Month: April 2024

Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has welcomed the sentencing of a Home Affairs employee for issuing birth certificates to foreigners for cash.

According to the department, Amos Ngwenyama was sentenced to eight and six years imprisonment on two counts of fraud and corruption at the Giyani Commercial Court in Limpopo, on Friday. The sentences will run concurrently.

Ngwenyama was based at the Home Affairs office in Malamulele.

‘Mr Ngwenyama was arrested following a joint investigation by the Home Affairs Counter Corruption Unit and the Hawks in Limpopo in 2023 for issuing birth certificates to undeserving foreign nationals in exchange for money.’

Motsoaledi reiterated his warning to officials involved in fraud and corruption that ‘their days are numbered’.

‘We have no tolerance for any acts of corruption and malfeasance. Public members expect government officials to uphold the highest ethical and moral standards. They are also expected to be honest in serving the public and the state,’ Motsoal
edi said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The youth has been strongly encouraged to participate in the upcoming 2024 Presidential Elections, as their voices are crucial.

In a recent interview with Nampa, Serron Nghoshi, a youth activist and regional coordinator for the Erongo Youth Forum, emphasised the importance of youth engagement in these elections, stressing that their involvement is not just beneficial but essential for the health and progress of democracy.

Nghoshi noted that the youth’s role in shaping the future of the fast-paced world of 21st-century politics, where the dynamics of governance, society, and technology are in constant flux cannot be overstated.

‘As the country gears up for upcoming presidential elections, the spotlight turns to the younger generations, whose participation could decisively influence the direction of the country.

Globally, the youth population is sizeable, with individuals under the age of 30 constituting a significant portion of the electorate in many countries and despite their numbers and potential influe
nce, young people’s voting rates often lag behind those of older demographics,’ he lamented.

The coordinator expressed that bridging this gap is crucial, as their active participation has the power to sway election outcomes and set policy priorities, adding that young voters are directly affected by a broad range of policy issues, from education, employment, healthcare and climate change.

Additionally, he noted that the youth’s engagement in presidential elections is a powerful tool to ensure that their perspectives and needs are represented in the national agenda and politicians are more likely to address the issues that matter to young voters if they know that this demographic is paying attention and willing to hold them accountable at the ballot box.

‘There is therefore a need to make efforts to educate young people about the importance of their vote, simplify the voting process, and make politics more accessible and relevant. This can empower this demographic to play a more active role in their democra
cy,’ Nghoshi advised.

Namibia’s seventh Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for the 27th of November 2024, with the electoral calendar launched on 07 March 2024 with the General Registration of Voters to take place countrywide and at Namibia Diplomatic Missions from the 03 June to 01 August 2024.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

Cabinet has called on South Africans to participate in the celebrations and commemoration of South Africa’s 30 years of freedom.

Some 30 years ago, South Africa moved from the repressive and segregation based policy of apartheid into a new democratic dispensation – ushering in freedom for millions of South Africans, who were previously oppressed and disadvantaged because of the colour of their skin.

‘Cabinet calls on all South Africans and sectors of society to participate in celebrating 30 Years of Freedom and Democracy. South Africans can participate by telling their stories on what it was like to have lived in apartheid South Africa and help us to build on the achievements we have made so far,’ a Cabinet statement read on Monday.

Cabinet reflected on the work that has been done to bring a better life for all South Africans, even as challenges persist.

READ | SA’s democracy restored the dignity of millions

‘We have worked since 1994 to build a society based on unity and togetherness, and while many cha
llenges still remain, conditions have fundamentally improved with each passing day. The great strides we have made since 1994 are reflected in Census 2022 and the 30 Year Review.

‘Both paint a picture of a society on the move and which reflects improvements across most indicators. The findings of the Census and the 30 Year Review conclusively demonstrate that our development is not by chance, but rather by design from government programmes since 1994,’ the statement said.

Earlier this month, government officially launched the commemoration of 30 Years of Freedom and Democracy, held under the theme: ’30 years of Democracy, Partnership and Growth’.

The launch – which has held at Freedom Park Heritage Site – included the unveiling of the official 30 Years of Freedom logo which cabinet called a ‘symbol that will unify us as we celebrate this significant milestone in the history of our country’.

VIEW | SAnews Special Feature on the 30 Years of Freedom and Democracy

‘The launch marked the official commencement
of the year-long activities to celebrate the remarkable progress we have made since 1994 in establishing a democratic society based on the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996 and the Bill of Rights.

‘This momentous occasion is also an opportunity to reflect on the challenges that remain and find ways to overcome them and move our country forward,’ the Cabinet statement said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

A 35-year-old farmer was arrested for murder at about 02h00 on Sunday at Graswerd farm in Dordabis.

In a weekend crime report issued by the Namibian Police Force, it is alleged that the suspect went to the 42-year-old victim’s room and accused him of bewitching him (the suspect).

‘It is further alleged that the suspect hit the victim with an iron bar on the head which resulted in the victim to fall down. The suspect allegedly grabbed another iron bar and brick and repeatedly hit the victim on the head until he died. The suspect allegedly tried to flee but was caught by other farm workers who called the police.’

The deceased was identified as Paulus Ndjamba and his next of kin have been informed.

Meanwhile, Jonas Tuhafeni Neonya, a member of the police’s Serious Crime Investigation Sub-Division died in a car accident on Saturday. It is alleged that Neonya was driving a silver Corolla Conquest on the main road between Okahao and Tsandi when he lost control over the vehicle, causing it to overturn. The incid
ent happened at about 21h50 at Ondelishana village in the Omusati Region.

Neonya was rushed to the Okahao State Hospital, where he was declared dead. His next of kin are informed.

In another case, a 24-year-old man was arrested on charges of kidnapping, rape and assault by threatening of a 27-year-old woman in Karibib. The incident allegedly occurred at 01h00 on Friday, about 1km from Karibib town towards the Navachab gold mine.

‘It is alleged that the suspect and the victim had met for the first time the same day at 11h00 and exchanged cellphone numbers. Later at about 22h00, the suspect phoned the victim and met at a service station where the victim entered the suspect’s car and they drove away. The suspect allegedly had sexual intercourse with the victim without consent and threatened to kill her.’

Police investigations continue in all cases.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency