A court has issued an order directing 267 contract cleaners to conduct their strike activities at a designated assembly point. The Windhoek High Court, under Judge Nate Ndauendapo, mandated that the workers picket at the City of Windhoek's solid waste management department in the Northern Industrial area. This ruling resolves an urgent application filed by the municipal council concerning the month-long strike.
The striking workers, who had been cleaning streets on a contract basis since 2018, demand permanent employment and higher pay. City CEO Moses Matyayi informed the court that the workers had previously assembled near the city's main office, causing disruptions and violating agreed-upon strike rules. The workers have since...
A proposed bill to reduce the authority of local councillors in favor of regional governors is facing opposition from elected officials. The legislation, introduced by Minister of Urban and Rural Development James Sankwasa, seeks to amend the Regional Councils Act to delegate certain administrative functions to management committees.
Councillors argue that the change undermines democratic principles. Sara Peelenga, a councillor from Outapi, stated that elected councillors represent the people's mandate, while governors are appointed by the president. She asserted that removing powers from councillors is equivalent to stripping the electorate of its voice. Peelenga emphasized that councils should retain their role in community...
A recent Afrobarometer survey conducted with Cirrus Capital reveals a predominant preference for public sector employment among Namibians. The study found that 44% of respondents would prefer to work for the government, while only 23% expressed a desire to start their own business. An additional 18% of those surveyed indicated a preference for employment in the private sector.
This trend contrasts sharply with sentiments in other African nations. Senegal, for instance, reported the highest entrepreneurial ambition on the continent, with over 70% of its citizens preferring to start their own businesses. The Namibian results highlight a significant inclination toward government jobs over entrepreneurial ventures.
The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development has allocated 100 million Namibian dollars to the Katima Mulilo Town Council for immediate water and electricity services in informal settlements. Minister James Sankwasa announced the funding, which will benefit areas including Nova, Macaravani West, and the Dairy Compound. A contractor for the project is expected to be appointed by the end of the week.
Minister Sankwasa also addressed a recent audit of the town council, which followed the removal of its previous councillors. He revealed that the report detailed instances of maladministration, corruption, and financial mismanagement. Specific findings included businesses failing to pay for utilities, numerous tender irregularities, and the...
Apple has removed two prominent gay dating applications, Blued and Finka, from its App Store in China. A company spokesperson stated the action was taken in compliance with a directive from the Cyberspace Administration of China. The removal has generated concern within the country's LGBTQ community, with one individual expressing hope that policymakers would recognize the legitimacy of love.
While the main Blued app was taken down, a simplified "lite" version remains available for download in China. Other dating apps, such as Jicco and Jack'd, are also still accessible. This incident follows a pattern, as the U.S.-based app Grindr was similarly removed in 2022. The Chinese government has recently enforced new regulations requiring all...
Prophet Walter Magaya, leader of the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance ministry, has been released on bail after his arrest on fraud and rape charges. His legal team secured his release from remand prison after paying bail and surrendering his passport and property title deeds as ordered by the High Court.
Following his release, Magaya filed a legal challenge against the magistrates' court's initial decision to place him on remand. His application argues that his detention beyond 48 hours before his first court appearance was a constitutional violation. He contends that the magistrate, Marewanazvo Gofa, erred by not ordering his immediate release and instead suggesting he pursue civil remedies. The legal filing states this decision...
Civil servants in Zimbabwe have begun receiving a Special Presidential Bonus, a gesture introduced by President Mnangagwa. The payment of 150 US dollars is being distributed in two equal installments, with the first 75 dollars starting with the security sector. The remainder of the public sector will receive their initial payment next week. This staggered approach is intended to manage banking logistics and prevent overcrowding at financial institutions.
The bonus is separate from the regular annual bonus and salaries. Union representatives, including Cecilia Alexander of the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions, welcomed the additional payment. They described it as a demonstration of the government's appreciation for...
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema will undertake a state visit to Zimbabwe at the invitation of President Mnangagwa. The visit will include their co-chairing of the inaugural Zambia-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission. According to Zambian Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe, this new commission elevates the countries' existing cooperation to a strategic framework, reflecting a shared vision for deeper bilateral ties.
The commission aims to enhance collaboration in key areas such as trade, energy, and transport infrastructure. Officials stated that its establishment would accelerate joint projects and economic integration, building upon the historical and cultural bonds between the two nations. The meetings are expected to focus on...
The Zimbabwean government has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, utilizing the forthcoming National Development Strategy 2 as its main strategy. This commitment was emphasized during the Second Bi-Annual Meeting of the High-Level SDGs Steering Committee in Harare. The Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Martin Rushwaya, stated the meeting was pivotal for planning the next development phase.
Rushwaya, represented by Deputy Chief Secretary Zvinechimwe Churu, highlighted key milestones, including the launch of an Open SDGs Data Portal. He reported that 19 Voluntary Local Reviews are complete with 46 more in development, demonstrating a commitment to local accountability...
