Cabinet considered and approved the development of a Public Private Partnership (PPP) policy to guide the cooperation between Government and the private sector in the process of economic development. Cabinet also directed that the policy should cover all economic activities, according to the latest briefing paper of the last Cabinet meeting of 18 July. The absence of a workable policy has delayed the implementation of key strategic investment programmes needed to accelerate economic growth, job creation and effective utilisation of Government infrastructures and delivery of services. The policy framework is expected to clearly outline the scope of the intended partnership, the procedures for selecting and managing envisaged partnerships and the institutional arrangement responsible for managing the partnership process. The guidelines are aimed at ensuring fairness, transparency, equity, competitiveness and accountability in partnership selection and the management process.

Namibia Red Cross Society (NRCS) staff and volunteers have completed a 5-day training course on psychosocial support. The course, aimed at empowering staff and volunteers, emphasises focus on psychosocial issues as part of the assistance rendered to the vulnerable communities. Speaking at the event, NRCS’ HIV and AIDS coordinator; Caroline Thomas said, "the knowledge gained during the training is particularly useful because support to vulnerable groups, should be scaled up. We will also have a follow up training course in the near future to share experiences."

The training, attended by 19 participants from the Caprivi, Okavango, Otjozondjupa, Kunene, Khomas and Ohangwena specifically focused on basic counselling, working with children, psychosocial impact of abuse, use of play, supporting children through grief, and building resilience as a coping mechanism.

"I found this training essential because I have learned a lot on psychosocial support and amongst others; how to identify and handle an abused child", said Outjo district officer Jassana Uandina confidently. There is a fundamental personal element to psychosocial support training, because staff and volunteers are required to look within themselves and identify their own needs and vulnerability and find skills and strategies to address them. This is done before Red Cross personnel go out into the field to render support to those that needs it the most. This approach also enables Red Cross personnel to guide others effectively. The training was held in collaboration with Regional Psychosocial support initiative for Southern Africa (REPSSI).

Finance Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila urged the private sector in the financial industry to complete the Financial Service Charta (FSC) by December 2005. Speaking at meeting of the Technical Steering Committee, the Minister said the deadline of 1 July 2006 was already passed and that efforts to draw it up started in 2005. The Charta entails black economic empowerment regarding ownership of financial companies and increased proportion of previously disadvantaged Namibians to be appointed in management positions at such companies.

"If we are to have a sustainable and prosperous country, it is imperative that we improve the participation of black Namibians in mainstream economic activities, as well as the extent to which they influence capital flow in our country," said Johannes !Gawaxab at the meeting on Tuesday. The objective of the session was to consult the financial services industry on the process to date, as well as the way forward. One of the main goals of the meeting was to agree on key elements of the FSC and the drafting process, going forward. The Charta will also improve access to financial services and products and consumer protection. Fifteen signatories have been identified for further consultation, and the Office of the Prime Minister, representatives of labour unions and the NCCI will also be consulted prior to the finalisation of the Charta.