Tonata Kadhila, Author at Future Media News

FNB introduces affordable banking

FNB Namibia has launched its 2025 annual pricing structure, introducing measures to make banking more affordable and accessible. Effective today, the bank has eliminated all fees on local card swipes—a first in the Namibian market. According to FNB Group Communication Manager Kirsty Watermeyer, the zero-fee swipe policy is part of a broader strategy to foster financial inclusion and promote digital banking. “Banking should be simple, fair, and aligned with the […]

1 July, 2025

South Africa

Former Transnet executives granted bail

Photo: Daily Maverick Four former Transnet executives have each been granted bail of R50,000 by the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Gauteng. They face serious charges that include corruption, fraud, and money laundering in connection with a R93 million locomotive tender from 2015, part of a broader R54 billion deal tainted by ties to the Gupta family network. The accused are former Transnet CEOs Brian Molefe and Siyabonga Gama, former […]

1 July, 2025

Health / Medical

Health Ministry welcomes private doctors to ease pressure on public health facilities

Health Minister, Dr.  Esperance Luvindao The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr.  Esperance Luvindao, has announced that 11 private-sector doctors have volunteered to provide pro bono evening care at Katutura Health Centre. Starting this week, the doctors will work from 17:00 to 23:00 to help reduce long patient wait times and alleviate strain on public health staff. Katutura Health Centre, one of Windhoek’s busiest facilities, has faced continuous overcrowding due to […]

1 July, 2025

Africa

Seven killed in crackdown on anti-government protests in Togo

Togo protests At least seven people, including minors, were killed during anti-government protests in Togo’s capital last week, civil society groups reported. The protests, sparked by a cost-of-living crisis and demands for President Faure Gnassingbé’s resignation, escalated into violent clashes. Witnesses say security forces used tear gas and batons, with arrests, beatings, and property damage widespread. According to a coalition of 12 human rights organisations, bodies were recovered from multiple […]

1 July, 2025

Africa

India sends geologists to Zambia

Zambian mine. Photo: India Mining website India has dispatched a team of geologists to Zambia to explore copper and cobalt deposits. The plan is to secure critical minerals essential for India's energy transition and industrial expansion. Reuters reports that under a government-to-government deal, Zambia has granted India rights to explore approximately 9,000 km² in its resource-rich Copperbelt region. The exploration drive is led by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and […]

1 July, 2025

Business / Economics

South Africa’s civil confidence index dips as business sentiment grows pessimistic

Photo: Michele Spatari/AFP FNB South Africa senior economist Siphamandla  Mkhwanazi has reported that the FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index dropped to 41 in Q2 2025, down from 45 in Q1, marking its third consecutive quarterly decline.  Mkhwanazi said that nearly 60% of respondents are now dissatisfied with current business conditions, expressing concerns particularly about low demand, delayed project tenders, and a lack of large-scale infrastructure initiatives. Despite improved construction activity and profitability […]

1 July, 2025

Business / Economics

Standard Bank invests N$10 million in community development

Photo: Standard Bank Facebook Standard Bank Namibia has committed N$10 million to community development projects this year, focusing on health, education, housing, and socio-economic growth. The bank has invested over N$35 million in Corporate Social Investment (CSI) over the past five years. At a ceremony attended by government and community representatives, CEO Erwin Tjipuka handed over N$3.5 million to Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development Evelyn !Nowases‑Taeyele. The funds support the Buy‑a‑Brick […]

1 July, 2025

Uncategorized

GIPF to launch pension-backed home loan scheme following government approval

The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) is preparing to implement its long-awaited Pension-Backed Home Loan Scheme (PBHLS), following approval from the Ministry of Finance. Under the initiative, active GIPF members will be able to use a portion of their pension savings as collateral to access home loans, a significant step toward improving affordable housing access for civil servants. Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah announced the scheme's formal endorsement in […]

1 July, 2025

Namibia

Namibia launches AfCFTA trade with 1st shipment from Walvis Bay

Namibia has formally commenced trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) during a ceremony at the Walvis Bay Salt Warehouse. Hosted by the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, the event celebrated the shipment of Namibia’s first consignment—salt—as it joins the continental initiative designed to liberalize trade among 54 nations. Executive Director Penda Naanda underscored the importance of the appointment, stating, “This marks the beginning of Namibia’s active […]

30 June, 2025