🇳🇦NamibiaSouthern Africa
Drikus Coetzee wins inaugural Race Across South Africa
via The Namibian3 min read
Drikus Coetzee made history by winning the inaugural Race Across South Africa, completing the 1,969km race in seven days, 12 hours, 2 minutes, and 47 seconds. This victory adds to Coetzee's achievements, which include two wins and a record time in the Big Munga over 1,000km. The Race Across South Africa started in Byrne, Kwazulu Natal, and traversed through KZN, the Eastern Cape, and the Klein Karoo, concluding in Wellington in the Western Cape. The route featured mostly gravel roads, farm tracks, and mountain passes, with 25,000m of vertical climbs. Participants faced challenging conditions, including rain, mud, and strong headwinds. Coetzee described the race as brutal, noting that five out of the seven days experienced rain, making the roads muddy and wet. He adopted a new strategy for this race, prioritizing more sleep—six to seven hours per night—to manage his body and maintain pace. Coetzee expressed pride in his accomplishment, stating that he was glad to make his nation proud and thanked his supporters. He plans to compete again this weekend in the Windhoek Pedal Power time trial.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has hailed the new Goreangab Mall in Katutura as a symbol of economic transformation, opportunity, and confidence in Namibia's future. She stated that the development represents progress in reversing the legacy of apartheid-era exclusion. The President noted that Katutura, once a symbol of division, is now a center of resilience, progress, and economic activity, reflecting growing private sector confidence. The mall created approximately 300 jobs during construction and is expected to sustain nearly 400 permanent jobs across its over 40 stores. Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized that the facility will improve access to essential services, reducing transport costs and saving time for residents. She urged local entrepreneurs, youth, and food market operators to source fresh produce locally and called for stronger partnerships between farmers, retailers, and shopping centers through concrete offtake agreements to boost local production, create jobs, and strengthen food security. The President praised the collaboration between Safland Property Group and Oryx Properties for their investment, which demonstrates confidence in the purchasing power and economic potential of Katutura residents, and encouraged the community to protect and support the mall as a shared asset.
Must ReadFormer US President Barack Obama's words about boys facing unseen storms and hidden wounds resonate with the current challenges in Namibia. While efforts have focused on empowering girls, who now outperform boys in academics and tertiary institution attendance, boys are increasingly struggling. Kavango West education director Pontianus Musore reported that boys accounted for 785 dropouts in his region compared to 675 girls. Teachers observe boys having difficulties with discipline, concentration, substance abuse, absenteeism, and motivation, making them more prone to risky behavior and dropping out. Many Namibian youths, particularly in informal settlements and rural areas, face unemployment, poverty, alcohol abuse, violence, and hopelessness. Some argue that current gender-based policies, while addressing historical inequities, might unintentionally overlook disadvantaged boys. Prisons are seeing an increase in young men, and incidents reveal mental and emotional struggles, sometimes leading to gender-based violence and suicide. High cultural expectations, such as "real men don't cry," lead boys to suppress emotions, contributing to depression and anger. There is a call for more therapeutic and rehabilitative institutions. Education is highlighted as a crucial tool for transformation, emphasizing that true strength lies in discipline, humility, perseverance, and wisdom, not violence. The article stresses that society, including parents, schools, churches, and communities, mu
The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 105-104 on Friday, taking a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals. Jalen Brunson made the go-ahead free throw after the Spurs mounted a significant fourth-quarter rally. San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama missed a potential game-winning shot with two seconds left. No team has ever won the NBA Finals after losing the first two games at home. The Knicks have now won 13 consecutive playoff games, the second-longest streak in postseason history, and will have the opportunity to win their first title since 1973 when the series moves to New York. Karl-Anthony Towns led the Knicks with 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Brunson and Mikal Bridges each scored 20 points. Wembanyama scored 29 points for the Spurs, with 22 of those coming in the second half.
South African entrepreneurs Sbusiso Leope, known as DJ Sbu, founder of MoFaya Beverage Company, and Sheldon Tatchell, founder of Legends Barbershops, will be guest speakers at the 2026 Business Summit Namibia in Windhoek on July 25. The summit, launched on May 21, is a leading entrepreneurship and networking platform. Summit convener Martin Nankela stated that the event aims to inspire the Namibian business sector by featuring regional business heavyweights and local visionaries, aligning with president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's call to promote the creative sector for youth employment. This year's edition, the sixth, is expected to attract approximately 1,000 attendees. Namibian speakers include Standard Bank Namibia executive for business banking Hellen Amupolo, Hannah Nangula Cosmetics founder Hannah Nangula, and RFC Creative Agency chief executive Reggie Zaire, with more speakers to be announced. The summit will include keynote presentations, panel discussions, networking sessions, collaboration opportunities, and exhibition spaces. Nankela encouraged corporate entities and SMEs to utilize exhibition stalls. The event focuses on driving economic transformation, reducing unemployment, and fostering an innovative business culture across Namibia. Previous editions featured prominent figures like South African-Motswana actress Connie Ferguson and South African businessman Theo Baloyi. The summit has provided a platform for budding entrepreneurs to exhibit products, access fundi