insert_link Namibia Over 200 000 houses envisaged for construction from 2024 The recently revised National Housing Policy and Implementation Action Plan amongst others provides for the acceleration of the servicing of 340 000 new plots and construction of over 200 000 houses over the next five years. The policy, which was approved by Cabinet in November 2023, also approves the scaling up and upgrading of at least 60 per cent of existing informal settlements across the country between 2024 and […] todayDecember 15, 2023 13
insert_link Namibia Iipumbu commends Germany for supporting the growth of small enterprises The Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade has received equipment worth N.dollars 3.5 million from the German government through its development and cooperation agency, GIZ, aimed at supporting small business activities. These include eight vehicles and industrial machinery, including an industrial rotary cutter, dye sublimation printer, industrial iron and 3D printers. The donation also included laptops, printers, office chairs, laser printers and colour printers. Industrialisation and trade minister, Lucia Iipumbu, […] todayDecember 14, 2023 10
insert_link Namibia Ondangwa Town Council hands over 231 plots The Ondangwa Town Council officially handed over 231 fully serviced plots at the Omashaka informal settlement on Thursday. Of the total amount, 37 plots were allocated to the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia. Ondangwa Town Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Ismael Namgongo, said the initiative forms part of the council’s five-year strategic plan. Namgongo indicated that as part of the plan, the council has committed to tackling the issue of […] todayDecember 14, 2023 24
insert_link Business / Economics Needing to borrow money? Four tips on what’s okay and what’s not By Bomikazi Zeka, University of Canberra It’s a financially challenging time for most households. With interest rates rising, many are spending even more money on debt repayments or taking out loans to help make ends meet. A report released recently in South Africa, compiled by one of the country’s biggest banks, found that 42% of South Africans, across various income levels, cannot manage their debt. This indebtedness has caused […] todayDecember 14, 2023 4
insert_link Environment Get rid of leaf blowers: they pollute and their purpose is dubious The most infuriating feature of my walk up to my office every morning is neither the distance nor the steep hill; it is the daily presence of a leaf blower. Never has a machine been so pointless, wasteful and widely disliked, and yet so widely used. There are many reasons to hate leaf blowers. They are loud and their sole purpose is to over-manicure nature. They disperse debris rather […] todayDecember 14, 2023 4
Africa Africa needs just trade for a Just Energy Transition, African Development Bank head says at Doha Forum The President of the African Development Bank Group Dr Akinwumi Adesina has reiterated his warning that the introduction of a carbon border tax by the European Union could push Africa back into exporting raw commodities and undermine its industrialisation gains. The European Union recently launched the initial phase of a Europe-wide carbon tax on imported goods as part of its climate change reduction measures. Adesina said this could penalize African […] todayDecember 14, 2023 9
insert_link Business / Economics Stocks track record day on Wall St, dollar extends losses Equity markets rallied Thursday and the dollar extended losses after the US Federal Reserve indicated it would begin cutting interest rates next year. The surge across the region tracked a record-breaking day on Wall Street, where traders cheered a much-sought-after dovish pivot from the central bank as US inflation comes down. After more than a year of hiking, decision-makers at their last meeting of the year acknowledged that they […] todayDecember 14, 2023 4
insert_link Africa South Africa cracks down on Zimbabwean children entering the country to visit their parents Many Zimbabwean parents living in South Africa face significant challenges getting to see their children over the December holidays. Many resort to unlawful methods to get their children into the country. The Border Management Authority has “intensified operations” to put an end to this practice. But claims made by the Border Management Authority of “human trafficking” appear to be unfounded. The government is cracking down on Zimbabwean children entering […] todayDecember 14, 2023 22
insert_link Namibia Oluno Correctional Facility releases 11 first-time offenders Eleven inmates were released from the Oluno Correctional Facility on Wednesday, following the Community Advisory Council’s (CAC) decision to assist first-time offenders with sentences ranging from six to three months or fines not exceeding N.dollars 1 000. CAC Chairperson Chika Sitambi said the aim was to offer those with small fines a chance to improve their lives. Sitambi indicated that 11 inmates were identified, and funds were provided by […] todayDecember 14, 2023 10
