🇳🇦NamibiaSouthern Africa
Health minister raises concerns over medico-legal training delays amid allegations of malpractice and costly compensation claims
via The Namibian5 min read
Health minister Esperance Luvindao has expressed concern over delays in a nationwide medico-legal training program as allegations of malpractice and costly compensation claims in the health ministry continue to mount. Luvindao’s email to executive director of health and social services Penda Ithindi on June 3 highlighted her request for chief medical officer of legal support services Dr. Ife Ofunne to coordinate the program, and her unfulfilled requests for a timeline and curriculum. This comes amid allegations that some government lawyers are mishandling health-related legal cases, potentially costing the state millions, with some accused of sharing settlement payouts with senior officials and claimants. Auditor general reports indicate the health ministry spent nearly N$14.7 million on compensation claims between 2019 and 2024, with N$5.5 million spent in the past year alone. Dr. Ofunne, transferred to the ministry’s legal services division, demanded a 10-year record of all medico-legal payouts, citing preliminary investigations that found “substantial evidence of ongoing malpractice and corruption.” His request for information was met with accusations of harassment from a legal officer. Questions have also been raised about the process for obtaining medical expert opinions for court cases. The Namibia Public Workers Union has also voiced concerns about Dr. Ofunne’s treatment, warning that unresolved grievances could lead to the government paying large, potentially fraudule
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Scrumhalf Embrose Papier is set to make his first appearance for South Africa in eight years as the Springboks prepare to face Scotland on Saturday in the Nations Championship. Head coach Rassie Erasmus has made 10 changes to the team that defeated England 45-21 last weekend. Papier, who had a strong United Rugby Championship season, is one of seven Bulls players in the starting lineup for the match at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. He will partner with fly-half Handre Pollard. Other changes in the backline include full-back Aphelele Fassi and wings Edwill van der Merwe and Canan Moodie. Damian Willemse, one of five players retained from the England Test, moves from full-back to inside centre. The new front row will feature Boan Venter, Johan Grobbelaar, and Wilco Louw. Lock Ruan Nortje is retained and will be joined by Cobus Wiese, while Evan Roos will play at No. 8. Flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit will captain the team in the absence of the injured Siya Kolisi. Veteran lock Eben Etzebeth is being rested after being a last-minute withdrawal from the England match due to concussion. Erasmus stated that the changes are aimed at testing the squad's depth and providing opportunities for more players this season.
Windhoek High Court acting judge James Devittie has ordered businessmen Peter and Malakia Elindi, along with close corporations Wholesale Purchasing, Bonsec Investments 174, and Bonsec Investments 175, to pay N$28.8 million to the Development Bank of Namibia DBN. The summary judgment was granted on Friday after the DBN sued the Elindis and the close corporations in July last year. The DBN applied for the summary judgment in April, alleging the defendants lacked a bona fide defense and were attempting to delay legal action. Malakia Elindi disputed this, claiming the DBN incorrectly calculated the amount. The DBN's claim stems from loan agreements with Enercon Namibia, a company where the Elindis are former directors and shareholders. The DBN stated it lent N$2.8 million to Enercon in February 2011, and an additional N$18.07 million and N$7.2 million in May 2015. Enercon allegedly failed to make monthly installments on these loans, with arrears amounting to N$19.4 million and N$9.4 million respectively by the end of last May. The Elindis provided suretyship for all loans, while the state-owned August 26 Holding Company and the three close corporations provided suretyship for the second and third loans. The judge refused to grant a summary judgment against August 26 Holding Company, postponing that action to July 23. Enercon is currently being wound up after Namcor Petroleum Trading and Distribution sought a winding-up order last June due to unpaid fuel products, with Enercon ow
Must ReadBrazil coach Carlo Ancelotti stated that the team's painful World Cup last-16 exit to Norway should serve as "fuel" for the future, marking the "start of a new cycle." Following the 2-1 loss at MetLife Stadium, Ancelotti expressed deep disappointment but maintained that Brazil had a good tournament and deserved to win the match. Erling Haaland scored two late goals for Norway, while Brazil's Bruno Guimaraes missed an early penalty. Neymar's injury-time spot-kick was a minor consolation. Ancelotti, appointed just over a year ago to guide Brazil to a sixth World Cup title, dismissed suggestions of stepping down, emphasizing his contract through the 2030 World Cup. He believes Brazil's squad could have competed until the end of this World Cup. This last-16 exit marks Brazil's worst World Cup performance since 1990, extending their wait for another title beyond a quarter of a century since their last win in 2002. Ancelotti affirmed the team's commitment to hard work, improvement, and finding new ideas, acknowledging the sadness of defeat. Forward Vinicius Junior described it as "a very sad day," recognizing the significant blow of World Cup elimination and the public's desire for victory, which was not achieved this time.