Stakeholders in the Hardap Region have called for affordable internet data costs while expressing concerns about unreliable network connectivity in some areas.

The Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, has called on Namibians to protect their independence.

Theofelus made the call during the Independence Day celebration at Mariental.

All is set for the Hardap Region to celebrate the country's 36th Independence Day anniversary on Saturday. Mariental will host the regional celebrations this year.

The Vice President, Lucia Witbooi, has reiterated efforts to address the country's housing backlog that requires coordinated private and public sector collaboration. 

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Esperance Luvindao, has reiterated the government's commitment to resolving the challenges facing the health sector. 

She said this while officiating at the inauguration of the first-ever kidney dialysis unit at Keetmanshoop District State Hospital. 

A senior police officer, Willem Stoffel, today made his first appearance in the Bethanie Magistrates' Court on charges of defeating the end of justice and contravening the Organised Crime Act charges. 

His brief court appearance follows his arrest last Thursday. 

The Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, has reminded regional and local authority councillors that they do not have executive powers.

Sankwasa addressed an induction workshop for the recently elected councillors.

The Swapo Party Regional Coordinator for ||Kharas Region, Mathew Mumbala, has reminded party members that unity and camaraderie must prevail within the party. 

He said this during the opening of the party's regional executive meeting held in Keetmanshoop. 

The !Khara-Khoen community in  the Hardap Region has received a shot in the arm in their quest to become crop producers and ensure food self-sustainability. 

The Hardap Governor's Office has injected N$50,000 into the !Khara-Khoen Traditional Authority's agricultural project.

Two people died in a trail derail near Keemanshoop this morning. 

The deceased have been identified as South African national Hendrik Du Plessis and Richard Wimmerth who were the drivers.

The accident occurred along the railway line between Seeheim and Holoog 68 kilometers near Keetmanshoop.