Weich Mupya, who failed to retain his seat as Opuwo Urban councillor in 2020, has been appointed ambassador-designate to Egypt by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Mupya's career has spanned from growing up herding livestock in the Kunene region to becoming active in student politics, labour organizing, and local governance.
12 January 2026 · New Era →
Weich Mupya, who failed to retain his seat as Opuwo Urban councillor in 2020, has been appointed ambassador-designate to Egypt by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Mupya's career has spanned from growing up herding livestock in the Kunene region to becoming active in student politics, labour organizing, and local governance.
12 January 2026 · New Era →
Newly elected Kapako councillor Linyando Kupembona has prioritised addressing youth unemployment and statelessness in his constituency, noting that 13 students unable to access further education lack identity documents. He plans to introduce income-generating programmes for young people and continue the annual Kapako village youth soccer tournament.
12 January 2026 · New Era →
Namibia's annual inflation rate decreased to 3.2% in December 2025 from 3.4% a year earlier, according to the Consumer Price Index bulletin released by the Namibia Statistics Agency. Housing, water, electricity and fuels drove most of the inflation, contributing 1.1 percentage points, while food prices saw significant deflation compared to the previous year.
12 January 2026 · Informanté →
African airlines achieved an 11.2% year-on-year increase in passenger demand in November 2025, outperforming European carriers at 6.8%, according to data released by the International Air Transport Association. Global air cargo demand rose 5.5%, with the Africa-Asia trade lane growing 9.5% for the fifth consecutive month.
12 January 2026 · New Era →
Workers at Namib Mills began striking on Monday after 683 of 710 employees voted to walk out in a wage dispute with management. The company has implemented a temporary lockout, with both sides having engaged the Labour Commissioner; Namib Mills says it remains willing to negotiate and has activated contingency plans to maintain food production.
12 January 2026 · New Era →
The Government Institutions Pension Fund's Pension-Backed Home Loan Scheme officially launches today, allowing active government employees and members on disability to use pension savings as collateral for purchasing or improving homes in urban and rural areas. The scheme is administered by First Capital Treasury Solutions and Kuleni Financial Services, and excludes loans for debt consolidation, appliances, livestock, and vehicles.
12 January 2026 · New Era →
Namibia's largest reverse osmosis desalination plant achieved a 14% increase in water production in 2025, supplying potable water to Swakopmund, nearby uranium mines, and other industries. The plant, owned by Orano Mining, reduced its water price by 2% after incorporating solar power from a Trekkopje mine facility, which supplied 7 million kilowatt-hours and saved N$4 million in costs.
12 January 2026 · New Era →
The Emerging Mining Association of Namibia has raised concerns about restrictions on modern equipment for small-scale miners in mining claims areas, and called on the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy to enhance access to processing facilities and geological services to support value addition. The ministry is pursuing beneficiation strategies to help Namibia shift from raw mineral exports toward processing and manufacturing locally.
12 January 2026 · New Era →
Namibian police arrested numerous suspects across multiple regions over the weekend in drug-related operations that resulted in the recovery of cannabis, cocaine, Mandrax tablets and cash. Arrests were made in Kamanjab, Okahao, Katutura, Swakopmund, Tsumkwe, the Trans-Kalahari and Uis, with suspects facing charges of dealing in and possession of dependence-producing substances.
12 January 2026 · Informanté →
Police in Omusati and Oshikoto are investigating a series of bar break-ins over the weekend; two men were arrested in Tsandi after a Friday theft at two bars, while suspects remain at large in Onethindi after stealing nearly N$15,000 in cash and jackpot equipment valued at N$111,415.
12 January 2026 · Informanté →
A 32-year-old man from Omulonga, Grootfontein was arrested after allegedly hitting his 55-year-old father on the head with a stone, causing an open wound. The attack occurred during a fistfight in Blikkiesdorp on Saturday morning after the son accused his father of stealing money; the father was hospitalized and the son was arrested at the scene.
12 January 2026 · Informanté →
An adult and a minor died when a Quantum minibus overturned near Mururani Gate in Kavango West, with 17 others injured. A pickup driver died in a head-on collision with a truck near Omalindi village on the B1 road.
12 January 2026 · Informanté →
A newborn baby girl was discovered alive in a plastic bag on January 10 in Kuisebmond, Walvis Bay, after a member of the public heard her crying. The infant was taken to Walvis Bay State Hospital and social workers were notified.
12 January 2026 · Informanté →
Police in the Omusati Region arrested a 23-year-old woman who threw a newborn baby girl into a pit latrine toilet and set it on fire; officers rescued the infant, who sustained serious burn wounds and was taken to hospital for treatment.
12 January 2026 · Informanté →
Grootfontein in Otjozondjupa is experiencing a cholera outbreak with 22 confirmed cases from 83 samples tested, and authorities have identified two hospital admissions while implementing water and sanitation interventions including tippy taps and water network expansion in informal settlements. No deaths have been reported so far, though the region's health director expressed concern about the escalation of confirmed cases.
12 January 2026 · New Era →
Sem Pendapala Nepando, assistant headman of Iikokola village in Oshikoto region, was shot and killed on 2 January 2026 during a community meeting over a land dispute. Thousands of mourners attended his funeral at Onamutene cemetery on Saturday, with local leaders praising his commitment to peace and service; the accused remains in custody pending trial.
12 January 2026 · New Era →
A 13-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with an attack at a residence in Gobabis that killed a woman and her three-year-old daughter, while injuring a six-year-old boy who escaped to alert police. The suspected weapon was recovered and investigations continue.
12 January 2026 · New Era →
The education ministry will officially release 2025 October/November NSSCO and AS national examination results tomorrow, accessible from 12h15 via the ministry's website, SMS platforms, and regional offices.
12 January 2026 · New Era →
NamPost has announced the collection schedule for January 2026 social cash grants, with different payment dates for SmartCard recipients (6–8 January), Old Age and Disability Grant beneficiaries (12–14 January), Child Cash Grant recipients (15–17 January), and Basic Income Cash Grant recipients (19–20 January).
12 January 2026 · New Era →
The family of Salom Nicanor, a 41-year-old killed by an accused soldier, is seeking public assistance for burial funds despite the suspect having registered the victim for a funeral policy. Police confirmed the accused intended to claim the funeral money after the death, but the family has not yet received any funds.
12 January 2026 · New Era →
Reverend Paul Muha, recently transferred to Emmanuel Lutheran Parish in Windhoek after 23 years of ministry, is expanding the church's reach beyond the pulpit through home visits to the elderly, group counselling sessions, and confidential support for those struggling with mental health—recognising the rising concerns over suicide in Namibia and believing that presence and care are essential to healing.
12 January 2026 · New Era →
Chief Nguvauva II, an 89-year-old leader of the Ovambanderu people in Botswana's Toromoja district, was buried on Saturday. Hundreds of Ovambanderu from Namibia, including Chief Tjozohongo Nguvauva and the Maharero Royal House Chief, travelled to Botswana to pay tribute to Nguvauva, who was regarded as a guardian of Ovambanderu traditions and history.
12 January 2026 · New Era →
Charles Nawa Nawa, former CEO of Katima Mulilo Town Council (2012–2016), died at age 57 and was laid to rest on Friday in Luhonono, Zambezi region. Minister James Sankwasa and others praised him as a man of many talents and a contributor to society.
12 January 2026 · New Era →
A white Toyota Quantum passenger bus travelling from Rundu to Windhoek overturned near Mahahe village in Kavango West on Saturday, killing two male passengers—an adult and a minor—when a rear tyre burst caused the driver to lose control. About 18 passengers were aboard; others survived with serious injuries.
12 January 2026 · New Era →
Reading is experiencing a quiet resurgence, particularly through book clubs like Nali's, which members say offer mental health benefits and community connection alongside opportunities to engage with stories that reflect African realities. Beyond reading, creative pursuits like painting, journalling, and photography, as well as group-based hobbies such as film clubs and trivia nights, are becoming popular alternatives to traditional social outings, providing both personal expression and human connection.
12 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibian-German artist Lize Ehlers' single 'Call On Me', featuring Shafa The G.O.A.T, has been named entry song of the year by Touch FM and won battle of the beats on IUM Radio. The track draws on Ehlers' personal experiences of solitude and celebrates ancestral support, blending Zulu, German, Oshiwambo, and San heritage.
12 January 2026 · New Era →
Namibian artist Kandaha, born Anna Shalihu, is carving out a space in the local music scene through a blend of deep house, amapiano and R&B, drawing inspiration from her mother's church choir singing and international artists like Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu. The emerging independent artist has released three singles and plans to drop 'Let me go' in February, while balancing work as a dancer, visual artist and marketing agent.
12 January 2026 · New Era →
Afghanistan defeated defending champions Australia by six wickets in a warm-up match at the Wanderers, with pace bowler Abdul Aziz Khan taking 3/30 as Australia were bowled out for 167. Afghanistan chased down the target with more than 14 overs remaining, with opener Osman Sadat scoring a half-century before retiring hurt.
12 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Epukiro Sport Council's annual December tournament marked its 40th anniversary with 58 football teams and 39 netball teams competing. Former players reflected on the tournament's growth from humble beginnings in 1985 with just 10 teams and N$600 in prize money, while also raising concerns about tournament delays and the influx of players from other regions.
12 January 2026 · New Era →
Namibia is co-hosting the 16th ICC U/19 Cricket World Cup alongside Zimbabwe this month, with 16 matches taking place across Windhoek venues. The tournament runs from 15 January to 6 February and will be broadcast to over a billion people across 204 countries.
12 January 2026 · New Era →
Twelve Namibian junior tennis players are competing in Gaborone at the International Tennis Federation/Confederation of African Tennis Southern African Junior Individual and Team Championships through 17 January 2026, with most players winning their opening matches. According to coach Patrick Paulus, the players have performed commendably, particularly considering many are competing at this level for the first time.
12 January 2026 · New Era →
US President Donald Trump met with major oil executives at the White House to encourage investment in Venezuela's oil reserves, saying his administration would decide which companies operate there. One CEO called Venezuela "uninvestable" without reforms, though analysts said Trump's push faces economic and strategic obstacles.
12 January 2026 · New Era →
Ethiopia has begun building what Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed describes as Africa's biggest airport in Bishoftu, southeast of Addis Ababa, at a cost of around $12.7 billion. The facility is expected to handle 110 million passengers annually when complete in five years, and will include a motorway and 38-kilometre high-speed railway link to the capital.
12 January 2026 · New Era →
The US embassy in Windhoek has clarified that while Namibia is among selected countries subject to new visa bond requirements effective 1 January 2026, students travelling on F or M visas and participants in US government-sponsored exchanges on J visas are exempt; the bond requirement applies only to B1/B2 business and tourism visa applicants, who must post US$15,000 or N$250,000, and is refundable if visa terms are met and the traveller departs on time.
12 January 2026 · New Era →
As Uganda votes Thursday on whether to give President Yoweri Museveni a seventh term, opposition leader Bobi Wine has turned the national flag into a symbol of resistance, with supporters waving it at rallies despite police warnings and government pressure. Analysts say Museveni, 81, is likely to win given his control of state apparatus, but Wine has framed the election as a protest vote and reclaimed patriotism through the flag as "the only weapon" his supporters have.
12 January 2026 · New Era →
An opinion piece by a retired major general argues that a large-scale US military strike against Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolas Maduro violates Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force against another state's territorial integrity without UN Security Council authorization or self-defence justification. The author contends that while sitting heads of state enjoy immunity from foreign jurisdiction under international law, the US can still prosecute Maduro under domestic law via the Ker-Frisbie Doctrine if he is brought to American soil.
12 January 2026 · New Era →
A social justice scholar argues that the US bombing and kidnapping of Venezuelan President Maduro breaches the UN Charter and sets a dangerous precedent for sovereign nations, particularly in the global South. He contends the military action was justified by false pretexts about drug trafficking when the real motive is access to Venezuela's oil reserves, and warns that Namibia faces similar risks given its recent oil discoveries.
12 January 2026 · New Era →