insert_link World U.S Senator found guilty of all 16 counts he faced in a Federal Corruption trial Senior United States Senator, Bob Menendez has been found guilty of all 16 counts he faced in a Federal Corruption trial. Menendez was accused of accepting thousands of dollars in bribes, in exchange for using his political influence to benefit foreign governments. Mitch McCann reports: today17 July, 2024
insert_link Namibia Health Minister Excused as Witness in Defamation Case Involving Shapwa Kanyama Health Minister Kalumbi Shangula has been pardoned from testifying in a defamation case where Shapwa Kanyama and his wife, Beata Kanyama, are suing former nurse Mathilde Kadhikwa. Allegations arose regarding public funds and procurement contracts, prompting legal action demanding N$200,000 each and a retraction from Kadhikwa. Ministry Executive Director, Ben Nangombe remains a key witness as the trial progresses, set to commence with the Attorney General’s representation and disclosures on […] today17 July, 2024
insert_link South Africa South African Revenue Services Syas AI Tool Saved Billions in Fraudulent Refunds South African Revenue Services Commissioner, Edward Kieswetter, says the artificial intelligence tool they use to detect fraud has saved the fiscus billions of rands in fraudulent refunds. The revenue service has already paid out about ten-billion-rand in refunds to at least 1.6-million taxpayers, who were auto-assessed ahead of this year’s Tax Season. Kieswetter says they have worked extremely hard this past year to improve the accuracy of bulk data submissions: […] today17 July, 2024
insert_link World Japan completes 7th round of nuclear waste discharge Japan has completed a seventh round of treated, nuclear water discharge from the crippled power plant at Fukushima. It began slowly releasing more than a million tonnes of water used to cool fuel inside the wrecked nuclear reactors in August last year. Chris Gilbert reports. today17 July, 2024
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s minister of Basic Education has announced plans to review the Grade 12 pass mark South Africa's minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, has announced plans to review the Grade 12 pass mark, currently at 30-percent. Gwarube, addressing criticism of the existing pass rate, also revealed plans to establish an advisory council comprising key stakeholders and experts. The council aims to ensure efforts to strengthen education are targeted, evidence-based, and informed by best practices. She says the focus is on enhancing literacy and numeracy: today17 July, 2024
insert_link Namibia Minister Emma Theofelus Advocates Digital Transformation at 8th National ICT Summit At the Handover Ceremony of the 8th National ICT Summit, minister Emma Theofelus spoke under the theme "Building Resilience to Adapt or Die In The Era Of Digital Transformation And Artificial Intelligence". The leader highlighted that digital transformation presents unprecented opportunities for innovation, economic growth and societal advancement. today17 July, 2024
insert_link Health / Medical Progress in Neonatal Unit Construction and ICU Expansion Highlight Ministry’s Healthcare Commitment Ben Nangombe, Executive Director of the Ministry of Health and Social Services, praised progress on the N$27 million Neonatal Unit at Swakopmund Hospital, which faced delays but is now advancing under a new contractor. The unit, set to be completed in six months, will include 28 beds for standard, high-care, and intensive care, supporting decentralized healthcare to ease pressure on central hospitals. Nangombe also highlighted efforts to enhance ICU services […] today17 July, 2024
insert_link Africa Sudan Conflict Displaces Over 10 Million, Worsens Hunger Crisis Reuters compiled this reports on the International Organization for Migration reporting on Tuesday that more than 10 million Sudanese, or 20% of the population, have been displaced since the conflict began in April 2023. This marks the world's largest displacement crisis. The ongoing war has left half of Sudan's 50 million people facing a hunger crisis and in urgent need of humanitarian aid. today17 July, 2024
insert_link World UK Government To Lay Out Policy Goals In State Opening Of Parliament In the UK, the state opening of Parliament is taking place later to mark the official start of the new government's time in office. The ceremonial event is a chance for newly appointed Prime Minister Keir Starmer to lay out some of the key policies for the coming months. John Bevir (beaver) reports. today17 July, 2024