President Nangolo Mbumba engaged traditional leaders of the eight northern traditional authorities at Oshakati this morning.

The aim was to familiarise himself with traditional leaders, inform them officially that he had taken office as Head of State, and seek their blessings.

Oshana Governor Elia Irimari is urging the regional leadership to work together and refrain from corrupt practices.

Irimari addressed stakeholders in development at an engagement held at the Leo Shoopala Hall in Oshakati.

Oshakati's informal settlement of Onawa has benefited from a donation of N$3,2 million from two businesses.

The funds will be used to construct a police station, which will greatly enhance the safety and security of the residents.

The Police Inspector General, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, emphasised the importance of striving towards a crime-free Namibia for the benefit of both citizens and visitors.

Rani Group employees who recently participated in a demonstration spearheaded by the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters at Oshakati have been suspended. 

Employees were demanding the abolishment of the labour hire contract system. 

Vice President Nangolo Mbumba emphasised the important role that exhibitions such as this play in promoting cultural heritage and driving economic activity.

Public enterprises have been critical in providing public goods, generating revenue, and increasing access to public services for the people, among others.

However, some of them have been finding the going tough and have been running at a loss, constantly requiring government bailouts.

NamWater continues the battle to provide water to the northern regions, a situation that has severely impacted humans and livestock in especially remote rural areas.

NamWater Operations Manager Abraham Ashipala has called on the government to consider settling the debts owed to it by rural water schemes.

Oshana local water committee owes the water utility N$59,6 million.

679 cases of suicide have been reported in Namibia since last year, of which 82% were men.

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, stated that the suicide rate among men is high because men are discouraged from seeking help because they are often labelled as weak.