insert_link Namibia PDM calls out tender award to controversial company The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) has raised concerns over the awarding of the tender for printing and producing ballot papers to Ren-Form CC, a company they claim is embroiled in corruption allegations. The party's secretary-general, Manuel Ngaringombe, voiced objections, citing the company's history of alleged irregularities in previous contracts. Ngaringombe referred to reports from last year, accusing Ren-Form CC of inflating a tender for the Suburban government by nearly 400 […] todayOctober 22, 2024 9
insert_link Local REBUTAL: FALSE ALLEGATIONS OF CORRUPT CONDUCT IN THE AWARD OF THE CONTRACT FOR THE PRODUCTION OF BALLOT PAPERS TO REN-FORM CC 1. The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) unequivocally refutes the malicious and baseless allegations being circulated regarding the award of the contract for the procurement of ballot papers for the November 2024 Presidential and National Assembly Elections, as announced on 17 October 2024. These allegations, intended to discredit the Commission and undermine public confidence in the electoral process, are false and misleading. Such unfounded claims are made to cast a […] todayOctober 21, 2024 5
insert_link South Africa S.A President Ramaphosa Reaffirms Ethical Commitment Amid VBS Bank Loan Allegations S. A president Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed his commitment to upholding ethical conduct in the executive following allegations about a VBS Mutual Bank loan involving Justice minister Thembi Simelane. He highlighted that all members are required to disclose their financial interests annually to ensure transparency and prevent conflicts of interest. Addressing oral questions in the National Assembly, Ramaphosa stated he is carefully considering the findings: todayOctober 18, 2024 5
insert_link Business / Economics Namib Mills responds to allegations following tragic incident in South Africa Namib Mills has issued a statement regarding the tragic deaths of three children in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, South Africa, after consuming home-cooked porridge. The company emphasized that there is no evidence linking their Top Score Instant Porridge to the incident. As a precaution, the product has been temporarily withdrawn from markets in South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, and Lesotho while an independent investigation is conducted. In response to the situation, the […] todayOctober 2, 2024 11
insert_link Namibia Parliament greenlights Access to Information Act (ATI) implementation The Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, thanked Parliament for approving the access to communication regulations and enabling the implementation of the Access to Information Act of 2022. The ATI Act mandates the appointment of an independent information commissioner and deputy commissioner. The legislation, signed by late President Hage Geingob, aims to strengthen public access to information from both public and private institutions. MICT spokesperson, Shoki Kandjimi, unpacks […] todayAugust 8, 2024 19
insert_link Business / Economics Auto industry faces new guidelines The Namibian Competition Commission is developing industry guidelines to address anti-competitive practices in the automotive sector. The proposed guidelines will, according to the Commission, improve market conditions by promoting fair competition, transparency, and consumer protection. The development follows an investigation launched in 2018 into the conduct of original equipment manufacturers, vehicle dealerships, and panel beaters. NaCC spokesperson Dina //Gowases. todayJuly 30, 2024 27
insert_link 2 Namibia The role of the media as Namibians head to the polls this November In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, the role of the media is more crucial than ever. Ethical journalism serves as the cornerstone of a well-informed society, guiding public opinion and shaping democratic discourse. Central to media ethics are the principles of factual and balanced reporting, which ensure that the information disseminated to the public is accurate, fair, and impartial. Factual reporting Factual reporting involves the rigorous collection, verification, and presentation […] todayJuly 26, 2024 11 2
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s new parliament needs to do a better job of holding cabinet to account: legal scholar weighs the chances By Hugh Corder, University of Cape Town South Africa has entered new territory with a government of national unity after the May elections. The parties representing more than 70% of the electorate will now be the dominant force in parliament. The parties that are not part of the unity government will doubtless continue to demand accountability by the executive. A particular challenge arises, however, for […] todayJuly 17, 2024 12
insert_link Africa Ghana’s anti-LGBTIQ+ bill is being challenged in the supreme court. Why the decision to broadcast it live matters By Godfried Asante, San Diego State University Ghana’s Supreme Court is live televising its proceedings on the country’s controversial anti-LGBTQI+ bill. This was on the request of Ghana’s attorney general, who cited public interest and transparency. The bill was passed by the country’s parliament in February 2024 amid global furore and local outcry. The bill criminalises not only LGBTQI+ relationships, but also those who support […] todayMay 30, 2024 11