
A National Assembly sitting on Wednesday devolved into disorder after a tea break, as opposition parliamentarians challenged Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila's conduct of proceedings. Popular Democratic Movement PDM president McHenry Venaani, PDM parliamentarian Inna Hengari, Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda, and Independent Patriots for Change IPC chief whip Rodrick Likando were among those who questioned the speaker's rulings. Opposition members expressed dissatisfaction with a "provocative utterance" by a Swapo parliamentarian, arguing that the speaker failed to address the issue amid growing disruptions. Hengari stated that members raising points of order were being ruled out of order before they could speak. The confrontation escalated after Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah was permitted to table and read a debate speech for Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, a move opposed by opposition parties. This incident follows earlier disputes this month regarding the interpretation and application of standing rules, where the speaker and opposition members frequently clashed. Due to continued disruptions and difficulty in restoring order, the speaker adjourned the sitting. The National Assembly had been debating the petroleum bill before the suspension of proceedings until Thursday.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Must ReadJacinta Ngobese-Zuma, founder of the March and March organization in South Africa, stated that Namibians are not targets of an anti-immigrant movement, describing them as "law-abiding citizens." She clarified that her organization has no issues with Namibians, but identifies Nigerians as problematic due to alleged undocumented entry, building hijacking, drug sales, and prostitution. Ngobese-Zuma denied reports of her organization "hunting" foreigners, asserting their marches are peaceful and aimed at the government. These comments follow the hijacking of a Namibian bus from Mbishi Transport in Johannesburg, which is still missing. Ufemia Mbishi, owner of Mbishi Transport, confirmed the bus hijacking, stating drivers were held at gunpoint for seven hours but released unharmed, and passengers are returning to Namibia. He noted limited assistance from South African Police Service and the Namibian high commission. Secilia Hiskia, acting executive director of international relations and trade, said the ministry is aware of the incident and is following developments through the Namibian high commission in Pretoria. Hiskia stated there is no credible evidence suggesting the hijacking was xenophobia-related, viewing it as consistent with criminality or local transport sector conflict. Duminga Ndala, Landless People鈥檚 Movement national youth leader, believes Namibians in South Africa remain safe due to their compliance with laws. Rodney Cloete, Independent Patriots for Change shadow m
Must ReadThe state has alleged that murder accused Abner Mateus communicated with a fugitive suspect before and after the attack on prosecutor Justine Shiweda, and his nephew, Petrus Shikwaya, allegedly transferred money to the same suspect minutes after the attack. Shiweda was shot and doused with corrosive acid at Ondangwa on 17 October last year and died in February. These allegations emerged during Shikwaya鈥檚 bail hearing in the Ondangwa Magistrate鈥檚 Court, where Mateus testified. Public prosecutor Yeukai Kangira stated that Mateus spoke twice to the wanted suspect on the morning of the attack, at 06h21 and shortly after 07h23, around the time Shiweda was attacked. Kangira further alleged that Shikwaya transferred N$4,950 to the suspect just 10 minutes after the attack, following communications between Mateus and the suspect. Mateus denied remembering the transaction or to whom the money was sent, dismissing the claims as speculation. He also denied discussing criminal activities with co-accused Petrus Uusiku, stating their conversation on 17 October was about the Yango transport business. Mateus confirmed using a cellphone number registered in Shikwaya鈥檚 name while in custody, and another number registered in someone else's name. Kangira accused Mateus of trying to distance Shikwaya from his activities and deliberately avoiding his own number to conceal criminal activities, including money laundering and Shiweda's killing. Mateus rejected these allegations, insisting his number w

The governors of the Ohangwena and Kunene regions have voiced concerns over persistent medicine shortages at public health facilities. Kunene governor Vipuakuje Muharukua stated that hospitals in Opuwo, Khorixas, and across the Kunene region have been experiencing low medication stock for approximately three months. This has led to patients waiting in long queues only to find their required medication unavailable. Muharukua highlighted particular concern for shortages of medication for chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, ARVs, and tuberculosis. He noted that some patients are advised to purchase medication from private pharmacies if they can afford it, and regional health authorities are using budgets to procure critical medicines from private pharmacies, which is costly. Muharukua appealed for patience from both patients and health workers, acknowledging the government recognizes the problem and urging the public not to direct frustrations at healthcare workers. Ohangwena governor Kadiva Hamutumwa personally observed the lack of medication during a visit to Engela District Hospital, expressing sadness at sending people home without necessary treatment. She mentioned community reports of adverse effects due to changes in high blood pressure medication and plans to investigate the situation further in Ohangwena. In contrast, Erongo governor Nathalia /Goagoses reported no severe medicine shortages in her region, noting recent expansions in health services. Oshana