insert_link South Africa SA’s AfriForum is concerned about the early school leaving rate SA's AfriForum says it is concerned about the group of learners who never even participate in matric examinations. According to statistics of the Department of Basic Education’s report, one-million-208-thousand-and-973 learners found themselves in grade one of so-called ordinary schools in 2011. In contrast, 715-thousand full-time and 182-thousand part-time learners wrote the matric exams last year, of whom 15-thousand-186 were in independent schools. AfriForum’s Nicolene Müller says it is extremely worrying […] todayJanuary 19, 2024 4
insert_link World Alabama execution method deemed unethical for animals Veterinarians from across the United States and Europe have deemed unacceptable the use of nitrogen gas as a form of euthanasia. But despite this Alabama is preparing to execute a death row inmate using nitrogen gas later this month. Kenneth Smith was sentenced to death for the murder of a pastor's wife back in 1988. Jody Jacobs reports from New York. todayJanuary 19, 2024 16
Namibia City of Windhoek Management Committee Faces Vacancies as Council Fails to Nominate Office Bearers The completion of the City of Windhoek's management committee is in limbo as the council falls short in nominating office bearers for the two remaining positions. Despite District Magistrate Celma Amadhila's call for nominations during the council session, the chambers echoed in silence. Notably, in December 2023, Queen Kamati, a SWAPO party member, and former city mayor Joseph Uapingene, a member of NUDO, secured the positions of mayor and deputy […] todayJanuary 19, 2024 10
insert_link South Africa The GOOD Party in SA is encouraged by the matric pass rate but calls for an overhaul of education The GOOD Party in SA says the improved matric pass rate is encouraging, as is the fact that all provinces showed an increase. The matric class of 2023 achieved a pass rate of 82.9-percent, up by 2.8-percentage points from 80.1-percent in 2022. The GOOD Party’s secretary-general, Brett Herron, says the greatest threat to human and economic progress, is an education system that fails to prepare young people for the future […] todayJanuary 19, 2024 11
insert_link World Trump continues attacks on judge in defamation trial Donald Trump has continued his spat with a judge presiding over his defamation case. On Wednesday the former President was threatened to be kicked out of court after being accused of being disruptive during the testimony of his accuser E. Jean Carroll. The writer is back on the witness stand today for further cross-examination. William Denselow reports from New York. todayJanuary 19, 2024 2
insert_link South Africa Former Johannesburg mayor, Mpho Phalatse, has called for introspection The former Johannesburg mayor, Mpho Phalatse, has called for introspection on the reasons behind the DA losing leaders. This comes in response to the resignation of a DA member of the Gauteng legislature, Khume Ramulifho, after 25 years of service. Phalatse expressed regret at his departure, telling eNCA he was a great leader for the DA. todayJanuary 19, 2024 3
insert_link South Africa Stage 3 load-shedding implemented by Eskom despite the return of generation capacity Eskom says stage 3 load-shedding was in effect from yesterday afternoon until 5 AM this morning, despite the return of three-thousand-200 megawatts of generating capacity. It attributes the decision to necessary planned maintenance, and setbacks. Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena urges the public to use electricity efficiently to alleviate system pressure. todayJanuary 19, 2024 7
insert_link Interview Transcripts Dr. Basilius Kasera Explores Education Challenges and Funding Solutions in Namibia In an engaging conversation, Dr. Basilius Kasera from the University of Namibia's Faculty of Social Sciences discusses critical issues surrounding education in Namibia. Kasera addresses the similarities with South Africa, highlighting the politicization of education as a public good and its impact on citizens. He emphasizes the need to rethink the philosophy of education, urging a perspective that views education as a means of empowering individuals to contribute to society […] todayJanuary 19, 2024 80
insert_link Interview Transcripts Landless People’s Movement’s Lifalaza Simataa Discusses Education and Its Impact on Voters In a recent interview, Lifalaza Simataa delves into the state of education in Namibia and its repercussions on the electorate. Simataa sheds light on the slow pace of school construction, insufficient budget allocations, and the resulting challenges in the education sector. Simataa emphasizes that between 2021 and 2022, only one new school was built by the state, indicating a lack of prioritization for education development. He points out that a […] todayJanuary 19, 2024 27