Erasmus Captain Hendjala, a prominent journalist and former SWAPO regional councillor, has died at Ongwediva Vida Nova Medical Centre. He had deep roots in pre-independence politics, served as editor of Omukuni newsletter for twelve years, worked for New Era and The Namibian, and later represented the Hakahana constituency in the National Council until his 2008 expulsion from SWAPO.
7 January 2026 · Informanté →
Erasmus Captain Hendjala, a prominent journalist and former SWAPO regional councillor, has died at Ongwediva Vida Nova Medical Centre. He had deep roots in pre-independence politics, served as editor of Omukuni newsletter for twelve years, worked for New Era and The Namibian, and later represented the Hakahana constituency in the National Council until his 2008 expulsion from SWAPO.
7 January 2026 · Informanté →
Parliament will debate several key bills in 2026, including amendments to shift petroleum sector powers to the President's office, a Land Bill restricting foreign ownership of agricultural land, and a Mental Health Bill protecting rights for those with mental health conditions. Other anticipated debates include public enterprises governance reform, regional council amendments, and a proposal to lower the voting age to 16.
7 January 2026 · New Era →
William Minnie, a 23-year-old councillor for the Landless People's Movement in Hardap's Mariental Municipal Council, says his entry into local government responds to inequality, unemployment and exclusion. He prioritises community engagement and accountability, with youth unemployment, land access and housing as key focus areas.
7 January 2026 · New Era →
Phillip Budong, a pastor and PDM candidate who failed to win a councillor seat in Rundu Rural during the 2025 Regional Council and Local Authorities elections, says he views the loss as a learning opportunity. He attributes his defeat partly to starting his campaign late and notes that voters in his constituency were more loyal to the independent winner, Paulus Mbangu, based on individual presence rather than party affiliation.
7 January 2026 · New Era →
National Council vice chairperson Emma Muteka has pledged to strengthen legislative oversight and reposition the institution as people-centred, focusing on legislative modernisation, outcome-based governance, and direct engagement with communities through digital platforms and town hall meetings.
7 January 2026 · New Era →
Namibia's household credit growth slowed to 2.5% year-on-year in November 2025, with weak mortgage demand and continued borrowing caution driven by high living costs and modest wage growth. Households are shifting towards essential and asset-backed borrowing, particularly vehicle financing, while mortgage lending stagnated at 0% growth due to affordability constraints and limited affordable housing stock.
7 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The Bank of Namibia is introducing retail bonds for low- to medium-income earners, launching an instant payment system, and phasing out the Windhoek Interbank Agreed Rates in favour of a new lending policy. The central bank projects inflation will average 3.8% in 2026 and real GDP growth will reach 3.8%, driven by agricultural recovery, construction, electricity generation, and uranium sector output.
7 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Swiss food giant Nestle announced a precautionary recall of infant formula batches in several European countries after detecting a quality issue in an ingredient from a major supplier. The company said no illnesses have been confirmed to date and is working with authorities to take necessary steps.
7 January 2026 · New Era →
Nvidia unveiled its latest AI platform, Vera Rubin, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, promising five times greater efficiency than previous offerings. The platform will be available from partners in the second half of 2026 as the company faces rising competition from AMD, Intel, and major customers like Google and Microsoft developing their own chips.
7 January 2026 · New Era →
Petrus Iyambo, known as Rasta Kapana, runs a popular grilled meat stand near Zola Market in Ongwediva that has attracted a devoted following from students and workers across the region. Starting after failing Grade 10, he has built a business that now employs over five people across a kapana stand, car wash, and pub, while also catering to weddings and delivering orders to customers' homes.
7 January 2026 · New Era →
Rakkel Hamalwa, a secondary school teacher, founded Journals by R in April 2024 after using a notebook to manage bridesmaid duties; the business now produces custom journals for weddings, budgeting, business planning, and personal growth, while operating part-time alongside her teaching work.
7 January 2026 · New Era →
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia expects to announce its decision on Starlink's application to operate in Namibia by the end of Q1 2026. The main issue holding up the application is Namibia's legal requirement that telecommunications licensees have 51% domestic ownership, which Starlink is seeking an exemption from, though public submissions on the application have been largely supportive (1,164 in favour versus 16 opposed).
7 January 2026 · New Era →
Global oil prices remained largely flat after the US military captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro over the weekend, with US crude falling 0.54% to $57.01 per barrel and Brent falling 0.36% to $60.53. Despite Venezuela holding the world's largest proven crude oil reserves, OPEC+ statements indicate the oil market remains balanced with sufficient supply to meet demand.
7 January 2026 · The Namibian →
India's modernised SHANTI Bill (2025) aligns with Namibia's Nuclear Industrial Strategy, opening avenues for collaboration on uranium supply, fuel cycle services, and nuclear technology applications. The Indian High Commissioner noted that both nations share goals around regulatory strength, human capital development, and value addition in nuclear energy and non-power applications.
7 January 2026 · New Era →
The government is addressing the issue of illegal fences in the Northern Communal Areas, with 22 fences already identified in Ohangwena Region for removal. Farmers who fenced off communal land without approval from the Communal Land Board will be notified to remove the fences themselves, and if they fail to comply, the board will remove them and recover costs while pursuing criminal charges.
7 January 2026 · Informanté →
The Ovambanderu Traditional Authority's 1.5-hectare community garden in Epukiro, established in 2024, has generated N$5,000 profit from its first harvest. The project aims to promote food security and self-sustenance while currently employing 11 temporary workers and planning to expand to seven full-time employees.
7 January 2026 · New Era →
Nestle has issued a global recall of specific batches of SMA, Guigoz, and Nidal infant formula products over concerns they contain cereulide, a toxin that can cause nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. The company says there have been no confirmed reports of illness and is recalling the products out of caution, with affected batches sold across Europe and batch numbers available on retailer and food safety websites.
7 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare is seeking public help to locate a child featured in a viral social media video showing a minor drinking otombo, a traditional alcoholic beverage, citing concerns about potential child endangerment and neglect.
7 January 2026 · Informanté →
Police arrested a 25-year-old Namibian Defence Force member in connection with the murder of Salom Nikanor, 41, whose mutilated body was discovered floating in water near Oluno Correctional Service facility on Monday morning. The suspect was expected to appear in Magistrate's Court following the arrest.
7 January 2026 · Informanté →
Londa Rides, a subscription-based shuttle service founded by computer science student Rachel Lazarus, provides safe and affordable transportation for students in Windhoek. The service currently transports over 30 families with 15 active drivers and plans to develop an app for ride requests and parental tracking, with the goal of removing transport barriers to education.
7 January 2026 · New Era →
Intercontinental Youth Connect has appointed Tjipura Tjipura as its first ambassador in Namibia to localise global opportunities for youth and align them with the National Development Plan 6. Through partnerships and initiatives including the Youth Investment Network and Africa-Asia Youth Platform, IYC Namibia aims to transition young people from policy observers to active implementers of national development goals, with particular focus on rural youth participation and economic transformation.
7 January 2026 · New Era →
Jaden Van Rensburg, a 20-year-old IT specialist from Rehoboth, is researching how artificial intelligence can intelligently manage and distribute electricity to improve reliability in growing towns. His research, motivated by witnessing electricity shortages in his community, aims to create an affordable, efficient system that responds to real-time demand and reduces waste.
7 January 2026 · New Era →
Police recorded at least seven suicide deaths across Oshikoto, Khomas and Erongo regions between 31 December 2025 and 4 January 2026. Medical experts attribute the spike to festive-season pressures including heavy workloads, financial strain and unmet expectations, and warn that stress-related warning signs are frequently normalised or dismissed, particularly among men.
7 January 2026 · New Era →
Petrol station workers and police officers in Namibia work through the festive season to keep the nation moving and safe while most families celebrate at home. Despite missing family gatherings, these workers say their duties are an honour and that interacting with the public and preventing crime make the sacrifice worthwhile.
7 January 2026 · New Era →
A 25-year-old Namibian Defence Force member appeared in Ondangwa Magistrate's Court after allegedly murdering his 41-year-old friend, mutilating the body, and removing remains to his homestead. Police say the suspect had registered the deceased on a funeral cover and intended to claim the money.
7 January 2026 · New Era →
Following a fatal land dispute in Oshikoto where a headman was killed and another wounded, Namibian Police have urged traditional leaders to involve law enforcement in community dispute-resolution processes and public gatherings. Police say their mandate includes protecting lives and property, and community engagement is essential for maintaining peace and safety.
7 January 2026 · New Era →
As Namibian schools prepare to resume in early January, parents face significant financial pressure buying stationery and uniforms for their children, with some struggling despite lower prices. Teachers and parents stress the importance of advance planning and call on learners to take education seriously and respect their families' investments.
7 January 2026 · New Era →
The Namibia Capricorn Eagles departed for India before heading to Nepal to compete in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier starting on 18 January, where they will play warm-up matches and then compete in Group A against Ireland, Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea, and the United States, with the top three teams advancing to the Super Six stage leading to qualification for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
7 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia has sent a 12-member squad of Under-14 and Under-16 tennis players to compete in the Southern African Junior Individual and Team Championships in Gaborone from 9 to 17 January 2025. The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture and the Namibia Tennis Association have expressed confidence in the young players and provided logistical support for their participation.
7 January 2026 · Informanté →
Hilma Seidler recently won his 12th Pupkewitz Jetty Mile open-water swimming title in Swakopmund and has expressed interest in pursuing politics and business, hoping eventually to become minister of sport and represent athletes in parliament while continuing to compete.
7 January 2026 · New Era →
Namibia's women's cricket team, the Capricorn Eagles, have been sent off for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier in Nepal, which runs from 13 January to 2 February 2026, after earning their spot through the Africa qualifier. The 15-member squad will participate in a pre-tournament in India before heading to Nepal, where 10 teams will compete.
7 January 2026 · New Era →
Twelve of Namibia's top under-14 and under-16 tennis players will represent the country at the International Tennis Federation/Confederation of African Tennis Southern African Junior Championships in Gaborone, Botswana, from 9 to 17 January, competing against players from eleven other southern African nations.
7 January 2026 · New Era →
American YouTuber Darren Watkins Jr (IShowSpeed), with over 47 million subscribers, says he will still visit Namibia after a private jet operator failed to secure landing permits in time. The Civil Aviation Authority received the permit application less than 11 hours before the intended landing, and various officials and legislators have debated whether the bureaucratic process could have been expedited given the potential tourism benefit.
7 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia is experiencing mixed weather with isolated thundershowers and high temperatures across the interior, strong winds in the west and south, and cooler conditions on the coast. Recent rainfall has been concentrated in the north, with Katima Mulilo recording 50 millimetres, while southern regions remain dry under a high-pressure system.
7 January 2026 · Informanté →
Popular streamer iShowSpeed confirmed he will visit Namibia as part of his 28-day African tour, despite the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority initially being unable to issue a Foreign Operator Permit for his private aircraft in time. The permit application was submitted less than 11 hours before the intended landing, and the authority noted that such applications typically require up to 14 days for processing.
7 January 2026 · New Era →
Only 18% of UN Sustainable Development Goal targets are on track, with foreign aid budgets facing steep cuts. A think tank argues that focusing limited resources on 12 proven interventions—such as maternal nutrition, teaching technology, and disease control—could deliver US$50 in social benefits per dollar spent and save millions of lives annually.
7 January 2026 · The Namibian →
SWAPO Party Secretary General Sophia Shaningwa issued a statement condemning what she characterized as US aggression against Venezuela, expressing solidarity with President Nicolás Maduro and calling for his release. Shaningwa emphasized SWAPO's commitment to principles of national sovereignty, self-determination, and adherence to international law, urging the global community to respect Venezuela's independence.
7 January 2026 · Informanté →
Namibian citizens applying for certain U.S. visas must now meet new requirements including posting bonds of up to US$15,000 for tourist and business visas, and some applicants must set social media accounts to public for vetting purposes. The changes follow a new U.S. presidential proclamation restricting entry for nationals of 39 countries.
7 January 2026 · Informanté →
The United States has imposed a visa bond requirement of US$15,000 (N$250,000) on Namibians and citizens of ten other countries, effective 1 January 2026, aimed at preventing visa overstays. Namibia's Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation says it will engage with the US government, as the policy is expected to negatively affect student exchanges, tourism, and business ties between the two countries.
7 January 2026 · New Era →
The Alabuga Start Programme, a Russian employment initiative offering free flights, housing, and training to young women, has attracted participants from over 70 countries including four from Namibia, but SADC recruitment remains low due to misinformation and geopolitical tensions. The programme has faced allegations of deceptive recruitment and labour trafficking for military drone assembly in Ukraine, which Russian officials have denied.
7 January 2026 · New Era →
The Students Union of Namibia has cited Venezuela's recent political crisis as a lesson on the dangers of weak governance and institutional failure, warning that both misrule justified by nationalism and foreign intervention disguised as democratic support weaken institutions and destabilize youth populations. The union's legal secretary called for young leaders in the Global South to prioritize accountable institutions, economic diversification, and youth employment over personality-driven politics and narrow resource dependency.
7 January 2026 · New Era →
A Tunisian court has freed humanitarian workers from French NGO Terre d'Asile after handing down suspended sentences for facilitating illegal migrant entry and residence. The workers, including former director Sherifa Riahi, had spent over 20 months in jail and faced accusations of conspiracy related to housing undocumented migrants.
7 January 2026 · New Era →
Israel's foreign minister Gideon Saar arrived in Somaliland for the first high-profile visit following Israel's official recognition of the breakaway region last month. The visit drew criticism from African and Muslim-majority countries over concerns about Somali sovereignty, though regional analysts suggest Israel seeks strategic access to the Red Sea through the arrangement.
7 January 2026 · New Era →
Key European countries and US envoys met with President Zelensky in Paris to discuss security guarantees for a potential ceasefire in Russia's war against Ukraine, as representatives from 35 nations, including 27 heads of state, gathered to show alignment on Ukraine's post-war settlement.
7 January 2026 · New Era →
Thailand accused Cambodia of firing mortars across their border and wounding a soldier, breaking a 10-day-old truce; Cambodia claimed the incident was an explosion from a "pile of garbage" that injured two of its own troops, calling it accidental. The two countries, which saw fighting last year kill dozens and displace around one million people, agreed to the fragile ceasefire on 27 December after three weeks of clashes.
7 January 2026 · New Era →
President Nandi-Ndaitwah's announcement of free tertiary and vocational education from this year is transformative and removes barriers for low-income students, but an opinion writer warns that without job creation, economic growth, and alignment of skills with industry needs, the policy alone cannot achieve Vision 2030 or address Namibia's rising unemployment crisis.
7 January 2026 · The Namibian →
A digital transformation strategist documents repeated payment failures when booking holiday accommodation online and argues that payment friction costs Namibia tourism revenue; he calls for multiple payment options, backup processors, real-time monitoring, and stronger service standards from payment providers.
7 January 2026 · The Namibian →