The National Council MP, Paulus Mbangu, raised significant queries during a debate on the National Council Standing Committee on Public Accounts and Economy's report on a benchmark visit to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature in South Africa last year.

The Committee led by Peter Kazongominja consists of Leonard Shikulo, Lonia Kasingo, Sebastiaan Karupu, George !Garab, Harald Kambrude, and Abner Shikongo and was tasked with obtaining insights into oversight practices and governance frameworks implemented by their South African counterparts.

National Council Swapo Party MP John Likando has expressed concerns about the inefficiency of the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), particularly highlighting delays in the registration process.

Likando was speaking during the debate on the Electoral Amendment Bill.

The debate centred on the Electoral Amendment Bill, specifically on amendments to Section 74.

The amendment aims to allow members of the public service, National Council members, regional councils, and local authorities to participate equally in general elections.

Lawmakers in the National Council debated the new Marriage Bill, raising concerns about allowing an 18-year-old to marry, citing potential risks to their education and maturity levels.

The bill, aimed at regulating marriages and validating certain unions, ignited intense discussion from several fronts.

Swapo MP Andreas Amundjindi's concern was about allowing 18-year-olds to exchange vows.

The National Council resumed business today.

The National Council, or House of Review, reviews bills passed or referred to by the lower house, the National Assembly, and addresses regional concerns.

When it resumed today, the session began with a moment of silence in honour of the late former Education, Arts, and Culture Minister, Katrina Hanse-Himarwa.

 The National Council's Chairperson, Lukas Muha, emphasised the importance of purposeful deliberation, highlighting unity as a cornerstone of effective governance.

The National Council hosted the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation to strengthen their long-standing relationship.

Highlighting the importance of continued collaboration through "friendship groups for cooperation," the week-long visit had various activities, including touring the Parliament, visiting the Heroes Acre, and the tomb of the late President Hage Geingob to honour and respect him for the work he has contributed for his country. 

The 12th session of the 6th National Council adjourned today and is set to reconvene in July.

During this session, the upper house of Parliament reviewed and approved the Appropriation Bill without amendments, while also endorsing National Council standing committee reports. 

The National Council approved a budget of over N$8 billion for the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises.

Members of Parliament, however, expressed concern about banking fees, acknowledging the complexity of legal processes but urging the government to prioritise citizen protection from alleged unfair practices within commercial banks.

The National Council has approved a budget of over N$2 billion for the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development.

Some MPs, however, urged the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, in collaboration with the Public Service Commission and the Secretary of the Cabinet, to promptly explore the activation of the Directorate of Integration Development within regional councils.

The National Council has adopted a report from its Standing Committee on Health, Social Welfare, and Labour Affairs regarding a visit last year to the Kenyan Parliament's Senate.

The committee visited the Kenyan Senate and the Nairobi County Assembly to learn about their operations and best practices. 

A focal point of the visit was universal health coverage, with Kenya being recognised for successfully implementing the World Health Organisation's UHC agenda. 

Members of Parliament in the National Council urged the government to prioritise training for teachers and other stakeholders in the education sector to effectively navigate the revised curriculum.

They were contributing to the report of the Standing Committee on Education on the high failure rate of learners for the Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary and the Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Advance Subsidiary levels in 2022.