馃嚦馃嚘NamibiaSouthern Africa
Namibian MP questions US ambassador's remarks to chief justice
via The Namibian1 min read
Affirmative Repositioning AR member of parliament Tuhafeni Kalola has raised concerns regarding statements made by United States ambassador to Namibia John Giordano during a televised meeting with chief justice Peter Shivute. Kalola stated that the ambassador publicly suggested to the chief justice that judges with cases could contact him for assistance in dealing with those cases. In a letter, Kalola asked justice and labour relations minister Wise Immanuel whether the ministry has formally assessed these statements. Kalola indicated that the remarks appear to contravene Article 783 of the Namibian Constitution, which protects judicial independence and prohibits interference with judicial officers. He also inquired about the government鈥檚 official legal opinion on whether these comments constitute an attempt to interfere with the Judiciary. Additionally, Kalola questioned if such an arrangement has ever been implemented and, if so, requested details on the number of judges and specific cases involved.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture has urged the public to report any higher education institutions operating without proper registration or accreditation. Erastus Haitengela, the education executive director, stated that the ministry is collaborating with national regulatory and quality assurance bodies to identify such institutions in Namibia. He emphasized that institutions offering higher education programs must be registered with the National Council for Higher Education NCHE or the Namibia Training Authority NTA for technical and vocational education and training, and accredited by the Namibia Qualifications Authority NQA. Haitengela warned that unregistered and unaccredited institutions can leave students with qualifications that may not be recognized by employers or other educational bodies. He advised prospective students to verify a college or university's registration with the NCHE or NTA and ensure their course is accredited by the NQA before making any payments.
Namibia is enhancing its collaboration with The Netherlands in agriculture, water management, and investment to further its development agenda. This initiative was highlighted by Namibia鈥檚 ambassador to Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxembourg, and the European Union, Alfredo Hengari, after presenting his credentials to King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands. Hengari noted that Namibia aims to leverage Dutch expertise in precision farming, greenhouse production, agroforestry, sustainable water management, and agricultural digitalization, given The Netherlands' status as the world's second-largest agricultural exporter. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has emphasized agriculture's role in food security and economic transformation. The embassy plans to forge partnerships with Dutch businesses, universities, and research institutions to attract investment, facilitate technology transfer, and offer training. Water cooperation is also a priority due to Namibia's water challenges and The Netherlands' global reputation in water management. Bilateral trade between the two countries has significantly increased, rising from N$2.34 billion in 2020 to N$8.8 billion in 2022. Beyond these areas, Namibia is also pursuing stronger collaboration with The Netherlands in sport, scientific research, and cultural exchanges.
The Women's Leadership Centre WLC has initiated the San Children Embrace Education Project in Windhoek to enhance educational opportunities and support for San children. This project aims to address challenges such as poverty, hunger, teenage pregnancy, and discrimination that San youth encounter. WLC director Liz Frank stated the project's goal is to keep children in school, provide support during difficulties, and collaborate with teachers. Established in 2017, the WLC focuses on protecting young San girls and empowering them to stay in school. The project has also been active in the Omaheke, Oshikoto, and Kavango East regions this year. Participants from various communities, including Omega 1, Mu'ciku, Likwaterera, Ndama, Tsintsabis, Farm Six, Drimiopsis, and Chaka, shared experiences of discrimination. Maria Garises, WLC coordinator for the Omaheke region, expressed hope that the project would empower children to overcome shyness. Gottlieb Shikongo, deputy director for quality assurance in the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, highlighted that San children are the most marginalized group in the country, having faced generational traumas like displacement, genocide, and forced labor, which have led to feelings of shame regarding their identity and language.