馃嚦馃嚘NamibiaSouthern Africa
Vice President Witbooi praises Namibia's gold-winning Special Olympics Unified Gladiators
via The Namibian2 min read
Vice President Lucia Witbooi commended Namibia鈥檚 Special Olympics Unified Gladiators for their historic gold medal win at the 2026 Special Olympics Unified Soccer World Cup in Paris, France. During a welcoming ceremony, Witbooi stated that the nation was celebrating more than just a medal, highlighting the team's courage, determination, and resilience. She noted that the team is the first Namibian team to win gold at this event. On behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the government, and the nation, Witbooi congratulated the team and all contributors, emphasizing the immense pride their success brought to Namibia. She added that the government prioritizes sport due to its power to unite people, improve lives, and promote national pride. Witbooi affirmed the government's commitment to investing in sport infrastructure, coaches, and athletes to ensure continued success. She underscored that the unified sport model demonstrates that inclusion is a lived value, where differences become strengths. Witbooi encouraged the champions to continue striving for excellence and to wear their medals with humility, recognizing them as ambassadors for Namibian sport, inclusion, hope, and unity. She concluded by stating that the team's legacy is not only their medals but also the inspiration they have provided to young Namibians.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Baronice Hans, former managing director of Bank Windhoek, has been appointed chief executive officer of Lady Pohamba Private Hospital, effective September 1. Hans confirmed her new role on Wednesday. She was the first woman to lead Bank Windhoek, serving as managing director for nine years, making her the longest-serving managing director in the bank's 42-year history. During her leadership, Bank Windhoek issued southern Africa鈥檚 first green bond, listed on Nasdaq, and achieved a profit after tax of N$1 billion in 2023. Hans, a chartered accountant, has a background in finance and strategy. After leaving Bank Windhoek, she joined Burning Bush Strategy Consultants, providing strategic advisory services. She now takes the helm at Lady Pohamba Private Hospital as it continues to grow within Namibia鈥檚 healthcare sector.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah officially presented the Namibian flag to Team Namibia at State House, ahead of their participation in the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. The President urged the athletes to represent the country with pride, integrity, and excellence, emphasizing their role as national ambassadors. She highlighted Namibia's eighth appearance at the Games as a significant milestone and noted the government's commitment to sport, identifying it as the second national priority. The administration plans to construct and upgrade 28 sports facilities across all 14 regions to ensure access to sporting infrastructure for all Namibian children. Head of Mission Joseph Amakali presented the 24 athletes, including a guide runner, and 18 officials, who will compete in six sports: athletics, para-athletics, bowls, boxing, gymnastics, and swimming. Namibia National Olympic Committee President Ndeulipulwa Hamutumwa described the event as historic, reminding athletes that their competition reflects the nation's values. Minister in the Presidency Charles Mubita also welcomed the delegation, stating they represent Namibia's sporting ambitions, values, and principles both on and off the field. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks from NNOC Chief Executive Anri Parker.
Must ReadA special police team has launched an investigation into the killing of Andile Mvuyelwa Somgxada, the Gauteng province leader of the anti-migrant group March and March, in South Africa. Somgxada was shot outside his home east of Johannesburg earlier this month and died in hospital. Sandile Dube, a spokesperson for March and March, stated that the movement believes Somgxada was targeted due to their campaign against undocumented migrants, describing it as an "orchestrated hitman type of killing." Dube also mentioned that other leaders of the organization have recently received warnings or death threats. Acting police chief Lt Gen Puleng Dimpane announced the multidisciplinary team, emphasizing the seriousness with which the police are treating the case and their commitment to a thorough investigation. Immigration, particularly undocumented migration, is a contentious political issue in South Africa, with protesters accusing migrants of straining public services and being involved in crime. March and March had set an unofficial deadline of June 30 for undocumented migrants to leave the country. The South African government has reported deporting or repatriating over 53,000 foreign nationals through a "migration management" campaign. Xenophobia has been a long-standing issue in South Africa, Africa鈥檚 wealthiest nation, which attracts migrants seeking economic opportunities. Recent demonstrations have involved violence, intimidation, and looting. Five people were arrested in Limp