Affirmative Repositioning (AR) leader Job Amupanda has described the voter registration process as costly and a barrier to political activity. 

He advocates for the use of identity documents to enable people to freely exercise their democratic right to vote.

"We will continue to fight for Namibians to vote with their ID cards. When I went to register, they said they needed to scan the ID card, so there's actually a functionality in those devices to be able to scan, and if you can scan my ID for the purpose of registration, why can't you do it for the purpose of voting?" 

The Namibia Household Income and Expenditure Survey (NHISES), last conducted in 2016 and originally scheduled every five years, will be carried out in 2025. 

The delay is attributed to budgetary constraints, compelling the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) to achieve more with less.

The agency needs N$250 billion to carry out its responsibilities effectively. 

Despite receiving only N$200 billion in funding, the agency continues to plan and execute its initiatives.

Efforts to achieve the goal of ending AIDS by 2030 are stalling due to an increase in new infections in some global regions.

Additionally, there exists a substantial annual funding gap of US$9.5 billion for the global HIV response to boost resources.

This was revealed during the launch of the UNAIDS report under the theme "The Urgency of Now: AIDS at a Crossroads."

In 2023, global funding for HIV saw a decrease, with total resources amounting to US$19.8 billion, marking a 5% drop from the previous year. 

The acting Deputy Executive Director in the Ministry of Health and Social Services highlighted the importance of manufacturing medical equipment locally to enhance economic development and bolster trade capacity.

Axel Tibinyane stressed the need for the government to actively facilitate and support local manufacturing companies, also pointing out that importing goods without empowering local manufacturers is tantamount to exporting jobs, skills, and foreign exchange and bolstering the capacity of the countries from which purchases are made. 

Board members need diverse skills, a thorough review of management accounts, and the establishment of proper structures, including board committees, to effectively fulfil their roles.

These measures, the Chairperson of the Public Enterprises Chairpersons Forum, Nangula Hamunyela, says, are crucial in addressing key strategic issues related to finance, sustainability, and risk management.

Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised the use of suitable technology for developmental solutions during her address at the CEO forum in Windhoek.

She cautioned that the technology transition should not compromise employment opportunities.

Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah urged parastatals to implement reforms that support the economy by adopting appropriate technology, emphasising that technology should be purposeful rather than wasteful expenditure.

Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah addressed funding gaps and the difficulties encountered by students at higher learning institutions at the 40th Namibia National Students Organisation (NANSO) anniversary congress.

She mentioned ongoing discussions about possible direct funding from the government to these institutions instead of statutory bodies such as NSFAF. 

Nandi-Ndaitwah believes that direct payment of tuition fees to learning institutions will enhance the provision of sufficient and high-quality education for all students.

Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised that Namibia does not lack money but rather has an issue with mishandling it.

Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah, who was addressing the Public Enterprises CEOs Forum, urged public enterprises to diligently pursue their missions to avoid past failures. 

Dr. Natalia Kanem, the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has recognised the transformative impact of women in leadership roles.

During the 3rd Nalafem Summit, Dr. Kanem highlighted the profound influence that educated and economically empowered women and girls have on the future of humanity.

"UNFPA advocates for strong legal frameworks and protective measures to ensure the safety of women leaders. This safety should extend to their participation in the political and public sphere, both online and offline."

In a striking political shift, former Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) MP Vipuakuje Muharukua, has switched allegiance to the ruling Swapo Party.

Muharukua, who resigned from PDM barely three months ago, declared his support for Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in the November national elections. 

Muharukua joined the National Assembly in 2015 on the PDM's ticket.

During his service of about nine years, he spoke as an opponent would.