Most marginalized Namibian households still lack toilets, NSA finds
via The Namibian5 min read
Nearly seven out of 10 households headed by individuals from Namibia鈥檚 marginalized communities lack toilet facilities, according to the Namibia Statistics Agency鈥檚 latest census report. NSA statistician general and chief executive Alex Shimuafeni stated that 68.4% of these households have no toilets. The 2023 Population and Housing Census report also indicates that about 40% of all households in Namibia do not have adequate sanitation. While 88.4% have access to safe drinking water, many still lack other basic services. Social justice activist Lloyd Bock noted that these findings suggest insufficient attention to marginalized communities since independence. He urged the government to prioritize their needs and conduct more research to understand their perceptions. Human rights activist Linda Baumann highlighted that the lack of adequate toilets is a broader sanitation crisis in Namibia, not limited to marginalized communities, and should be considered a human rights issue. The census recorded 75,569 people from the San, Ovatue/Ovatwa, and Ovatjimba communities, making up about 2.5% of Namibia鈥檚 three million population. Most marginalized people, predominantly the San, live in rural areas. The Otjozondjupa region has the largest number of marginalized communities. The population is also young, with nearly 76% under 35, requiring access to schools, training, jobs, housing, and health services. In 2023, deputy minister of marginalized communities Royal /Ui/o/oo stated that 68%
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Must ReadThe African Development Bank has announced a N$5.6 billion investment in Namibia's technical and vocational education and training TVET system and artificial intelligence. This funding aims to modernize vocational institutions, establish a National Artificial Intelligence Institute, and create 15,000 workplace opportunities for young people by 2030. While this is a positive development, there are calls for transparency and accountability, particularly regarding job creation. Concerns have been raised that the 15,000 jobs will be meaningless if private companies are not in a position to hire graduates, which is linked to the fair allocation of state tenders. The article also highlights the need for Information and Communication Technology Minister Emma Theofelus to accelerate the development of laws and regulations for artificial intelligence, noting that policy progress in this area has been slow.
Must ReadNamibia's Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has refuted claims that the country lost its bid to acquire a stake in De Beers, labeling circulating information as "misleading and incorrect." Mines minister Modestus Amutse stated that the government would release accurate information through official channels. This follows reports from Botswana's minister in the presidency, Moeti Mohwasa, who informed parliament that Anglo American had selected the Global Diamond Consortium as its preferred bidder for De Beers. Mohwasa mentioned the consortium proposed including Angola and Namibia in the deal, though members were not disclosed. Namibia had previously expressed interest in a De Beers stake after Anglo American decided to divest as part of its restructuring. The Namibian government believes ownership would enhance its position and influence in the global diamond value chain, crucial to its economy. Speculation about a UAE investor's involvement in the consortium has resurfaced, but Amutse previously denied any partnership with such an investor, cautioning against speculation during ongoing negotiations. A detailed update from the government is anticipated.
The Independent Patriots for Change IPC has accused Swapo of exploiting poverty and individuals' personal circumstances to undermine opposition parties. This accusation follows the decision of former IPC Erongo regional mobiliser Rudolf Kahingunga to rejoin Swapo, alongside former Swakopmund mayor Blasius !Goraseb and over 15 other individuals, many of whom were previously affiliated with the IPC. IPC Erongo regional chairperson Aloisius Kangulu stated that while citizens have the right to choose their political affiliation, Kahingunga, who held an influential leadership position, should have utilized the party's internal structures to address his concerns. Kahingunga resigned from the IPC on July 7, citing a departure from the party's founding principles and a concentration of decision-making among a few individuals. Kangulu rejected these claims, suggesting that Kahingunga's actions were influenced by "material considerations" and represented a "profound betrayal" of the party's mission. He further alleged that Swapo has historically used poverty and personal circumstances to weaken opposition parties, though he affirmed respect for every citizen's constitutional right to political association. Despite these defections, Kangulu maintained that the IPC remains united and resilient. Meanwhile, !Goraseb stated his decision to join Swapo was made after careful reflection, believing he could best contribute to addressing national challenges like unemployment, poverty, and inequa