By Lylie Happiness

On July 21, 2023, the Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Erastus Uutoni, presided over the official handover of 108 houses constructed by the National Housing Enterprise (NHE) through the Mass Housing Development Programme (MHDP) in Swakopmund.

During the event, Minister Uutoni acknowledged the challenges faced in the construction process, such as the rising costs of materials and transportation, which have made it difficult to maintain the selling prices of houses at the government’s desired affordability level.

“As a ministry responsible for housing provision, we support initiatives that deliver houses that our people can afford, especially for those within the low to ultra-low-income brackets,” he said.

Minister Uutoni also addressed the issue of delays in executing and completing national projects, attributing some delays to actions by certain private contractors who fail to honor their contractual obligations. He emphasized that such actions result in increased costs and unwarranted blame on the government when the fault lies with the defaulting contractors. He called for stern action against these contractors, including blacklisting them.

Furthermore, Uutoni urged the beneficiaries to play a crucial role in helping the government create opportunities for other needy Namibians. He encouraged them to honor their home loan repayment obligations promptly so that the funds can be used to build houses for fellow Namibians in need.

The handover ceremony marks another milestone in the government’s commitment to providing affordable housing for its citizens, particularly those in the low-income bracket. The completion of these houses brings hope and improved living conditions for the beneficiaries in the Matutura community of Swakopmund.- Namibia Daily News

By Lylie Happiness

Oshakati, 21 July. The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology inaugurated the Oshikoto regional rollout of the National Symbols Campaign today at Uukule Senior Secondary School in the Onyaanya constituency.

The event commenced with a captivating march parade, led by the Namibian Police Force and National Youth Service recruits, accompanied by enthusiastic community members and learners from different schools.

The National Symbols Campaign, with its primary goal to promote adherence to established protocols related to national symbols, aims to foster a stronger sense of national identity, patriotism, and pride among Namibians. Its national launch last month in Swakopmund, Erongo Region, garnered widespread attention and support.

Addressing the gathering, Peya Mushelenga, the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, passionately encouraged the learners to treat the national symbols, including the revered national flag, with the utmost respect.

During the event, distinguished speakers emphasized the significance of patriotism among learners and highlighted appropriate conduct, particularly when representing the country at international events.

The campaign is set to be extended to all regions, further spreading the message of unity and national pride across the nation.- Namibia Daily News

By Elezo Libanda

Katima Mulilo, July 21 – The increasing number of new churches in Namibia has become a cause for concern among both the public and decision-makers. Many are calling for the formulation of regulations to govern the registration and operation of churches in the country.

Namibia is facing challenges in regulating churches due to the absence of effective laws to monitor and strengthen the management of religious institutions. The lack of an efficient supervision system with checks and balances has given religious leaders an undue concentration of power, leading to instances of abuse towards their followers, both mentally, financially, and even physically.

The unchecked authority of some church leaders has turned certain churches into private domains, with followers often becoming victims of exploitation. Although religious freedom is upheld in Namibia, the absence of laws that distinguish between genuine religious conduct and manipulative practices complicates the issue.

In recent times, numerous reports have surfaced of church leaders coercing their followers into taking loans from commercial banks to finance their lavish lifestyles. Some followers have even gone as far as selling their homes and vehicles, all in pursuit of promises made by their leaders, such as marriages and wealth. Unfortunately, many fail to realize that if their church leaders possessed the power to make them rich, they themselves would be the first beneficiaries. Instead, these leaders employ manipulation and brainwashing tactics to gain control over their followers’ beliefs.

To protect innocent followers from such abuse, it is essential to establish laws that subject religious entities to certain regulations. While the constitution guarantees freedom of religion and belief, the government must devise a set of rules and regulations to which churches must adhere. Ensuring the protection of citizens from religious exploitation should be a fundamental objective in regulating churches.

The pressing question on everyone’s minds is how to differentiate between genuine churches, driven by sincere spiritual beliefs, and those that primarily serve the personal gain of their leaders. -Namibia Daily News

By Elezo Libanda

Katima Mulilo, July 21 – Today, the nation mourns the loss of a true leader and visionary, His Royal Highness Senior Chief Inyambo Yeta. As the traditional ruler presiding over Mulobezi, Sesheke, and Mwandi districts of Barotseland, western Zambia, Chief Inyambo Yeta’s reign was marked by transformative initiatives and progressive reforms.

Born the second son of the late King of Barotseland, Litunga Ilute Yeta IV (1977-2000), Senior Chief Inyambo Yeta ascended to the throne in September 1977. His reign began at the tender age of 23, after completing his law studies at the Universities of Swaziland and Edinburgh, Scotland, where he earned an honors degree in LLB.

Chief Inyambo Yeta’s impact on Barotseland was profound, as he passionately advocated for development and empowerment projects targeting the youth, women, and Indunas at Mwandi Kuta. His forward-thinking approach led to a number of significant projects and collaborations, aiming to uplift his people and preserve their cultural heritage.

Among his notable achievements was the establishment of the Inyambo Development Trust Fund, designed to spearhead projects in Mwandi, Sesheke, and Mulobezi districts. He also initiated the creation of the Mwandi Cultural Center, which aimed to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Barotseland to visitors and tourists.

Chief Inyambo Yeta was deeply committed to wildlife conservation and habitat restoration. He played a key role in rehabilitating the Silowana (Sioma) National Park, securing funds for the project, and engaging the Peace Parks Foundation to ensure its success. Moreover, his joint program called SIMALAHA Community Conservancy, in collaboration with Chief Sekute, aimed at empowering local communities through shared wildlife resources.

In 2013, Senior Chief Inyambo Yeta embarked on the 5 Star Royal Mwandi Lodge project and spearheaded fish hatching initiatives that had the potential to supply a significant portion of Zambia’s annual fish fingering requirements.

His passion for development led him to lobby for government support, and the Inyambo Community Development Trust received a loan of K3.3 million to boost fish production at the Mwandi Integrated Fish Farm project.

Additionally, Chief Inyambo Yeta was a proponent of sustainable resource management, introducing timber stamps in every area Induna to ensure that each village benefited from its natural resources.

Beyond his dedication to local initiatives, he engaged with international partners to protect the region’s wildlife, introducing artificial traditional attire for men during Kuomboka ceremonies in Limulunga, Nalolo, and Libonda Royal Villages.

Chief Inyambo Yeta’s passing comes as a significant loss to Barotseland, not only for his leadership and development efforts but also for his extensive knowledge of the region’s cultural heritage and legal expertise.

In 2012, during the Barotse National Council (BNC), Mwandi Kuta voted for the independence of Barotseland, showcasing the Chief’s commitment to his people’s aspirations.

Throughout his life, Chief Inyambo Yeta remained true to his values, having once served as a lawyer and as MMC for UNIP party. Despite briefly acting as the president of UNIP party, he resigned from active politics after the introduction of the chiefs’ act, which prohibited their participation in Zambian politics.

His Royal Highness Senior Chief Inyambo Yeta passed away in the early hours of today at Maina Soko Military Hospital in Lusaka, where he had gone for a medical review.

His departure marks the third loss of a senior chief in Barotseland within the past half year, following the passing of Chief Amukena II in December 2022 and her Royal Highness Mulena Mboanjikana in February 2023. The nation also mourns the loss of Chief Mwene Kandala since March 2020.- Namibia Daily News
Source: Mwebantu