Day: April 2, 2024

The Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security of the Chairperson of the African Union (AU), Bineta Diop has encouraged African women to take up higher positions in politics. Diop in a recent interview with Nampa strongly articulated and advocated for the promotion of women leaders, emphasizing the existing political will and the abundance of policies, such as the equality principle at the AU. The special envoy, while referencing the historic election of former Liberian president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, underscored that it is time to translate this will into action by electing more women into leadership positions, particularly at the highest levels. 'Women are just as competent in their capacity to lead, drawing from their roles in liberation movements, peacemaking endeavours and development agendas, can be transformative and have a great impact,' she expressed. The chairperson further emphasised the transformative impact of women in leadership roles, while acknowledging the efforts of past female leaders in various African nations and the establishment of networks like the Africa Women Leaders Network. Diop also strongly commended and supported Namibia's efforts in enabling women leadership by advocating for its first female president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, adding that the country is indeed ready for female leadership. 'By bringing a different perspective to the table and prioritising human security dimensions such as education and healthcare access, women leaders can drive meaningful change in society. We therefore urge for the acceleration of implementation towards achieving gender parity in leadership roles.' Meanwhile, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Bankole Adeoye acknowledged Diop's sentiments, adding that the recent AU seminar on high-level peace and security which took place at Swakopmund adopted the Swakopmund Process, which is aligned with the UN Security Council Resolution 1325, further solidifying the commitment to advancing the agenda of women, peace and security. Acc ording to Adeoye, the endorsement of the Swakopmund Process by the AU Peace and Security Council marks a significant milestone, signifying an ongoing commitment to championing women's causes in peace and security. 'This initiative, to be held annually or biannually across five regions, will serve as a platform to amplify the voices of women in advancing peace and security agendas,' he noted. Source: The Namibia Press Agency

WINDHOEK: The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development (MURD) has allocated over N.dollars 1.3 billion out of its total budget of N.dollars 2.6 billion to regional and local governments as well as the traditional authorities. Recently motivating his ministry's 2024/25 budget, Minister Erastus Uutoni informed parliament that over N.dollars 904 million in subsidies will support the operational and service delivery capacity of regional councils, local authorities, and traditional authorities. The remaining N.dollars 362 million will be used for revision of the Local Authorities Act of 1992, the Councils of Traditional Leaders Act of 1997 and its Amendment Act No. 31 of 2000, and the Traditional Authorities Act of 2000. The ministry is also finalising the development of the Urban Land Reform Policy and Strategy, he said. Uutoni also said the money will be further spent on upgrading and constructing ten open markets in various localities, including Bukalo, Eenhana, Keetmanshoop, Okakarara, Omaruru, Omuthiya, Op uwo, Oshivelo Settlement, and Outjo. He said the ministry has also allocated N.dollars 16 million to fund activities related to the decentralisation of additional functions from ministries to regional councils. 'In addition, over N.dollars 1.04 billion has been allocated towards supporting urban and regional planning, infrastructure, and housing development programmes. This allocation is part of the development budget amounting to N.dollars 1.203 billion,' he said. According to Uutoni, the ministry plans to spend N.dollars 360 million on massive urban land servicing countrywide, while N.dollars 193 million will be spent on upgrading informal settlements. The ministry further allocated N.dollars 221 million for housing delivery through government-funded programmes such as the Mass Housing Development Programme and Build Together Programme and support to the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia. 'The budgetary allocation to this programme will be deployed to sustain and scale up our existing and new policy initiatives aimed at creating increased and inclusive access to and opportunities for land tenure security and decent housing for our citizens,' he said. Source: The Namibia Press Agency

WINDHOEK: President Nangolo Mbumba conveyed a message of condolences to President Mokgweetsi Masisi of the Republic of Botswana and the people of Botswana, following the death of 45 nationals from the neighbouring country in a tragic bus crash last week Thursday. The incident took place when the bus transporting Easter pilgrims from Botswana to Moria in South Africa allegedly crashed on the R518 road in Limpopo Province of South Africa, killing 45 people from Botswana, with only one victim surviving. Mbumba in his message shared by the Presidency on Sunday said: 'It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences on behalf of the people of Namibia to President Mokgweetsi Masisi and the people of Botswana, following the tragic bus crash near South Africa's Limpopo province. The loss of 45 lives, predominantly citizens of Botswana, in this devastating accident has deeply saddened us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims during this diff icult time.' Namibia, he went on to say, shares in the grief of Botswana and stands in solidarity with the affected families as they mourn their loved ones. The news of the sole survivor, an eight-year-old girl, brings a glimmer of hope amidst this tragedy, the Namibian Leader said, adding: 'We pray for her swift recovery and extend our support to her and her family as they navigate through the aftermath of this harrowing experience.' May the bereaved families find strength and solace during this period of mourning, Mbumba expressed. Source: The Namibia Press Agency

Kenyan President William Ruto is expected in Accra on Tuesday for a three-day state visit to Ghana. The visit would see the signing of bilateral agreements by the two nations, covering areas of mutual interest including agriculture, trade and investment, education and research. Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, made this known on Tuesday in her address at the opening of the Ghana-Kenya Ministerial Session of the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation and Business Forum in Accra. The Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation seeks to boost economic growth and technical cooperation between the two countries. The Kenyan Delegation is led by Dr Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs. Source: Ghana News Agency