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.

Irimari advised stakeholders to refrain from tendencies that could derail development or service delivery.

"Let us all reaffirm our commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on corruption. Together, let's create an environment where transparency, accountability, and ethical behaviours flourish in matters of corruption.".

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 two businesses, Multilever, which donated N$3 million, and Sash Trading, which donated N$200 000, say they recognised the urgent need for improved law enforcement infrastructure in the area.

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.

Lieutenant General Shikongo says a crime-free environment attracts investors, leading to economic growth and the creation of numerous opportunities, such as job creation.

Speaking at a community engagement session at Oshakati, Lieutenant General Shikongo recognised the community as a strong pillar in the fight against crime.

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. 

The protestors presented a petition highlighting several concerns, including the reduction of salaries by half when employees allegedly take leave. 

Additionally, they expressed dissatisfaction with the working conditions and claimed intimidation when airing concerns.

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

The expo, he added, serves as a valuable platform for businesses to showcase their goods and services, fostering opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange.

Mbumba says that in a world where cultural heritage is being overtaken by western culture, it is a good platform to learn about various totems and the values associated with them. 

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.

A consultative meeting on public enterprise ownership policy was held at Oshakati in the Oshana Region.

At independence, Namibia only had 12 parastatals, but the figure now stands at 81.

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 Chief Executive Officer Abraham Nehemia says water from the canal has finally reached Oshakati for treatment before it can be distributed.

Residents were for the past month forced to travel long distances to fetch water, some for both household consumption and for their animals.

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.

NamWater made an appeal to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Human Resources and Development at Oshakati, which is conducting oversight hearings on a motion to write off historic debts.

Oshakati Town Council does not have historic debts, however, it has an outstanding invoice for October of N$2.3 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.

In a speech delivered on his behalf at the conference on mental health and psychosocial support for men at Oshakati, Health and Social Services Minister Dr. Shangula said mental health is one of the current public health crises globally.