🇳🇦NamibiaSouthern Africa
Former refugees protest at Swapo headquarters inauguration over alleged unpaid UN funds
via The Namibian2 min read
The inauguration of Swapo's national headquarters in Windhoek was met with protests from a group of former refugees repatriated in 1989. The group, which has been camping at the premises since October last year, displayed posters demanding access to alleged funds linked to their return, specifically mentioning "United Nations money." Chairperson Matheus Nangolo stated that the group coordinated with party members on poster placement and deployed members to ensure they were not removed during the event, which included party leaders, supporters, and international guests. The protesters claim unpaid benefits and money owed through the UN, alleging abandonment since their return to Namibia. Nangolo indicated that the group is considering legal action against Swapo and is saving money to take the party to court. The protest occurred as Swapo officially opened its new headquarters, a project reportedly costing over N$900 million, exceeding initial projections. The new eight-floor building includes 150 offices, a 1,500-seat congress hall, a media room, and an amphitheater named Sam Nujoma Square.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Minister of International Relations and Trade, stated that the relationship between Namibia and Portugal, particularly in trade and investment, has significant potential for further development. Her remarks were delivered by Charles Josob, acting head of the bilateral department, during a Portugal Day celebration at the National Art Gallery of Namibia in Windhoek. Ashipala-Musavyi noted that while trade volumes are improving, they have not yet met the full ambition or depth of the friendship between the two nations. She highlighted that Namibia and Portugal have cultivated a strong relationship through cultural exchange, language training, and trade, acknowledging the Portuguese community's contributions to Namibian society. Josob congratulated Portugal on its election to the United Nations Security Council for 2027-2028 and the performance of its national football team. Portugal Day, officially known as the Day of Portugal, Camões and the Portuguese Communities, is celebrated annually on June 10, commemorating the death of poet Luís de Camões. Portuguese ambassador to Namibia Rui Carmo explained that the day celebrates the collective identity, the Portuguese language, and Portuguese communities worldwide. The embassy marked the occasion with a fado concert featuring singer Soraia Cardoso and musicians João Felipe and Bernardo Romão.
Vitalis Nepembe, 35, known as "Dax," was arrested in Ondangwa this week in connection with a N$385,000 transaction, part of an ongoing N$2.1 million fraud case against Sanlam Namibia. Nepembe faces allegations of fraud, acting with common purpose, and corruption-related offenses. A source indicated that Nepembe allegedly received the N$385,000 from Claudia Martin, who is accused of fraudulently claiming approximately N$1.2 million from Sanlam Namibia. This payment reportedly followed the false presentation of Elizabeth Elifas's laboratory results as Martin's in December 2024 to support a fraudulent chronic illness insurance claim. Nepembe, listed as accused number 21, appeared in the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, was remanded in custody, and his case was postponed to June 15 for a bail application.
Across South America, the names of football stars like Kylian Mbappe and Neymar Jr. are popular choices for newborns. In Ecuador, Neymar is the most popular footballer's name, with 3,847 children bearing his name, followed by Kylian Mbappe with over 2,800. James Rodriguez is third with 2,136 namesakes. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo also have a significant presence, with 1,549 Lionels, 38 Messis, 178 Cristianos, and 1,006 Ronaldos. In Colombia, Kylian or Mbappe leads with 836 children, ahead of 269 Neymars and 220 Cristianos or Ronaldos. In Brazil, Neymar has inspired 2,443 children's names, while Kylian or Killian accounts for over 400. In Argentina, Lionel saw a surge in popularity in 2023 following Messi's World Cup victory. One family in Chile even named their child Griezmann Mbappe, with other family members named James Modric, Andres Iniesta, Leonel Messi, and Neymar Ronaldo.