Desert FM 95.3

The European Higher Education Fair will connect young Namibians with universities and organisations offering study, scholarship and mobility opportunities. The fair takes place on Saturday at the Franco Namibian Cultural Centre from 08h30 to 13h00, with information on the Erasmus+ and other international education opportunities.

Rally for Democracy and Progress leader and farmer Mike Kavekotora is calling for stronger government support following Namibia’s latest foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. He says timely information, financial assistance and stronger containment measures are needed to protect farmers and food security.

African Stars have received a N$250 000 government grant to support their preparations for the CAF Champions League. Chairperson Salomo Hei says the funding comes at a crucial time as the club faces additional costs from playing its home leg outside Namibia.

Namibia has suspended the movement, trading, import and export of cloven-hoofed animals and their raw products following the confirmation of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the Karasburg veterinary district.

Agriculture ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda says 10 of 11 cattle tested positive for FMD, with surveillance, disinfection centres and roadblocks being put in place to contain the outbreak.

Namibia’s latest foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak could have a major impact on the country’s beef and informal economies, says IPC shadow minister for agriculture Michael Mulunga.

Mulunga says restrictions on the movement and slaughter of livestock will affect farmers, traders and consumers, while calling for Namibia’s FMD-free area to be divided into smaller zones to contain future outbreaks.

The Oshakati Town Council has ordered residents occupying 112 unauthorised structures at Onawa Extension 7 to vacate the land by 28 September. Council spokesperson Martin Kapuka says illegal occupation will not be legalised, while residents have raised concerns about poverty, unemployment and access to affordable housing.

A family is seeking answers following the death of Nafatal Shinedima, known as Zuma, whose vehicle was found near the beach at Swakopmund in May. Search-and-rescue volunteer Sean Naude says questions remain about the circumstances of the death, while the investigation is reportedly ongoing.

Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi says pedestrian crashes have dropped to zero along the B1 stretch where speed humps were installed. The ministry is also preparing to construct two pedestrian crossover bridges, with work expected to start before the end of the year.

Affirmative Repositioning parliamentarian Fredrick Shitana is calling for men to receive paternity benefits under the Social Security Commission. Shitana says while the recent increase in maternity and other social security benefits is welcome, men who contribute to the fund should also receive support, including at least one or two weeks of paternity leave.

The Social Security Commission says it has the financial capacity to sustain increased benefits for maternity, sick leave, death, disability and retirement from 1 October. Acting chief executive Ben Nangombe says the increases were guided by actuarial assessments of the fund, while adjustments to contribution ceilings will help support the higher payouts.