insert_link South Africa Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services say it has made good progress in trying to contain the Du Toit’s Kloof fire The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services say it has made good progress in trying to contain the Du Toit’s Kloof fire. The fire broke out close to Du Kloof Lodge in Du Toitskloof Pass on the N1 yesterday afternoon, and quickly spread toward the road, disrupting traffic flow. The municipality’s spokesperson, Jo-Anne Otto, says the fire line above the entrance to the Huguenot Tunnel has been contained. todayFebruary 29, 2024 28
insert_link World President Marcos vows to defend Philippine sovereignty Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr says he’ll not allow any foreign power to take a square inch of his country’s territory as the Philippines and China continue to butt heads over maritime disputes. He made the comments during an address to Australia’s parliament on Thursday ahead of an ASEAN summit in Melbourne next week. Chris Gilbert reports. todayFebruary 29, 2024 15
insert_link 6 Namibia Budget Boost: Ministry of Gender, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare Sees 23.2% Increase to N$8 Billion In the latest financial update, Finance and Public Enterprises Minister Iipumbu Shiimi revealed a significant 23.2% increase in the budget for the Ministry of Gender, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare, reaching N$8 billion. Shiimi explained that this allocation includes N$824.7 million to maintain the real value of social safety nets in the face of high inflation and a considerable dependency ratio. Furthermore, the government has allotted funds for increased food […] todayFebruary 29, 2024 22 6
insert_link South Africa Leading agricultural economist in South Africa has cautioned on South Africa’s summer harvest risks Leading agricultural economist in South Africa Wandile Sihlobo has cautioned that South Africa’s summer harvest faces risks due to inadequate rain and the ongoing heatwaves. The planting period initially showed promise with consistent rainfall from October to January. Sihlobo says farmers now express concerns about crop quality for the upcoming harvest. todayFebruary 29, 2024 21
insert_link World More than 3000 Indians died of extreme weather events last year New research has found that every Indian region experienced at least one extreme weather event last year. These events killed more than 3200 people and damaged millions of hectares of crops. Neha Poonia has more. todayFebruary 29, 2024 9
insert_link Namibia Minister Shiimi Allocates N$6.8 Billion for Efficient Public Governance in 2024/25 Budget Finance and Public Enterprise minister, Iipumbu Shiimi, highlighted the allocation of N$6.8 billion to the administrative sector for the 2024/25 Financial Year during the National Budget presentation on Wednesday. This funding, constituting 7.8% of the budget, aims to support effective governance and enhance the efficiency of public services. Additionally, the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development's budget saw a substantial increase of 37.6%, reaching N$2.6 billion. Part of this allocation, […] todayFebruary 29, 2024 8
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s DA says, South African children continue to learn in inadequate and unsafe spaces South Africa's DA says that 30 years into democracy, South African children continue to learn in inadequate and unsafe spaces. This comes after 18 learners were injured when the ceiling of the Umthambeka Primary School in Thembisa, Gauteng, collapsed on them on Tuesday. The DA’s, Baxolile Nodada, says the Department of Basic Education is set to miss its target to eliminate critical infrastructure backlogs by 2030, as it continues to […] todayFebruary 29, 2024 7
insert_link Business / Economics Minister Shiimi Unveils N$100 Billion Budget with Focus on Development and Growth Finance and Public Enterprises Minister Iipumbu Shiimi presented a N$100 billion budget to the National Assembly for the fiscal year 2024/25, with over 20% earmarked for economic and infrastructural development. Emphasizing the theme ‘Continuing the Legacy of President Hage Geingob by Caring for the Namibian Child,’ Shiimi highlighted specific provisions for infrastructure development to address gaps and boost Namibia’s economic growth objectives. The budget allocates N$20.9 billion for FY2024/25 and […] todayFebruary 29, 2024 5
insert_link World Wildfires rip through US state of Texas Wildfires are rapidly spreading through the US states of Texas and Oklahoma, prompting people to flee their homes and businesses. On Tuesday a nuclear weapons plant suspended operations, with nonessential staff evacuating the premises. Sally Patterson has more. todayFebruary 29, 2024 7
