Congested diaries and the unavailability of some of the accused resulted in the trial of several Chinese businesspeople and one Namibian being delayed until next year. The accused, who allegedly defrauded the finance ministry of N$3.5 billion in revenue, were supposed to plead to the charges, but it was postponed to 19 November for a status hearing on the availability...
On the spot with Eveline de Klerk – Benjamin transforming Swakopmund – one day at a time
Swakopmund has taken a unique route to boost the town’s economic and development agenda, especially in areas such as medical, sport, tourism and educational institutions, making it a town of choice. New Era journalist Eveline de Klerk (NE) sat down with CEO Alfeus Benjamin (AB) to talk about the transformation of Swakopmund as well as how council and administration share...
Namibia wages war on fake news
Rudolf Gaiseb The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), through its Namibia Fact Check project, has warned that the corrosive effects of disinformation threaten Namibia’s democracy. In its latest report, Countering #Elections2024 Mis- and Disinformation, released yesterday, the IPPR highlights how smear campaigns were aimed at undermining the reputation, credibility and trust in specific candidates, political parties and institutions. This...
Karoonda wants bigger piece of De Beers stake
Rudolf Gaiseb South West Africa National Union (Swanu) president Evilastus Kaaronda has proposed a review and renegotiation of the partnership between De Beers and the Namibian government. The party wants the local government to own the majority share. “There is no logical reason for De Beers to continue being an equal shareholder in this arrangement,” he stated, tabling a motion...
Minister calls for restoration of degraded land
Auleria Wakudumo OUTAPI – The Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Indileni Daniel has called on Namibians to take urgent action to heal degraded ecosystems and restore land productivity. Environmental commissioner Timoteus Mufeti stressed the need for a national shift in mindset – away from the short-term exploitation of natural resources towards sustainable investment in land. He was speaking on...
SA’s gold mining past poisons Soweto community, residents say
SOWETO – Soweto’s children call it the “yellow mountain”. And for decades a gold mine dump that towers over the Snake Park neighbourhood of South Africa’s largest township has been polluting the area and poisoning communities. The yellow dust that blows off it stings the throat. Studies have found it contains traces of toxic substances such as arsenic, lead and...
Ghana cuts power supply to debt laden public bodies
ACCRA – Ghana’s state electric distributor has cut power supply to several state institutions over unpaid bills running to tens of millions of dollars, adding its pleas for payment have fallen on deaf ears. The Electricity Company of Ghana on Tuesday cut off electricity to Ghana Water Limited’s Weija treatment plant in Accra, citing an outstanding bill of US$97 million,...
Iran has ‘legitimate’ right to self defence
ISTANBUL – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said yesterday Iran had the “legitimate” right to defend itself in the face of Israel’s ongoing bombing campaign, now in its sixth day. “It is a very natural, legitimate and legal right for Iran to defend itself against Israel’s thuggery and state terrorism,” the Turkish leader said, a day after referring to Israeli...
Qatar monitoring radiation as Israel hits Iran nuclear sites
DOHA – Qatar has been monitoring radiation levels in the Gulf as Israeli air strikes pound Iranian nuclear facilities, a foreign ministry spokesman said on Tuesday. “We are monitoring this on a daily basis,” foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari told a news conference. “We have nothing to be concerned about right now, but obviously prolonged escalation will have unpredictable consequences.”...
MMA fighters step up training for Abu Dhabi Tourney
Namibia’s mixed martial arts (MMA) team has intensified preparations as they gear up for the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi from 21-27 July. This year’s event is set to be the biggest youth amateur MMA event in history, welcoming young athletes from around the globe to compete for the prestige of IMMAF gold....