The African Union Commission (AUC), in collaboration with the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF), convened a two-day workshop in Windhoek to look at parliamentary understanding and capacity in labour migration governance. 

The Joint Labour Migration Programme convened parliaments from the SADC PF, the Economic Community of West African States, the East African Legislative Assembly, and the Pan-African Parliament.

The 12th session of the 6th National Council adjourned today and is set to reconvene in July.

During this session, the upper house of Parliament reviewed and approved the Appropriation Bill without amendments, while also endorsing National Council standing committee reports. 

Swapo Party Member of Parliament in the National Council, Gerhard Shiimi, emphasised the vital role of the National Youth Council in addressing the needs of young people in Namibia. 

He urged the NYC leadership to diligently monitor the implementation of all programmes outlined in the budget for 2024–25. 

Shiimi said the National Youth Council should reject tribalism and regionalism, stating that such divisions are contrary to the principles of the "One Namibia, One Nation" slogan, which preaches unity of purpose and action. 

Members of Parliament in the National Council have commended the government for investing in the education sector.

They were commended as they welcomed the budget allocation of over N$18 billion to the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture.

MPs expressed confidence in the ministry's ability to effectively execute the budget and sustain efforts towards infrastructural development.

The National Council approved a budget of over N$8 billion for the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises.

Members of Parliament, however, expressed concern about banking fees, acknowledging the complexity of legal processes but urging the government to prioritise citizen protection from alleged unfair practices within commercial banks.

The National Council has approved a budget of over N$2 billion for the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development.

Some MPs, however, urged the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, in collaboration with the Public Service Commission and the Secretary of the Cabinet, to promptly explore the activation of the Directorate of Integration Development within regional councils.

Members of Parliament in the National Council commended the government for the substantial increment in this year's national budget. 

They are, however, concerned about a lack of implementation strategies.

MPs pointed out shortcomings in the allocation and execution of funds within key ministries, including health and agriculture.

Members of Parliament in the National Council urged the government to prioritise training for teachers and other stakeholders in the education sector to effectively navigate the revised curriculum.

They were contributing to the report of the Standing Committee on Education on the high failure rate of learners for the Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary and the Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Advance Subsidiary levels in 2022.

The National Council opened for business today, commencing the 12th session of the 6th National Council.

The House of Review started off the session by debating the Appropriation Bill, which has been passed by the National Assembly.

Speaking at the start of the session, National Council Chairperson Lukas Muha stated that the council must ensure that matters of international, national, and regional concern are fairly looked at.

The Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA), in consultation with the Ministry of Trade and Industrialization, has extended its annual duty penalty waiver.

Minister Lucia Iipumbu, during her ministerial statement in the National Assembly, announced that the programme that was supposed to end on March 31 will be extended by three more months to June 30.

This programme applies to eligible registered business entities that have accumulated penalties due to not paying their annual duties on time.