WHO: Number of adult tobacco users worldwide has decreased

The World Health Organisation has announced that the total number of adult tobacco users worldwide has decreased. In releasing its latest Global tobacco trends report the organisation says the fastest decreases in tobacco use is happening in the lower middle-income countries while the highest prevalence of tobacco users is in the South-East Asian region. The WHO's Dr Rüdiger Krech has urged countries to continue putting in place tobacco control policies […]

January 17, 2024 16

Namibia

Urgent Action Needed to Address Alarming Cases of Domestic Violence and Elderly Abuse in Zambezi Region

During public hearings on sexual, gender-based violence, and femicide at Katima Mulilo, State Prosecutor Bruna Mukoya highlighted the pressing need for immediate attention to numerous cases of domestic violence and elderly abuse in the Zambezi Region. Mukoya expressed concern over undeserving verdicts in some domestic violence cases due to resource shortages and inadequate investigations, leading to their dismissal. Mukoya emphasized the lack of victim-friendly facilities to shelter and protect these […]

January 17, 2024 6

Interview Transcripts

Struggles and Neglect: The Plight of Katutura Residents as told by Freedom Square riverbed resident Desiree Memory Appollus

In a recent interview with Desiree Memory Appollus, a resident of the Katutura area in Windhoek, the stark realities of life for the community were brought to light. Born in Grootfontein in 1991, Desiree moved to Windhoek in 2010, seeking opportunities for a better life. However, the struggle for basic necessities and government assistance has been an ongoing challenge. Desiree and her fellow residents have been living in harsh conditions […]

January 17, 2024 14

World

Fresh US strike on Houthis in Yemen

The U.S. has launched a new strike against Houthi rebels in Yemen - the third attack on the Iran-backed group in recent days. According to the U.S. officials, it destroyed four Houthi ballistic missiles that presented an imminent threat to ships in the region. Kate Fisher reports from Washington.

January 17, 2024 17

South Africa

SA’s African Transformation Movement concerned about the administrative collapse within the Department of Mineral Resources

The African Transformation Movement in SA says it is concerned about the devastating consequences of the administrative collapse within the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. The department has failed to finalise two-thousand-525 mining licence applications received since the beginning of the 2023/2024 financial year. There are also growing calls for artisanal mining licences to be issued to South Africans living in mining communities. ATM’s spokesperson, Zama Tshona, says they […]

January 17, 2024 17

Namibia

Keetmanshoop Municipality Unveils N$296 Million Budget for 2023/2024 Fiscal Year

The Keetmanshoop Municipality revealed its approved budget of N$296 million for the upcoming 2023/2024 financial year. The budget, which received the green light from the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, was presented by Lee Mwemba, the head of the information and communication technology division at the municipality's Electricity Business Unit. In comparison to the previous fiscal year, Mwemba highlighted a notable 13.8% increase, with the budget rising from N$255 […]

January 17, 2024 15

Interview Transcripts

Interview: Empowering Tsumkwe’s San Communities Through Education: Women in Media’s Grassroots Initiative

Jemima Beukes, one of the two members of the Women in Media organization shared the below insights on their venture in the village of Tsumkwe. The journalists donated food items and hosted a dinner for the Tsumkwe Secondary school learners recently. Here is the full interview transcript. "My name is Jemima Beukes, and I am one of the co-founders of Women and Media, established by myself and Limba Mupetami in […]

January 17, 2024 22

World

Charities warn escalation in Yemen following UK/US strikes could spell disaster for already dire humanitarian situation

A number of international charities have warned that further escalation following the joint UK/US strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen could 'spell disaster' for civilians in an already dire humanitarian situation in the country. The statement comes after the UK and US destroyed what the British Prime Minister said were over a dozen Houthi drone and missile launch sites, in response to the Iran-backed groups attacks on shipping in the […]

January 17, 2024 21

South Africa

The DA in South Africa has extended its best wishes to all learners and teachers

The DA in South Africa has extended its best wishes to all learners and teachers, especially the grade one learners, as public schools prepare to reopen. However, concerns loom over delayed deliveries of learning materials, particularly affecting no-fee schools. The party calls on Basic Education minister Angie Motshekga to ensure the timely distribution of materials, as it may have a detrimental impact on education outcomes. The DA’s Baxolile Nodada anticipates […]

January 17, 2024 4

Leonard Witbeen