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 […] today30 August, 2024
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: today30 August, 2024
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. today30 August, 2024
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 […] today30 August, 2024
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. […] today30 August, 2024
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. today30 August, 2024
Business / Economics Business and Economics Researcher Warns of Political Risks in SOE Reforms Business and Economics Researcher Josef Kefas Sheehama recently discussed the state of state-owned enterprises in South Africa and Namibia. He expressed concerns about South Africa's proposal to transfer SOE shareholder responsibilities to relevant ministries, such as their Ministry of Energy. While acknowledging the potential benefits, Sheehama cautioned that increased political involvement could undermine SOE efficiency and effectiveness, exacerbating existing challenges. today30 August, 2024
insert_link Business / Economics INTERVIEW: State-Owned Enterprises: Insights from Business and Economics Researcher Josef Kefas Sheehama In a recent discussion, Business and Economics Researcher Josef Kefas Sheehama shared his perspectives on the state of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in South Africa and Namibia, shedding light on critical issues and proposed reforms. Sheehama addressed the current proposal in South Africa to reassign the shareholder responsibilities of SOEs to relevant ministries, such as the Ministry of Energy. While acknowledging the potential benefits of this move, he expressed concerns about […] today30 August, 2024
insert_link Africa Al-Qaeda-Linked Group Claims Responsibility for Deadly Burkina Faso Attack An al-Qaeda-linked group claimed responsibility for Saturday’s attack in north-central Burkina Faso. Reuters says it reported nearly 300 fatalities and stated they targeted militia members, not civilians. However, local reports suggest at least 400 people were killed, including civilians digging defensive trenches under military orders. The assault, near Barsalogho, is one of the deadliest in nearly a decade of Islamist violence in the region. today30 August, 2024