Category: General

The tourism sector in Namibia is a significant industry that directly contributes 6.9 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which amounts to N.dollars 14.3 billion in monetary value.

According to the 2022 Namibia Tourist Satellite Account Report, tourism-related industries employ a total of 57 277 individuals, accounting for 7.9 per cent of the overall employment in 2022.

Minister of Environment, Tourism and Forestry, Pohamba Shifeta made this statement on Wednesday, while delivering his keynote address at the official opening of the Tourism Expo in Windhoek.

The expo is being held under the theme ‘Beyond Borders’, with greater emphasis on the optimisation of the unfolding tourism economic opportunities in the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) region.

According to him, tourism is given high priority in both the National Development Plans (NDPs) and the Harambee Prosperity Plans (HPPs).

Additionally, he stated that tourism is acknowledged as a substantial facto
r in generating foreign exchange profits, investments, income, employment opportunities, rural development, poverty alleviation, and overall economic prosperity of the country.

‘I am informed that many entities have benefited in many ways as a result of hosting of this expo, such as increasing bookings at their accommodation establishments,’ he said.

According to Windhoek’s deputy mayor, Joseph Uapingene, the tourism industry is both dynamic and expanding. It offers opportunities but also poses challenges, especially for local government.

This is because local government is responsible for providing and managing the infrastructure and services that are frequently used by both tourists and residents, he said.

‘Local government, in its function as the custodian of the ‘showroom’, frequently plays a crucial part in improving the overall tourist experience. Consequently, it is imperative to comprehend the implications of this matter,’ Uapingene said.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

National Director of Public Prosecutions of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Advocate Shamila Batohi, says the entity is facing challenges in its bid to extradite Atul and Rajesh Gupta back to South Africa from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to face charges including fraud and money laundering related to State Capture.

The extradition request to the UAE was rejected in April last year and Batohi said follow ups on finding reasons why have not been responded to by their Middle Eastern counterparts.

‘We have been trying very hard to find out some very basic things like what exactly [is] the problem with our extradition request. We’ve not had satisfactory responses from the UAE.

‘We’ve been trying to…set up a meeting with the national director and the head of the prosecuting authority in the UAE in order for us to understand this. We’ve not been able to schedule that meeting for months,’ she said.

Batothi explained that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has taken steps to request political in
tervention from the Presidency.

She revealed that the entity had briefed Deputy President Paul Mashatile on the matter ahead of his working visit to the UAE this week.

‘We’ve decided, as the NPA, that we needed the President of this country to intervene with the ruler of the UAE because we realised that unless there isn’t that strong political push in the UAE, we’re going to struggle with this matter.

‘Mutual legal assistance, ultimately…it depends on political will and if the leaders in a country do not want to cooperate with you, there’s no way you can get that cooperation.

‘What we hope the DP [Deputy President] will be able to do – we have briefed him fully – is really to get the commitment from the rulers of the UAE at the highest level, for them to understand the importance of these cases to South Africa and for them to get the commitment at the highest level that the UAE will support South Africa in our requests,’ she said.

In September 2023, the Department of Justice and Correctional Services in
a statement said it had now been requested to resubmit a new extradition request.

This after the UAE in April 2023, rejected South Africa’s extradition request for the brothers, which the department described then as ‘inconsistent with article 17 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, to which both nations are a signatory’.

READ | Justice dept gives Gupta brothers extradition update

Source: South African Government News Agency

With the newly launched Corporation for Deposit Insurance (CODI), South Africa has taken a significant step in overhauling its financial regulatory structure, says Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.

CODI is South Africa’s Deposit Insurance Scheme (DIS) created and mandated by law to protect qualifying bank depositors in the unlikely event of their bank failing.

READ | Deposit insurance body established to protect bank depositors

‘The establishment of CODI underpins the consumer protection pillar, securing depositors by guaranteeing access to up to R100 000 of their deposits in case of a bank failure – an essential safety net in our rapidly evolving financial landscape and advancing the Twin Peaks model,’ the Minister said on Thursday.

Addressing the CODI launch in Johannesburg, the Minister said the corporation will advance the Twin Peaks model.

‘The Twin Peaks model revolutionises financial safety and consumer protection by splitting regulatory duties into two focused areas. One ensures financial instit
utions are robust and secure, and the other safeguards consumer interests.

“This model not only enhances the system’s stability but also bolsters consumer confidence by offering clearer oversight and reducing financial crisis risks,’ Godongwana said.

The Twin Peaks model positions two dedicated bodies – the Financial Sector Conduct Authority and the Prudential Authority – at the forefront, enhancing the management of complex financial systems and boosting both consumer and investor confidence.

The model was introduced by the National Treasury in 2011 as a response to vulnerabilities exposed by the global financial crisis.

‘The Financial Sector Regulation Act of 2017 laid the legal foundation, establishing the Prudential Authority and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority in 2018. These bodies have since been fine-tuning regulations, adapting to new technologies, and enhancing their oversight capabilities.

‘The Conduct of Financial Institutions (COFI) Bill, key to further solidifying this framework, has
been refined through public consultations and is slated for parliamentary consideration later this year.

‘Its focus on preventing bank failures from broadly impacting the financial system and economy is a testament to our proactive regulatory approach, preventing crises that have historically had devastating socioeconomic effects,’ the Minister said.

Godongwana said trust is fundamental to any financial system’s effectiveness and existence.

‘Yet, global trends, especially post-2008, show a marked decline in trust towards financial regulators, attributed to regulatory failures and perceived alignment with financial elites rather than the public. To counteract this, we must adopt a regulatory framework that is as dynamic and proactive as the financial sector itself.

‘This involves not only adapting to but anticipating market changes, ensuring transparency, and enhancing public understanding and engagement in financial regulation. Regaining public trust in financial regulation requires deep structural reform
s and a shift towards greater accountability, transparency, and public inclusivity,’ the Minister said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The Department of Health says South Africa is on track to achieve malaria elimination status by 2028, as outlined in the National Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan.

This, according to the department, is despite facing challenges such as heightened heatwaves exacerbated by climate change, with the potential to directly impact transmission and the burden of disease.

According to the department, malaria elimination promises both health and economic benefits, in line with the goals of the 2030 National Development Plan and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

‘This has the potential to also benefit the Southern African countries collectively on issues of trade, tourism, health, and economic growth,’ the statement read.

While progress has been made in reducing the burden of malaria in provinces such as Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal, the department believes further efforts are needed to curb local transmission.

South Africa is today joining the global community to observe World Malaria D
ay to recognise global efforts to control malaria to reduce the burden of the disease and avoid preventable deaths.

Each year on April 25, South Africa joins the global community in recognising World Malaria Day.

READ | SA commemorates World Malaria Day

The Department of Health has since urged all stakeholders, including communities, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations and international partners to collaborate in intensifying the fight against malaria, aiming to foster a healthier and more equitable world for current and future generations.

Malaria is a preventable and curable life-threatening disease transmitted by a type of female mosquito called Anopheles, which remains a significant global health concern.

In 2022, an estimated 249 million new cases and approximately 608 000 deaths were reported, with Sub-Saharan Africa enduring the most of the burden.

In South Africa, 9 795 cases and 106 deaths were reported in 2023, demonstrating notable progress, including the subnational elimina
tion of malaria in the King Cetshwayo District of KwaZulu-Natal.

‘The government is committed to integrating the ethos of ensuring equal access to malaria prevention and treatment services for all with the principles of the National Health Insurance, which essentially has the objective of attaining Universal Health Coverage.’

The department is of the view that eliminating malaria is an ambitious task that requires sustainable resources, collaboration with neighbouring countries including Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, evidence-based policies, strong partnerships and a dedicated workforce.

‘South Africa is working towards strengthening and harnessing its domestic expertise while collaborating with global partners.’

Last year, South Africa was amongst the countries that received global prestigious awards from the World Health Organisation (WHO) for their efforts to achieve important milestones towards malaria elimination.

The 2024 World Malaria Day will be commemorated under the the
me: ‘Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world’, which focuses on acknowledging the varying effects of malaria on men and women, emphasising the need to address these discrepancies in prevention and healthcare access.

Malaria symptoms include headache, fever, chills, fatigue, and muscle and joint pain that occur up to three weeks after first potential exposure.

However, early diagnosis and treatment are strongly recommended as the disease rapidly progresses to severe illness, often with severe consequences.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Government has embarked on a process to ensure that transport is sufficiently accessible to all categories of passengers, including persons with disabilities.

‘The goal of a universally accessible national transport system is not only within reach. It is also a vital part of our efforts to build a South Africa that truly belongs to all who live in it,’ President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Thursday in Johannesburg.

Delivering the keynote address at the Transport Summit on Universal Accessibility, the President said as part of a reformed approach to urban planning, integrated public transport programmes are being implemented in a number of municipalities.

‘The Public Transport Network Grant is one of the mechanisms being used to promote the implementation of universal design and universal access. There are now ten integrated public transport network municipalities receiving the grant, with specific conditions on universal accessibility. Work is underway to roll out a standard for the universal accessibility of
all road-based vehicles,’ Ramaphosa said.

The President acknowledged that despite enabling legislation, there are still many areas where a lot more work is needed to make the national transport system fully accessible.

As part of ongoing efforts to ensure universal access in the transport system, the President outlined measures that have been put in place to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities.

‘The Department of Transport has gazetted a national policy for parking discs that will enable drivers with disabilities to use a disc obtained in one part of the country everywhere in South Africa. The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has developed a universal access policy with norms and standards. It has committed to speed up its work to ensure that trains are accessible and station platforms are level. The Gautrain has had level boarding on its trains since its inception.’

Usability considerations

He emphasised that in all future infrastructure development, the transport system shou
ld be designed with usability considerations rather than being retrofitted later.

‘Airports Company South Africa, working with airlines, is working to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities across its facilities. These efforts include the introduction of designated parking spaces for persons with disabilities, assisted passenger lounges, and designated private search facilities at security gates.

‘There is already a growing awareness within the aviation industry that passenger issues have not been dealt with from a universal access perspective and that more needs to be done,’ the President said.

In the maritime sector, industry partners and state-owned entities are looking at improvements to the universal accessibility of inland waterways, river crossings, ports, sailing and yachting clubs.

‘No discussion on universal access would be complete without considering the impact of emerging technologies and new business models on transportation, including e-hailing, car sharing and the like. These
new systems are rapidly transforming the sector and must be factored into planning, in collaboration with the service provider companies. While we must prepare for new technologies and business models, we also have to fix our established systems, where serious shortcomings persist,’ the President said.

‘We have to address similar issues in the taxi industry, which transports around 70 percent of the South African population and is the dominant mode of public transport. It is pleasing that the minibus taxi services have, where tasked, been able to demonstrate reasonable accommodation of passengers with disabilities.’

He called for the improvement of road standards and signs so that pedestrian crossing infrastructure is accessible and integrated.

‘Walking and cycling should not cost anyone their life. The last 27 years have seen little improvement in the accident rate among cyclists and pedestrians. This must change. It requires a change in the behaviour of drivers and in the culture of enforcement.

‘There
is much that we can achieve in the short term. Organisations in the transport space can train staff on the needs of persons with disabilities.

‘Information materials on routes and timetables can be made more accessible for persons with disabilities. Municipalities can improve road signage and pedestrian access. We are confident that the incoming Transport Economic Regulator and the Public Transport Regulator will play important roles in supporting universal access,’ the President said.

Over the past 30 years, South Africa has made considerable progress in both protecting and advancing the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.

‘In 2007, South Africa adopted the UN [United Nations] Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which makes provision for the rights of South Africans with disabilities to equality, dignity, safety and freedom of movement.

‘Through the Presidential Working Group on Disability, we have sought to ensure that our policies, programmes and practices are inclusive
and that persons with disabilities are able to participate fully and freely in all aspects of our national life,’ the President said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development John Jeffery has paid an unannounced visit to the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court following reports of alleged service delivery issues at the court.

According to the department, challenges at the court include ‘infrastructural concerns, such as certain non-functioning air conditioners, improved lighting and water supply on the upper floors’.

These are to be followed up with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.

‘As is the case, with all Magistrates Courts, our department will continue to monitor the delivery of justice services being offered at the courts, as well as continuing to attend to issues such as the maintenance of infrastructure and the provision of staff.

‘With regards to the number of active court hours, these are continuously being monitored and our department continues to work with all other role-players in the justice system, such as the Magistracy, the National Prosecuting Authority, Legal Aid SA and private legal practitio
ners, to ensure that our courts run smoothly and efficiently,’ Jeffery said.

The Deputy Minister visited the court on Tuesday.

The department explained that a large part of the court is under construction since it was ravaged by fire in 2010 which made the building uninhabitable.

‘With regards to the construction, a restoration project was registered to bring the building back to its original state and construction commenced in 2015.

However, hazardous black mould and asbestos was detected in certain areas of the building and the Department of Labour issued a Prohibition Notice to vacate the site. Construction work recommenced in 2017, but the contractor’s appointment was later terminated due to poor performance.

‘A replacement tender was advertised in 2020 and a new contractor was appointed in 2023. The anticipated completion date is May 2025 and the anticipated handover is August 2025,’ the department explained.

The Deputy Minister expressed confidence that the restoration will be at an advanced stage
in the next year.

‘We are confident that by this time next year the restoration and refurbishment of the court will be far advanced and, once completed, the new court will greatly enhance the further delivery of services to the public,’ said Deputy Minister Jeffery.

Source: South African Government News Agency