Day: May 8, 2024

With 30 years of experience in running elections in the country, the Electoral Commission (IEC) has earned itself an impressive track-record and reputation for ensuring that this process is free and fair.

Established in 1994, the IEC manages free and fair elections at all levels of government. Although publicly funded and accountable to Parliament, the commission is independent of government.

As the IEC finalises its preparations for what is stated to be the most contested elections in the history of the country, government has assured South Africans that the IEC is again set to deliver credible elections.

‘As a nation we have credibility in running free and fair elections. The IEC has 30 years of experience. With the experience that the IEC has gained over the years, they have learned lessons in tightening controls as well as improving the systems and processes,’ Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Acting Director-General Nomonde Mnukwa said in an interview with SAnews.

South Africans
will once again exercise their democratic right to vote on 29 May 2024 as the country holds its seventh democratic elections. This year marks 30 years since a large majority of South Africans stood in long queues to vote in a democratic election for the first time.

South Africa’s Constitution protects the rights to free, fair and regular elections. As such, government has put in place measures to ensure the elections are conducted in a safe and secure environment.

‘We are a nation that believes our Constitution is the supreme law and has to be respected. We will have law enforcement officers that will make sure that citizens, officials working at voting stations and the public infrastructure utilised for voting are protected,’ Mnukwa said.

She emphasised that no one has a right to intimidate and prevent others from exercising their Constitutional right to vote.

The Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security (JCPS) Cluster has declared that it stands ready to execute its mandate of protecting the public, the
country’s strategic installations and infrastructure during the election period.

WATCH: Live stream JCPS cluster briefing on safe elections

Members of the public have been urged to report any crime related to elections to their nearest police station or IEC offices.

A protocol has been established between the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, South African Police Service (SAPS) Detectives and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to prioritise all election-related crimes.

Prosecutors are standing ready to prosecute offences such as electoral fraud and corruption, removing or defacing political party and campaign posters, interfering with the duties of the electoral officials as well as forcing anyone to vote.

READ I Government urges South Africans to vote in the upcoming general elections

Meanwhile, Mnukwa said no one has the right to use social media and electronic platforms to perpetuate fake news, misinformation, disinformation and/or incite violence.

In an effort to ensure th
e public consumes credible news, the Acting Director-General said government is releasing infographics that provide a guide on reporting fake news.

‘When assessing if news information is credible, you should look at the content and determine the source of the content. Is it coming from a credible person or organisation? Is it new information or has it been recycled?

‘Sometimes news that has been in the public domain in previous years is presented as new information in a different context. We have Google search, which allows one to check if the content has been covered in the past.’

Mnukwa asserted that ‘readers can also look out for grammatical errors and spelling mistakes as well as supporting sources. Find out if other sources are running with the same information or similar. If there is none, that is a red flag.’

She advised the public to check if the headline in a story matches the information that is present in the story.

‘If a video has been posted, you can check whether the voice and the mouth are
moving at the same time. People can report fake news on social media as social media platforms have channels to report fake news,’ she said.

The JCPS Cluster has warned the public against using social media and electronic platforms to send threatening messages; of inciting violence; causing harm to others and destroying public infrastructure in the run up to, during and after the elections, as they will be charged.

‘When an individual creates a video or shares a post to the public and where the post contains words, speech or conduct that may encourage others to commit public violence, the aforementioned post will make one guilty of the offence of inciting public violence and police will not hesitate to track the person down and hold them accountable.

‘We urge the public to exercise caution before sharing the information with others. Ensure that you double check the accuracy of the information and be aware of the unintended consequences of your actions. Members of the public should report any inflammatory s
tatements to law enforcement agencies,’ the JCPS Cluster said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

SWAKOPMUND: Nestled within the community of DRC in Swakopmund lies a beacon of hope for disadvantaged youth: Venessa Kindergarten, soon to be renamed Namibian Woman and Children’s Foundation.

Founded by the determined Louisa Kativa, the kindergarten is not just a place of early education, but also a lifeline for teenagers and young mothers facing immense challenges.

Kativa, the current Swakopmund Constituency Councillor, is a former healthcare professional who noticed a dire need for support among pregnant teenage girls, often from underprivileged backgrounds.

These girls, burdened by societal pressures and lack of resources, faced bleak futures.

Determined to make a difference, Kativa embarked on a mission to provide them with educational opportunities and a path to independence.

‘During my past profession in the Ministry of Health, I encountered many young girls who dropped out of school due to teenage pregnancy or having no one to care for their babies when they wanted to go back to school. This then
prompted this initiative in 2018,’ she elaborated.

She explained that the institution operates on a unique model, catering specifically to the needs of teenage mothers, whose babies are cared for during the day, allowing mothers to attend school and breastfeed their infants during breaks while busy with homework.

‘This innovative approach not only supports the teenagers academically, but also fosters a nurturing environment for both mother and child. There are currently over 30 youth enlisted in the programme who depend on donations here and there to enable them to care and feed the needy youth and their children,’ she carried on.

Currently, there is only one caregiver and a few volunteers offering pre-primary education and daycare services.

Despite the institution’s aim to make a difference in society, the journey has not been without challenges as it faces several limitations such as dilapidated infrastructure, very limited space, and insufficient facilities.

The edu-carer at the kindergarten, Evanthia
Kazondunge, who took up the role in 2020, explained that despite the challenges posed by limited resources, the spirit of determination thrives within the walls of this modest institution.

‘The structure is falling apart, the roof is worn out, and the floor, once solid, now has to be covered with a plastic mat, causing water to pool in unexpected places when it rains or is too misty. The number of children is increasing, and they are now becoming crammed in the classroom,’ Kazondunge explained.

Despite these obstacles, the team remains steadfast in their commitment to providing quality education and support to the community’s youth.

The caregiver emphasised the potential of every child, saying they are dedicated to unlocking it, regardless of financial constraints, outlining some of the success stories at the institution.

One of the young people who has benefited and continues to benefit from this programme is 19-year-old Genesis Jafet, who is currently in Grade 10.

Jafet joined the programme last year w
hen she lost her one-year-old baby boy due to illness.

‘This programme helped me get over the ordeal of losing my baby while encouraging and motivating me to go back to school, which I was forced to drop out of as a result of falling pregnant. I did not have much support from home with my child after losing him. Joining this programme was the best decision I made for my future because I am now back in school and more determined than ever to complete my studies,’ she narrated.

Another such success story is Uakataviza Katjimune, a 27-year-old who is determined to rewrite his academic trajectory.

Despite facing setbacks after high school, Katjimune’s encounter with Venessa Kindergarten reignited his passion for learning.

He migrated from Okakarara to Swakopmund in pursuit of a better life for his parents and family back home and was then referred to the institution, which assisted him with his studies.

‘Through their financial assistance, I was able to upgrade my Grade 12, with an impressive 30 points, and
I would now like to pursue further studies in chartered accountancy. I am forever grateful to this institution for enabling me to come this far in my studies. Had it not been for them, I would not have been able to find myself on this path,’ he expressed.

Venessa Kindergarten is now seeking assistance in securing a larger plot of land to expand its facilities.

Additionally, funding is needed to sponsor university education for deserving students like Katjimune, ensuring that their aspirations are not limited by financial constraints.

Beyond academics, the school envisions a holistic approach to empowerment. Plans for a playground, though limited by space, symbolise the commitment to fostering physical well-being alongside mental growth.

Additionally, initiatives like gardening projects and entrepreneurial mentorship are needed to instil self-sufficiency and resilience within the community.

‘We do not just want hand-out assistance; we want to equip families with the tools to create their opportunities, to
build sustainable livelihoods,’ Kazondunge expressed.

The founder passionately advocated for the future of Namibia’s youth, with a clear message stating that no child should be left behind and through collective effort and support from the community, the programme will continue to be a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a brighter future for generations to come.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

No fewer than half of the 35.5 million population of Persons With Disabilities (PWD) across the country, require basic education to meet up with their counterpart across the globe.

James Lalu, the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja.

Lalu spoke when he received Mrs Rakiya Abubakar, the President of Nigeria Airforce Officers Wives Association (NAFOWA) at the Commission’s headquarters.

He noted that disability issues remained a phenomena that required all hands to be on deck to improve the quality of lives of PWDs.

Lalu said the commission was ready to partner with NAFOWA in the areas of educational advancement and other social inclusion needs of PWDs.

‘We are ready and open for collaboration with NAFOWA because one of our mandate is to improve the quality of education, healthcare services and improve general wellbeing of persons with disabilities.

‘We hope and believe that this collaboration will see to the improvement of the q
uality of life of 35.5 million persons with disabilities across the disability communities in Nigeria ‘ he said.

On her part, the NAFOWA President reiterated the Association’s commitment to strengthening partnership and advocacy towards achieving inclusive education for PWDs.

She said, NAFOWA had been in the forefront in mainstreaming disability inclusion for people with social needs.

‘It is our firm belief that everyone especially persons with disabilities deserves the opportunity to reach their full potentials.

‘ That is why we are focusing on establishing a special school for people with special needs that will offer education and therapeutic services to help PWDs unlock their potentials’ she said.

She, therefore expressed optimism that the partnership will yield the desired result in the lives of PWDs in the nation.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

OMUTHIYA: The Ministry of Health and Social Services directorate in the Oshikoto Region commemorated International Nurses Day by presenting awards to hardworking nurses in the region.

A total of 50 nurses and student nurses gathered at the Omuthiya District Hospital on Wednesday to commemorate the day in the Oshikoto Region.

The Chief Regional Nurse and Acting Regional Director, John Lumbu has highlighted that nurses are the core of health services and are recognised and appreciated for their contribution to the healing of individuals, families, communities, and the nation at large.

‘When the going gets tough, take time out and invite the Lord as a physician and healer to guide you in your ways,’ said Lumbu.

He urged management and support services to ensure that nurses and other health workers are supported and equipped to deliver quality care at all times and integrate innovations to fast-track advances in health care.

‘We know nurses and midwives make a world of difference to people’s lives, therefore
it is with humility that the Oshikoto team thank each of you for all that you do,’ said Lumbu.

International Nurses Day is celebrated globally on 12 May every year in recognition of the tireless contribution of nurses to saving lives and providing quality nursing care for their patients.

This year’s theme is ‘Our nurses, our future, the economic power of care’.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

Security Assessment Group (SAG), a civil society organisation, has commended the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, for the strategic engagement of relevant government agencies towards addressing national security challenges.

This is contained in a statement by the Group’s Coordinator, Alhassan Mohammed, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Mohammed said the different meetings between the CDS and heads of some government agencies in recent time had contributed to the successes in ongoing military operations across the country.

He said the interactions had helped to bolster collaboration within the country’s security apparatus and other relevant government agencies in addressing the prevailing security challenges.

According to him, the recent visit by the CDS to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Central Bank of Nigeria and several other sister security agencies is commendable.

‘The visits will provide the much needed synergy against enemies of the state.

‘We particularly welcome the visit to th
e NIA where the Director-General, Amb. Abubakar lauded General Musa’s dedication to duty and highlighted the mutually beneficial relationship between NIA and AFN.

‘We can say that the visits and engagements are yielding positive results in the different theatres of operation,’ he added.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

KEETMANSHOOP: Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Erastus Uutoni, on Tuesday inaugurated a fire station constructed at a cost of N.dollars 9.5 million at Oranjemund.

The construction of the fire station funded by the ministry in collaboration with the Oranjemund Town Council.

Uutoni said the fire station will significantly improve the town’s emergency response capabilities through centralising resources and providing modern equipment, adding that the new fire station ensures that firefighters will be better equipped to respond quickly and effectively to any emergency.

‘Fire is a powerful force and can destroy lives, but if we are well equipped we can conquer these dangerous situations. May this station serve as a beacon of safety and readiness for our community, and may our firefighters always return safely from their duty,’ said Uutoni.

The minister also unveiled a new ambulance acquired by the town council to support the Ministry of Health and Social Services, amongst others by improving response t
imes in emergencies.

‘I am confident that council is better prepared to face emergencies now and that you will continue to build a safer future for all. I urge you as a community to continue working together in order to build a safer and more resilient Oranjemund,’ said the minister.

The event also served as the commemoration of International Firefighters’ Day and Uutoni told emergency responders at the gathering their work is highly appreciated.

‘The government through my ministry continues to fulfil its mandatory obligations to ensure that there are necessary mechanisms in place that will ensure your wellness and that you are operating in a supportive environment. We also remember our brave sons and daughters who have lost their lives or got injured while having boots on the ground,’ Uutoni said.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency