🇳🇦NamibiaSouthern Africa
Namibia's Home Affairs Minister dismisses e-ID microchip tracking allegations
via The Namibian2 min read
Namibia's Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu has addressed public concerns and protests regarding the country's planned electronic identity documents e-ID, refuting claims that they will be used to microchip and track citizens. Following demonstrations in the Omusati region, Minister Iipumbu stated in the National Assembly that discussions on the matter should be based on facts. She emphasized that Namibia is modernizing its identity management systems to strengthen national security, improve service delivery, protect personal identity, and support digital transformation. The Minister clarified that the e-ID is a secure smart card storing biometric and demographic information digitally, enabling efficient identity verification. She explicitly denied that the e-ID involves any implantation of devices or chips into individuals, comparing its technology to modern bank cards. Iipumbu also rejected assertions that the new document could track citizens' movements, affirming the government's commitment to protecting constitutional rights and privacy, with the e-ID complying with the Civil Registration and Identification Act of 2024. Public awareness campaigns are underway ahead of the planned September rollout, and citizens are encouraged to seek information from credible sources.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
The Wellington Hurricanes defeated the Waikato Chiefs 60-5 in the Super Rugby final, claiming their first title in a decade. Playing in strong Wellington winds, the Hurricanes scored four of their nine tries in the first half, leading 29-0. This victory marked a record winning margin for a Super Rugby final, surpassing the 44-point difference when the Bulls beat the Chiefs in 2009. The Hurricanes also set new season records for most tries 113 and most points 745. Wingers Josh Moorby and Fehi Fineanganofo each scored 17 tries for the season, with Moorby grabbing a double in the final. Hurricanes fly-half Ruben Love contributed 25 points, including two tries. Chiefs centre Quinn Tupaea acknowledged his team's struggles, stating they were "never in the contest" and faced a "classy side." The Chiefs, who were beaten finalists for the fourth consecutive year, scored a late try through Naitoa Ah Kuoi to avoid being held scoreless. This championship is the Hurricanes' second, following their 2016 triumph, while the Chiefs have not added to their 2012 and 2013 titles.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah arrived in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, for her second official visit since President Samia Hassan's re-election. Invited by Hassan, Nandi-Ndaitwah will engage in bilateral talks at Ikulu State House before returning to Namibia on Monday. The visit aims to strengthen diplomatic, political, and economic ties between Namibia and Tanzania, and explore new areas of cooperation. A statement from the Presidency highlighted the enduring friendship and solidarity, forged during Namibia's liberation struggle, noting Tanzania's historical support to Swapo. The leaders are also expected to discuss regional and continental issues, and ways to deepen trade, investment, and people-to-people relations. This visit follows Hassan's re-election in November 2025, which faced criticism from opposition parties and human rights groups regarding political freedoms and the electoral environment, though the Tanzanian government affirmed the elections' adherence to national laws and democratic processes.
Brazil defeated Haiti 3-0 in Philadelphia, with two goals from Matheus Cunha and one from Vinicius Junior, eliminating Haiti from the Fifa World Cup. The victory, however, was overshadowed by an apparent injury to Brazil's star forward Raphinha. Brazil is now level on four points with Morocco in Group C, leading on goal difference. Morocco secured their first tournament win by beating Scotland 1-0, with Ismael Saibari scoring the sole goal. Morocco will play Haiti next, while Brazil will face Scotland. In other World Cup news, the United States advanced to the last 32 after a 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle, with a Cameron Burgess own goal and a header from Alex Freeman. Paraguay also remains in contention after a 1-0 win against Turkey, a game in which Miguel Almiron received a red card for covering his mouth while confronting an opponent, under new FIFA rules.