🇳🇦NamibiaSouthern Africa
Lakers, Nuggets, Knicks, and Cavaliers secure wins in NBA playoff openers
via The Namibian3 min read
LeBron James led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 107-98 victory over the Houston Rockets in their NBA playoff opener. James recorded 19 points, 13 assists, and eight rebounds, with Luke Kennard contributing 27 points. The Lakers played without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves due to injuries. In another Western Conference matchup, the Denver Nuggets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-105. Nikola Jokic achieved a triple-double with 25 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists, while Jamal Murray added 30 points. The game was physical, with over 40 fouls called. In the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks beat the Atlanta Hawks 113-102, with Jalen Brunson scoring 28 points and Karl-Anthony Towns adding 25. The Cleveland Cavaliers also secured a win, defeating the Toronto Raptors 126-113, fueled by Donovan Mitchell's 32 points, James Harden's 22 points and 10 rebounds, and Max Strus's 24 points off the bench.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Swapo's 66th anniversary celebrations were muted, and the inauguration of the party's new headquarters was postponed following the funeral of central committee member James Uerikua and his son, Venturo. The new headquarters will now be inaugurated on Sunday, April 26. Party president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah confirmed this, stating the decision was made to honor Uerikua's legacy as a dedicated member and servant of the people. Swapo, founded on April 19, 1960, as a liberation movement, was urged by Nandi-Ndaitwah to remain alert and adaptable in a changing global environment while adhering to its core principles. She emphasized the need for the party to act with clarity and purpose, acknowledging that past achievements are insufficient to meet current expectations for opportunities such as jobs, land, housing, healthcare, education, and a dignified life. Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed the importance of developing and implementing clear policies to address the needs of the people.
Must ReadKornelia Shilunga, presidential adviser and head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit UPU, stated that housing the UPU within the Presidency is a strategic decision to ensure the oil and gas sector remains a top national priority for Namibia. Speaking at a media training workshop in Windhoek, Shilunga highlighted that hydrocarbon discoveries represent a transformative moment for Namibia with significant economic, social, and geopolitical implications. She explained that placing the UPU in the Presidency allows for central coordination and reduces policy fragmentation across government, given the sector's intersection with various ministries and agencies. This decision, outlined by Her Excellency Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, provides institutional authority for timely decision-making in a competitive global energy environment and enhances public confidence. Nillian Mulemi, chief executive of the Petroleum Training and Education Fund Petrofund, emphasized the importance of accurate reporting, noting that petroleum revenues can sometimes exceed 70% of state revenues in producer countries. Mulemi cautioned that inaccurate reporting can create misinformation and undermine trust, stressing the media's role as a bridge between policy, industry, and the public. Shilunga urged the media to help manage public expectations regarding industry timelines, explaining that oil and gas development is a long-term process with stages from exploration to production, each requiring time, investment, and
Must ReadPolice inspector general Joseph Shikongo announced that over 53,000 young Namibians applied for 2,000 police positions, a figure he shared at the 'Boys to Men' seminar in Windhoek. This high number of applications, consistent with previous recruitment cycles, indicates limited opportunities for young people, making them vulnerable to crime, substance abuse, and other social issues. Shikongo noted that law enforcement is increasingly dealing with young offenders, many of whom face long-term consequences due to early criminal records, which can severely limit future employment and opportunities. He emphasized that the rising number of young people in police custody points to deeper structural problems like unemployment and a lack of guidance. The police chief called for a collaborative effort from the government, communities, and families to address the root causes of youth vulnerability and establish stronger support systems.
The Namibia Football Association NFA has acquired more than 10 plots of land across the country for the construction of new stadiums but currently lacks the necessary funding for their development. NFA spokesperson Cassius Moetie confirmed that the association does not have the financial resources in its bank account for such projects and will need to lobby for external and local investment. These NFA projects are separate from the 28 stadiums the government is building, which are funded by the state and identified by regional authorities. The NFA secured its land through engagements with local authorities before the presidential directive for governors to develop stadiums. Moetie welcomed the government's initiative to decentralize infrastructure development, stating that the NFA will offer technical advisory support to ensure stadiums meet international standards set by FIFA and the Confederation of African Football. Regional governors have already approached the NFA for guidance on construction. Upgrades to existing facilities, such as Sam Nujoma Stadium, are ongoing, with compliance to evolving international requirements being a continuous challenge, particularly regarding accessibility and parking. Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture Dino Ballotti has expressed support for the NFA's ambitious undertaking to improve sports infrastructure nationwide.