In September 2012, Canada signed a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) with China. FIPAs are Canada's name for bilateral investment treaties, which are used by large global…

By David N. Harding, Staff Writer

America celebrates 250 years of independence, emphasizing national history and core values.

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Allexer Namundjebo Member of the National Council and representative of the Engela Constituency in the Ohangwena Region, Elkan Hainghumbi, has supported the N$7.49 billion allocation to the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs.  He described the funding as an investment in the country’s peace, stability, and development. Speaking during the National Council’s debate on the appropriation bill, Hainghumbi said a well-resourced Namibia Defence Force (NDF) is key to protecting national sovereignty, empowering youth, and responding to emergencies. “Without peace, there can be no development. Without security, there can be no investment. The NDF is the backbone of our sovereignty, and by equipping it adequately, we guarantee the protection of our borders, our people, and our national interests,” he said. Hainghumbi highlighted the NDF’s role during recent natural disasters.  He pointed to the floods earlier this year in northern regions such as Oshikango, Ohangwena, and Omusati, where the NDF assisted displaced families. “Just a few months ago, during the heavy floods in the north, particularly in constituencies like Oshikango, Ohangwena, and Omusati, the NDF swiftly intervened to rescue stranded families, deliver food and medical supplies, and provide temporary shelter,” he said. He added that the NDF also supported the 2023/2024 drought relief efforts.  He said soldiers delivered food to remote communities in Kunene, Omaheke, and Otjozondjupa, where commercial trucks could not reach. “They were on the frontline, delivering drought relief food to areas where no one else could go. These are not just soldiers. They are lifesavers,” Hainghumbi said. He added that the NDF helped during the 2022 veld fires in the Otjozondjupa and Zambezi regions by containing fires, evacuating communities, and supporting logistics. Hainghumbi also emphasised the NDF’s role in youth development.  He said the budget includes funding for training new recruits, many of whom are unemployed rural youth. “This allocation strengthens our national defence and provides rural youth with employment, discipline, and skills they can use for life,” he said. He acknowledged the Defence Force’s role in peacekeeping under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union.  He mentioned deployments in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the past mission in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province. “Our soldiers are not just defenders of borders; they are also ambassadors of peace on the continent,” Hainghumbi said. “They elevate Namibia’s standing globally.” He called on fellow lawmakers to support the defence budget, saying it supports security, humanitarian work, and national development. “This budget is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Let us never allow the defenders of our sovereignty to be under-equipped or underappreciated,” he said. Defence and veterans affairs minister Frans Kapofi presented the N$7.49 billion budget allocation for the 2025/26 financial year, which marks an 8.9% increase from last year. Kapofi said the budget will improve defensive capacity, training facilities, and disaster response.  Of the total, N$6.89 billion is for operational expenses and N$600 million for development projects. Priority areas include completing the Military Referral Hospital, upgrading border surveillance, and repairing the fire-damaged Peter Mweshihange Military Health Centre.  The ministry also plans to boost ammunition production and revive the agro-tour initiative for food security and job creation. Kapofi acknowledged concerns about soldier welfare and said issues like allowances and working conditions are being addressed.  He also stressed the need for reform, better use of resources, and readiness in a changing security landscape.

De nerds hadden nog wel zo’n goede verkiezingscampagne gevoerd. NerdVote had zijn best gedaan iemand in de Kamer te krijgen met verstand van digitale zaken en het was nog gelukt ook. Barbara Kathmann,...