insert_link Business / Economics 25 March 2024 Morning Biz News: Financial Insights: Updates from the Global Market 1. Fitch Ratings Affirms Development Bank of Namibia's Ratings Despite Losses Fitch Ratings recently announced its decision to maintain the Development Bank of Namibia Limited's Long-Term Issuer Default Ratings at 'BB-' and its National Long-Term Rating at 'AA+(zaf)', with a stable outlook. Despite facing a setback with a N$270 million loss in the 2023 financial year due to high loan impairment charges, Fitch remains optimistic about the bank's future. The […] todayMarch 25, 2024 13
insert_link Health / Medical EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Empowering Voices: A Conversation with Bianca Ozcan on Spinal Muscular Atrophy In a recent interview, Bianca Ozcan sheds light on the critical work being done by SMA Europe, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) across Europe. Bianca had the privilege of attending the fourth Scientific Congress of SMA in Ghent, Belgium, alongside representatives from SMA South Africa and Ghana, highlighting the global reach and impact of SMA advocacy efforts. SMA, short for […] todayMarch 25, 2024 98
insert_link World Hearing expected to sort date for Trump hush money trial A hearing is being held in New York City today to determine when one of Donald Trump's criminal cases will go to trial. The trial was expected to be getting underway this week but a judge decided to delay proceedings. Separately the former President also faces a deadline to pay millions of dollars after a separate Manhattan judge found him liable for fraud. William Denselow reports from New York. todayMarch 25, 2024 12
insert_link Namibia Government Institutions Pension Fund Opens New Office in Outapi Government Institutions Pension Fund, announced the inauguration of a new office in Outapi, located in the Omusati region. The opening of this facility marks a significant milestone in GIPF's commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its members. Martin Inkumbi, GIPF's CEO. todayMarch 25, 2024 14
insert_link Namibia Political analyst addresses the significance of efforts to combat high-profile corruption cases Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanya addressed the significance of efforts to combat high-profile corruption cases, emphasizing their crucial role in upholding democracy. Kamwanya highlighted the importance of targeting not only small-scale corruption but also focusing on high-profile cases to effectively deter such activities. todayMarch 25, 2024 17
insert_link South Africa SA Private Association of Rhino Conservation Reserves demands swift and severe action on poaching-related crime The SA Private Association of Rhino Conservation Reserves demands swift and severe action against government officials implicated in poaching-related crime. This follows the reinstatement of a nature conservation official from North West's Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Mxolisi Stephen, previously charged with alleged poaching offenses. Stephen faces eight charges of alleged rhino dehorning and horn transportation without permits. The association's Glen Phillips calls for accountability: todayMarch 25, 2024 57
insert_link Namibia Namibia Institute of Pathology Ignores Auditor’s Advice, Opts to Purchase Vehicles Despite Cost Disadvantage In a decision that contradicts the recommendation of its chief internal auditor, the Namibia Institute of Pathology has chosen to acquire 18 vehicles at a cost of N$8 million instead of leasing them for N$10.4 million over a four-year period. Despite advice from NIP's internal auditor, Mekondjo Katunga, dating back to August 2023, the organization proceeded with the purchase. Analysis of the fleet's expenses reveals that by the lease term's […] todayMarch 25, 2024 35
insert_link South Africa Corruption Watch Criticizes South Africa’s Response to Steinhoff CEO’s Death Corruption Watch expresses disappointment in South Africa's approach to high-profile corruption cases following the death of former Steinhoff CEO Markus Jooste. Jooste, 62, died by suicide after the Financial Sector Conduct Authority imposed a 475-million-rand fine for publishing misleading financial statements. Director Karam Singh states that justice remains elusive, pointing out failures within the justice system. He underscores the necessity for successful prosecutions of those behind the Steinhoff scandal. todayMarch 22, 2024 27
insert_link World Police investigating UK Conservative Party donor comments Police in the UK are investigating comments allegedly made by one of the ruling Conservative Party's largest donors. Local media previously reported that Frank Hester made racist remarks in 2019 before donating $12.5m to the party. Julia Chapman reports. todayMarch 22, 2024 38