Onheleiwa, and Okanyanona villages have formed a troubling pattern that costs the government…
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Young Namibians engage in global youth empowerment and innovation exchange

Young Namibians engage in global youth empowerment and innovation exchange

Niël Terblanché A group of 90 young Namibians, made their mark at the World Youth Festival (WYF) in Sochi, Russia where they delved into various fields, including business, media, international cooperation, culture, science and education programmes. The WYF, initiated by a decree from Russian President Vladimir Putin, is renowned as the globe’s most significant youth gathering, drawing in thousands of young leaders from Russia and beyond. The group of young Namibians was accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Sport, Youth, and National Service, Emma Kantema-Goamas. The festival serves as a crucial platform for discussing and addressing the world’s most pressing…
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Swapo Central Committee endorses Nandi-Ndaitwah as presidential candidate

Swapo Central Committee endorses Nandi-Ndaitwah as presidential candidate

Stefanus Nashama SWAPO CC resolves: - Extraordinary Congress in 2025- Nujoma urges support for NN- Ivula-Ithana backs decision- Namandje says the Swapo constitution does not force the party to have extraordinary congress The Swapo Party Central Committee has over the weekend endorsed its Vice-President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to stand as the sole presidential candidate for the November elections. In terms of the Swapo Party Constitution, the CC is the highest decision-making body after the Congress. This is done in terms of Rules 8, 10, and 53 of the Party Constitution, meaning Nadi-Ndaitwah will go to the polls uncontested at the party…
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SWAPO Central Committee embraced unity and pragmatism in the end

SWAPO Central Committee embraced unity and pragmatism in the end

Niël Terblanché In an impassioned appeal for solidarity and strategic foresight, SWAPO Party leaders and members have been urged to consolidate their support around presidential candidate, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah during the elections at the end of November this year.Namibia's Founding President and Father of the Nation, Dr Sam Nujoma, expressed this wish during the SWAPO Party's Central Committee meeting, a crucial event for the party's introspection and future planning.Pendukeni Ivula Ithana, the former Secretary General of SWAPO, threw her weight behind the Father of the Namibian Nation when she tabled a similar motion during the Central Committee meeting at the…
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Agriculture ministry appoints four women to leading roles in Communal Land Boards

Agriculture ministry appoints four women to leading roles in Communal Land Boards

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform has announced the appointment of four women to key positions within the Communal Land Boards. Emphasising the importance of diverse representation, Minister Calle Schlettwein highlighted that each board will now include two women engaged in farming operations in the board’s area and two women with expertise relevant to the functions of the board. “The aspects of appointments of women have been made to ensure that women are represented in the highest decision-making bodies,” stressed Schlettwein. He added this move aligns with the government’s commitment to fostering fair and transparent land…
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Small Stock Farming: The Imperatives

Small Stock Farming: The Imperatives

Nichlas Mbingeneeko The previous article focused on caring for lambs or goat kids. This article continues to focus on caring for lambs or goat kids as they are growing. As the lambs and goat kids grow, the milk produced by the mothers often becomes insufficient, particularly in the case of multiple births. Moreover, the grazing may be deficient in minerals and trace minerals. In that instances, the farmer needs to provide for supplementation for the lambs and goat kids as well as the lactating ewes. Supplementation, in the context of animal husbandry, relates to the provision of nutritional substances generally…
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Namibia pledges relentless empowerment of women

Namibia pledges relentless empowerment of women

Niël Terblanché As Namibia joined the world to commemorate International Women’s Day, the country’s remarkable progress in gender equality and the empowerment of women, was celebrated for its journey of achievement and its inclination to address ongoing challenges. President Nangolo Mbumba, in a touching statement, reiterated Namibia’s commitment to building an inclusive society where women are not only free from violence but where they will play an essential role in leadership and decision-making. The theme for this year’s celebration, “Inspire Inclusion. Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” reflects the nation’s aspiration and commitment to gender parity. President Mbumba reflected on the…
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Namibia calls for lifting sanctions against Zimbabwe amid economic strain

Namibia calls for lifting sanctions against Zimbabwe amid economic strain

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Government has taken a firm stand by urging the global community to lift the economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the United States of America. These sanctions, initially aimed at penalizing certain individuals within Zimbabwe’s government for alleged corruption and human rights abuses, are now being criticized for their broader, adverse effects on the country’s economy and its ripple effects across the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Dr Peya Mushelenga, Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, vocalized the region’s concerns and stated that the sanctions have outgrown their purpose and are now counterproductive. According to…
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