insert_link South Africa Cosatu Hails Ramaphosa’s Signing of Railway Safety Bill S.A Union Cosatu welcomes president Cyril Ramaphosa’s assenting of the Railway Safety Bill, saying this is a long overdue and important piece of legislation. The new law provides for the regulation of railway safety and the continued existence of the Railway Safety Regulator. Cosatu’s, Matthew Parks, says they welcome the progressive objectives and provisions of the Bill, that seek to overhaul the often-weak health and safety provisions governing the […] todayDecember 6, 2024 16
insert_link South Africa SA Electoral Reform Panel Receives 350 Submissions The South Africa Electoral Reform Consultation Panel says it has received around 350 written submissions on electoral reform including from all 18 political parties in Parliament. The panel is tasked with independently investigating, and making recommendations on potential reforms of the electoral system, for the election of the National Assembly and the provincial legislatures. The panel’s, Michael Hendrickse, says the electoral reform is not a silver bullet for resolving […] todayDecember 5, 2024 7
insert_link Nam Elections 2024 Opposition Leaders Boycott Election Results Announcement As Swapo’s Majority Shrinks The Swapo Party retained its majority in the National Assembly with 51 seats, a decline from 63 in 2019. The Independent Patriots for Change surged to 20 seats, marking significant gains. Opposition leaders boycotted the election results announcement, except Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda, who accused the Electoral Commission of election theft. Meanwhile, the National Democratic Party secured one seat, with its leader Lukato Lukato entering parliament. todayDecember 4, 2024 14
insert_link Namibian Elections 2024 SADC observers briefed on Namibia’s electoral framework Policy analyst Dr. Marius Kudumo addressed a workshop for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Electoral Observation Mission in Windhoek on Thursday, 21 November 2024. The mission, officially launched on 20 November, is preparing for Namibia’s Presidential and National Assembly Elections set for 27 November 2024. Dr. Kudumo highlighted the importance of observers understanding the legal and contextual framework under which Namibia conducts its elections. "I will present about the […] todayNovember 21, 2024 18
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s Deputy President Outlines Steps to Boost Foreign Investment and Economic Reform South Africa's Deputy president Paul Mashatile says the government has implemented several steps to stimulate foreign investment including simple tax rules, and a competitive regulatory framework. He answered questions in the National Assembly yesterday on a range of issues including the economy, the water crisis, and challenges in municipalities. Mashatile says the government of national unity intends to continue with fundamental economic reform and improve the business operating environment: todayNovember 1, 2024 17
insert_link South Africa Deputy President Says Government Is Collaborating with Development Bank to Aid Indebted Municipalities S.A's Deputy president Paul Mashatile says the government is working with the Development Bank of Southern Africa to secure resources to assist municipalities that are in debt. Municipalities owe creditors 116.5-billion-rand, with 75.3-percent of this debt more than 90 days overdue. In turn municipalities in 2023/2024 were owed 339.9-billion-rand. Answering questions in the National Assembly yesterday, Mashatile said it is concerning that many municipalities are in financial stress: todayNovember 1, 2024 29
insert_link Africa Botswana Prepares for Crucial Election as President Masisi Seeks Second Term Botswana is set to vote today in an election that will decide if President Mokgweetsi Masisi can secure a second term amid economic challenges linked to declining diamond demand according to Reuters. The Botswana Democratic Party, in power since 1966, remains the frontrunner despite facing a drop in popularity, as voters will elect a National Assembly, with the largest party responsible for selecting the president. todayOctober 30, 2024 15
insert_link Namibia National Assembly postpones Mid-Year Budget Review Finance Minister Iipumbu Shiimi could not deliver the 2024/25 Mid-Year Budget Review this afternoon as the National Assembly lacked the required quorum. The session was postponed to Tuesday, 29 October 2024. The mid-year review seeks to evaluate the country's economic progress and fiscal strategies, with a focus on debt management and economic recovery. todayOctober 28, 2024 15
insert_link Uncategorized National Assembly speaker visits Cuba to cement ties Speaker of the National Assembly, Professor Peter Katjavivi is on a week-long official visit to Cuba with the Cuba-Namibia Parliamentary Friendship Group. The visit intends to strengthen legislative cooperation and includes meetings with President Lazo Hernández and other key Cuban parliamentary leaders. Here is the Senior Public Relations Officer of the National Assembly, Sacky Kadhikwa. todayOctober 21, 2024 14