On the eve of her 66th birthday anniversary celebrated on Tuesday, Confidente caught up with SWAPO Secretary General, Sophia Shaningwa, who candidly reflected of her six decades on earth including future plans. 

• By Stefanus Nashama and Jeremiah Ndjoze

Republican Party president Henk Mudge has described the recent decision by United States (US) President Donald Trump to grant refugee status to South African Afrikaners as a possible “warning shot” to the South African government to reform its governance and promote inclusivity.
Mudge said the move signals growing international concern over the treatment of Afrikaners and may prompt South Africa to act in the interest of all its citizens, regardless of race or historical background.

Young African captain, Lilian Karupanda says his team are still contenders for the 2024/2025 Debmarine Premiership league title. 
The Gobabis-based team will take on relegation-threatened Young Brazilians in their next encounter before a pivotal battle against title rivals Khomas Nampol. 
“I still believe that with the remaining nine games we still have a chance. Our spirit in the camp is high and we have momentum. We are very positive,” said Karupanda. 

Sprinting stars Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi will be conspicuously absent from this year’s Diamond League competitions. 
This development follows a period of underwhelming performances since their return from a two-and-a-half-year ban imposed by World Athletics due to naturally high testosterone levels. Consequently, their recent results have fallen short of the standards required for entry into the prestigious Diamond League, which commenced in March.

The Namibian Deaf Sports Federation (NDSF) has selected the athletes who will represent the nation at the upcoming Deaflympics Games in Tokyo this November. 
The team was chosen following a qualification event held last weekend at the National Youth Service (NYC) Center in Rietfontein, located in the Otjozondjupa Region.

Renowned and highly respected sports medicine professional, Donatha Ngunovandu, continues her impactful service in the sports industry. Since joining in 2000, she has risen to become one of the nation’s leading sports medicine experts.
This week, Confidente had the opportunity to speak with Ngunovandu, who recently returned from Madrid, Spain. There, she attended the XXXII Isokinetic Medical Group Conference at the iconic Civitas Metropolitano Stadium from May 3rd to 5th.

LEFA Namibia continues to champion women’s empowerment through entrepreneurship and job creation by prioritizing employment opportunities for women in the Khomas Region. In a bold move last year, the company launched a fleet of 12 electric vehicles (EVs) all driven by women.

Namibian artists have called for reforms in policy to allow them to make a living from the music. 
The 2011 Namibia Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) Best Afrikaansaward winner, Lownan Nangombe better known as Wambüseun said that there is no proper structure to help artists sustain themselves on a full-time basis. 
According Wambüseun, for art and music to no longer be considered a ‘side hustle’, NASCAM’s royalties and copyrights system needs to improve. 

Namibian jazz singer and songwriter Erna Chimu continues to inspire through her music and dedication to culture and the community. 
Having recently released her latest album titled “/nanu”, which means “rain,” Chimu says the project celebrates life in all its complexities. 
“It’s a happy album, celebrating life with all its challenges,” she said. 
The 10-track album was recorded live at Success Crown Music Studios and features various artists, including a collaboration with Setson Wahengo. 

In today’s fast-moving and highly competitive job market, waiting until you are invited for an interview to start preparing is no longer good enough.  If you truly want to stand out, interview preparation must start way before the invitation lands in your inbox.