Itula threatens legal action over ECN commissioner appointments
via The Namibian1 min read
Panduleni Itula, leader of the Independent Patriots for Change IPC, has threatened legal action to prevent the appointment of Electoral Commission of Namibia ECN commissioners. Itula argues that the process followed by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is unconstitutional, stating that the president's letters to parliament "nominate" candidates for approval instead of appointing them as required by Article 94B of the Constitution. He contends that the Constitution empowers the president to appoint commissioners, subject to National Assembly approval, not merely to nominate them, and that parliament cannot convert a nomination into a constitutional appointment. The IPC also questions the wording of the president's letters, viewing them as recommendations rather than formal instruments of appointment. Additionally, the party notes that the nomination of ECN chairperson Gerson Sindano does not specify the duration of his term and that sworn declarations on political affiliations, required by a government gazette, were not included in the documents submitted to parliament. Itula warns that if parliament proceeds with the vote, the IPC will approach the High Court to declare the process unconstitutional and prevent the nominees from taking office. Separately, Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda has filed a second High Court application to demand the release of interview minutes.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah witnessed the signing of a joint venture agreement between Namibia's Okaparwa Investment CC and China's Sany Energy Equipment Co Ltd during her state visit to China. This partnership will focus on clean energy and the oil and gas sector, aiming for value addition, natural resource beneficiation, technology transfer, skills development, and the growth of local manufacturing in Namibia. The agreement is expected to support industrialisation, attract investment, create jobs, and contribute to Namibia's economic transformation, aligning with the eighth administration's development agenda. The Presidency stated that this collaboration is a practical step towards Namibia's industrialisation and economic transformation, reflecting a commitment to value addition, skills development, technology transfer, and sustainable job creation for Namibians.
Affirmative Repositioning AR member of parliament Vaino Hangula has expressed support for the Anti-Corruption Commission's ACC incoming director general, Bryan Eiseb, and the extension of deputy director general advocate Erna van der Merwe. Hangula stated that Namibians would closely monitor the institution to ensure it fulfills its mandate. During a parliamentary debate, he acknowledged that public confidence in the ACC has been eroded by significant corruption scandals over the past two decades, specifically mentioning the Fishrot scandal. Hangula recalled that when the ACC was established in 2005, there was an expectation that it would eliminate corruption and protect public resources, but these expectations have largely gone unmet. He emphasized that AR would subject the commission to close scrutiny to ensure its accountability, warning that the party would act as a constant watchdog over the ACC's work.
Jonathan 'Samora' Apollus, a former football player known for his exceptional dribbling skills and versatility, began his career honing his craft on a concrete surface in Windhoek. He played for Orlando Pirates, where his ability to play in various positions, including sweeper, midfield, and forward, was highly valued. Apollus recalls a memorable moment when he missed a penalty in the Castle Classic Cup final against Black Africa, but later redeemed himself by helping Pirates win the replay match through a penalty shootout. Despite the presence of talented players, Pirates only secured the Metropolitan Cup during his tenure, a fact Apollus attributes to not dominating as much as rival teams. He played alongside notable players like Benjamin 'Kleintjie' Gaseb and Bandi Namaseb. Apollus also represented the South West Africa Territorial Force team and played one match for the South West Africa provincial team. A significant highlight of his career was being selected for the Presidential XI team that played against Russia鈥檚 Spartak Moscow during the 1990 Independence Day celebrations, a team that included guest players like Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Ephraim 'Jomo' Sono. Apollus, who credits Jorries and Norries Goraseb as influences, notes that football brought him recognition rather than financial rewards during his playing days. He enjoyed playing against tough defenders, particularly the Uumati brothers from Tigers. Though no longer actively involved in the game, he supports b