Africa’s Private Sector Review of the Global Digital Compact

A consultation session on the Global Digital Compact (GDC) was hosted virtually by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in collaboration with the Africa Information and Communication Technologies Alliance (AfICTA) for Africa’s Private Sector, aimed at soliciting input and feedback on the GDC Rev.1., published on May 15, 2024. Ms. Sorene Assefa, Digital Governance and Cybersecurity expert at the ECA, presented the origins of the Global Digital Compact within the framework […]

July 30, 2024 4

APO International

Ghana: Supreme Court Upholds Colonial-Era Anti-Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Law

The supreme court of Ghana on July 24, 2024, upheld a colonial-era law that criminalizes adult consensual same-sex conduct, contrary to Ghana’s human rights obligations, Human Rights Watch said today. The judgment comes at a time when the country is engulfed in a debate over a dangerous anti-LGBT law which would take persecution of sexual and gender minorities and their allies even further. “Ghana’s supreme court unfortunately upheld the British colonial legacy of criminalizing so-called ‘unnatural sex,’” said Rasha […]

July 30, 2024 15

Africa

Namibia and Zambia parliaments exchange notes on privileges and disciplines

A delegation from the Zambian Parliament is currently visiting Namibia to study and exchange information on the procedures for handling matters related to members' privileges and discipline. The delegation, composed of members from the Committee on Privileges and Absences, will be engaging with its Namibian counterparts during their seven-day visit. Leader of the delegation, Malungo Chisangano, praised the cordial bilateral relations between the SADC neighbours, which he said […]

July 30, 2024 24

South Africa

South Africa’s unity government could see a continuation of the ANC’s political dominance – and hurt the DA

By Roger Southall, University of the Witwatersrand The ANC’s loss of its majority in the recent election, and President Cyril Ramaphosa’s formation of a government of national unity, have been interpreted by some commentators as indicating the end of the ANC as a “dominant party”. That is, one which recurrently wins elections and hence dominates a political system. Their argument, and it is not unconvincing, is […]

July 30, 2024 22

Namibia

UNFPA and Japanese Embassy Donate Over N$220,000 in Sanitary Pads to Girls Across Namibia

The United Nations Population Fund, in partnership with the Embassy of Japan in Namibia, has donated sanitary pads worth over N$220,000 to support 6,000 vulnerable adolescent girls in six Namibian regions. Minister of Education, Arts and Culture, Anna Nghipondoka, praised the donation during a ceremony at the Ministry of Health and Social Services head office, highlighting its role in addressing period poverty and its impact on girls' education and participation […]

July 30, 2024 34

Interview Transcripts

Activist-In-Chief Job Amupanda Unveils Affirmative Repositioning’s Manifesto for Future Media’s Leonard Witbeen

In a recent exclusive interview with Leonard Witbeen of Future Media, Job Amupanda, the activist-in-chief of Affirmative Repositioning (AR), laid out the party's comprehensive manifesto, focusing on key issues such as housing and employment. This detailed discussion sheds light on AR's strategic plans and vision for Namibia's future. Addressing the Housing Crisis Amupanda emphasized that the housing crisis in Namibia, now estimated to exceed 500,000 units, is a critical concern. […]

July 30, 2024 90

Namibia

Activist Calls for Massive Housing Supply to Address Windhoek’s Housing Crisis

In a recent interview, the Activist-in-Chief, Job Amupanda of Affirmative Repositioning highlighted the pressing housing crisis in Namibia, emphasizing that the imbalance between supply and demand is driving up prices. He argued that to counteract exorbitant housing costs in Windhoek, a significant increase in housing units—around 10,000—would be essential to stabilize prices.

July 30, 2024 26

Business / Economics

INTERVIEW: Business and Economics Researcher Josef K. Sheehama Talks to Future Media’s Leonard Witbeen on Economic Views

Recently, Josef K. Sheehama, a distinguished business and economics researcher, shared his insights on the future of Namibia’s economic landscape. With a career spanning over two decades in banking and finance, Sheehama, who currently manages private banking at Standard Bank, discussed the differences between green hydrogen and the blue economy and how Namibia can leverage its resources to boost economic development and job creation. The Green Hydrogen vs. Blue Economy […]

July 30, 2024 27

South Africa

In South Africa, the suspension of former ANC Mpumalanga treasurer Mandla Msibi remains in effect

In South Africa, the suspension of former ANC Mpumalanga treasurer, Mandla Msibi remains in effect. The party's national disciplinary committee upheld his suspension for attempting to sabotage the ANC’s January 8 celebrations by organising a protest. Despite calls for a harsher sentence, the committee maintained the three-year suspension, dismissing Msibi's appeal. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula says Msibi remains a party member, with an opportunity for reconciliation:

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Month: July 2024