By: Josia Shigwedha MVA Fund Legal Services Manager, Fenni Nashilundo, says discussions are underway to impose levies on electric vehicles. Nashilundo said that although these vehicles do not currently contribute any levies, the fund is obliged to pay benefits to persons injured, or to the dependents killed, in accidents involving vehicles powered by electricity or gas. She made the remarks on Wednesday during a public their ongoing public on the proposed amendment to the MVA Fund Act of 2007, held in Windhoek.

By: Envaalde Matheus President Nandi-Ndaitwah urges traditional leaders to use communal land to boost investment, development, and job creation. Nandi-Ndaitwah warns 44.4% youth unemployment demands urgent action, and calls on traditional leaders to drive jobs through land use and back NDP6. She was speaking at the official opening of the 26th Annual Meeting of the Council of Traditional Leaders on Monday in Ondangwa. Nandi-Ndaitwah urged traditional leaders to cooperate, saying communal land must serve the public interest, and when needed for development, the state’s decision is final. Meanwhile, the President stated that rising suicides in the country require urgent action, urging traditional leaders to address root causes and support affected communities.

By: Selma Taapopi Health and Social Services Minister Esperance Luvindao said they are now procuring medicine and medical supplies directly from international manufacturers and wholesalers. This is being done under emergency provisions of the Public Procurement Act (Act 15 of 2015). Luvindao said the new approach aims to save both time and money while securing large quantities of needed supplies. So far, the minister said they have saved over N$221million compared to the weighted average prices paid to intermediaries. Luvindao made the remarks during a press briefing on the pharmaceuticals situation in Namibia, citing procurement of antiretoviral drugs (ARVs). She said in some cases a supplier may charge N$100 million, but by purchasing directly from manufacturer, they are paying less. “ By going directly to the source, we can ensure that we are obtaining the best possible price, quality and quantities, thus stabilising the stock of our medicine and essential clinical supplies over a long duration,” said Luvindao. She added that this measure will result in stable supply, reduced costs and improved efficiency across the health system. “ By establishing long-term partnership with manufacturers, we can ensure a reliable supply of essential medicines at predictable prices, ultimately benefiting our patients and the health system as a whole”.

By: Josia Shigwedha The entertainment community has expressed symnpathy with the Sheehama family following the death of Namibian reggae icon Hans AKA Ras Sheehama. According to the police, the 59-year-old Sheehama died by suicide on Friday morning in Windhoek’s Ludwigsdorf residential area Police say no foul play is suspected and the next of kin has been informed.

By: Ludorf iyambo Young entrepreneurs are urging government to prioritize those with established businesses as beneficiaries of the National Youth Fund. They argue start-ups without experience risk misusing the money and falling into debt, as many have never owned or operated businesses. The owner of Genesis Butchery in Windhoek, Kornelius Kaulandwa, told NewsOnOne that the starting capital is too much for someone who has never run a business before, stressing that the government is setting itself up for failure since many young people do not have business plans. Kaulandwa further argued that young people running unregistered businesses should not be regarded as entrepreneurs, emphasising that without proper business plans, they won't succeed. Founder of Keembashu Investment CC in Windhoek, Gabriel Michael, explained that support for young entrepreneurs should go beyond funding. He noted they need guidance in financial discipline, strategic planning, and money management to ensure their businesses grow sustainably. Meanwhile, the ministry of finance's spokesperson, Wilson Shikoto, said the ministry has safeguards against misuse of National Youth Fund money. He noted applicants are guided by clear priority sectors to ensure the money is directed as intended.

By: Josia Shigwedha Some family members of the eight correctional service victims' family members of Saturday’s head-on collision near Mariental gathered at the Windhoek State Mortuary on Thursday, expressing dissatisfaction with the way the remains of their loved ones were to be transported to the northern part of the country. Family members who spoke to NewsOnOne said the remains and bodies were to be transported in pairs of four at the back of two bakkies.

By: Selma Taapopi The MVA Fund has proposed several amendments to its 2007 Act to address inefficiencies and refine outdated benefits. The Fund’s legal services manager, Fenni Nashilundo, said this during a public consultation session held in Katima Mulilo recently.

By: Petrus Amutenya Ministry of Health received three ambulance trucks from the Embassy of Japan, valued at N$9 million. The funding is part of the Japanese grant for the economic and social development programme to Namibia. Japan acting charge d’ affaires Noriaki Sadamoto, said that the aim of the donation is to make sure that every Namibian citizen lives a healthy and productive life.