insert_link World Typhoon Shanshan brings downpours to central Japan Authorities in Japan are urging people to remain vigilant as Tropical Storm Shanshan moves over country. It was downgraded from a ‘typhoon’ on Thursday but is still bringing deluges heightening the risk of flooding and landslides. The storm has resulted in four deaths and 94 injuries so far. Reporting for us from Tokyo is Chris Gilbert. todayAugust 30, 2024 48
insert_link Namibia NAMFISA Reports N$1.24 Billion in Medical Aid Claims for Q1 2024 NAMFISA reveals that medical aid funds disbursed N$1.24 billion in claims during the first quarter of 2024, reflecting a 12% increase from the previous quarter but a 2.5% decrease year-on-year. Non-healthcare expenses decreased by 2.8% from the previous quarter but rose 3.7% annually, with administration costs remaining the highest contributor. The industry’s total assets grew by 4.1% quarter-on-quarter and 8.6% year-on-year to N$2.2 billion, while liabilities fell by 4.1% from […] todayAugust 30, 2024 13
insert_link South Africa South Africa Launches Digital Visa Waiver Delivery for Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Holders The Department of Home Affairs in S.A has initiated the digital delivery of visa waiver outcomes via email, starting with Zimbabwe Exemption Permit holders. This move is part of the department's digital transformation efforts to enhance service efficiency and reduce corruption. Home Affairs minister Leon Schreiber says the digital process aims to clear a significant permitting backlog of over 306-thousand applications and will eventually extend to other visa applicants: todayAugust 30, 2024 22
insert_link Namibia Road Fund Administration Researches Electric Vehicle Levy and Automation for Road Charges The Road Fund Administration is exploring a new levy model for electric vehicles to address the decline in fuel tax revenue due to their increasing use. RFA’s Elton !Gaoseb highlighted the challenge of integrating electric vehicles into Namibia’s road maintenance funding system. In addition to this research, the RFA is working on automating the Mass Distance Charges process to enhance efficiency and ensure accurate revenue collection. The RFA also emphasizes […] todayAugust 30, 2024 28
insert_link South Africa South Africa Prepares 500-Page Submission to International Court on Hamas-Israel Conflict South Africa is preparing a 500-page submission for the International Court of Justice regarding the Hamas-Israel conflict, aiming to prove the genocidal reality in Gaza. President Cyril Ramaphosa stated the case will include witness testimonies to support South Africa’s assertion of genocide, aligning with the country’s commitment to the people of Palestine and its core values: todayAugust 30, 2024 19
insert_link World Landmark California AI bill stirs controversy in tech industry The fate of a landmark bill in California to regulate artificial intelligence is now in the hands of Governor Gavin Newsom after clearing a final hurdle in the state's senate. The proposed legislation has provoked a strong reaction from the tech industry. Here's Ira Spitzer with more. todayAugust 30, 2024 29
South Africa S.A Union Saftu Welcomes London Court’s Decision on Michael Lomas Extradition S.A Union federation, Saftu welcomes the London Court’s decision allowing the extradition of former Eskom contractor, Michael Lomas to South Africa. Lomas faces charges over a corruption case linked to Eskom’s Kusile Power Station, which cost the utility 745-million-rand through bribery. Saftu’s Mogoshadi Maserumule is pleased that key figures in the Eskom scandal will face justice but calls for swift prosecution, insisting that both financial restitution and imprisonment are necessary […] todayAugust 30, 2024 46
insert_link Namibia Namibians Face Lower Incomes in Election Year Compared to 2015 For the first time, Namibians are experiencing lower average incomes in an election year compared to 2015, according to economist Robin Sherbourne. Speaking at the Institute for Public Policy Research’s annual state of the economy event, Sherbourne highlighted that gross domestic product per capita fell from judt over 64 thousand in 2015 to N$50,079 in 2023. Sherbourne suggested that the economic downturn could influence voter sentiment in the upcoming elections. […] todayAugust 30, 2024 7
insert_link World Kamala Harris Defends Record, Criticizes Trump in First Interview Since 2024 Bid Kamala Harris, in her first interview since announcing her 2024 U.S presidential bid, defended her record and criticized former U.S President Donald Trump. The interview, aired on CNN, addressed her policy positions on key issues including the economy, immigration, and energy. Harris also responded to criticism about her media presence following President Biden's endorsement of her candidacy. todayAugust 30, 2024 22