Month: April 2024

Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, has vowed to tackle the pollution of the environment and water sources as the Vaal River coues to battle with invasive alien plants.

Mchunu said the country needs to have a National Register of Polluters to deal with the pollution of the environment and water sources across South Africa.

He said a National Register of Polluters was necessary to make people account for their transgressions.

‘We want those in positions of authority, Mayors, CEOs of companies to have their names in the register so that they account for the neglect that leaves our rivers polluted,’ he said on Friday.

The Minister was speaking at a workshop held at Emerald Resort and Casino in Vanderbijlpark.

Several stakeholders attended the workshop, including mayors of Mafube, Ngwathe and Metsimaholo Local Municipalities, Rand Water Board Chairperson Ramateu Monyokolo, and representatives from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment.

He announced the establishment of a sec
toral forum of experts to urgently address the situation and devise practical solutions that will ensure that the current state of the Vaal River System becomes a thing of the past.

‘The Vaal River is not just a vital water source. It is a lifeline for our communities, industries and ecosystems.

‘Its health is under threat from various sources, including wastewater discharge and we must collaborate effectively to mitigate these impacts and protect this invaluable resource for future generations,’ the Minister stressed.

The Minister is also expected to hold a meeting with the Mayors of Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, Tshwane and Mogale City to look at the state of Centurion Lake and tributaries affecting the state of the lake.

Mchunu believes all spheres of government need to have the upper hand in the resolve to deal with the pollution of water sources and the environment.

He took the time to highlight some of the interventions, including introducing measures to prevent the spread of alien invasive species, ra
ising awareness among the public, and enforcing regulations on the importation and sale of potentially invasive species.

The Minister also spoke about the early detection and development of monitoring programmes to detect invasive species early on and implement rapid response measures to control their spread.

He discussed restoring native vegetation and ecosystems to rehabilitate areas affected by invasive species.

‘This can help to restore the ecological balance of the river and improve its overall health.’

Government will also be working with its agencies, non-governmental organisations, and local communities to develop new and improved methods for controlling invasive species and restoring native habitats.

Source: South African Government News Agency

OSHAKATI: The suspect who fled after reportedly stabbing one person to death and seriously wounding another at a bar in Oshakati’s Oneshila Evululuko location in the early hours of Sunday, has been arrested.

His arrest follows a manhunt initiated by the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) in the Oshana region.

According to Chief Inspector Thomas Aiyambo of the NamPol Oshana Community Policing Sub-division, late Sunday, the suspect who is from Oshandumbala village was arrested with the assistance of his parents who accompanied him to the Oshakati police station.

‘It is alleged that the suspect got into a fight with the deceased at around 01h30 after he was thrown wine in the face and in the process, stabbed the deceased twice in the back and once in the head.

It is further alleged that the suspect proceeded to stab another person, who is currently receiving treatment at the Oshakati State Hospital,’ he said.

Aiyambo noted that the suspect is charged with murder and attempted murder and is expected to appear in
the Oshakati Magistrate’s Court during the week.

Police investigations into the matter continue.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

Mr Chris Echikwu, an Agribusiness expert, has called for the establishment of a Commodity Trading Management Agency to promote agribusiness and address the challenges facing Benue’s agricultural sector.

Echikwu, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, noted the necessity of the agency to tackle the multifaceted issues hindering the growth of the agricultural economy in the state.

According to him, Agribusiness, a fusion of agriculture and commerce, encompasses various activities ranging from production, storage, distribution, logistics, finance, to marketing.

Echikwu said that the challenges confronting the agricultural sector in Benue often referred to as the ‘Food Basket of the Nation, were significant.

He noted the abundance of commercially valuable agro-commodities in the state, including yams, sesame seeds, palm produce, and various fruits, saying these commodities contributed to its agricultural prominence.

According to him, the prevalence of trading activities acr
oss the state’s 23 local government areas, with major markets like Wannune, Buruku, and Zakibiam, showed pivotal roles in procurement.

Echikwu expressed concern over quality assurance issues regarding quality and weight accuracy, which have resulted in the blacklisting of certain commodities.

He highlighted the absence of transport logistics and formal structure for price dissemination, hindering market transparency and efficiency.

The expert underscored the importance of establishing direct linkages between farmers and end-users to enhance profitability.

He also added the need for improved government revenue collection from market activities to address inefficiencies in revenue generation.

Echikwu called for strategic interventions to reposition the agribusiness sector, stressing the importance of collaborative efforts between stakeholders to address the multifaceted issues impeding growth.

The expert said that the proposed Commodity Trading Management Agency, would provide a structured platform for ef
ficient, transparent, and organised trade in commodities.

He outlined collaboration with government agencies to enforce regulations, enhance market infrastructure, and establish links with domestic and international buyers.

The agency, he added would also advise on sustainable agribusiness development policies, extending its role beyond trading management.

Echikwu said the establishment of a Commodity Trading Management Agency was a strategic imperative to unlock the full potential of the agricultural sector and foster economic growth and prosperity.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

OSHAKATI: A 39-year-old man died instantly after he was hit by a vehicle while crossing the road at Oshuushe village in the Oshana Region.

According to Chief Inspector Thomas Aiyambo of the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) Oshana Community Policing Sub-division, the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday on the Ondangwa-Oshikango main road.

‘It is alleged that the driver of a silver Polo, (registration unknown) was coming from Oshikango towards Ondangwa, and hit a pedestrian who was trying to cross the road,’ he said.

The deceased was identified as Paulus Lumbu from Oshuushe village, and his next of kin were informed.

A culpable homicide case has been opened against the driver.

Police investigation into the matter continues.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

The United States Government has pledged to support Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, as the country marks a decade of the mass abduction of over 200 schoolgirls in Chibok, North-East, by terrorists.

This is contained in a statement issued by the spokesperson of the U.S. Embassy, Aishah Gambari, on Sunday in Abuja.

Gambari said the U.S. would also support Nigeria’s terrorism survivors and their families, saying that the U.S.-Nigeria partnership was built on a foundation of shared values and common goals.

According to her, the U.S. will continue to support Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism, and to hold perpetrators of terrorist attacks accountable, as well as guarantee citizens’ safety and well-being.

‘The partnership between the United States and Nigeria is built on a foundation of shared values and common goals.

‘We will continue to work together to promote peace, security, and stability in the region, and to support initiatives that foster education, economic growth, and human rights.

‘As we mark
one decade since this terrible act, we reaffirm our support for the survivors, their families, and all those affected by terrorism.

‘The United States stands with Nigeria in its fight against extremism and its commitment to creating a safer, more prosperous future for all its people,’ Gambari said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that on April 14, 2014, Boko Haram terrorists stormed Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok, in Borno at night, and abducted no fewer than 276 girls.

The girls were preparing for that year’s Senior West African School Certificate Examination, and 10 years since then, while some of them were found, about 89 others have yet to return.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria