Day: September 17, 2024

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Concern raised over ‘risk of the threat of use of nuclear weapons’


Minister of Energy and Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has raised concern about the ‘rising threat’ to global peace and the risk of the threat of nuclear weapons use amidst rising geopolitical tensions.

The Minister raised this while delivering South Africa’s national statement at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) general conference in Austria.

‘South Africa is deeply concerned about the rising threat to international peace and security given the current intensifying geopolitical tensions among nuclear powers. Similarly, the risk of the threat of use of nuclear weapons is gaining traction, which is a serious concern.

‘We remain gravely concerned about the persisting conflicts in Ukraine-Russia, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan and the devastating humanitarian effects these have on civilians, especially women and children,’ he said.

The Minister added that South Africa remains steadfast in its ‘support for advancing nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and upholding the inali
enable and unconditional right of States to pursue peaceful nuclear energy development’.

‘We remain steadfast in our conviction that nuclear weapons do not guarantee security, but rather detracts from it. Simultaneously, we underscore the central role of the IAEA in strengthening and coordinating the respective nuclear security and safety frameworks globally.

‘Therefore, it remains pivotal that the work of this body is not politicised and that we do not detract from the important and competent technical responsibilities that this Agency is seized with.

‘I reiterate South Africa’s unwavering and continued support for the Agency’s fundamental role in ensuring that nuclear science and technology is used for peaceful purposes, and towards the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063,’ Ramokgopa concluded.

Source: South African Government News Agency

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Oshikoto celebrates Heritage Week


The Oshikoto Directorate of Education , Arts and Culture is celebrating Heritage Week as a form of appreciating culture . The DEAC ‘ s Senior Education Officer in the region , Tangeni Uushona said during the launch of the celebration of Heritage Week on Monday at Omuthiya , that they want to appreciate and uphold culture through the Heritage Week celebration that is taking place from Monday to Friday this week . ‘ Culture is the heartbeat of our community as it is expressed in the songs we sing , the language we speak , the art we create and the traditions we uphold ,’ he said . Ushona said culture brings people together and provides common ground where people can celebrate both their uniqueness and their shared humanity . The directorate ‘ s Chief Arts and Museum Administrator , Ester Leonard highlighted that they have a packed and exciting schedule ahead of them , full of activities , events , and celebrations that showcase the beauty and diversity of cultural heritage . ‘ Heritage Week is a time for us to
come together as a community and reflect on the importance of preserving our culture , while also embracing the progress and innovations of the present ,’ said Leonard . She said some heritage sites in the Oshikoto Region such as Othithiya and Etosha National Park can be visited for free during the week . A local art entrepreneur , Regina Nimufe said that she will get more customers as a result . ‘ I want to teach people make their own business creating earrings , necklaces and bracelets ,’ said Nimufe . The DEAC is celebrating Heritage Week under the theme , ‘ Kultuur is Gemeenskap , Gemeenskap is Kultuur ‘ in Afrikaans translating to , ‘ Culture is Community and Community is Culture ‘ and they will be hosting heritage exhibitions , indigenous games and workshops .

Source:The Namibia News Agency

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Oshikoto celebrates Heritage Week


The Oshikoto Directorate of Education , Arts and Culture is celebrating Heritage Week as a form of appreciating culture . The DEAC ‘ s Senior Education Officer in the region , Tangeni Uushona said during the launch of the celebration of Heritage Week on Monday at Omuthiya , that they want to appreciate and uphold culture through the Heritage Week celebration that is taking place from Monday to Friday this week . ‘ Culture is the heartbeat of our community as it is expressed in the songs we sing , the language we speak , the art we create and the traditions we uphold ,’ he said . Ushona said culture brings people together and provides common ground where people can celebrate both their uniqueness and their shared humanity . The directorate ‘ s Chief Arts and Museum Administrator , Ester Leonard highlighted that they have a packed and exciting schedule ahead of them , full of activities , events , and celebrations that showcase the beauty and diversity of cultural heritage . ‘ Heritage Week is a time for us to
come together as a community and reflect on the importance of preserving our culture , while also embracing the progress and innovations of the present ,’ said Leonard . She said some heritage sites in the Oshikoto Region such as Othithiya and Etosha National Park can be visited for free during the week . A local art entrepreneur , Regina Nimufe said that she will get more customers as a result . ‘ I want to teach people make their own business creating earrings , necklaces and bracelets ,’ said Nimufe . The DEAC is celebrating Heritage Week under the theme , ‘ Kultuur is Gemeenskap , Gemeenskap is Kultuur ‘ in Afrikaans translating to , ‘ Culture is Community and Community is Culture ‘ and they will be hosting heritage exhibitions , indigenous games and workshops .

Source:The Namibia News Agency

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UNAM maintains ban on political activities


The University of Namibia ( UNAM ) says it upholds its position regarding political activities on its campuses , including the main campus in the capital . In April 2024 , the university issued a directive prohibiting all political activities on its campuses nationwide . This decision faced widespread criticism , as analysts and political parties accused the national university of suppressing freedom of political association . On Monday , the police were called to the UNAM main campus to restore order after a group of youths from the Landless People ‘ s Movement ( LPM ) gathered at the university main gate to express their frustration . They were particularly angry when it emerged that a student society affiliated with the Swapo Party Youth League was permitted to conduct political activities despite the ban . During the fray Monday , LPM member and activist Michael Amushelelo was arrested for alleged damage to property , however , he was later released . UNAM spokesperson Simon Namesho on Tuesday explained
that the commotion happened at the time the university management was scheduled to engage student societies and clubs with political affiliations . ‘ However , non – student members of the Landless People ‘ s Movement political party attempted to join the engagement and conduct political activities on campus without authorisation . ‘ The university denied access to these non – student members , leading to a temporary disruption of campus entry . Following discussions between university management and LPM leaders , in the presence of the Namibian Police , the situation was resolved amicably , and normal access to the campus was restored ,’ Namesho said in a statement . However , LPM youth command spokesperson William Minnie has accused UNAM of favouring the ruling Swapo Party . ‘ It is clear that only one political party is above the law at UNAM , and it ‘ s the same corrupt crew that has been suffocating this country for decades ,’ Minnie said in a statement on Monday . The youth wing of the Popular Democrati
c Movement charged the UNAM main campus as being ‘ the political playground by the Swapo Youth League and their affiliates ‘. ‘ This is a flagrant violation of the university ‘ s instructions , which clearly prohibits political party activities on campus . Yet , UNAM has clearly turned a blind eye , selectively enforcing this ban in favour of Swapo while silencing other political groups ,’ said Inajovandu Katjepunda , spokesperson of the PDM Youth League .

Source:The Namibia News Agency