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Sunday, 11 January 2026
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Sunday, 11 January 2026
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Archive Minute from Sunday, 11 January 2026
Politics

Executive director shuffles raise questions on governance and merit

The News

An opinion piece argues that the Office of the Prime Minister's January appointments of executive directors across government ministries resemble "rotational grazing" of the same individuals rather than genuine reform, and questions whether rotating underperforming officials to different ministries rather than removing them addresses accountability and service delivery concerns.

11 January 2026 · The Namibian →

Politics

  1. Executive director shuffles raise questions on governance and merit

    An opinion piece argues that the Office of the Prime Minister's January appointments of executive directors across government ministries resemble "rotational grazing" of the same individuals rather than genuine reform, and questions whether rotating underperforming officials to different ministries rather than removing them addresses accountability and service delivery concerns.

    11 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Former SWAPO MP and journalist Hendjala laid to rest

    Erasmus Captain Hendjala, a 78-year-old former SWAPO member of Parliament and veteran journalist, was buried in his Iinyikanyika home village in the Omusati Region. The funeral service at a Roman Catholic Church in Oshikuku drew a large crowd including his former media colleagues.

    11 January 2026 · Informanté →

  3. Dr Amoomo appointed Deputy Executive Director at Health Ministry

    Dr Alfons Amoomo has been appointed Deputy Executive Director in the Department of Health and Social Welfare Policy at the Ministry of Health and Social Services, effective 7 January 2026. He brings experience in health systems, policy development and public sector leadership, having previously served as Regional Director for Omusati Region since 2017.

    11 January 2026 · Informanté →

  4. ECN explains election officials' payment rates and schedule

    The Electoral Commission of Namibia has clarified the payments for 18,000 election officials deployed during last year's regional and local elections, noting that employment contracts specified fixed rates for actual duties performed. The ECN stated that payments were processed from early December through late December 2025, with rates of N$250 for training and N$563–N$824 daily depending on role and election day.

    11 January 2026 · Informanté →

Business

  1. Minister visits Onandjaba SME Park, plans vendor relocation

    The Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy visited the Onandjaba SME Park in Omusati to assess its status and announced plans to relocate vendors currently conducting business in front of the park to more suitable premises. The park, constructed nearly two decades ago, faces challenges including non-occupancy and vandalism, though a significant percentage of its business and office space is already occupied.

    11 January 2026 · Informanté →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Land disputes rooted in tribal authority mismanagement

    An opinion piece argues that the shooting deaths and injuries of two village headmen over a land fencing dispute in Oshikoto reflect broader problems with communal land management under tribal authorities, where elites and the wealthy illegally appropriate land while the poor are excluded, and calls for a unified national land management system to replace the current fragmented approach.

    11 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Minister praises Etunda Irrigation Scheme's food production impact

    Information and Communication Technology Minister Emma Theofelus toured the Etunda Irrigation Scheme in Omusati Region and praised its contribution to local food production, job creation, and reduced agricultural imports. The scheme grows crops including grapes, asparagus, maize, mangoes and bananas, with plans underway for a fruit juice processing initiative in collaboration with UNAM.

    11 January 2026 · Informanté →

Society

  1. Oshikoto village headman buried after fatal shooting

    Sam Pendapala Nepando, headman of Onelago village, was shot and killed on 2 January while attempting to resolve a land dispute with another village headman. He was laid to rest on Saturday, survived by his wife and five children, while the other headman remains hospitalized in stable condition.

    11 January 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Police seek help locating stolen silver Toyota Corolla

    A silver Toyota Corolla was stolen from a residence in Okandjengedi informal settlement overnight. Members of the public are urged to contact Warrant Officer Muzanima on 081 454 5240 with any information about the vehicle.

    11 January 2026 · Informanté →

Tourism & Environment

  1. Illegal frog harvesting in Namibia threatens species and ecosystems

    Giant African Bullfrogs are being harvested illegally and unsustainably across Namibia despite legal protections under the Nature Conservation Ordinance, risking population collapse and ecological disruption through the food web. The state has failed to enforce permit requirements or implement quota systems to regulate the widespread exploitation.

    11 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Widespread rainfall and extreme heat mark Namibian weekend

    Namibia experienced widespread thundershowers across multiple regions over the weekend, with rainfall ranging from 1 mm to 18 mm in various areas, while the Namibia Meteorological Service warned of persistent heatwave conditions in the south with temperatures forecast to reach up to 39°C.

    11 January 2026 · Informanté →

  3. Government defends Namibia's safety record against travel advisories

    Following travel warnings from Canada and Germany citing fraud and crime risks, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism has reaffirmed Namibia's commitment to visitor safety, citing its status as a peaceful and stable country with dedicated law enforcement measures and a Tourist Protection Unit to secure tourism areas.

    11 January 2026 · Informanté →

World & Region

  1. Uganda heads to polls in closely-watched presidential contest

    Ugandans will vote on 15 January to choose between President Yoweri Museveni, seeking a seventh successive election victory after 40 years in power, and pop-star-turned-politician Bobi Wine, who is promising sweeping reforms. The election has been marked by opposition harassment and security force disruptions, with economic concerns and corruption dominating the campaign agenda.

    11 January 2026 · The Namibian →

Opinion

  1. Free tertiary education must include dropout returnees

    An opinion piece argues that while Namibia's new free tertiary education policy is welcome, it should extend to students who dropped out due to financial hardship and those seeking postgraduate qualifications, noting that 42% of youth aged 15–24 are not in employment, education, or training.

    11 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Opinion: Nujoma Set High Leadership Standard for Namibia

    A reader opinion piece argues that founding president Sam Nujoma's 15-year leadership established a high bar for nation-building through reconciliation and unity, and calls for future leaders to emulate his legacy and focus on talent development and inclusive governance.

    11 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Opinion writing requires research and discipline, not emotion alone

    An opinion piece argues that Namibian op-eds should combine emotion with factual evidence and intellectual labour rather than merely expressing anger or frustration. According to the author, opinion writing carries ethical obligations to inform and shape public discourse responsibly, drawing on examples from writers like Rushdie and Orwell.

    11 January 2026 · The Namibian →

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