‘We miners die a lot.’ Appalling conditions and poverty wages: the lives of cobalt miners in the DRC

‘We miners die a lot.’ Appalling conditions and poverty wages: the lives of cobalt miners in the DRC

Labourers load sacks of cobalt onto bicycles at Mutoshi mine in July 2021. Roy Maconachie Roy Maconachie, University of Bath It was a cool, dusty morning in July 2021, when I first visited the Kamilombe cobalt mine in Lualaba Province in south-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Situated just outside Kapata on the south-west outskirts of Kolwezi, a mining town that has historically served as an important centre for copper and […]

January 31, 2024 9

Africa

Nigeria has a democracy deficit – corruption and a lack of welfare policies are to blame

By Fidelis Allen, University of Port Harcourt Democracy refers, at a minimum, to a political system that guarantees some involvement in decision-making. It gives citizens opportunities to choose and replace their leaders or representatives via free and fair elections. But that’s not all. Democracy also protects citizens’ socio-economic, political and cultural rights. Its success turns on its ability to bring changes to the living conditions of citizens. It […]

January 25, 2024 8

Namibia

National Assembly launches 2023-2027 Strategic Plan

The National Assembly on Thursday launched the 2023 to 2027 Strategic Plan in the capital. The National Assembly provides an important platform for members of parliament to discuss Government policy, propose new legislation, amend or repeal outdated laws, amend the Constitution, or discuss other topics of national interest. Speaking at the launch, Peter Katjavivi, Speaker of the National Assembly, said, “The National Assembly has been unwavering in its pursuit […]

January 19, 2024 27

Namibia

Labour Commissioner raises concern about trade unions’ annual returns

The Office of the Labour Commissioner has raised concern about limited annual returns by registered trade unions, saying out of 47 registered unions, only 12 have submitted their annual returns. Similarly, only three out of 17 employers’ organisations have submitted their returns, the Office of the Labour Commissioner said in a statement on Thursday. It said some of the trade unions and employers’ organisations that submitted returns provided […]

December 22, 2023 6

Uncategorized

NBL urges Namibians to pause and make responsible decisions around alcohol consumption

Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL), the leading brewer in Namibia, proudly unveils its comprehensive annual responsible consumption awareness initiative, "Take a Second." This campaign aims to foster positive shifts in social attitudes towards alcohol consumption and instil a greater sense of accountability across Namibian communities. Spearheaded by NBL Corporate Affairs Manager, Surihe Gaomas-Guchu, "Take a Second" addresses the imperative need to normalise responsible alcohol consumption behaviours and eradicate anti-social […]

December 19, 2023 10

Namibia

NamPol promotes more than 4 000 officers

The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) has officially promoted 4 682 officers and conferred new ranks, effective from 01 December 2023. The announcement was made by NamPol Inspector-General, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, in Windhoek on Monday. He said the promotions are a recognition of the officers’ commitment and dedication to national duties. “A promotion should not be seen as a mere decoration, or just a reward to an officer or a […]

December 4, 2023 27

Local

Namibia’s High Court Embraces Transparency in Judicial Appointments

Windhoek, 28 November 2023 - In a pioneering move toward openness and accountability, the Judicial Service Commission (the Commission) has unveiled a groundbreaking approach to the selection process for judicial appointments to the High Court of Namibia. The decision, reached during the Commission's meeting on 15 September 2023, saw amendments to the Judicial Service Commission Regulations 2011 in accordance with Article 85(3) of the Namibian Constitution. The revised regulations, effective […]

November 28, 2023 12

Namibia

Ongwediva mayor retains position

Taarah Shalyefu has been re-elected as Ongwediva mayor and will lead the council for the next 12 months. His fellow Swapo councillor, Ulalia Katonyala, retained her position as deputy mayor of the town, while Naemi Amuthenu (Swapo), Jona Helao (IPC) and Fabiam George (Swapo) remain members of the management committee. Meanwhile, Mathews Tiyaho and Ottillie Haitota, both from IPC, are ordinary members of the seven-member Ongwediva Town Council office bearers. […]

November 21, 2023 12