insert_link South Africa SA’s Electoral Commission Responds to DA’s Appeal for Foreign Assistance in Election Observations The South African Independent Electoral Commission acknowledges the Democratic Alliance's letter to the United States, European Union, and other countries seeking resources for independent domestic observers ahead of the 29 May elections. IEC CEO Sy Mamabolo states that while the commission believes in the importance of election observation, the DA's direct appeal to foreign executives is not in alignment with the typical process of international observation. Mamabolo highlights the unique […] todayMarch 12, 2024 19
insert_link World IAEA chief begins Japan visit The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency is visiting Japan for a progress report on the discharge of treated nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean. Japan began a 30-year release of more than a million tonnes of treated, radioactive water used to cool the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant in August. Chris Gilbert reports. todayMarch 12, 2024 6
insert_link Namibia Advanced Chemical Weapons Assistance and Protection Course Begins in Capital In the capital, a six-day advanced course on Assistance and Protection against Chemical Weapons for Anglophone States Parties commenced on Monday. Hosted by the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade and conducted in collaboration with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the course is part of the ongoing Anglophone Training Cycle initiated in 2023. Industrialisation and Trade Minister Lucia Iipumbu addressed the participants, highlighting the training's objective to enhance […] todayMarch 12, 2024 5
insert_link South Africa SA Electoral Commission Takes Action Against Leaked ANC and uMkhonto we Sizwe Party Candidate Lists The South African Independent Electoral Commission has initiated proceedings against the official suspected of leaking candidate lists belonging to the ANC and uMkhonto we Sizwe Party. The individual has been formally requested to provide reasons why their employment contract should not be terminated. The leaked lists surfaced on social media over the weekend, with an internal investigation pointing to the data breach originating from system-generated reports within the commission. IEC […] todayMarch 12, 2024 18
insert_link World Antonio Guterres says the “bombings and bloodshed” in Gaza must end United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres has appealed for an end to the fighting in Gaza, as millions of muslims around the world began the month of Ramadan. Speaking to reporters in New York, Guterres says as Ramadan begins – the killing, bombing and bloodshed continue in Gaza. Jody Jacobs has more from the United Nations. todayMarch 12, 2024 27
insert_link World Biden’s budget: Higher taxes on the rich, childcare and education for the poor U.S. President Josef Biden has released a new budget proposal for 2025 that includes tax increases for the highest earners and big corporations, as well as social spending assistance on housing and education. It also pushes for the 100 billion U.S. dollars he requested last year for Israel and Ukraine aid while also strengthening border security. Caroline Malone reports from Washington. todayMarch 12, 2024 3
insert_link South Africa ANC Content with Electoral Commission’s Explanation on Candidate List Glitch with Investigation Underway The African National Congress expresses satisfaction with the Independent Electoral Commission's clarification regarding a glitch in the release of its candidates' list for the upcoming elections. The leaked lists also include the uMkhonto weSizwe Party. The IEC is actively investigating the unauthorized release of the candidate lists and has committed to identifying those responsible. ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula assured the media that the IEC has communicated that it was […] todayMarch 12, 2024 12
insert_link Business / Economics EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Unpacking the National Budget: Insights from Independent Business and Economic Researcher Josef Sheehama As we delve into the recent national budget with the insights of independent business and economic researcher, Josef Sheehama. In a recent interview, Sheehama shared his perspective on the budget allocation, emphasizing both positives and concerns regarding the distribution of funds. Youth Allocation Highlights Positives, but Agriculture Faces Shortcomings The budget, as described by Sheehama, has some commendable aspects, particularly the allocation of 45% to youth initiatives. This is […] todayMarch 12, 2024 13
insert_link Health / Medical EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: The Economic Toll of Stunting: Insights from Ben Schernick, Director at the Nutrition and Food Security Alliance of Namibia Ben Schernick, Director at the Nutrition and Food Security Alliance of Namibia, shed light on the economic impact of stunting in the country. The discussion was framed within the context of the Cost of Hunger in Africa (COHA) study conducted between 2021 and 2022, revealing alarming insights into the consequences of malnutrition, particularly undernutrition, on Namibia's learners, human development, and economy. COHA Study: A Deep Dive into Namibia's Stunting […] todayMarch 12, 2024 48