Month: December 2023

Opuwo – Ngaitjitue Hengari, a social worker at the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, highlighted the pervasive issue of gender-based violence (GBV) in Opuwo, where cultural practices often contribute to violence against women and children.

According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), During a capacity-building training for radio engagement on GBV, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and mental health, Hengari emphasized that cultural and customary practices significantly influence gender interactions, often reinforcing patriarchy. The training, conducted by the Ministry of Gender Equality along with UNESCO, the Japanese Government, UNFPA, and the Ministry of Health and Social Services, focused on the theme ‘Leaving No One Behind’.

Hengari pointed out the ministry’s efforts to combat GBV, including the creation of a comprehensive GBV toolbox, training, funding, and psychological support for survivors. “We educate communities about GBV through meetings and school talks, provide psychological support to survivors, and economically empower women to be self-sufficient,” she stated. In Opuwo, 103 GBV cases were registered last year, including 42 rape incidents, while 62 cases have been reported in 2023, with 19 involving rape.

Katjina Tjikunda Kulunga, Chairperson of Kunene Community Radio, noted that not all traditional practices are detrimental to women and children, and that GBV should not be solely attributed to cultural practices. He emphasized that Himba and Zemba cultures do not condone violence and harmful traditions should be abandoned.

The training, which began in the Khomas Region with Focus FM and concluded in Opuwo, aimed to educate stakeholders and media practitioners on effectively addressing GBV and reproductive health issues in their communities.

Oshakati – Namibian Vice President Nangolo Mbumba stressed the significance of cultural identity and the importance of knowing one’s totem at the ninth edition of the Oshakati Totem Expo, held at the Oshakati Independence Stadium on Wednesday.

According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), understanding one’s totem is vital as it provides a sense of belonging within African communities. He highlighted that Namibia’s strength lies in its diverse cultures, which contribute to harmonious coexistence. “Events like the Oshakati Totem Expo are more than mere gatherings; they serve as catalysts for economic growth, community development, innovation, and maintaining peace and stability in our cultures,” Mbumba said. The expo not only celebrates cultural heritages but also stimulates local economies through various services like accommodation, catering, and transportation, encouraging new business ventures and job creation.

Oshana Governor Elia Irimari noted the expo’s unique approach in restoring cultural identity through the promotion of totems, providing a platform for sharing cultural heritages and for businesses to market their products and services. Professor Petrus Benzi launched a totem booklet at the event, detailing various cultural clans in Namibia, to help Namibians understand their identity. The theme for this year’s expo is ‘Strengthening ties through culture’.

Windhoek – Urban and Rural Development Minister Erastus Uutoni has affirmed the life-changing impact of the Informal Settlement Upgrading Project in Windhoek. The minister handed over 53 new houses to beneficiaries of the pilot project, a collaborative effort between his ministry and various partners, on Wednesday.

According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), Minister Uutoni expressed pride in the project’s role in fulfilling housing dreams and restoring dignity to residents. The newly developed houses in the Greenwell Matongo informal settlement are part of an ongoing project launched in August 2020 by the National Housing Enterprises (NHE), the City of Windhoek, and the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development. Previously in February, the NHE completed 60 houses under this programme.

To date, the project has constructed 680 houses in various informal settlements of Windhoek, with prices ranging from N.dollars 91,000 to N.dollars 167,000. The minister emphasized the need to increase the number of houses being delivered to benefit more people in the lower income bracket.

NHE chairperson Toska Sem noted the affordability focus of the houses, which were built without ceilings, cupboards, or tiling to reduce costs. This strategy aligns with the goal of providing affordable housing solutions. Sem highlighted the NHE’s progress in meeting its mandate, mentioning the handover of 144 houses to beneficiaries in Omuthiya, Ondangwa, and Okahao last month.

She acknowledged the challenges of housing provision in the country but emphasized the positive outcomes of their efforts.

Windhoek – The much-anticipated Fishrot trial at the Windhoek High Court has been postponed to Friday following the absence of two defense lawyers. Acting Judge Moses Chinhengo made the decision to delay the proceedings on Wednesday.

According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), The court was informed at the beginning of the session that defense lawyer Florian Beukes was on medical leave, while Mbanga Siyomunji was out of town. The trial involves several high-profile figures, including former Justice Minister Sakeus Shanghala, former Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Bernhardt Esau, and other associates. They are accused of corruptly allocating fishing quotas in exchange for bribes to Icelandic fishing company Samherji.

The suspects, who have been in custody since November 2019, were expected to plead to the 42 charges against them after State Prosecutor Ed Marondedze finished reading the indictment. However, Shanghala declared on Tuesday that he, along with James Hatuikulipi and Pius Mwatelula, would not plead as they lacked legal representation. The charges range from money laundering and fraud to racketeering.

Shanghala argued for an additional six months to prepare for the trial, pending funds to hire a lawyer of his choice. He is currently challenging a restraint order under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act by Prosecutor General Martha Imalwa, which froze his assets. The hearing for this application is pending.

Shanghala had also sought the government’s assistance to cover his legal fees, asserting that his actions were part of his official duties. His request, along with Esau’s similar application, was unsuccessful. He revealed that his former lawyer, Vas Soni, a prominent South African Senior Counsel, charged N.dollars 65,000 per day.

Shanghala emphasized that proceeding with the trial under these circumstances would undermine the justice process.

Windhoek – Namibian Health and Social Services Minister Kalumbi Shangula has called for public calm in response to the recent surge of respiratory infections in China. Addressing a press conference in Windhoek, Shangula reassured that Namibia is not currently at risk.

According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), Shangula noted that since November 22, 2023, China has experienced an increase in respiratory diseases, particularly among children. However, Namibia’s COVID-19 and influenza surveillance activities have not detected any rise in respiratory infections, hospitalizations, or deaths related to these illnesses. The Chinese authorities attribute the surge to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, the onset of the cold season in the northern hemisphere, and the circulation of known pathogens like influenza, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) does not currently recommend specific measures for travelers to China. “The increase in respiratory infection cases does not constitute a public health threat, so there is no cause for alarm,” Shangula emphasized. The Namibian Ministry of Health will continue to monitor the situation and conduct regular surveillance of respiratory pathogens and infections.

Shangula advised travelers experiencing respiratory symptoms to seek medical attention and inform their healthcare providers of their travel history. Aligning with WHO guidance, the Namibian Government advises against implementing travel or trade restrictions based on the current information about the situation in China.

Windhoek – The City of Windhoek Council has introduced a significant debt relief programme to aid eligible residents and businesses, amounting to a total of N.dollars 524 million. This initiative was announced in a press release on Tuesday by the city’s spokesperson Lydia Amutenya.

According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), the debt relief programme, set to commence in 2024, will offer complete interest cancellation of 100 percent for pensioners and 50 percent for businesses, residential debtors, and other debtors. This decision aims to assist residents in managing their financial obligations and promote regular bill payments. The necessity for this programme arose as the City’s Debt Book escalated from N.dollars 677 million in 2018 to N.dollars 1.2 billion in 2023. In 2018, the council had implemented a similar debt write-off of N.dollars 191 million for pensioners and vulnerable residents. However, the financial hardships faced by many due to the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in unpaid bills.

In addition to the debt relief announcement, Amutenya noted that the City of Windhoek will officially commence the holiday season by switching on the annual Christmas lights at 19h00 on Friday, marking a festive start for Windhoek residents.