Members of Parliament in the National Assembly have voiced support for global solidarity, introducing motions affirming solidarity with Cuba, Palestine, and the decolonisation of Western Sahara.

Swapo Party MP Leevi Katoma moved a motion expressing unwavering solidarity with Cuba, highlighting the historical ties between Namibia and Cuba. 

For years, Namibia disapproved of the United States' economic blockade against Cuba.

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. 

Discord ensued as Members of Parliament in the National Assembly engaged in a fervent debate, questioning the existing parliamentary protocols after PDM MP Nico Smith rose to contribute to the Appropriation Bill.

The Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security, Albert Kawana, sought clarity on the standing rule that Smith used to be the first member of parliament to contribute to the Appropriation Bill.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Professor Peter Katjavivi, today paid an emotional and passionate tribute to the late President Hage Geingob when he spoke at the opening of the 9th session of the 7th parliament.

In a poignant moment, Professor Katjivivi could not contain his emotions, and tears welled up in his eyes as he passionately paid tribute to the late President Geingob, acknowledging the indelible mark he left on the nation's journey with his pivotal leadership.

Addressing parliamentarians during the official opening of parliament, President Nangolo Mbumba urged MPs to focus on enacting laws that would enhance economic growth, especially in key sectors such as mining, agriculture, services, and value addition to natural resources.

The 10th session of the National Council for 2023 ended today.

The Chairperson of the National Council, Lukas Muha, commended all Members of Parliament for their collective contributions as well as demonstrating political maturity in their responsibilities in and outside the chamber.

During the sessions, the upper house received, reviewed, and passed the Magistrate Courts Amendment Bill, the Electoral Amendment Bill, and the Appropriation Amendment Bill without any changes.

The National Council (NC) session today ended abruptly because of heated exchanges between some parliamentarians.

The session spiralled into chaos as Members of Parliament (MP) raised concerns over a report tabled by the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure, and Housing on its oversight mission to the regions.

NC MP and Independent candidate Paulus Mbangu demanded that the report be withdrawn as it was not in conformity with the set standards of parliamentary reports.

Members of Parliament in the National Council are concerned over youth not being given equal opportunity in decision-making in the political affairs of the country.

They raised this when contributing to the report tabled by Swapo Party MP Emma Muteka, who attended the forum of young parliamentarians held in Luanda, Angola, during the 147th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU Assembly in October.

The foundation topic discussed at the IPU was the campaign "I Say Yes to Youth in Parliament'.

The National Council MP and Independent Candidate, Paulus Mbangu, says there is a need for more legal practitioners to ensure equal access to justice and speed up cases.

He was contributing to the report of the Standing Committee on Home Affairs, security, constitutional, and legal affairs presented by Swapo MP John Likando.

Mbangu said that access to justice should not be for those who have financial means.

Members of Parliament deliberated on the proposed Banking Institutions Bill 15 of 2023, a significant document aiming at updating the existing Banking Institutions Act of 1998.

Swapo MP Kosmas Katura led the charge for these changes in the National Council, recognising the need to meet international standards and address pressing concerns.

The Banking Institutions Act has long been the key law governing and supervising banks in Namibia.

However, with the passage of time and evolving societal needs, banking practices need improvement.