Page 398 – Namibia Daily News

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Namibia Reclaims Top Spot for Press Freedom in Africa

written by Derdy

NDN Staffer

WINDHOEK, May 4 — Namibia has recently reclaimed the top position for press freedom in Africa, and this is an achievement that should be celebrated. As the 2023 World Press Freedom Index reveals, Namibia is ranked number one in Africa and number 22 out of 180 countries in the world. This achievement is significant, especially as it comes at a time when the world is grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on freedom of expression.

The presidency has expressed its delight in this achievement, noting that the media plays a crucial role in democracy and is essential in keeping the public informed and the government institutions accountable. As the fourth estate, the press is an important pillar of effective governance. Therefore, President Dr Hage G. Geingob has assured the media that he will guarantee freedom of the fourth estate for as long as he is the President of Namibia.

This achievement is a function of the commitment of President Geingob and the government that he leads to upholding the values of the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia. The Namibian government’s commitment to transparency and accountability has been critical in ensuring press freedom in the country.

On World Press Freedom Day, which was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, the Namibian press has an opportunity to reflect on its role in strengthening the quality of Namibian democracy by reporting accurately and fairly. This year’s theme, “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for All Other Human Rights,” is apt as it highlights the importance of press freedom in promoting and protecting human rights.

The Namibian press should continue to adhere to its Self-Regulatory Code of Ethics, which ensures that journalism is carried out in a professional and ethical manner. This code of ethics is critical in maintaining the integrity of the press and building trust between the media and the public.

President Geingob has been a champion of transparency and accountability as core pillars of effective governance. His commitment to these values has been instrumental in ensuring press freedom in Namibia. It is essential that the Namibian government continues to uphold these values to ensure that press freedom is maintained and strengthened in the country.

In conclusion, Namibia’s achievement in reclaiming the top position for press freedom in Africa is a significant milestone. It demonstrates the commitment of President Geingob and the Namibian government to upholding the values of the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia. On World Press Freedom Day, the Namibian press should reflect on its role in strengthening the quality of Namibian democracy and continue to report accurately and fairly. The Namibian government should continue to champion transparency and accountability as core pillars of effective governance to ensure that press freedom is maintained and strengthened in the country. – Namibia Daily News

May 4, 2023 0 comment

National

RSF World Press Freedom Index 2023: U.S. Ranked 45th, Below Namibia and East Timor

written by Derdy

By Benjamin Wickham

WINDHOEK, May 4 — On Wednesday, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) published its annual World Press Freedom Index, coinciding with the United Nations observation of the 30th annual Press Freedom Day. The report shows that the US has slipped three spots in press freedom under President Joe Biden, but RSF is hesitant to blame Biden’s administration for the decline. Instead, it cited the erosion of press freedom in Asia, which has been exacerbated by the “fake content industry,” which is growing much worse thanks to artificial intelligence (AI) technology, as a major concern.

The report ranks the US 45th in press freedom, below countries such as Namibia and East Timor. However, RSF is more concerned with the fact that many popular news outlets are owned by a handful of wealthy individuals. The organization blames Biden only for not doing enough to shore up weakening local news outlets, and for allowing more than a dozen states and communities in the US to propose or enact laws limiting journalists’ access to public spaces.

The report raises questions about efforts to measure freedom worldwide, which often view left-wing policies as synonymous with “freedom,” even when they are coercive. It also notes that journalists themselves could be responsible for declining press freedom, citing the White House question-feeding scandal as an example of media outlets voluntarily colluding with assaults on journalism.

The report notes that economic constraints, such as newspaper closures and losses in subscriptions, drastically impact journalists working in the US. However, some of the biggest layoffs and total collapses are hitting media operations notorious for their dishonesty and political biases. Declining press freedom cannot be blamed on a public that loses interest in shoddy and untrustworthy products, and no serious advocate of journalistic freedom would suggest the solution is more state funding and control of the media to alleviate its financial concerns.

In conclusion, RSF’s World Press Freedom Index report shows that press freedom is in decline globally. While regimes like China that throw reporters in jail pose a clear threat to press freedom, regimes that embrace reporters as their ideological soulmates and expect them to push the ruling Party agenda with every publication and broadcast also pose a threat. Therefore, advocates for press freedom should not blame the public for weakening journalism by turning away from reporters who conceal the truth but rather focus on supporting independent journalism that is free from political biases and economic constraints. – Namibia Daily News

May 4, 2023 0 comment

Banking

Bank Windhoek Awards Top Northern Estate Agents Despite Challenges

written by Derdy

By Staff Reporter

WINDHOEK, May 4 — Bank Windhoek recently announced the winners of its Annual Northern Estate Agents Awards, recognizing Georgina Tjingaete of Jolly T. Real Estate, Timoteus Iita from Regent Real Estates, and Simeon Iita from Hippo Real Estate as the top three estate agents for the northern region. Tjingaete also won the gold award for the estate agent with the highest volume of transactions.

Bank Windhoek’s Executive Officer of Retail Banking Services and Specialist Finance, James Chapman, delivered a keynote address at the awards ceremony and discussed the challenges the property industry faced during 2022, including high inflation, interest rate adjustments, and the scarcity of serviced land and expensive building materials.

Despite the challenges, Chapman praised the resilience of the property industry and acknowledged the difficult year the estate agents faced. Tjingaete and Simeon Iita agreed with Chapman that it was a challenging year and that they did their best to make it work. Elvis Hambabi, who spoke on behalf of Timoteus Iita, said that they tried their best to make it through.

The estate agents also expressed their gratitude to Bank Windhoek for recognizing their hard work and providing motivation to continue working hard. Tjingaete shared that she uses social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook to advertise houses, while Simeon Iita said he always works hard to improve his previous performance.

Chapman concluded the ceremony by thanking the estate agents for choosing Bank Windhoek as their preferred financial service provider and praising the bank’s commitment to being a relationship bank. – Namibia Daily News

May 4, 2023 0 comment

GENDER

Fearing Persecution, Ugandan LGBT Individuals Flee to Kenya

written by Derdy

Staff Writer

KAMPALA, May 4 — Uganda has passed a controversial anti-homosexuality bill that has been criticized by international human rights groups. The bill prescribes the death penalty for what it calls aggravated offences such as child abuse, while landlords who knowingly rent premises for homosexual acts risk going to prison for seven years. The law is one of the toughest pieces of anti-gay legislation in Africa, and it has been heavily criticized by human rights groups. The law has led to many LGBT people fleeing Uganda for neighbouring Kenya, where being gay is also illegal, but they feel safer.

Two young people who fled Uganda have spoken to the BBC’s Newsbeat about their experiences. Diane, who is in her 20s, was outed after people raised suspicions about her girlfriend and went through her phone. She says her partner was brutally beaten, including by her own father, before they came for her and beat her too. The couple eventually managed to contact a friend from the LGBT community who came to rescue them. The friend let the couple stay with him for a week, but they knew they weren’t safe, so they took the risk of reaching out for help on TikTok and Twitter. They came across the Twitter account of Trans Rescue, which helps people escape from dangerous places around the world, and helped them get to Kenya safely.

Jeff, who is in his early 30s and a doctor practising medicine, was outed at a conference when his boss saw him talking to another man who was later arrested for being gay. Jeff’s employers made him unlock his phone and went through his messages before he was told he couldn’t stay in his post. The rumours then reached his landlord who kicked him out because the new bill stops him from being able to rent a property. Jeff couldn’t communicate with his family and had to try and survive without work and somewhere to live. He now feels safer in Kenya but doesn’t see how he could ever go back to Uganda.

Both Jeff and Diane want a future free of discrimination and victimization, even if it is unlikely to be in Uganda. They have witnessed abusive behaviour and “finger-pointing,” with LGBT people being called “devils” by passers-by, and want to escape this. Jeff says keeping your sexuality a secret takes a heavy toll. “You’re just hiding out, you have to do everything without anyone knowing about it,” he says. “You’ll just be hiding your sexuality which can cause you major trauma.”

The law has led to a worsening of the situation for LGBT people in Uganda. They face discrimination, harassment, and violence. Many have been forced to flee the country to escape persecution. While some have found safety in neighbouring countries, the fact that being gay is illegal in those countries too means they are not truly free. The international community needs to pressure the Ugandan government to repeal this law and end discrimination against LGBT people. Everyone has the right to live without fear of persecution because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Source: BBC News

May 4, 2023 0 comment

POLITICS

UN Aid Chief Says It Will Be Difficult to End Sudan’s Fighting

written by Derdy

Staff Writer

Khartoum, May 4 — The United Nations aid chief, Martin Griffiths, has expressed his concerns over the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Speaking to the BBC, Griffiths said that it would be challenging to secure an end to the fighting, as the warring parties seem keen to “keep it going.” Griffiths visited Port Sudan on the Red Sea coast, where he asked the rival generals who are fighting for control to meet him face-to-face to discuss the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid.

The UN aid chief said that while the two rival parties spoke of their attachment to humanitarian principles, there didn’t seem to be a will to end the war. This lack of will makes it difficult for the international community to help end the conflict and deliver aid to those who desperately need it.

Sudan has been plagued by conflict for years, with various factions fighting for control of the country. The situation has been particularly dire in recent years, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. The ongoing conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis, with millions of people in need of aid.

Griffiths’ visit to Port Sudan comes as a new seven-day truce is due to start. However, previous ceasefires have broken down, making it uncertain whether this one will hold. The UN aid chief expressed his concerns about the situation, saying that he had heard stories of traumatic atrocities that were likely to lead to what he called a generational problem with reconciliation.

The conflict in Sudan has had a devastating impact on the country’s people. It has led to the displacement of millions of people, with many forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in other parts of the country or in neighbouring countries. The ongoing violence has also led to a breakdown in basic services, such as healthcare and education.

The international community has been working to end the conflict and provide aid to those in need. However, as Griffiths’ visit to Sudan highlights, the situation remains challenging. The warring parties must be willing to engage in dialogue and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Without this willingness, it will be difficult to bring an end to the violence and deliver the aid that is desperately needed.

In conclusion, the conflict in Sudan continues to be a major concern for the international community. The UN aid chief’s visit to Port Sudan highlights the challenges that remain in ending the conflict and delivering aid to those in need. The warring parties must be willing to engage in dialogue and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict to ensure that the people of Sudan can rebuild their lives and their country. – Namibia Daily News

May 4, 2023 0 comment

POLITICS

Liberia President George Weah Sacks Minister for Attending Opposition Rally

written by Derdy

Staff Writer

MONROVIA, May 3 — Liberia’s President George Weah has fired Cooper Kruah, the country’s telecommunications minister, following his attendance at an opposition rally last week. According to reports, Kruah was present at the opposition Unity Party’s political event, where the party announced its presidential running mate ahead of the general elections scheduled for October this year.

Kruah’s attendance at the event allegedly angered senior members of Weah’s ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) party, who demanded the minister’s immediate dismissal. President Weah responded to their demand by announcing the sacking of Kruah and nominating Worlea-Saywah Dunah, a veteran public servant, to replace him.

The news of Kruah’s dismissal has caused a stir in Liberia’s political circles, with many questioning the president’s decision to fire a minister over attending a political rally. Some have accused Weah of being intolerant of dissent and violating Kruah’s constitutional right to free speech and association.

However, the president’s supporters argue that Kruah’s attendance at the opposition event was a breach of protocol and an act of disloyalty to the ruling party. They maintain that Weah’s decision to sack Kruah was necessary to maintain party discipline and unity.

The upcoming elections in Liberia are expected to be fiercely contested, with Weah facing strong challenges from the Unity Party’s Joseph Boaka and Alexander Cummings of the Collaborating Political Parties. The outcome of the polls will have far-reaching implications for Liberia’s future and the stability of the West African sub-region.

In conclusion, the sacking of Cooper Kruah by President George Weah over his attendance at an opposition rally has ignited a political firestorm in Liberia. While some see it as an act of intolerance and an infringement on Kruah’s rights, others view it as a necessary step to maintain party discipline and unity. The coming months will reveal the extent to which this decision will affect the upcoming elections and Liberia’s political landscape.

Source: BBC News

May 3, 2023 0 comment

Education

Living Annuities: A Flexible Alternative for Namibian Retirees

written by Derdy

By Staff Reporter

WINDHOEK, May 3 — This is the third instalment of the series on ‘Understanding the Context of Pensions in Namibia in 2023’. In the previous articles, we covered the pillars defined in the World Bank Pension Provision Model, including Pillar 0, and Pillar 2, which includes pension provision via employer-sponsored retirement funds. In this article, we will continue with our review of Pillar 2.

The article discusses the social benefits of retirement funds and the key factors to consider when a member retires, particularly tax implications, and areas of Pillar 2 reform that policymakers are likely to be contemplating. Employer-sponsored retirement funds have positively contributed to Namibian society for over 50 years, providing a tax-incentivized opportunity for employees to save for their retirement. Such funds have also played an essential role for families whose breadwinner has passed away or is unable to work due to injury, accident, or illness.

The Pension Funds Act, Act No 24 of 1956, mandates that trustees distribute death benefits to dependents of deceased members, ensuring due consideration is given to the needs of all dependents, including the most vulnerable. Retirees may also choose to receive a tax-free cash lump sum, and the remaining amount will be taxed at their marginal tax rate, depending on whether they retire from a provident or pension fund.

This article delves into the differences between the two and the implications of the living annuity as an alternative annuity product. We also highlight the government’s efforts to phase out provident funds and FIMA’s potential impact on retirement benefits in Namibia.

Understanding the social benefits of retirement funds and the factors to consider during retirement is crucial to ensuring a comfortable retirement for employees in Namibia. Policymakers should continue to consider reforming retirement funds to align with current realities and ensure a secure future for retirees. – Namibia Daily News

May 3, 2023 0 comment

Banking

Indongo Ford Salesperson Wins Top Award at Bank Windhoek’s Annual Northern Selekt Sales Awards

written by Derdy

By Staff Reporter

WINDHOEK, May 3 — Bank Windhoek’s Head of Specialist Finance, Saara Shivute, emphasised the importance of building long-lasting partnerships beyond transactions during the Bank Windhoek annual Northern Selekt Sales Awards held in Oshakati on Wednesday, 26 April 2023. Shivute praised the vehicle industry for its resilience despite challenges, including supply chain disruptions, volatile interest rates and high fuel prices, which have impacted sales in Namibia’s limited market. The winners of the awards were Anton Kandjimi from Indongo Ford, who received the Award of Excellence as the Top Salesperson of the Year, followed by Nikanor Shindombo from Indongo Toyota Ongwediva, who was announced as the second-best Salesperson of the Year, and Abed Wapota from Pupkewitz Volkswagen, Ongwediva, who received the third-place award. Together, the trio brought in 35 top deals to Bank Windhoek in 2022.

Ongwediva’s Pupkewitz Volkswagen won the gold award for leading Dealership of the Year with 21 top deals, while Oshakati’s Pupkewitz Toyota and Indongo Ford shared the joint silver award, with 20 deals each. Ongwediva Indongo Toyota received the bronze prize with 18 sales. The northern dealerships brought 59 deals to Bank Windhoek in 2022.

When asked about their approach, Kandjimi and Shindombo attributed their success to hard work and perseverance. They noted that the motor vehicle industry in the north is highly competitive and that it is crucial to remain relevant and work closely with Bank Windhoek, which offers reasonable financing options and values good service. They expressed their appreciation for the award ceremony, which encourages them to keep striving for excellence.

In her closing remarks, Shivute acknowledged the complexity and pressures facing the industry and thanked the attendees for their contribution. The Bank Windhoek annual Northern Selekt Sales Awards, now in its fourth edition, recognises the dealerships and salespersons in the automotive industry for their commitment, loyalty and support to Bank Windhoek and its customers during the Bank’s 2022 financial year. – Namibia Daily News

May 3, 2023 0 comment

Sports

Namibian and South African Cyclists Triumph at Nedbank XC1 Race Series

written by Derdy

By Staff Reporter

SWAKOPMUND, May 3 — Namibian Elite Men’s Mountain Bike Cyclist, Alex Miller, and South African Elite Women Cyclist, Candice Lill, emerged as winners in the Elite Men and Women’s race, respectively, at the second round of the Nedbank XC Race Series. The cyclists each received a total of 60 UCI points, boosting their rankings on the UCI World Ranking. Miller finished in 1 hour 31 minutes and 42 seconds, while Lill finished in 1 hour 15 minutes and 21 seconds.

In the Junior XCO race, Namibian Junior Women’s Cyclist, Ada Kahl, and South African Junior Men’s Cyclist, Ambrosi Massimiliano, emerged victorious, accumulating 80 UCI points each.

The race, which featured top cyclists from Namibia, South Africa, and Lesotho, saw riders competing in different categories. The event was officiated by Namibian Cycling Federation Executive Member, Andreas Simon, who praised the federation’s commitment to cycling development.

In his remarks at the prize-giving ceremony, Nedbank Namibia Head of Marketing and Communications, Gernot de Klerk, expressed the bank’s pride in supporting Namibian cycling.

De Klerk also commended the organizing teams, the Namibian Cycling Federation, and Rock and Rut for their efforts in making the event a success. He highlighted the significance of international participation, which featured the largest field the event has seen. – Namibia Daily News

May 3, 2023 0 comment

Community

Namibia’s Sanitation Crisis: Over 1 Million People Lack Access to Adequate Toilets

written by Derdy

Staff Writer

SWAKOPMUND, May 3 — Namibia, a country located in southern Africa, is facing a serious sanitation crisis. With over one million people lacking access to adequate toilets, the country ranks sixth in the world for the highest rates of open defecation at 47%. Furthermore, only 50% of the population has access to safe and hygienic toilets, leading to the contamination of vital water sources and crops, putting the population at risk of deadly faecal-oral diseases and infections.

The lack of access to adequate sanitation facilities poses a significant threat to the health of the Namibian population, particularly young children. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that poor sanitation and hygiene contribute to the deaths of over 400,000 children under the age of five each year. In Namibia, this is a major concern, as the country has one of the highest under-five mortality rates in the world.

Moreover, girls are forced to miss school due to inadequate menstrual hygiene facilities, which can have long-term effects on their education and future opportunities. This issue not only affects the health and well-being of young girls but also perpetuates gender inequality and hinders the country’s development.

In addition to the health risks, individuals who lack access to toilets are forced to seek privacy in the bush, leaving them vulnerable to assault or attack. This is especially concerning for women and girls, who are at greater risk of violence when accessing public spaces.

Despite committing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal Six, which aims to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all, Namibia has yet to effectively address the sanitation crisis. While the government has invested heavily in sanitation in recent years, poor coordination and accountability, along with a lack of education on hygiene, remain major challenges.

It is crucial for the Namibian government to prioritize addressing the sanitation crisis, as it not only affects the health and well-being of its citizens but also hinders the country’s development. The government must increase its efforts to provide access to safe and hygienic toilets for all, especially in rural areas, where the sanitation crisis is most severe. This can be achieved through investment in infrastructure, coordination between various government departments and organizations, and education campaigns aimed at promoting good hygiene practices.

In conclusion, poor sanitation conditions in Namibia are a crisis in need of urgent attention. The government must take decisive action to address this issue, as failure to do so will have severe consequences for the health and well-being of its citizens and hinder the country’s development. – Namibia Daily News

May 3, 2023 0 comment

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Namibia Reclaims Top Spot for Press Freedom in Africa

RSF World Press Freedom Index 2023: U.S. Ranked 45th, Below Namibia and East Timor

Bank Windhoek Awards Top Northern Estate Agents Despite Challenges

Fearing Persecution, Ugandan LGBT Individuals Flee to Kenya

UN Aid Chief Says It Will Be Difficult to End Sudan’s Fighting

Liberia President George Weah Sacks Minister for Attending Opposition Rally

Living Annuities: A Flexible Alternative for Namibian Retirees

Indongo Ford Salesperson Wins Top Award at Bank Windhoek’s Annual Northern Selekt Sales Awards

Namibian and South African Cyclists Triumph at Nedbank XC1 Race Series

Namibia’s Sanitation Crisis: Over 1 Million People Lack Access to Adequate Toilets