🇳🇦NamibiaSouthern Africa
Minister Emma Kantema presents gender equality and child welfare budget in National Assembly
via The Namibian4 min read
Minister Emma Kantema presented the budget allocation for Vote 36: Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare for the 2026/2027 financial year, totaling N$417.2 million. This includes N$402 million for the operational budget and N$15.2 million for capital projects. The ministry's mandate focuses on gender equality, equitable socio-economic development for women and men, and child well-being. Key achievements highlighted include the completion of phase 3 of the Keetmanshoop community empowerment centre and renovations at Farm Kaukurus and gender-based violence shelters. Under child care and social protection, 347 victims of gender-based violence, violence against children, and trafficking were accommodated and received psychosocial support. Subsidies were provided to 22 private and non-governmental care facilities, supporting 520 children. Psychosocial support reached 5,121 children across all 14 regions, and 21 social workers were recruited. Additionally, 329 children living and working on the streets were integrated into boarding schools, and a pilot program with the National Youth Service supported 72 children. In community support and early childhood development, enrolment in early childhood development centres increased to 126,213 in 2025, and the number of educarers receiving allowances rose to 3,256. The Right Start Initiative was launched, and 60 income-generating projects were supported, with 70% benefiting women. Entrepreneurship training capacitated 124 women, an
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NamWater has temporarily halted its renewable energy initiative, which aimed to cut operational costs by over 30%, to consult with the Electricity Control Board ECB regarding compliance requirements. Acting chief of strategy and corporate affairs Irwin Haihambo stated that early engagement with the regulator revealed gaps in their initial approach, leading to the pause. The utility is now in discussions with the ECB to align on the correct legal and procedural path forward. This delay comes as electricity costs constitute up to 40% of NamWater's annual operating expenses. The company is exploring options to generate its own energy to reduce reliance on external power supply and is targeting savings of 30% to 40%. The broader strategy involves integrating solar power, with procurement processes already initiated for independent power producers to develop solar photovoltaic plants. In 2021, energy costs for water treatment and pumping exceeded N$363 million, and current electricity demand is estimated at 18 megawatts per hour, expected to double with new infrastructure. NamWater's strategic plan for 2022-2034 aims for solar photovoltaic systems to supply 30% to 70% of its energy needs across selected schemes, seeking to lower operating costs and enhance energy security. The pause highlights the regulatory challenges faced by state-owned enterprises pursuing independent energy sources amid rising power costs.
Petrus Shitembi scored the decisive goal for Kuching City FC in their Malaysian Cup semi-final second leg against Selangor FC, securing a 1-0 victory and a 2-1 aggregate win. Shitembi's 29th-minute goal, struck with his right foot from the edge of the box, propelled Kuching into the final. This marks a strong season for Kuching, who will now face Johor Darul Ta’zim FC in the final on May 23 at Bukit Jalil National Stadium, the same team that eliminated them from the Malaysian FA Cup semi-finals. In other football news, Moses Shidolo and Isaskar Gurirab won the 2026 Independence Cup with Scottland FC, defeating Highlanders FC 1-0. Mbakondja Tjahikika scored for Platinum FC in a 2-2 draw in the Castle Lager Zimbabwe Premier League. Namibian players McCartney Nawaseb, Kennedy Eib, and Sergio Damaseb started for Simba Bhora FC in their 2-2 draw. In South Africa, Tully Nashixwa played a full match for Richards Bay in their 1-0 win. Riaan Hanamub and Deon Hotto featured in AmaZulu's 3-0 loss to Orlando Pirates, which moved Pirates to the top of the table. Peter Shalulile remains injured as Mamelodi Sundowns reached the CAF Champions League final. In Botswana, Obrey Amseb and Ivan Kamberipa helped Gaborone United advance in the Orange FA Cup with a 1-0 win, while Marcel Papama scored in Township Rollers' 7-1 victory.
Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department chief Julius Mkhwanazi and Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Michael Lerutla appeared in the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court on April 20, 2026, facing charges of fraud, corruption, and defeating or obstructing the ends of justice. The charges stem from a 2019 incident where Lerutla, after being arrested for speeding, allegedly enlisted Mkhwanazi's help to arrange for an impersonator, referred to as "Mr X," to appear in court on his behalf. A charge sheet indicates that R400,000 was allegedly paid by Lerutla and split between Mr X and Mkhwanazi. Mr X also reportedly attended only one session of a community service program intended for Lerutla, who was at the time attending a job interview to become the metro's CFO. Lerutla was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport, while Mkhwanazi was arrested at his home where over 100 rounds of 9mm ammunition and about 15 R5 rounds were found. These charges are separate from other serious allegations against Mkhwanazi at the Madlanga Commission, which include links to a murder case and claims of running a rogue unit involved in extortion, kidnapping, theft, and truck hijackings. The State requested more time for investigation, and the bail application for both officials was postponed to Thursday.
Must ReadA confidential 2004 report from the Amnesty Task Team ATT, established by former president Thabo Mbeki, has surfaced, revealing a proposal to amend the Constitution to facilitate 'backdoor' amnesties. This report, frequently referenced at the Khampepe Commission, is crucial for examining claims of political interference in Truth and Reconciliation Commission TRC prosecutions between 2003 and 2017. The ATT, an interdepartmental body formed on February 23, 2004, after the TRC concluded, aimed to address unresolved TRC prosecutions. Chaired by Deon Rudman from the Department of Justice, the team included security and legal officials from various departments. Its main recommendation was to create an advisory body to help former president Thabo Mbeki find a legal 'solution' for apartheid-era perpetrators who had not disclosed their crimes or sought amnesty before the TRC's mandate ended. Other options considered were presidential pardons, parole, and correctional supervision for those already convicted. The report also suggested this new body would assess the 'advisability' of criminal proceedings for past offenses and make recommendations to the National Director of Public Prosecutions NDPP. This proposed overreach into the independence of the NPA has been highlighted by former head of the Priority Crimes Litigation Unit, advocate Anton Ackermann, and corroborated by senior advocate Mthunzi Mhaga. The report detailed the Mbeki administration's effort to balance the 'national inte