insert_link Africa Eastern Congo Farmers Laud U.N. Peacekeeper Support Farmers in the conflict-ridden Djugu territory of eastern Congo rely on U.N. peacekeepers for protection as they tend their fields under challenging conditions. Reuters reports that despite criticism of the U.N. mission MONUSCO, displaced farmers near Dhendro village express strong support for its presence. Many seek refuge in camps close to U.N. bases, finding a measure of security amid ongoing violence. todayDecember 20, 2024 5
insert_link World US govt shutdown likely after Trump kills deal A US government shutdown looms as incoming President Donald Trump urges lawmakers to reject a proposed deal. Funding for key services will run out by Friday unless a last-minute agreement is reached. Democrat House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized Republicans, stating Trump's stance will impact Americans. todayDecember 20, 2024 11
insert_link Health / Medical Dr. Shaun Whittaker Highlights Mental Wellness Amid Year-End Stress With financial pressures and holiday demands taking a toll, the festive season can be challenging. Windhoek psychologist Dr. Shaun Whittaker encourages individuals to maintain focus on their mental health. todayDecember 20, 2024 23
insert_link South Africa SA Christian Forum Welcomes Extension of Spaza Shop Registration Deadline The South African National Christian Forum has welcomed government’s decision to extend the registration deadline for spaza shops and other food handling outlets to the 28th of February. The forum’s president, Marothi Mashashane, says this extension will serve no purpose when civic education to spaza shop owners is lacking: In news just in...South Africa is seeing a rise in rubella cases, mainly impacting children under ten and pregnant women. The […] todayDecember 20, 2024 17
insert_link Nam Elections 2024 ECN Concludes Inspection of National Assembly Voting Materials The Electoral Commission has announced the successful completion of a two-day inspection of voting materials from last month’s National Assembly election. The inspection, mandated by the Electoral Court, followed an agreement between the ECN and the applicants, the IPC and LPM. ECN Commissioner Pius Iikwambi: todayDecember 20, 2024 24
insert_link Business / Economics Bank of England Hold interest rates The Bank of England has held UK interest rates at 4.75%, warning that Britain's economy is on the brink of stagnation following a combination of global factors, and the UK finance minister's spending plans for the year ahead. Lou Browne has more. todayDecember 20, 2024 18
insert_link Africa Blinken Urges Action to Address Sudan Conflict U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivered a direct appeal to nations aiding Sudan's warring factions or benefiting from the conflict. Reuters says that he called on them to shift their focus toward alleviating Sudanese suffering and using their influence to bring the war to an end. Addressing the United Nations Security Council, Blinken emphasized the need for concrete action to demonstrate genuine concern for Sudan's future. todayDecember 20, 2024 2
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s National Men’s Forum Highlights Gender-Based Violence South Africa's National Men’s Forum says the country remains a violent nation as a result of gender-based violence. Speaking to eNCA, the organisation's Tebogo Lerole says engaging men is key to reducing gender-based violence and femicide. Lerole recognised the community's collective role in fostering the eradicating of GBV and called on men to take accountability: todayDecember 20, 2024 12
insert_link Business / Economics Hardap Governor Hails Entrepreneurs as Economic Backbone Hardap governor Salomon April has praised entrepreneurs for their vital role in driving Namibia’s economy. Speaking at a handover ceremony in Mariental on Tuesday, April highlighted the distribution of equipment to over 50 beneficiaries from the Hardap and //Kharas regions under the Ministry of Trade and Industrialisation’s Equipment Aid Scheme for MSMEs. Minister of Industrialisation and Trade, Lucia Iipumbu, encouraged entrepreneurs who have not yet participated to apply in the […] todayDecember 20, 2024 7