Posts

Posted on

Infighting, leadership succession disputes threaten integrity of TAs: Mbumba


WINDHOEK: President Nangolo Mbumba has warned that the integrity of traditional authorities is being put at risk by individuals aspiring to become chiefs and leaders , which has led to internal conflicts and leadership succession disputes . Opening the five – day 25th Annual Meeting of the Council of Traditional Leaders in Namibia here on Monday , Mbumba said the disputes continue to threaten peace and harmony within the regions . ‘ Everybody wants to be a chief … Everybody wants to be the next leader ,’ he said . The Head of State said such disputes not only result in conflict and lack of unity among members of the traditional community , but also often result in the government being forced to intervene and use public resources which could have been used for development . ‘ Instead , time and resources are used for conducting investigations and towards resolving disputes which can in most instances be easily resolved if parties follow their customary law ,’ Mbumba said . ‘ As traditional authorities , your p
rimary interest should be the advancement of the wider community and augmenting traditional values and norms . Let us learn to place our collective interests above our personal interests ,’ he urged . President Mbumba further noted that traditional authorities continue to play a crucial role in the Namibian democracy as the recognised custodians of culture and values in Africa . In particular , traditional authorities command respect and support while performing important functions that uphold the governance architectures of modern states . ‘ As a government we remain fully cognisant of the role our traditional authorities play in terms of promoting development and fostering unity , peace and social harmony , particularly in rural areas … This is why we will continue to acknowledge and accommodate our traditional leaders within the governance framework ,’ he said . Mbumba further said that while the government places a high premium on fighting hunger and poverty in Namibia , the success of dealing with the cu
rrent severe drought calls for unity . He said traditional authorities should ensure that no member of the community dies of hunger as efforts to address the drought have been put in place .

Source: The Namibia News Agency

Posted on

Swapo infusing young blood into party leadership


WINDHOEK: just – concluded electoral college of the ruling Swapo Party has confirmed that the party is undergoing a generational transition by gradually infusing young blood into its leadership structures and the list of party representatives at government level . Several youthful cadres were included on both the male and female lists of the party ‘ s National Assembly candidates . Swapo vice – president Netumbo Nandi – Ndaitwah also included the youngest candidate , 22 – year – old Fenny Tutjavi , among her appointees to the party ‘ s parliamentary list in addition to the delegates voted for over the weekend . Emma Theofelus , Sharonice Busch , Christine Haindaka and Christophina Nakanduungile were the female youth members elected . On the male list , the electoral college also elected youth members , Kunene Region Governor Marius Sheya , Willem Amutenya , Sam Shaafishuna Nujoma , Castro Ileni , Hofni Iipinge and Helao Nafidi Mayor , Darius Shaalukeni . The Swapo electoral college held its elections on Sunda
y , and those elected are the prospective party leaders to represent the party in Parliament from 2025 to 2029 .

Source: The Namibia News Agency

Posted on

AI has the potential to revolutionise various sectors: Peters


WINDHOEK: While Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) has great potential to revolutionise various sectors and fast – track many of Namibia ‘ s developmental plans , such a scenario is not without its challenges . This was the view of Professor Anicia Peters , the CEO of the National Commission on Research , Science and Technology ( NCRST ) during a presentation at the ongoing 8th National ICT Summit here on Monday . Peters said the emergence of AI has stirred hopes of many positive benefits and provided huge opportunities . She said the use of AI in various sectors across the country has the potential to hatch great benefits , listing food security , climate adaptation and mitigation efforts as some of the areas that could benefit from sustainable use of AI . Namibian youth – who make up more than 70 per cent of the population – stand to benefit from the advancement and roll – out of AI related programmes , as they could turn their innovation into feasible projects with AI assistance . Despite such great potential
, Peters said , AI also has unintended consequences – most of which are negative . She said the possible weaponising of AI and potential loss of indigenous knowledge coupled with the unethical and irresponsible development of AI makes it a complicated project . Also , those in the job market would need to critically upskill themselves and upscale their usability in the age of digital advancement , lest they fall behind as AI persistently makes its presence felt . ‘ I am an advocate for human – centred AI , as it is vital to still have a human element in AI . We know that AI does not necessarily need a degree , but needs skills more . This is why it is vital to improve on the skills we have in order to avoid being left behind ,’ she said . A lack of funding , limited data – or data poverty – issues around a legislative and regulatory framework for AI , and the need for specialised skills are some of the challenges in the smooth implementation of AI , Peters said . She noted that while such challenges exist , A
I nonetheless has future opportunities . ‘ AI provides great opportunities in the areas of production and manufacturing . Also , start – ups and SMEs could reap a lot of benefits in terms of future prospects ,’ Peters said . This year ‘ s summit is themed ‘ Building Resilience to ‘ Adapt or Die ‘ in the Era of Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence ( AI ).’ It ends on Wednesday

Source: The Namibia News Agency

Posted on

|Gaseb calls for respect for customary laws


WINDHOEK: Chairperson of the Council of Traditional Leaders in Namibia , Gaob Immanuel | Gaseb has called on Namibians , especially members of royal families , to respect customary laws and resolve succession disputes according to these laws . Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 25th Annual Meeting of the Council of Traditional Leaders in Windhoek on Monday , | Gaseb said disputes must be resolved according to customary laws and traditions , rather than through the courts of common law . ‘ Such disputes can leave traditional authorities without leadership and disrupt their administration ,’ he said . The chairperson said the council acknowledged the ongoing legal challenges surrounding chieftainship succession , noting that the issues are crucial and the council trusts that the government will continue to develop effective strategies to address these challenges . He further called upon traditional leaders to desist from opposing land allocations for agricultural projects aimed at tackling food insecurity
, poverty and unemployment , and to rather continue encouraging communities to engage in food security initiatives and enhance agriculture practices . | Gaseb further called upon traditional leaders to ensure that drought relief food is distributed responsibly and used for household consumption instead of being traded for alcohol . He equally called upon the Office of the Prime Minister to review the food distribution process to ensure equal allocation , especially for households with a high number of dependents . He further noted that challenges faced by traditional authorities include water and sanitation , and lack of infrastructure such as boreholes and water pipelines . Another major challenge is human – wildlife conflict , particularly in the Kavango regions where crocodiles and hippo attacks have resulted in the loss of many lives . ‘ Wildlife continues to destroy our crops and causes serious challenges for our communities . It is imperative that the Ministry of Environment , Forestry and Tourism devel
ops and implements an emergency response unit to address this crisis ,’ he said . The five – day Annual Meeting of the Council of Traditional Leaders ends Friday . (

Source: The Namibia News Agency

Posted on

Minor girl allegedly raped at Ondangwa


Oshakati: A six – year – old girl was allegedly raped by an unknown man while on her way home from school at Ondangwa on Friday . The incident occurred around 13h15 , the Namibian Police Force ‘ s Oshana Regional Commander , Commissioner Naftal Lungameni Sakaria said . It is alleged that the suspect approached the girl and gave her a small broken radio that she apparently had to take to a certain man that sweeps the streets . She , however , refused to do so and he then offered her two sweets , which she also refused to take . ‘ The suspect then grabbed the child by the neck and carried her into an abandoned house , where he removed the tights she was wearing before having sexual intercourse with her ,’ Sakaria said . The man then fled and the girl managed to walk home . When she got home , she immediately informed her grandmother about what happened . ‘ We are doing everything possible to track and arrest the culprit ,’ Sakaria said . Police investigations continue .

Source: The Namibia News Agency

Posted on

Golden Wolves, Epupa Zebra Stars promoted to Kunene Football League


Opuwo: Opuwo Third Division Football League champions Golden Wolves extended their dominance by delivering a thrilling performance in the Kunene Regional Second Division Football League over the weekend , securing an automatic promotion spot alongside Zebra Stars . This achievement comes after Golden Wolves were denied a promotional play – off opportunity last year due to alleged match – fixing incidents . Golden Wolves surged into the regional league after defeating Gariseb Pirates 2 – 0 in their final game . This victory also marked the downfall of Gariseb Pirates , ending the Khorixas outfit ‘ s remarkable three – decade stint in the top flight , a period filled with memorable moments . Gariseb Pirates were a crucial part of the league last season , but following their worst performance in history , they finished last in the standings . This forced them into promotion playoffs , where they failed miserably , and they will now play in Khorixas ‘ Third Division next season . Epupa Zebra Stars had the final s
ay in their match against Outjo – based Pubs FC , who needed a draw to retain their league position . However , the visiting team from Opuwo came out strong , denying Pubs any chance of remaining in the league . The final game of round three saw Pubs score early on , but Zebra Stars responded with two goals , sending Pubs out of the league and securing their promotion . The final standings saw Golden Wolves finish first with six points , followed by Zebra Stars , also with six points . Pubs finished third with four points , while Gariseb Pirates earned just one point from the three games , ending up last . Other clubs that participated in the promotional playoffs included Six Computer Stars of Sesfontein , Kwaai Lappies of Outjo , Zebra , Springbok , and Grootberg from Sesfontein , Hotspring United from Epupa , Fontein Eleven of Khorixas , and Aweh United of Outjo . On Sunday , Kunene Football League administrator Bolla Nangombe confirmed the final results , stating that the promotional playoffs went smoothly
and that all football regulations were adhered to

Source: The Namibia News Agency