National

We are living in a critical time. For this reason, last week was a different week. A week that began with trauma of suspicion over the plight of a young man who was reported missing on 18 June 2021. 

As the world grapples unevenly with the effects of Covid-19, a parallel and equally horrific pandemic has threatened half the world’s population. 

The war against the Covid-19 pandemic will be difficult to fight in Africa in general and Namibia in particular. At the centre of the epidemic is the age of misinformation and conspiracy theory peddling. 

In the midst of a brutal Covid-19 storm wreaking havoc in our country, two young Namibians have become the toast of the nation. Their recent exploits have captivated many citizens, while their victories have lifted the nation’s spirit, thus creating a sense of national pride. 

Minister of labour Utoni Nujoma has expressed deep sadness over the passing of prominent businessman and farmer Elliot Hiskia, who died last week Friday aged 74. He died in Windhoek due to Covid-19 complications.  

US ambassador to Namibia Lisa Johnson this week paid a farewell call to President Hage Geingob at State House. 

The funeral costs for Covid-19 victims is plunging grieving families further into despair as they struggle to give their loved ones dignified burials while raising funds as quickly as possible to bury their dead within the stipulated time. 

The Ondonga Traditional Authority (OTA) has set up a committee to look into issues of sand mining that have been a burning issue in Oshikoto, especially in the Oniipa area. 

Kavango East residents have been encouraged to get vaccinated, as only 1% of the region’s population have been inoculated against Covid-19 so far.

As the death toll from Covid-19 hits private homes and institutions, social distancing rules mean patients are denied visitors in their final hours and families cannot congregate in person at funerals and memorials to bury their dead and mourn.