🇳🇦NamibiaSouthern Africa
Namibia confident of wrestling medals at African Continental Championships in Egypt
via The Namibian6 min read
Namibia is optimistic about its wrestlers securing medals at the African Continental Championships in Alexandria, Egypt, from April 27 to May 4. Eight Namibian wrestlers will compete, with the Namibia Sports Commission chief administrator, Freddy Mwiya, expressing confidence in their preparation and talent. The commission fully funded the team's travel, accommodation, and meals, totaling N$291,700, as part of the N$5 million allocated to the Podium Performance Athletes project. Mwiya highlighted senior woman wrestler Ester Abraham, who is training in Ivory Coast under an Olympic Solidarity Scholarship, as a formidable athlete. The Namibia Wrestling Federation secretary general, Anke Erasmus, noted the selection of promising U17 junior and senior athletes, including 2023 African champion Calvin Dreyer, Lazarus Haimbodi, and Virinao Nguatjiti. The team will be guided by national coach Luis Paz and supported by coach Kevin Vleermuis, with Erika Theron as referee and Erasmus as team manager. Namibia aims to build on its three bronze medals from 2025, a result of the NWF's strategic plan and intensified Elite Training Programme. The U17 team will also compete in beach wrestling, preparing for the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal later this year. Abraham is working towards potential qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Inter Milan could secure the Serie A title this Sunday, leading reigning champions Napoli and second-placed AC Milan by 12 points with five matches remaining. Inter will know their title chances by Friday night, depending on Napoli's match against Cremonese. If Napoli fails to win, an Inter victory against Torino could clinch the Scudetto with four matches to spare. However, Inter would then await the outcome of AC Milan's game against Juventus, a match also vital for both teams' Champions League qualification hopes. Inter has shown strong form recently, scoring 12 goals in their last three matches, and needs only four points from their remaining fixtures to secure the title. AC Milan is in a position where they could inadvertently hand the title to their local rivals, though they are close to securing a Champions League spot. Juventus, currently fourth, faces a more precarious situation in their bid for Champions League qualification. Adrien Rabiot, the France midfielder, will be a key player for AC Milan against his former team Juventus, having contributed six goals and four assists in 25 league appearances.
The Namibia Airports Company is planning an expansion of Hosea Kutako International Airport, with preliminary cost estimates ranging from N$4 billion to N$5 billion. Chief executive Bisey Uirab stated that the project is currently in the study phase, with ongoing engagements to inform final investment decisions and timelines. The upgrade focuses on developing a new passenger terminal to accommodate increasing passenger volumes and strengthen the airport's role as Namibia's primary international gateway. The company aims to complete construction by 2030 due to projected capacity constraints at the existing terminal, which could become congested by 2029 or 2030. This project is part of broader efforts to enhance Namibia's aviation infrastructure to support tourism growth, regional connectivity, and business travel. As of February, Hosea Kutako International Airport handled 78.4% of total passenger movement, making it the dominant hub.
The Landless People's Movement LPM advocates for state-owned enterprises SOEs to achieve financial independence and cease reliance on government bailouts. The party notes that since 1999, most SOEs have depended heavily on public funds, with few performing strongly, such as the Namibia Ports Authority, while the majority underperform. LPM leader Bernadus Swartbooi questioned why parastatals that monopolize the economy continue to receive public funds without competition, arguing that limited public resources should address urgent socio-economic needs. He attributed poor performance to politically motivated appointments, overlooking merit, and persistent victimisation and tribalism within many SOEs. LPM parliamentarian Eneas Emvula criticised the proposed Public Enterprise Governance Amendment Act of 2025, warning that placing entities under the Office of the Prime Minister could weaken their operational independence. Emvula stated that about 80% of SOEs have failed to make a meaningful economic impact, suggesting stronger business strategies could have prevented the current situation. He also doubted the viability of Namibia Air but suggested success through strategic partnerships. The government announced funding cuts for SOEs in the 2026/27 financial year, reducing subsidies and transfers to N$615.7 million, with Emvula noting that these 17–20% cuts should encourage entities to improve efficiency and become self-sustaining.
Swapo has not yet nominated a replacement for James Uerikua's National Assembly seat, despite Peya Mushelenga being next on the party list. Uerikua and his son, Venturo, died in a car accident over the Easter long weekend and were buried at Otjiserandu in the Otjozondjupa region. According to the Swapo Party's list, former international relations and information and communication technology minister Mushelenga is next in line. Swapo deputy secretary general Uahekua Herunga stated that the party has yet to submit a name to the National Assembly, offering no detailed explanation for the delay, but said a name would be submitted soon. The party had previously indicated that the process would resume after Uerikua's burial. National Assembly spokesperson Sakeus Kadhikwa explained that the standard procedure requires the assembly to await a nomination from the party that initially designated the deceased member. The political party that nominated the member is responsible for submitting a replacement name to the speaker, who then formally declares the new member. However, the Constitution or standing rules do not prescribe a specific timeframe for filling a vacancy caused by death or resignation.