Public Sector

Lawmakers set to debating prison conditions and equitable wealth distribution

Lawmakers are set to debate prison conditions, infrastructure development, and equitable wealth distribution. Concerns are being raised about overcrowded correctional facilities and inadequate rehabilitation programs. Infrastructure talks are focusing on improving roads and public utilities in underserved regions. MPs are also examining how national resources are distributed under the One Namibia, One Nation principle. Further discussions are shaping potential reforms in these sectors.

6 March, 2025 16

South Africa

SA Union Criticizes Government for Neoliberal Policies

The South African Federation of Trade Unions says the government of national unity continues to champion neoliberal economic policies that actively undermine job creation. Saftu’s spokesperson, Newton Masuku, says ahead of Finance minister, Enoch Godongwana’s budget speech today, they are demanding an immediate reversal of austerity measures. Meanwhile, the Public Servants Association says it expects Godongwana to present a budget that prioritises economic growth, job security, and the strengthening […]

19 February, 2025 49

World

Fewer than five per cent of US federal workers take payout scheme to resign

The Trump administration will have 75,000 fewer federal workers by September, as part of a payout scheme. They've decided that people must return to in-person work and offered a deal to those who don't want to. Caroline Malone reports.

14 February, 2025 43

Nam Elections 2024

PM’s Office Issues Directive on Public Servants Running in Elections

From the Office of the Prime Minister, secretary George Simataa has issued a directive for public servants running in elections to comply with the Public Service Act of 1995 and the Electoral Amendment Act of 2024. The circular states that candidates must take leave during the election period and will be deemed to have resigned if elected. It also directs ministries and agencies to recover any overpayments from staff, either […]

17 January, 2025 29

Business / Economics

Economist Urges Reforms as South Africa’s GDP Shrinks by 0.3%

In S.A, North-West University Business School economist, Raymond Parsons, has called for urgent economic reforms following the disappointing gross domestic product growth figures for the third quarter, when it decreased by 0.3-percent. Parsons calls for more investment and faster reforms from both the public and private sectors to drive job-rich growth and improve the economy:

4 December, 2024 26

South Africa

South Africa’s Home Affairs Dismisses 18 Officials in Anti-Corruption Crackdown

S.A's department of Home Affairs has dismissed 18 officials for various offences including fraud, corruption, and sexual harassment. These officials were involved in issues like granting fake identity documents, illegal marriage registrations, and improper visa approvals. Four others received warnings. Minister Leon Schreiber says these actions reflect the department's ongoing crackdown on corruption, with criminal charges to follow where necessary:

21 November, 2024 38

Namibia

Competition commission achieves only 56% of performance target

The Auditor-General has provided an unqualified audit opinion on the Namibian Competition Commission's financial statements for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, confirming that the Commission's financial records accurately represent its status in line with International Financial Reporting Standards. Conducted in accordance with international auditing standards, the audit revealed no major issues with the Commission’s financial practices. The Auditor-General stated that he found ample audit evidence to support his […]

31 October, 2024 40

South Africa

South Africa’s amended Employment Bill targets foreign workers

South Africa’s Public Servants Association's acting deputy general manager, Claude Naiker, says the Employment Services Amendment Bill may reduce the number of foreign nationals employed in South Africa but does not address the country’s skills shortage. This follows the revelation that six-thousand-220 foreign nationals, including permanent residents and temporary employees, are working in the public sector.

12 September, 2024 20

Health / Medical

New law to reform health sector

The government is establishing a unified Health Professions Council to replace the existing five councils. The Namibia Press Agency reports that Health Minister Dr. Kalumbi Shangula introduced in parliament, saying that the Health Professions Council of Namibia Bill, will merge the Social Work and Psychology Council, Allied Health Professions Council, Nursing Council, Pharmacy Council, and Medical and Dental Council into one entity. The new law will also mandate health professionals […]

8 August, 2024 36