Farmers in the Kunene and Omusati regions say non-functional abattoirs and poor livestock infrastructure are primary obstacles to accessing a profitable market. 

This issue surfaced during the ongoing oversight visits by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economics and Public Administration in the Northern Communal Areas (NCAs).

The visits follow a 2022 petition to the National Assembly from Lisha Empowerment and Development, urging the revival of the livestock market in the NCAs and parliamentary intervention to address the sector's severe underdevelopment.

In response to mounting concerns over the state of the livestock sector in the country, particularly in the Northern Communal Areas (NCA), the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economics and Public Administration has initiated a series of oversight visits. 

The visits are scheduled to take place from the 12th to the 24th of this month.

The committee will investigate the condition of quarantine farms, camps, facilities, and abattoirs in the NCAs and propose actionable recommendations.

An oversight report, presented by the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Economics and Public Administration, Natangue Ithete, has revealed significant shortcomings in the management and security of Skeleton Coast Park in the Erongo and Kunene Regions.

The report, compiled after visits to exploration sites abandoned since the early 1970s and those with active EPL licenses, highlights a lack of synergy between the Ministry of Mines and Skeleton Coast Park.

The death of renowned banker Tomas Iindji, who was also the former chairperson of the NCCI Northern Branch, sent shockwaves throughout the nation.

On behalf of the National Assembly's Speaker and members of Parliament, the Deputy Speaker, Loide Kasingo, sent condolences to the family and colleagues of the late Iindji.

Several Members of Parliament plead for the reconsideration of the report on the National Resettlement Policy for the years 2023–2033.

The discussion centred on various aspects of the policy, with MPs highlighting gaps, inconsistencies, and the lack of proper public consultation in its formulation.

The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Loide Kasingo, motivated the annual reports submitted by the Electoral Commission of Namibia. The reports covered several key areas pertinent to the commission's operations.

Kasingo emphasised that the report not only demonstrates the commission's compliance with legal provisions but also highlights its dedication to fulfilling its mandate.

She stressed the importance of elected representatives recognising the trust placed in them by the people and utilising the report as a tool for enhancing the electoral system.

The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Loide Kasingo, has presented the amended draft Standing Rules and Orders of the National Assembly to the House for approval. 

The draft rules encompass rules of procedure for both the National Assembly and its various committees, including the standing, spending, and select committees. 

Loide Kasingo highlighted that the rules have been fine-tuned to align with international conventions and practices.

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 Assembly have voiced support for global solidarity, introducing motions affirming solidarity with Cuba, Palestine, and the decolonisation of Western Sahara.

Swapo Party MP Leevi Katoma moved a motion expressing unwavering solidarity with Cuba, highlighting the historical ties between Namibia and Cuba. 

For years, Namibia disapproved of the United States' economic blockade against Cuba.

The regulation of private schools and the involvement of non-governmental entities in education have recently faced scrutiny. 

MP Hidipo Hamata of the Popular Democratic Movement has tabled a motion calling for a review of the current regulatory framework.