Namibia Roundup: Educational investments, unemployment rate, women’s recognition
Hockey
Namibia's indoor hockey women's team achieved a significant milestone by securing their spot in the World Cup after a dominant 4-1 victory over Croatia, resulting in a comprehensive 2-0 series win. Coach Shayne Cormack noted that the team's performance showcased marked improvement and effective teamwork, especially in the wake of a previous disappointing draw. As they prepare for their opening match against Australia, the team expresses confidence despite Australia’s superior ranking. Key player Kiana Cormack highlights the substantial growth among team members, conveying optimism about their prospects for advancement in the tournament. The team's strategy includes adapting to a more physical style of play, as demonstrated in their series against Croatia, Namibian reports.
Educational investments
In a moving development, the National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN) has allocated a significant sum of N$1,526,032.70 (around $80,000) in bursaries to 36 promising students, underscoring its commitment to nurturing the nation’s artistic and cultural landscape. Among the 116 applications received, selected students will benefit from financial assistance to pursue studies in various fields, including game design, digital art, graphic design, and arts management. According to Musicinafrica, this initiative is part of NACN's broader mission to enhance educational avenues and cultivate a skilled workforce that aligns with Namibia's sustainable development objectives. The funding emanates from the National Arts Fund, aimed at bolstering both contemporary and traditional arts, particularly within underrepresented communities.
Closure of roads
In infrastructure news, Namibia's Roads Authority has enacted a temporary closure of District Road 3522 (Namalubi–Kalumba) within the Zambezi Region owing to extensive damage inflicted by heavy rainfall, with no immediate timeline established for reopening. Other routes—DR3510, DR3512, and DR3572—are reportedly navigable but present hazardous conditions due to adverse weather, Attatravel reports. Stakeholders, including travellers and tourism operators, are urged to monitor updates actively, reconsider their travel plans for safety, and ensure adequate insurance coverage during these ongoing wet conditions. Future reports are anticipated as repair initiatives are undertaken.
Women’s recognition
On an international scale, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, the CEO of Merck Foundation and the pioneering force behind the "More Than a Mother" campaign, has been accoladed for the sixth successive year as one of the 100 Most Influential African Women in 2024 by Avance Media. Her recognition stems from her impactful leadership in advancing women's empowerment, education, and reforming healthcare across the African continent. Dr. Kelej prioritises collaborative efforts with African governments and First Ladies to champion women's rights and combat infertility stigma, Socialnews reports. With over 2,100 scholarships provided for critical medical studies, her interactive community engagement promotes both health awareness and local initiatives. Dr. Kelej’s active leadership style earns her high regard among African leaders, healthcare professionals, and youth, serving as an inspiration for upcoming generations of women and change agents.
Unemployment rate
The 2023 Labour Force Survey in Namibia has unveiled pressing issues related to unemployment and income inequality. The report indicates that merely 46.2% of the working-age population is engaged in the labour market, revealing a concerning gender disparity (51.1% for men compared to 41.9% for women) and elevated youth unemployment rates, with 41.9% identified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). The unemployment rate stands at 36.9% based on the 2023 definitions, escalating to 54.8% when applying the broader criteria used in 2018. This illustrates a high prevalence of underemployment and individuals who have become discouraged in their job search. Furthermore, a notable 55.4% of those employed earn less than N$5,000 monthly, with a mere 2.6% exceeding earnings of N$40,000. Namibian reports that the data highlights low participation in the labour force (46.2%), particularly in rural locales (33.4%), entwined with a predominant reliance on wage employment (84.7% of the workforce). Significant regional disparities persist, with Kavango East and West exhibiting the highest unemployment rates, surpassing 52%. The findings point to a mismatch between educational qualifications and job availability, thus fostering worker discouragement. There is an urgent need for targeted strategies to stimulate job creation and bridge the skills gap, thereby fostering economic growth and stability.
