insert_link South Africa Firefighters Grapple with Intense Blazes Despite Marginal Nighttime Cooling in Cape Winelands While slightly cooler night temperatures provided some respite, firefighters continue to combat multiple blazes in Worcester, Wolseley, and Rawsonville within the Cape Winelands Municipality. Presently, nine firefighting vehicles with crews and an additional 65 ground crew members are on the scene. Jo-Anne Otto, the municipality's spokesperson, highlighted the challenging conditions, mentioning that the South African Weather Service predicts temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius today, posing additional hurdles for firefighting activities. […] todayFebruary 1, 2024 25
insert_link World India orders halt to much of Paytm’s business India's central bank has ordered Paytm Payments Bank - one of the leaders in the country's digital payments space - to halt a large part of its business. Indian regulators cited persistent non-compliance. Rebecca Bundhun reports from Mumbai. todayFebruary 1, 2024 29
insert_link Namibia MVA Fund Releases Alarming Road Safety Statistics citing 29 Fatalities in January 2024 In an announcement on Wednesday, the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund disclosed distressing year-to-date statistics, revealing a total of 158 road crashes, 335 injuries, and 29 fatalities during the period of 01-28 January 2024. The Chief Executive Officer of MVA Fund, Rosalia Hausiku, conveyed this information through a media statement, expressing condolences for the recent tragic incident near Okashandja village. In the past week alone, 89 individuals were injured, and 16 […] todayFebruary 1, 2024 83
insert_link Namibia Environment ministry Initiates Ritterburg Office Renovation in Swakopmund The Environment, Forestry, and Tourism ministry is in the final stages of the tender process to select a contractor for the renovation of the Ritterburg office building in Swakopmund. In a media statement released on Wednesday, Ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda revealed that N$2.6 million has been allocated for the project. The renovation is scheduled to begin between April or May, with completion expected between August and September 2024. This initiative […] todayFebruary 1, 2024 3
insert_link South Africa EFF Accuses ANC of Silencing Opposition Amid Failed Court Attempt The Economic Freedom Fighters alleges that the ANC-led government is employing vindictive measures to stifle opposition voices and avoid accountability. The EFF's recent attempt to overturn the suspension of six party members, including leader Julius Malema, from Parliament for the current month was unsuccessful. This exclusion denies them participation in crucial events, such as the State of the Nation Address, subsequent debate, and the budget speech. EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo […] todayFebruary 1, 2024 2
insert_link Entertainment Alec Baldwin pleads not guilty over ‘Rust’ shooting Alec Baldwin has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter charges over the accidental death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the movie Rust. Prosecutors in the state of New Mexico recently refiled charges against the actor after the case fell apart last year. Ira Spitzer reports. todayFebruary 1, 2024 39
insert_link World U.S. interest rates holding steady as central bank waits for consistent inflation The U.S. Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates unchanged in their meetings this week– although the committee is hinting that they are likely to cut rates overall this year by 0.75%. Caroline Malone reports. todayFebruary 1, 2024 9
insert_link Interview Transcripts Clarifying Misconceptions: MICT Executive Director Audrin Mathe Addresses Allegations on SIM Card Registration and State Surveillance Date: February 1, 2024/Leonard Witbeen In response to recent allegations circulating regarding SIM card registration being utilized for state surveillance, Audrin Mathe, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology, has categorically refuted these claims. The statement made aims to dispel misconceptions surrounding the government's efforts in combating telecoms-aided crimes and emphasizes the crucial role of SIM card registration in addressing criminal activities. "MICT categorically refutes these […] todayFebruary 1, 2024 19
insert_link Interview Transcripts Energy Ministry’s Response to Oil And Gas Sector Corruption Allegations: A Commitment to Ethical Governance February 1, 2024/Leonard Witbeen Eshioshange Ten Hasheela, the Chief Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, addressed the circulating allegations of corruption within the Ministry. The statement emphasizes the Ministry's commitment to executing its mandate ethically, without bias, and in accordance with existing legal provisions. Hasheela acknowledged the existence of a letter circulating on social media that makes serious allegations regarding corruption within the Ministry. In response, […] todayFebruary 1, 2024 7