news and current affairs.
Police probe theft of 3,000 seal genitals in Henties Bay break-in
The Henties Bay police are investigating a break-in at a seal-processing factory, where approximately 3,000 pieces of seal genitals were stolen along with factory equipment. The stolen items are valued at around N$1 million. The break-in occurred around 05:00 on Thursday, when the suspects gained entry by removing the door to an office. Erongo police senior inspector Judith Shomongula stated that the thieves stole processed animal products and electronic equipment, including 2,225 small genitals, 696 bull genitals, and a laptop with its hard drive. The stolen items are part of the commercial seal product processing, typically sold to specialized export markets. Shomongula confirmed that none of the stolen goods have been recovered...
Experts warn Namibia risks oversupply of graduates without job links
Experts have raised concerns that Namibia could produce more graduates than the job market can accommodate if free tertiary education is not closely tied to employability and practical training. During a recent Sanlam Allianz discussion, Statistician General Alex Shimuafeni emphasized the need for education reforms that focus on skills development, job creation, and economic diversification to ensure the long-term benefits of free tertiary education. Shimuafeni’s remarks came after the government allocated N$663 million for the first quarter of 2026 to cover registration and tuition fees as part of the phased introduction of subsidised free tertiary education. He warned that the education system must align with the country's economic...
Nandi-Ndaitwah to deliver Namibia’s speech at COP30
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will represent Namibia at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, on Friday. The Presidency confirmed her attendance in a statement on Thursday, highlighting her role in delivering Namibia's national statement. Nandi-Ndaitwah will reaffirm Namibia's strong commitment to the Paris Agreement and its nationally determined contributions (NDCs). Alongside other world leaders, she will attend the opening day and participate in sessions focused on energy transition and the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, both chaired by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The President will also engage in a high-level round-table on energy transition and...
Tinubu Finally Clears Ken Saro Wiwa Ogoni Nine
President Bola Tinubu pardoned Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other environmental activists on Thursday. Military rulers hanged the nine men in 1995 after convicting them of murder charges. The executions happened three decades ago and caused worldwide anger against Nigeria. People believed the government killed these protesters because they opposed oil companies. Shell faced accusations but denied involvement with the deaths. Campaign groups welcome the pardons but want more action from authorities. The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People called the decision courageous. Family members say pardons suggest guilt when no crimes occurred. Barinem Kiobel's widow wants officials to declare her husband innocent instead. Amnesty...
Tesla shareholders approve Musk's record pay package
Elon Musk's record-breaking pay package, potentially worth nearly US$1 trillion, has been approved by Tesla shareholders, with 75% of votes in favor at the company's annual general meeting. The deal, which could see Musk receive hundreds of millions of shares if certain ambitious targets are met, has sparked criticism but was justified by the Tesla board as necessary to retain Musk’s leadership. Musk’s objectives for the next decade include boosting Tesla’s market value from US$1.4 trillion to US$8.5 trillion and launching a million self-driving Robotaxi vehicles. While these goals are ambitious, Musk’s focus during the meeting shifted towards the company’s Optimus robot, rather than the core electric vehicle business, causing concern...
Stolen police guns fuel South Africa's growing crime wave
South Africa's gun violence crisis is being fueled by a combination of stolen police firearms, missing civilian guns, and smuggled weapons from neighboring countries like Namibia. These weapons flow easily through the country, often first entering Cape Town before spreading to other areas where they are used in gang violence, robberies, and other violent crimes. A staggering number of firearms have been reported lost or stolen over the past decade, including over 7,000 police-issued weapons, many of which are never recovered. Gun Free SA's Claire Taylor notes that while cross-border smuggling still plays a role, it has diminished significantly since the 1990s. The majority of illegal firearms now circulate within South Africa itself...
DPP sets tougher vetting process for new members
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has implemented a more rigorous vetting process for politicians seeking to join the party, aiming to reinforce discipline and protect its integrity. This change follows the adoption of a new party constitution designed to improve accountability and reduce opportunistic defections. Charles Mhango, Minister of Justice and DPP Legal Advisor, announced that a special committee will evaluate all membership applications, particularly those from politicians switching parties. The committee will review each case and make recommendations to the DPP's Central Committee, led by President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika. Mhango emphasized that the initiative seeks to address "political tourism," where...
High Court denies bail for convicted trafficker Yunhua Lin
The High Court has rejected the requests for unlawful detention and bail filed by Yunhua Lin, a convicted wildlife trafficker and corruption suspect. The court ruled that Lin remains a significant flight risk and that releasing him could jeopardize the integrity of ongoing legal proceedings. Judge Redson Kapindu, in his ruling, emphasized that Lin's past actions and the seriousness of the charges against him warranted his continued detention. Lin has been ordered to remain at Dedza Prison until the next hearing, with his corruption trial now rescheduled for January 12 to 13, 2026. Peter Sambani, head of the Anti-Corruption Bureau's legal team, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, noting that it acknowledged the potential risks...
VP Ansah accepts patron role with Hope for the Blind
Malawi’s Vice President, Jane Mayemu Ansah, has formally accepted the role of Patron for Hope for the Blind, expressing gratitude for the trust placed in her. She described the appointment as both an honor and a personal mission, reaffirming her dedication to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. Ansah highlighted her longstanding involvement in charitable efforts aimed at supporting people with albinism, mobility challenges, and other disabilities across the country. She assured the public that the government remains fully committed to the welfare and rights of persons with disabilities, emphasizing inclusive development as a priority to ensure that all Malawians are provided equal opportunities. In her speech, the...
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