While the southern African region remains peaceful and stable, there are still security challenges in some parts of the SADC that require an effective response.

Promoting peace and security within the SADC region topped the agenda at the Extra Ordinary Troika Summit in Lusaka, Zambia.

Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was among the attendees.

The Troika took stock and tracked progress on the situation in the Cabo Delgado province of northern Mozambique as well as the northern Kivu province in eastern DRC, marred by instability over the years. 

President Nangolo Mbumba has reassured the diplomatic community of Namibia's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and partnerships, continuing the legacy of the late President Hage Geingob. 

He highlighted Geingob's internationalist approach, which guided Namibia's foreign policy of being a friend to all and an enemy to none.

President Mbumba addressed the diplomatic corps during the New Year's greeting ceremony, held annually at State House.

Members of Parliament have commended the Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, Iipumbu Shiimi, for his efforts in presenting a substantial increment in this year's national budget. 

However, some are concerned about the inadequacy of the allocated funds for old-age grants and the absence of dedicated financial provisions and employment opportunities.

In her contribution to the Appropriation Bill, PDM's Elma Dienda emphasised the impact of the late president Hage Geingob's vision, which brought hope to senior citizens dependent on the old age grant for survival. 

President Nangolo Mbumba has credited the late President Hage Geingob for the increased female representation in Parliament and the executive arm of government and for providing astute leadership at a time when the country needed it most.

The Swapo Party Central Committee clarified its decision about its presidential candidate for the November 2024 elections. 

The committee confirmed Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as the Presidential candidate of the party, a position she automatically acquired as the party's Vice President and the sole candidate at the 2022 Congress.

The Swapo Party will elect its president to replace the late Dr. Hage Geingob at the Extraordinary Congress set to take place on April 19, 2025. 

This means that Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah remains the party's sole candidate for the November National Presidential Election.

The Central Committee further confirmed that the decision of the Politburo to accord a standing invitation to President Nangolo Mbumba to all its meetings remains in force.

Members of the Namibian Defence Force were reminded not to involve themselves in politics, apart from exercising their civic duty to vote.

This reminder came from the Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Frans Kapofi, during the annual staff meeting at the defence headquarters in Windhoek.

All 38 councillors of Lusaka City Council in Zambia have unanimously voted in favour of gazetting two roads and renaming them after Namibian Presidents.

Lusaka City Council Public Relations Manager Chola Mwamba told nbc News correspondent Wamundila Chilinda that this marks the conclusion of the legal process for naming the two roads.

The two roads are among the key avenues exiting Lusaka City for southern-bound traffic.

They also connect to two other districts, namely Chilanga and Kafue.

The ||Kharas Region has announced that it will offer free transportation for residents wishing to attend the state funeral of President Hage Geingob this Sunday. 

Adman Boois, the personal assistant to ||Kharas Governor Aletha Fredrick, disclosed this arrangement during an interview with nbc News.

Residents of the Erongo Region have voiced their appreciation for the complimentary transportation services offered to those wishing to attend the funeral of the late President.

Hage Geingob's memorial service and funeral in the capital. 

Young and old were represented by the group of residents who gathered at the regional council to board the bus destined for the capital.

Many are still reeling in shock and have expressed grief. 

They say that as the days until the burial draw near, they are forced to come to terms with reality.