insert_link World U.S. Disaster Assistance Response Teams no longer able to operate due to USAID slash Moves to close the U.S. international aid agency are now preventing global disaster response teams from operating. As part of a mega efficiency push, digital support employees are among the latest to be terminated by the administration's DOGE department. Caroline Malone reports. today17 February, 2025
insert_link South Africa In S.A, City of Tshwane identifies its highest consuming areas The City of Tshwane says it has identified its highest consuming areas, which are likely to put consumers at risk of experiencing consistent water supply interruptions. The demand in the identified areas, including Grootvlei, Montana, and Sinoville, is exceeding what the metro can provide. The metro’s spokesperson, Selby Bokaba, says the water level one restrictions that were imposed previously, were never withdrawn and are therefore still applicable: today17 February, 2025
insert_link Africa AU Summit Urges M23 Rebels to Cease Fire in Eastern DRC The African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government has voiced deep concern over the escalating crisis in eastern DRC. During the 38th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, leaders called on M23 rebels to halt hostilities to prevent further loss of life. The Assembly reaffirmed that inclusive negotiations and political dialogue remain the only viable path to resolving conflicts across the continent. today17 February, 2025
insert_link World US-Russia talks to end Ukraine war US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and senior Trump administration advisors are en route to Saudi Arabia to hold talks with Russian officials about ending the war in Ukraine. The White House's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz are also being sent on behalf of President Donald Trump. But Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia three years ago, won't have a seat at this negotiating […] today17 February, 2025
insert_link Interview Transcripts Interview: Musutua Slams Shiimi Over Lack of Action on Poverty Activist Rinaani Musutua has taken a firm stance against Finance Minister Iipumbu Shiimi, condemning what she calls decades of unfulfilled promises regarding poverty eradication and unemployment in Namibia. Musutua argues that the government’s approach to social grants has been ineffective, particularly criticizing targeted programs such as the Conditional Basic Income Grant, which she refers to as a rebranded Harambee cash grant. She insists that such measures fail to make a […] today17 February, 2025
insert_link Namibia Musutua Blasts Shiimi Over Poverty Crisis, Demands Universal Grant Activist Rinaani Musutua has taken aim at Finance Minister Iipumbu Shiimi, accusing the government of continuously making empty promises while failing to tackle Namibia’s deepening poverty crisis. Musutua argues that the only viable solution is the implementation of a Universal Basic Income Grant, which she believes would provide meaningful financial relief to struggling citizens. In the interim, Ben Schernick, Director of the Nutrition Alliance of Namibia, has voiced concerns over […] today17 February, 2025
insert_link Dr. Sam Nujoma Government Allocates half a Million Per Region for Nujoma Memorials The government has allocated N$500,000 to each region for commemorative memorial services honoring the late President Samuel Daniel Shafiishuna Nujoma. According to the Office of the Prime Minister, regional governors will oversee the ceremonies and ensure compliance with the Public Procurement Act. While there were hopes of transporting Nujoma’s remains nationwide, the government confirmed that a State Memorial Service will be held at his birthplace, Etunda in Omusati Region. today17 February, 2025
insert_link South Africa S.A Court Hears Challenge to Political Funding Act In South Africa, the Western Cape High Court will hear My Vote Counts’ application challenging the constitutionality of the Political Funding Act from today until Wednesday. It believes the Act does not meet its constitutional aims of transparency, openness, and accountability and needs strengthening. ActionSA's spokesperson, Matthew George, says the application brought by My Vote Counts is ill-conceived in its attempt to lower and remove donations and reporting thresholds respectively. […] today17 February, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics Morning Biz News – 17 February 2025 SACU Revenue Decline Expected in 2025 The Bank of Namibia has projected a decline in revenue from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), dropping from N$28 billion in 2024 to N$21 billion in 2025. According to The Brief, Simonis Storm's Head of Investments, Max Rix, attributes this decrease to global economic conditions and adjustments in SACU’s revenue-sharing formula. This reduction is expected to impact Namibia’s fiscal plans, with potential budgetary […] today17 February, 2025
