Latest news with #Namibian
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
South Africa pauses cheetah translocation after Kenya refuses to provide them
South Africa has paused fresh cheetah translocations to India until it reviews the health conditions of those previously translocated, following Kenya's refusal to provide them, officials said. Eight cheetahs were flown from Namibia in September 2022 and 12 from South Africa in February 2023. (PTI/Representative) India launched the cheetah reintroduction project in September 2022, years after the species was declared extinct in the country in 1947. Twenty cheetahs were brought to Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park. Eight were flown from Namibia in September 2022 and 12 from South Africa in February 2023. Officials said a three-member expert team, including a National Tiger Conservation Authority official, visited South Africa for discussions on the fresh translocation. They added the panel highlighted 'the success' of the previously translocated cheetahs in adapting to the wild at Kuno, their coexistence with leopards and nearby human populations after the release of 17 cheetahs in the wild. The panel explained the reason behind the deaths of cheetahs in the first year of introduction. An official said that the South African authorities cited 'inadequate communication' between the two governments, the deaths of cheetahs due to extreme weather, and the long captivity of wild cheetahs. Thobile Zulu-Molobi, a spokesperson for South Africa's forestry, fisheries, and environment department, said a minister will visit India to review previously translocated cheetahs individually before any further translocation. The spokesperson added that a decision will be made based on a scientific assessment of whether the translocation will negatively impact the survival of the species in the wild, whether they would survive in their new home, and a population viability analysis used to predict the likelihood that a species will avoid extinction over a specific period. Officials said South Africa's refusal to provide a second batch of cheetahs prompted India to approach Kenya. But environmentalists there opposed any such move, saying the introduction of a genetically distinct species violates International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) rules. Officials said the IUCN advised against introducing two subspecies into a translocation area, as such introduction can lead to genetic mixing and potential disruption of local adaptations. Madhya Pradesh additional chief secretary Ashok Varnwal said the Indian government decided against getting cheetahs from Kenya as it could disrupt the project due to genetic mixing. 'Now we will approach South Africa only for future translocations.' Officials said the expert panel proposed a direct communication system to streamline future interactions. They added that no formal application for the next batch of cheetahs was submitted to the South African authorities, as Indian officials want to first allay their doubts In May 2023, three cubs born to Namibian cheetah Jwala died due to extreme heat. A solar-powered water lift system was installed to protect the cheetah cubs from intense summer.
TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Female Protea mind sports team storms into finals against Madagascar
The female Protea mind sports team has made it to the Mobile Legends Bang Bang Esports finals and will now be gunning for the title. On Friday night the five-member team, captained by Rowell Pillay of KwaZulu-Natal, who goes by the nick Ketsuka, took on Namibia in a clash that has them going forward to play against Madagascar. 'Not only did the female Protea team whitewash the Namibian team, but they did not take a single loss. The victory was achieved through flawless strategy that saw them avoiding casualties altogether,' said Colin Webster, president of Mind Sports South Africa. 'The team worked together as a single unit where every player more than competently fulfilled their duty and supported each other to the utmost of their ability.' The five who make up the team, all Mavericks Club members, are Pillay, Neisha Ann Khan of the Western Cape, Nick Rose and Ranya Sujee (Aewynne), Rashmika Nanakan (DimpledDruid) and Shanel Arunachellam (Isla) of Gauteng.
India Today
3 days ago
- General
- India Today
India, Namibia discuss deepening cheetah conservation efforts
India and Namibia on Friday discussed ways to deepen ties in cheetah conservation and wetland Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav met his Namibian counterpart Indileni Daniel on the sidelines of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe."We discussed the longstanding friendship and strong environmental partnership between India and Namibia, built on mutual respect, democratic values and common priorities for sustainability. Deliberated upon ways to deepen ties in cheetah conservation and also talked about our shared commitment towards protecting wetlands and the ecosystem they sustain," he posted on As part of efforts to reintroduce cheetahs, which went extinct in India in 1952, 20 African cheetahs have been brought to the country so far: eight from Namibia in September 2022 and 12 from South Africa in February of them have survived. Since the introduction of African cheetahs, 26 cubs have been born in India, of which 17 have survived.- EndsTune InMust Watch
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Step up in style this Funky Socks Day
PNA Funky Socks Day, an annual nationwide fundraiser designed to uplift South African and Namibian communities one funky sock at a time, takes place on September 12. Now in its fourth year, Funky Socks Day brings together customers, schools and businesses to support four vital non-profit organisations, namely Breadline Africa, the Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (Choc), Rally to Read and Matla a Bana, by raising R2.5m. The fundraising campaign runs from Nelson Mandela Day (July 18) until September 12. Funky Socks Day urges the nation to show off their sticker and wear their funkiest socks in support of a meaningful cause. 'PNA Funky Socks Day is more than a fundraiser; it's a movement,' says Antoinette Kleyn, PNA advertising and promotions manager. 'We invite everyone to step up in style and make a meaningful difference. Together, one sticker – and one pair of socks – at a time, we can brighten children's futures.' 'At PNA, we believe a small step in funky socks can create giant leaps in changing lives,' adds Herman Botha, senior executive: product and marketing. A fun step towards real change For just R10 (South Africa) and N$10 (Namibia), people can buy their sticker in-store at any PNA. Companies and teams can also get involved by ordering bulk stickers (minimum 100) online. Breadline Africa Breadline Africa's mission is to create safe educational spaces where children can dream, play and learn – one child, one school, one hope-filled space at a time. With funds raised through Funky Socks Day 2025, educational resource packs will be delivered to children across some of South Africa's most under-resourced communities. For many children, this will be the first time they have a pencil case and workbook, a small but powerful step towards building pride and confidence in their learning. Marion Wagner, the CEO of Breadline Africa, says: 'Through this partnership, we aim to bring learning to life. These funds will help us provide educational packs to 50 early childhood development centres, enabling educators and bright young minds.' Choc Choc's mission is to walk alongside children and teenagers, and their families, many from under-served communities, through every stage of their journey. The organisation offers practical support, such as providing care bags, accommodation and transport, which helps ease the challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis. One of Choc's most inspiring initiatives is the iPad Learning Programme, developed with iSchoolAfrica, which gives patients tools to continue learning during lengthy treatments and also joy and a distraction in an otherwise challenging time. Hedley Lewis, the CEO of Choc, says: 'Choc is proud to stand alongside PNA once again. Every sticker sold brings us closer to providing essential digital learning tools for children undergoing treatment.' Rally to Read Rally to Read brings the gift of literacy to life in South Africa's most remote and under-resourced communities. With support from campaigns like Funky Socks Day, they can empower teachers and parents to become champions of education. Through the delivery of essential learning materials, teacher training and take-home literacy kits, Rally to Read opens doors to brighter futures for thousands of children who would otherwise be left behind. Pam Richardson, the chairperson of Rally to Read, says: 'Literacy is freedom. With this support, we can expand teacher training and equip parents to support reading at home, especially in under-resourced communities.' Matla a Bana Matla a Bana stands beside some of South Africa's most vulnerable children, those who have survived abuse. The organisation supports officers of the law who investigate child rape cases. Campaign funds will see 500 comfort packs provided to child victims during their first, often traumatic, visit to a police station or hospital. Each pack contains essentials like toiletries, snacks and a soft toy. These small, thoughtful items bring a sense of safety, dignity and reassurance in a moment of fear and help children to feel seen and supported while being comforted. Monique Strydom, the founder of Matla a Bana, says: 'Each comfort pack we distribute offers hope, dignity and care to children who have faced unthinkable trauma. Thanks to Funky Socks Day, we can reach 500 more children this year.' Namibian footprint Several Namibian schools will also be selected by PNA to receive educational resource packs. Support the campaign You can support the campaign in various ways: Purchase limited-edition custom socks, which are available from PNA in two exclusive designs. Only 1 000 pairs of each design are being produced. Order customised socks: Corporate teams, schools and other groups can order customised socks via PNA's website (minimum order: 50 pairs). Each pair sold comes with a free Funky Socks Day sticker. Order by August 28. Funky Socks Day stickers: Buy your sticker at PNA or online. Wear your funky socks on September 12, post your pics using the hashtags #FunkySocksDay2025 #RockYourFunkySocks #PNAFunkySocksDay The campaign aims to raise R2.5m by September 12, and an additional R500 000 by February 2026 to drive long-term impact. Track the campaign's fundraising progress live. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on
CAF
5 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Antsino Twanyanyukwa appointed Referee for TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON, Morocco 2024 Final
Antsino will become the first Namibian to take charge of the WAFCON final A team of experienced African women officials tasked with big day All-female officials reflect CAF's continued investment in women's football Antsino of Namibia has been appointed by CAF to referee the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Morocco 2024 Final. Antsino, who has been one of the standout performers among match officials during the tournament, will make history as the first Namibian to officiate a WAFCON final. Her steady leadership, consistency, and calm control of matches have earned her the ultimate honour. 'I didn't expect this at all; I'm still in shock. But with God, all things are possible,' says Antsino. 'WAFCON is a major competition, and expectations are high. We have to go in with the mindset that the whole continent is watching and give our absolute best. 'Personally, I believe I have the talent and the potential. They've seen what I can do, and now it's my opportunity to prove it; to show it on the pitch.' She will be joined by an elite team of assistants: Alice Umutesi (Rwanda) as Assistant Referee 1, and Tabara Mbodji (Senegal) as Assistant Referee 2, both of whom have been commended for their sharp decision-making and composure throughout the tournament. VAR Team Led by Continental Trailblazer In the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) booth, another iconic name leads the charge. Rwanda's Salima Mukansanga, a pioneer in global football officiating and one of the most respected figures in the women's game, will serve as the VAR. Mukansanga made headlines as the first woman to officiate at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2022 and has brought her experience from the Olympics and FIFA Women's World Cups to the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON, Morocco 2024 once again. Supporting her in this final are Letticia Viana (Eswatini) as AVAR 1 and Diana Chikotesha (Zambia) as AVAR 2, both rising stars in Africa's officiating ranks. Performance Backed by Merit Antsino officiated several key matches, impressing CAF's Technical and Refereeing Committee with her ability to remain poised in high-pressure moments. Her most recent performance showcased her exceptional fitness, and match control, all vital in the modern game. CAF Head of Refereeing, Desire Noumandiez Doue hailed her appointment. 'Their appointment was informed by their consistent quality and performance,' said Desire. 'It is the result of their hard work, both in training and in the matches they've officiated, as well as their overall readiness. 'Their performances have shown consistency in key areas: tactical awareness, anticipation, match control, and overall game management. The two assistants, in particular, are among a group of brilliant young referees emerging on the continent, and their improvement has been nothing short of impressive. 'This selection also reflects CAF's commitment to fairness. It's our way of saying: if you perform well, you deserve the best. And the referees selected for the final are among the best we have. 'Antsino for instance, has demonstrated all the qualities we look for. We've been monitoring her closely for the past three years, and she has done incredibly well. At the rate she is going, she's certainly a potential candidate for the FIFA Women's World Cup.' 'We know that a final is never just another match. That's why we invest in preparing our referees, not just tactically, but mentally as well. We emphasize confidence, focus, and the understanding that they are carrying the hopes of all of us on that pitch. We remind them: go out there and give it your very best.' A Moment of African Pride The all-women officiating team for the final reflects CAF's continued investment in women's football and its commitment to creating opportunities for women at every level of the game. Speaking ahead of the final, Antsino reflected not only on her personal journey but on the legacy she hopes to inspire. 'I know everyone will be happy for me now, because in Namibia, support comes naturally. I believe this moment will inspire many. To the young ones out there: work hard, stay disciplined, and always pray. Stay focused, and nothing will stop you from achieving your goals.' The TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON, Morocco 2024 Final will be contested between Nigeria and Morocco on Saturday, July 26 at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. For more information about the TotalEnergies CAF Women's African Cup of Nations, Morocco 2024, visit -ENDS- Further Inquiries: communications@ CAF | Communication Department
