insert_link Namibia Government Unveils N$1.6 Billion Drought Relief Initiative Amid Ongoing Funding Shortfall Government has introduced a comprehensive nationwide drought relief initiative estimated at N$1.6 billion to aid communities affected by the severe impacts of drought. However, according to The Breif, a funding gap of N$482 million still exists. During her address at the Africa Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila emphasized this financial shortfall. The ongoing drought has severely impacted Namibia's agriculture and livestock sectors, resulting in significant […] today23 October, 2024
insert_link Business / Economics Swakop Uranium Contributes Over N$7.9 Billion to Namibian Economy in 2023 Swakop Uranium's Husab Mine significantly boosted the Namibian economy in 2023, contributing over N$7.9 billion through local procurement, taxes, and social investments as per The Brief. The company has created more than 6,000 jobs, engaging with over 400 local suppliers, with 62% of its spending directed towards Namibian-owned businesses. The report highlights Swakop Uranium's alignment with the country's National Development Agenda and the Global Sustainability Goals, according to Eliphas Hawala, […] today23 October, 2024
insert_link South Africa AfriForum Reiterates Call for SABC Privatisation Amid License Payment Decline AfriForum has reiterated its call for the SABC to be privatised, saying this is the only sustainable option for the continued existence of the public broadcaster. The SABC has revealed that fewer people than ever have paid for their licences over the past year. This includes licences for about two-thousand-500 television sets owned by government departments, with an outstanding licence bill of almost 35-million-rand. AfriForum’s, Ernst van Zyl, says the […] today23 October, 2024
insert_link World Georgia Supreme Court rejects GOP bid to reinstate controversial new election rules Georgia's Supreme Court has unanimously rejected a bid by Republicans to reinstate a slew of new, controversial election rules - two weeks before election day. A lower court last week had called the rules "illegal, unconstitutional and void." today23 October, 2024
insert_link World UN report suggests Gaza war has set Palestine’s development back nearly 70 years A new United Nations report released on Tuesday suggests that the impact of the year-long war in Gaza has set development back by about 69 years. The UN Development Programme or UNDP says the Palestinian economy may not be able to restore pre-war levels and advance forward even when the fighting ends. Jody Jacobs has more. today23 October, 2024
insert_link Namibia Windhoek Council Implements 5% Increase in Municipal Tariffs Amid Activist Outcry The Municipal Council of Windhoek has officially announced a 5% increase in municipal tariffs, effective from October 1. This decision was confirmed in a media statement issued by the city on Tuesday afternoon, following approval on June 14. The new tariffs apply to essential municipal services, including water, rates and taxes, sewerage, and waste management. The announcement has sparked outrage among activists, including Shaun Gariseb from the Katutura Resident's Committee, […] today23 October, 2024
insert_link Namibia Unionists Critique Labour Minister Utoni Nujoma Following National Minimum Wage Announcement Unionists have expressed concerns about the competency of Labour Minister Utoni Nujoma following his announcement of a national minimum wage increase to N$18. Mahongora Kavihuha, Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress of Namibia, criticized the ministry as a place for underperforming ministers and called for a leader with experience in the industry and respect within labor circles. While the new wage applies to most workers, domestic and agricultural salaries […] today23 October, 2024
insert_link South Africa S.A’s Auditor-General Reports Over R3.48 Billion in Wasteful Expenditure by Government Departments The South African Office of the Auditor-General says over the last five years, 36 government departments incurred irregular and wasteful expenditures of 1.48-billion-rand. State-owned entities incurred more than two-billion-rand. The departments of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Basic Education, Police, Tourism, and Treasury were some of the big contributors to wasteful and irregular expenditure. AG's head of audit, Bongi Ngoma, told Parliament’s standing committee on Appropriations, that some of […] today23 October, 2024
insert_link Business / Economics The DA says the port of Cape Town is facing major operational challenges To South Africa, where the DA says the port of Cape Town is facing major operational challenges, warning these issues could severely impact the upcoming fruit export season. According to the party, the port, managed by Transnet, missed key targets in July and August, including container movements and ship turnaround times. The DA’s Noko Masipa urged Transnet to fast-track private sector involvement to boost efficiency and prevent disruptions that harm […] today23 October, 2024
