insert_link Health / Medical Dr. Ndume says government must cut out middlemen in procurement of medicines Dr. Helena Ndume (Photo: CNN) Ophthalmologist Dr. Helena Ndume has raised concerns over medicine shortages at public health facilities, attributing delays and high costs to middlemen. Maria Namupala reports that Dr. Ndume urged the government to eliminate intermediaries and called for investigations at the central medical store to enable direct procurement from suppliers. Meanwhile, Health and Social Services Minister Esperance Luvindao said direct purchases from international suppliers could save over […] today11 September, 2025
insert_link Interview Transcripts Interview: Minister Sankwasa and Activists Criticize Windhoek Council Mismanagement Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa has raised serious concerns over Windhoek City Council, citing delays in infrastructure, housing, and informal settlement projects. The minister said the government had allocated 750 million N$ to the city for land servicing, sanitation, water supply, and construction of 10,000 houses, yet no concrete plan has been presented. Sankwasa described internal disputes among councillors and management as major obstacles, with personal and political […] today11 September, 2025
insert_link South Africa Forum demands state of emergency to fight gang violence in Western Cape Photograph: Christian Science Monitor/Getty Photograph: Christian Science Monitor/Christian Science Monitor/Getty The Activists and Citizens Forum has raised alarm over rising gang-related killings in Cape Town and other parts of the Western Cape, calling on authorities to take urgent action. Forum spokesperson Dennis Bloem urged the government to consider declaring a state of emergency in high-risk townships, saying residents live in constant fear for their safety. “The time for half-measures has passed. […] today8 September, 2025
insert_link Namibia Erongo governor pushes for permanent offices as utility plans new electricity credit system Erongo Regional Council (Photo: Isabel Bento) NAMPA Erongo governor Natalia |Goagoses has renewed calls for the construction of a permanent government office park, warning that the regional council’s reliance on rented facilities is draining public resources. Currently, the council spends about N$100,000 a month on office rentals. According to the Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), in the proposed 2025/26 budget, |Goagoses said that figure is expected to more than double to […] today4 September, 2025
insert_link Namibia New Census Reports Reveal Population Imbalance. The Statistics Agency has released 14 regional reports from the 2023 Population and Housing Census, providing detailed data on demographics, social conditions, and the economy at constituency level. NSA spokesperson Mirjam Shihepo says the reports will help government, local authorities, and development partners plan more effectively. today3 September, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics South Africa to submit revised tariff offer to U.S. South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau (Photo: engineeringnews.co.za) South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, announced that the cabinet has approved the submission of a revised tariff offer to the United States as the foundation for ongoing negotiations. This move comes in response to the recent 30-percent tariff imposed by the US on certain South African imports, which has sparked concerns among exporters […] today12 August, 2025
insert_link Namibia Presidency denies reports of rejection of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation IUD trial proposal Jonas Mbambo (Photo: Namibian Presidency) Presidential spokesperson Jonas Mbambo has firmly denied circulating reports that President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah rejected a proposal from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to conduct a trial of an eight-year hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) in Namibia. Mbambo clarified that no such proposal was ever submitted to or discussed by the Namibian government. He further said that the presidency remains committed to supporting evidence-based health initiatives […] today12 August, 2025
insert_link South Africa Agriculture sector at risk as South Africa’s Amendment Bill opens farmland to mining South Africa's Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe (Photo: polity.org.za) Agriculture organisation TLU South Africa has warned that the sector is facing significant threats from the proposed Mineral Resources Development Amendment Bill. While the bill seeks to close regulatory gaps, simplify licensing, and ensure fair mining benefits, TLU SA's Bennie van Zyl cautions that expanded small-scale and artisanal mining permits could open farmland to unchecked mining, jeopardising environments […] today12 August, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics NamPower’s Haulofu Urges Local Plant to Tackle High Power Costs. NamPower Managing Director Simson Haulofu is calling on government to develop a national power plant to help lower electricity costs and end Namibia’s heavy reliance on imports. NewsOnOne reports that while speaking to parliament’s energy and natural resources committees on Tuesday, Haulofu said that while renewables like the 100MW solar plant are encouraging, Namibia still needs a stable long-term energy solution. today9 July, 2025
