OGONE TLHAGE
WINDHOEK
Namibia has lost five recognised traditional leaders in the past three weeks due to Covid-19, leaving huge leadership vacuums in their communities.
Between 18 June and yesterday, the country lost Ovaherero paramount chief Vekuii Rukoro, Afrikaner Traditional Authority chief Eduard Afrikaner, Ovambanderu chief Kilus Nguvauva, Bakgalagadi Traditional Authority chief Hubert Ditshabue and Vaalgras chief Joel Stephanus.
The death of some of these chiefs could also stir heated succession battles in the communities where such contestations have become commonplace.
During the months of June and July alone, government has bestowed 14 state-sponsored funerals, amounting to about N$1.1 million.
Among those accorded state-sponsored funerals are Nguvauva and Rukoro - who are yet to be buried - although the Ovaherero Traditional Authority had initially declined the offer, requesting that government rather use the money for the Covid-19 pandemic.
ESTER KAMATI
OTJIWARONGO
Despite a referral hospital with an intensive care unit having been planned and approved for the Otjozondjupa Region, construction on the facility has yet to commence.
This according to governor James Uerikua, who during his state of the region address said land had been acquired and fenced off, but the construction had been delayed, which has contributed to existing facilities becoming overwhelmed.
“The delay in the construction of this hospital exerts further pressure on the regional health system,” he said, urging the health ministry to prioritise the construction of the referral hospital.
“It would be of grave importance in the central part of the country,” he added.
08 July 2021 | Health
TIMEOUS DELIVERY: An Antonov AN-225 is scheduled to arrive in Namibia this afternoon with medical supplies from Germany. PHOTO: Contributed
Erwin Leuschner
SWAKOPMUND
Today at 13h00, the world s largest aircraft, the Antonov AN-225, will arrive in Namibia. On board is a consignment – the first of three – of medical supplies donated by Germany, which will land at Hosea Kutako International Airport.
Numerous high-ranking politicians will be present when the Antonov AN-225 touches down, including Germany s ambassador to Namibia, Herbert Beck, and European Union (EU) ambassador Sinikka Antila.
The international relations ministry announced yesterday that deputy prime minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has in the past called on all Namibian diplomatic missions abroad to “mobilise support” in view of the current Covid-19 situation in Namibia.