insert_link World Italian lawmakers approve Red Sea shipping mission Italian lawmakers have given the green light to the country's involvement in Operation Aspides. The joint EU mission will see naval vessels deployed in the Red Sea, protecting commercial shipping from attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen. Giles Gibson has more from Rome. todayMarch 6, 2024 16
insert_link Namibia Tax Exemption Windfall: Namibians Set to Benefit in 90 Days Namibians earning N$100,000 or less annually are poised to experience the benefits of the tax exemption recently announced by Finance and Public Enterprises Minister Iipumbu Shiimi within approximately 90 days. The tax breaks encompass the first N$100,000 of employees' earnings, rendering it tax-free. This development comes in the wake of Shiimi's budget speech in parliament, where he elevated the tax threshold from N$50,000 to N$100,000, signifying a positive shift in […] todayMarch 6, 2024 29
insert_link World China’s annual political gathering to focus on reviving the economy China's Premier Li Qiang will not hold a press conference at the end of the country's 'two sessions' conclave this week. The yearly gathering sees the country's Parliament and top political advisory body come together to hold parallel conclaves. But the move to cancel the press conference comes amid increasing pressure on China to fix its economic problems, as Patrick Fok reports. todayMarch 5, 2024 37
insert_link South Africa The Azanian People’s Organisation in SA calls on voters to exercise vigilance and discernment The Azanian People's Organisation in SA calls on voters to exercise vigilance and discernment as they navigate the political landscape. They criticise the lack of thought leadership, moral values, and rampant corruption, leading to an uninspiring vision for the future. Azapo’s spokesperson Jabu Rakwena challenges the narrative that there is no future beyond the current ANC government. Rakwena urges voters to look beyond and consider their long-term prosperity, when choosing […] todayMarch 5, 2024 30
insert_link Namibia Otjiwarongo Residents Stage Protest, Urge Lower Prepaid Electricity Tariffs On Monday, over 60 residents of Otjiwarongo marched to the Central North Regional Electricity Distributor offices, submitting a petition demanding a reduction in prepaid electricity tariffs for the town. Accusing Cenored of imposing an 'exorbitant' price of N$2.08 per unit, the residents expressed concern over the alleged allocation of funds towards luxury vehicles, double-storey office buildings, and high salaries for employees. They emphasized the need for more affordable electricity prices, […] todayMarch 5, 2024 27
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s AfriForum is threatening to take Rand Water to court over its decision to reduce water supply South Africa's AfriForum is threatening to take Rand Water to court over its decision to reduce water supply to several defaulting municipalities in a bid to recover funds owed to it. Affected municipalities include Emfuleni, Sedibeng and West Rand. Gauteng municipalities alone, owe the water utility two-billion-rand. AfriForum’s, Petrus Coetzee, says its legal team has sent an urgent letter of demand to Rand Water to stop this malpractice and see […] todayMarch 5, 2024 27
insert_link South Africa N Korea slams US / S Korea war drills North Korea is slamming war drills being held between the US and South Korea calling them rehearsals for attack. Operation Freedom Shield is a bilateral exercise being held for 11 days with the aim of deterring Pyongyang. Chris Gilbert reports. todayMarch 5, 2024 52
insert_link Namibia Manhunt Underway for Pastor Accused of Sexual Assault in Omusati Region The Namibian Police Force in the Omusati Region is actively pursuing a pastor accused of raping two women and a minor on separate occasions at Okandi village in the Etayi Constituency. Omusati Regional Commander, Commissioner Ismael Basson, confirmed the incidents on Monday, revealing that the alleged rapes occurred between February 9 and 24. The victims, aged 17, 19, and 24, attend the church owned by the suspect, whose current whereabouts […] todayMarch 5, 2024 17
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s Higher Education, Science and Innovation minister says the country must not tolerate the growing culture of impunity South Africa's Higher Education, Science and Innovation minister, Blade Nzimande, says the country must not tolerate the growing culture of impunity on the part of criminal elements, and a blatant disregard for human life. Yesterday, he visited the family of the University of Johannesburg student who was killed in a crossfire in Braamfontein last week Thursday. The department's spokesperson, Veli Mbele, says the minister will contact Police minister, Bheki Cele, […] todayMarch 5, 2024 27