Day: March 11, 2024

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Treat Kavango as a special case: Mbangu


RUNDU: Rundu Rural Constituency councillor Paulus Mbangu has said Central Government has not properly addressed poverty in the two Kavango regions over the past 34 years and called on it to treat the regions as a special case.

Mbangu made the statement recently in a meeting the regional leadership of the Kavango East Region had with Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, on rural electrification.

He said scientific data and evidence indicating that the two Kavango regions are the poorest have been collected during Income Expenditure Surveys and by the United Nations Development Programme over the years, and at no point did Cabinet or Government use this data to address poverty in the two regions.

‘It’s not an exaggeration when we say that Central Government has been too ignorant of the plight of our people. The planning of resources and allocation, be it in rural electrification or other sectors, has never been informed by these data, thus carrying out surveys in the country is pointless,’ Mbangu comp
lained.

The councillor further claimed that there is ‘serious energy poverty’ in the Kavango regions as well.

‘Houses are in darkness. If our government was a caring government, it would mobilise resources to bring these regions up to par with other affluent regions,’ he said.

Mbangu went on to state that the current ongoing electrification of schools project is not addressing energy poverty in the Kavango East Region.

Electricity, he added, is a catalyst for development, and communities are still in darkness while schools have been electrified.

He thus called on the ministry to start electrifying villages and to treat the Kavango regions as a special case as informed by the scientific data.

In response to Mbangu’s statements, Alweendo said the ministry has not neglected electrifying households, but prioritised public institutions first in order to clear that backlog.

Chairperson of the Kavango East Regional Council, Damian Maghambayi said rural electrification was moving very slowly in the region, par
ticularly electrification to rural household communities.

Household electrification, he said, is a central pillar of national development efforts, and a primary tool to address and alleviate poverty.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

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Foreign Affairs State Minister Highlights Ethiopia’s Half Year Diplomatic SuccessMIT hosts Assistance and Protection against Chemical Weapons training course

Foreign Affairs State Minister, Ambassador Misganu Arga highlighted the significant progress made in bilateral and multilateral diplomatic endeavors over the past six months to safeguard Ethiopia’s national interests.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, Ambassador Misganu emphasized the central focus on Ethiopia’s national interests in these efforts.

The State Minister underscored the commitment to strengthening partnerships and friendships with various countries, while concurrently ensuring peace and security in the region.

Diplomatic initiatives were implemented to facilitate economic ties, particularly with neighboring countries, with a view to fostering mutual benefits.

Ambassador Misganu also said that Ethiopia has carried out activities centering on the national interests of the country with relation to the negotiations on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

Notably, extensive efforts were undertaken to enhance trade and investment relations with numerous countries, reflecting Ethiopia’s de
dication to expanding its global economic engagement.

Furthermore, Ethiopia actively participated in the United Nations General Assembly, employing multilateral diplomatic activities to protect its national interests.

The nation’s engagement in international forums, including climate change discussions and other common agendas, was characterized by substantial involvement and influence, he said.

The State Minister also highlighted Ethiopia’s diplomatic achievements resulting from its membership in the BRICS, which has broadened the nation’s representation on the international stage.

In particular, the successful pursuit of becoming a central hub for the mutual benefit of neighboring countries, thereby securing sea access, was deemed a notable diplomatic triumph, he added.

Overall, Ambassador Misganu Arga emphasized the fruitful diplomatic endeavors undertaken in the past six months of Ethiopia’s fiscal year, which have effectively safeguarded the national interests of the country and furthered its diplom
atic stature in the international arena.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

WINDHOEK: A six-day advanced course on Assistance and Protection against Chemical Weapons for Anglophones States Parties commenced in the capital on Monday.

Hosted by the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade, the course is a continuation of the Anglophone Training Cycle which started in 2023 and is held in collaboration with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

Addressing the participants, Industrialisation and Trade Minister, Lucia Iipumbu said the training aims to strengthen the capacities of the first responders of the Anglophone States Parties in preparedness capabilities and response to chemical incidents.

‘To this end, I am extremely happy that the programme for this workshop is of a practical nature and participants will not solely be limited to theoretical presentation,’ she said.

Iipumbu noted that although Namibia has made progress towards the completion of the Chemical Weapons Act, a lot needs to be done to ensure that the country domesticates the Convention by pr
omulgating the law.

Speaking at the same event, Programme Officer at the OPCW, Babatunde Olowookere said the training will allow participants to refresh the knowledge acquired in the preceding basic level training and expand that knowledge to include more comprehensive chemical emergency functions.

Training courses of this nature are organised along with the indications received from the OPCW Policy Making Organs to make effective use of the available regional capacities and resources.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

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ECN to reach out to young voters


WINDHOEK: The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has launched its democracy awareness campaign with a particular focus on increasing youth participation in the electoral process.

The commission has acknowledged the need to encourage the youth to register as voters in the upcoming general voter registration from 03 June to August 2024.

ECN last week announced that all eligible Namibian voters will have to register to vote ahead of the presidential and national assembly elections in November 2024.

The democracy awareness campaign, which is part of the voter and civic education campaign for the registration of voters, is themed the Step Up Campaign under the slogan ‘Step up for your right, register to vote.’

ECN Commissioner Gerson Tjihenuna said that to encourage the youth, information, education materials, and campaigns will have the slogan ‘Your future lies with youth, step up and register to vote.’

He said to ensure active youth participation, the ECN will make use of youth ambassadors to influence t
he participation of young people in the electoral process.

‘The ECN is cognisant of the fact that the youth constitute the highest number of eligible voters in Namibia, however, their turnout during electoral processes has been low. To ensure youth participation during the upcoming electoral processes, the ECN has to come up with programmes and strategies aimed at promoting their participation,’ he said during the launch of ECN electoral calendar and awareness campaign last week.

Meanwhile, the electoral commission has picked Ms Teen Namibia, Oriana Ribeiro, as the lead youth ambassador for its voter and civic education.

Ribeiro told Nampa that for young people to secure their future, they must participate in the democratic process.

‘It is important for young people like me to get involved in the electoral process by registering and voting. What we need to realise is that Namibia is our future. We need to start taking initiative and contributing in meagre ways to our society. The first step we need to tak
e is to cultivate the kind of future we want. And we can do that by voting and being part of the electoral process,’ said the 19-year-old first-time voter.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

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Namibian Correctional Service maintain top spot in Southern Division league


OPUWO: The Namibian Correctional Service Football Club maintained its lead in the Southern Stream First Division after defeating rivals Blue Boys Football Club (FC) and Eleven Arrows FC in two consecutive games over the weekend.

The Correctional Service squad has emerged as a formidable challenger in the league since it started, having signed some of the country’s best talents during its recruiting process last year. On Saturday, NCS defeated Eleven Arrows 2-1 before upsetting Blue Boys 2-0, their closest competitor for the league crown. The weekend results have extended NCS’s winning streak to eight games, a tie, and one defeat, with 25 points at the top of the log standing.

In other Saturday games, Davos defeated Oranjemund 2-1, and former Namibia Premier League stronghold Black Africa, which is currently in turmoil due to infighting among its top leaders, suffered another defeat after a humiliating 6-2 loss to Dates Eleven. Deutscher Turn und Sportverein (DTS) beat Try Again 3-1, while Blue Boys outscore
d Latinos 4-1.

In Sunday’s results, Ramblers played to a one-all draw against Dates Eleven. At the same time, Davos defeated Try Again in a 5-1 goal thriller, while DTS was humiliated by Oranjemund in their home stadium, losing five goals to nil. Latinos fell at home to Eleven Arrows, and Black Africa lost 3-1 to Mariental Sport Club.

Some clubs in the league have played 10 or 11 games, while Ramblers and DTS have played nine, with Black Africa playing the fewest (four). NCS currently lead the league with 25 points, followed by Blue Boys with 22 points and Eleven Arrows in third with 18 points.

Dates Eleven, Mariental Sports Club, and Davos all have 17 points, placing fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively. Try Again are seventh in the log standing with 12 points, followed by Latinos in eighth place with 11 points. Ramblers and Oranjemund FC are in ninth and 10th place with 10 points, respectively, while DTS are in 11th place with seven points. Black Africa are comfortably in the relegation zone after faili
ng to secure a single point in all of its matches.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

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Ntunguru condemn Omuthiya United FC to seventh game without a win


OPUWO: Ntunguru Football Club cruised to a comfortable 4-0 victory over Omuthiya United on Sunday, deepening Omuthiya’s relegation worries and registering their second win in the Northeast First Division league.

The victory propelled them into third place on the log standings from ninth place after seven matches.

The weekend results leave Omuthiya United FC in the relegation zone, still without a win after seven games, with just three draws and a 14-goal difference at the bottom of the table.

Ntunguru FC, on the other hand, recorded their first win this weekend, defeating Tsumed-based Chiefs Santos 2-1 on Saturday before thumping Omuthiya United 4-0 on Sunday.

Other teams that recorded victories on Saturday include Eastern Chiefs, who incapacitated Further Fighters’ defence in a 4-1 victory, with Black Hawks going down at home to Oshikango Chiefs by one goal. Omuthiya United, who are struggling in top-flight football, suffered a 1-0 home setback to Kangweru Black Tops on Saturday. United Stars upset Cuca
Tops 2-1, albeit suffering KK United earned their first victory, defeating Rundu Chiefs 1-0.

Eastern Chiefs lost 2-1 to Oshikango Chiefs on Sunday, Black Hawks overcame Further Fighters by one goal, and Chiefs Santos, who lost on Saturday, won by three goals to one at home against Kangweru Black Tops. United Stars and Rundu Chiefs drew 1-1 in a Rundu derby, while KK United fell 2-1 to Cuca Tops.

With all clubs having played seven games, Oshikango Chiefs lead the league with 17 points from five wins and two draws, followed by United Stars with 13.

Ntunguru, Eastern Chiefs, Black Hawks, and Kangweru Black Tops all have 11 points, ranking third, fourth, fifth, and sixth, respectively. Cuca Tops are seventh on the log standing with 10 points, followed by Chiefs Santos in eighth with eight points. Rundu Chiefs are in ninth place with six points, followed by Further Fighters and KK United, who each have five points. Omuthiya United remained in the relegation zone, in 12th place after seven games without a point.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

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Eleven Warriors FC reduce top gap in NWFD Footbal League


OPUWO: Eleven Warriors Football Club (FC) defeated league favourites KK Palace 4-1 at Grootfontein’s Omulunga Stadium on Sunday, reducing the gap at the top of the Northwest First Division (NWFD) Football League.

However, before overcoming KK Palace on Sunday, Eleven Warriors FC experienced the same fate on Saturday, losing to the revived African Motto by a single goal. KK Palace however won away from home against Touch and Go 1-0 in Otavi.

Oshikuku Young Stars suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to Golden Bees, while Ongwediva City and Outjo Football Academy (OFA) drew 0-0.

Young Chiefs beat Onambula United 2-0, while Golden Bigs defeated Khuse Lions 1-0 on Saturday.

On Sunday, relegation-threatened OFA defeated Oshikuku Young Stars 1-0, while Golden Bees and Ongwediva United drew 0-0. African Motto, who were at the bottom of the log standings last weekend, have now moved out of the relegation zone after a 5-0 thrashing of Touch and Go in Otavi, while Golden Bigs and Onambula United drew 2-2, and Young Chiefs
were defeated 2-0 by Khuse Lions in Oshakati.

The race is still on in the NWFD’s 12-team race, with any of the top four teams still having a chance to win the championship at the end of the season. Only four points separate the first and fourth-placed teams.

Despite losing to Eleven Warriors on Sunday, KK Palace remains the league leader with 26 points after 13 games played. Eleven Warriors, who appeared to be a real challenger, are two points behind KK Palace in second place. Golden Bees and Onambula United are still in the fight, with 22 points apiece in third and fourth place.

Young Chiefs and Golden Bigs are in fifth and sixth place, respectively, with 19 points, and they, too, are not far from the championship dream. Ongwediva City is in seventh place with 18 points, followed by Khuse Lions in eighth and Oshikuku in ninth, both with 16 points.

The revived African Motto, who appear to have rediscovered their feet, has risen two places up to the tenth place with 14 points, leaving OFA and Touch and Go
in the relegation zone with 13 and eight points respectively.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

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Doualla excluded from Championship play-offs for alleged age fraudHamukwaya calls for increased inclusivity for para-athletes

By Charity Nginyu

Wilfried Doualla, one of the standout players for the Indomptable Lions during the recent African Cup of Nations held in Côte d’Ivoire, is reported to have been excluded from the championship play-offs due to allegations of double identity.

According to Equinoxe TV, the Fecafoot (Cameroonian Football Federation) has revealed that the midfielder from Victoria United of Limbe stands accused of falsifying his age.

Doualla, who was touted as a rising star and was selected among the national team players for the African Cup of Nations, has come under scrutiny for allegedly misrepresenting his age. Despite being presented as a 17-year-old talent, he did not make a single appearance on the field during the tournament.

Adding to the controversy, Doualla faced criticism for reportedly showcasing his dancing skills instead of focusing on his football responsibilities while in Ivory Coast for the prestigious tournament.

The development has raised questions about the integrity of age verification p
rocesses in Cameroon football and has cast a shadow over Doualla’s career.

The revelation, Equinoxe TV says has equally drawn parallels to another player, Jean Prosper Nlend Ntep, whose qualification with Union de Douala is under dispute following a reserve filed by the club in connection with the decisive 18th-round match against Dynamo.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

SWAKOPMUND: Secretary General of the Namibia Paralympic Committee, Michael Hamukwaya, has called for inclusivity for para-athletes in sports competitions, including the recently concluded Rössing Uranium Marathon.

In a recent interview with Nampa, Hamukwaya expressed his wish for an elite para-athlete category to be introduced to the marathon, enabling disabled athletes to showcase their skills and abilities.

‘The Rössing Marathon is one of the largest in the country, and para-athletes across the nation have only had the opportunity to participate for enjoyment, not necessarily for any prize money. So, this year, we decided to take an extra step and entered two of our elite wheelchair para-athletes to compete in the 42.2-kilometre race for people, including the organisers, to realise that paralympics are not just about participation, but can also be competitive,’ Hamukwaya noted.

According to the secretary general, although there were a few setbacks during the race such as flat tires, it was a learning exp
erience, and the para-athletes successfully completed the race.

‘Essentially, we entered to demonstrate our seriousness. These para-athletes have the capability to go the distance, with the appropriate equipment, if they were given the platform. We hope we have convinced the organisers of these events,’ Hamukwaya added.

Roodley Gawaseb, one of the para-athletes who participated in the Rössing Marathon, echoed Hamukwaya’s sentiments, stating that including them in these local competitions where they can compete for prizes would assist them in raising funds to cover travel expenses for international competitions.

‘We truly want organisers of these events to consider including us because as it stands, we are really struggling to finance these trips. As much as we want to enhance our skills and improve our times, attending as many competitions as possible is challenging because we have to seek funding for everything ourselves. If we do not have an opportunity to win any prizes, then we cannot do that,’ Gawaseb
said, adding that he intends to prepare and hopefully qualify for the Sanlam Marathon in South Africa, scheduled for October this year, and the Commonwealth Games next year.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency