Namibia Minute.
Monday, 19 January 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 19 January 2026
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Archive Minute from Monday, 19 January 2026
Politics

Amnesty for overstayed foreign nationals extended to January 20

The News

The Ministry of Home Affairs has extended an amnesty period for foreign nationals who have overstayed visas or are residing in Namibia without proper documentation, allowing them to report to immigration offices and leave the country within five days without facing penalties. The extended deadline is 20 January, with no further extensions promised, after which law enforcement action will be taken against non-compliant individuals.

19 January 2026 · The Namibian →

Politics

  1. Amnesty for overstayed foreign nationals extended to January 20

    The Ministry of Home Affairs has extended an amnesty period for foreign nationals who have overstayed visas or are residing in Namibia without proper documentation, allowing them to report to immigration offices and leave the country within five days without facing penalties. The extended deadline is 20 January, with no further extensions promised, after which law enforcement action will be taken against non-compliant individuals.

    19 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Swapo chief orders former refugees camping at party office to vacate

    Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa has ordered a group of former refugees, who were repatriated in 1989 and have been camping at the party's head office since October, to leave by Tuesday. The group has been demanding answers from the UN regarding funds they say they were owed, but Shaningwa said the matter has been fully exhausted.

    19 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Nekundi defends animal visibility project amid internal party tensions

    Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi denies plotting against Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare and dismissed allegations that the Animal Visibility Pilot Project—which fits domestic animals with reflective collars to reduce road accidents—was awarded to family members or represents a waste of public funds. Nekundi said the project uses existing road safety budget funds previously spent on ineffective advertising and blamed criticism on internal ruling party politics.

    19 January 2026 · New Era →

  4. Liberation war veterans demand clarity on UN repatriation funds

    Hundreds of Namibian veterans who returned from exile in 1989 gathered at Swapo Party headquarters demanding answers about UN funds allegedly allocated for their distribution. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees representative stated that all donor funds from the 1989 repatriation were fully utilised and accounted for, with no undistributed post-repatriation funds remaining available.

    19 January 2026 · New Era →

  5. Minister Nekundi demands accountability from ministry managers and executives

    Works and Transport minister Veikko Nekundi has accused senior managers and executives of failing Namibians through delays and poor service delivery, warning that accountability will be enforced without exception. He cited the ministry's failure to deliver critical legislation, including bills on road safety and maritime security, as directly harming citizens and leaving outdated laws in place.

    19 January 2026 · New Era →

  6. Venaani calls for youth jobs emergency and earlier Parliament

    PDM leader McHenry Venaani has expressed alarm over rising youth unemployment—projected to reach 61.4%—and Parliament's lack of activity, calling on the government to declare youth unemployment a national crisis and establish a dedicated committee to address it. He also urged President Nandi-Ndaitwah to recall Parliament earlier than its February 2026 opening to pass critical legislation on employment and service delivery.

    19 January 2026 · New Era →

Business

  1. Bank Windhoek highlights competitive fees in regulator report

    Bank Windhoek has reaffirmed its commitment to affordable banking, pointing to the Bank of Namibia's December 2025 Banking Fees and Charges Comparison Report to highlight its competitive pricing on services including free EFT debit orders for Easy Save Account holders, airtime purchase fees of N$1.05 versus an industry average of over N$2.30, and other digital banking options designed to reduce customer costs.

    19 January 2026 · New Era →

  2. FNB Namibia named top employer for second consecutive year

    FNB Namibia has been awarded the title of Top Employer in Namibia and Africa for 2026 by the Top Employers Institute, the second consecutive year the bank has received this recognition. The certification recognizes FNB's data-driven people strategies, modern workspaces, flexible working models, wellness programmes, and commitment to attracting and retaining top talent.

    19 January 2026 · New Era →

  3. RMB discontinues cash deposits in six foreign currencies

    Rand Merchant Bank is ending cash deposits in Japanese Yen, Hong Kong Dollar, New Zealand Dollar, Singapore Dollar, Canadian Dollar and Australian Dollar effective 15 January 2026, citing declining global demand for cash-based foreign exchange and rising handling costs. The move has drawn criticism from businesses concerned about short notice periods and reduced access to forex services, though the Bank of Namibia noted electronic transfers via SWIFT remain unaffected and attributed the shift partly to fraud risks and repatriation costs.

    19 January 2026 · New Era →

  4. Roads Authority warns foreign carriers against illegal domestic transport

    The Roads Authority has warned foreign-registered transport operators that carrying passengers or goods within Namibia without required permits is illegal and punishable under the Roads Traffic and Transport Act. Offenders face fines ranging from N$4,000 to N$6,000 for repeated violations, potential arrest, and vehicle impoundment.

    19 January 2026 · New Era →

  5. Namib Mills offers 10% pay rise amid ongoing strike

    Namib Mills has offered employees a 10% salary increment, which the company says is three times the inflation rate, but falls short of the union's demand for a 36% increase. Workers have entered their seventh day of striking while the company has implemented a lockout, with disputes over salary equity and allegations of strike rule violations.

    19 January 2026 · New Era →

Society

  1. Windhoek man sentenced to life for stabbing estranged wife

    Marlo McNab was sentenced to life imprisonment after admitting to the murder of his estranged wife Helen Onesimus, whom he stabbed 27 times with knives and scissors at her home in February 2024. The judge cited the epidemic proportions of gender-based violence in Namibia when handing down the sentence.

    19 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Pensioner defrauded of N$170,000 in bank PIN scam

    A 70-year-old man in Brakwater was defrauded of N$170,080 when a suspect impersonating a bank official obtained his bank PIN under false pretences. No arrest has been made and the stolen money has not been recovered.

    19 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. NMRC advises caution on zinc picolinate and selenium in children

    The Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council has advised the public and healthcare professionals to exercise caution when using products containing zinc picolinate and selenium in children under 18, following South Africa's recall of similar products. While no Namibian recall has been mandated, the NMRC emphasises consulting healthcare professionals before giving these supplements to children and encourages reporting of adverse reactions.

    19 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Teen arrested for alleged rape of minor at Okakarara

    A 17-year-old boy was arrested in Okakarara on Friday for the alleged rape of a 15-year-old girl, who was in her room at the time. The suspect is the victim's cousin, and police investigations are ongoing.

    19 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Government expands NSFAF subsidy to Grade 11 students

    Namibia's education ministry has widened access to tertiary education funding by including Grade 11 (NSSCO Ordinary Level) students in the subsidised model and raising the non-tuition household income threshold to N$300,000. Minister Sanet Steenkamp emphasised that NSFAF requirements remain the basis for funding eligibility, and tertiary institutions must refund any illegally collected registration fees.

    19 January 2026 · New Era →

  6. Water reconnected at Walvis Bay primary school after governor intervention

    About 500 learners at High Hope Primary School in Walvis Bay returned to classes after water was reconnected following intervention by Erongo governor Natalia /Goagoses. The school had faced serious sanitation problems that forced learners to cross busy roads to access facilities at an adjacent school, prompting the governor to work with local officials to restore water and address safety concerns.

    19 January 2026 · New Era →

  7. High Court to hear case of man's 2024 killing in Otjomuise

    Two 18-year-old men accused of murdering and mutilating Christoph Frederick in Otjomuise in 2024 will make their first High Court appearance in January 2026, having been transferred from the Magistrate's Court on charges of murder, obstruction of justice, and violating a corpse.

    19 January 2026 · New Era →

  8. Erongo crime declines ten percent during 2025 festive season

    Crime in Erongo declined by 10% during the 2025 festive season, with police crediting intensified operations, strong partnerships and increased visibility. Housebreaking and theft fell 28%, assaults declined 17%, robberies dropped 6% and domestic violence decreased 46% compared to the previous festive season.

    19 January 2026 · New Era →

  9. Lightning kills man, injures woman in Kavango West

    A 21-year-old man was struck dead by lightning while herding cattle in Kanyikama village on Friday, and a 26-year-old woman was struck by lightning separately on the same day while weeding in a maize field in the same area, sustaining severe burns and undergoing treatment at Nankudu State Hospital.

    19 January 2026 · New Era →

  10. Cancer Association pushes for intensified cervical cancer screening

    January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and the Cancer Association of Namibia is urging women to undergo regular screening and HPV vaccination, noting that cervical cancer is preventable and treatable when detected early, though Namibia's survival rates lag the global average.

    19 January 2026 · New Era →

Culture

  1. YouTuber IShowSpeed tours 20 African nations with livestreamed content

    Popular content creator Darren Watkins Jr., known as IShowSpeed and boasting 48 million YouTube subscribers, is undertaking a "Speed Does Africa" tour across 20 African countries over 28 days, livestreaming his interactions with fans, local culture, sports, and daily life. The high-energy tour has attracted large crowds of young fans, though some critics on social media have dismissed it as a superficial spectacle that primarily benefits the entertainer himself.

    19 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Rising MC Shiloh builds career on faith and community impact

    Frieda Shiloh Nakanyala, a qualified counsellor and singer from Swakopmund, has built a career as a professional master of ceremonies after beginning her MC journey in church. She also runs Arise and Sprout – Single Mother Edition, an initiative to support women's healing, career development and family stability.

    19 January 2026 · New Era →

  3. Accountant Thomas Amakali builds comedy career as Tate Matondo

    Thomas Amakali works as a project accountant by day and performs as comedian Tate Matondo by night, using relatable humour to gain growing recognition. The Ontananga-born creator has won recognition at the MTC Content Creator Awards and plans to collaborate with other comedians and feature in a local web series.

    19 January 2026 · New Era →

Sport

  1. Senegal wins Africa Cup of Nations after chaotic final

    Senegal defeated host Morocco 1-0 in the Africa Cup of Nations final, with Pape Gueye scoring in extra time after Senegal protested and walked off the pitch following a controversial late penalty award that their goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved. The match was marred by ugly scenes in the crowd when the penalty was given, and Senegal supporters threw objects and attempted to get onto the field.

    19 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Khomas Welcome Championships launches Namibia's athletics year

    Namibia's top athletes competed in the Khomas Welcome Championships at Windhoek's Independence Stadium on Saturday, with performances described as largely average. QSBAC was the most successful club with 136 points, followed by Unam AC and Otjinene AC among ten competing clubs.

    19 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Coetzee and Looser win Windhoek Pedal Power series leg

    Drikus Coetzee won the elite men's race over 120km and Vera Looser won the elite women's race over 100km in sprint finishes at the second leg of the Nedbank Windhoek Pedal Power series on Okahandja Road. More than 150 cyclists competed across various categories in the event.

    19 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Rugby captain Prince !Gaoseb launches XKI Strength fitness app

    Namibia's national rugby captain has released XKI Strength, a fitness app available on iOS and Android, offering structured workouts combining strength, conditioning and performance training with a seven-day free trial. !Gaoseb says the app aims to help athletes and fitness enthusiasts train smarter and is part of his effort to promote fitness as a necessity and give back to sport.

    19 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. U19 Cricket World Cup begins in Namibia and Zimbabwe

    The ICC U19 Cricket World Cup kicked off in Namibia and Zimbabwe over the weekend, with Sri Lanka setting multiple tournament records in a 203-run victory over Japan, including a record individual score of 192 by Viran Chamuditha and a record opening partnership of 328 runs. Early leaders include Sri Lanka in Group A, India in Group B, England in Group C, and Afghanistan in Group D.

    19 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Fullkrug's first goal keeps AC Milan close to Inter

    German forward Niclas Fullkrug scored his first goal for AC Milan in a 1-0 win over Lecce on Sunday, keeping the club three points behind Serie A leaders Inter Milan. Fullkrug, on loan from West Ham United, headed home Alexis Saelemaekers's cross in the 76th minute.

    19 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Real Sociedad end Barcelona's twelve-game winning streak in La Liga

    Real Sociedad defeated Barcelona 2-1 on Sunday, ending the Catalan side's 12-match unbeaten run and narrowing their La Liga lead over Real Madrid to a single point. Barcelona had multiple disallowed goals and hit the woodwork four times but could not overcome goalkeeper Alex Remiro's crucial saves.

    19 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. New Zealand wins first-ever ODI series in India

    New Zealand defeated India by 41 runs to seal their first-ever ODI series victory on Indian soil, winning the three-match series 2-1 despite Virat Kohli's 54th ODI century. Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips' 219-run fourth-wicket partnership lifted New Zealand to 337-8, with Mitchell named player of the match and series.

    19 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. Thailand, Bangladesh, Ireland, Netherlands win T20 World Cup qualifier

    The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier opened with Thailand defeating Nepal by eight wickets on the back of Natthakan Chantham's unbeaten 57, while Bangladesh beat the USA by 21 runs, Ireland defeated Papua New Guinea by 41 runs, and the Netherlands won by 22 runs over Zimbabwe.

    19 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  10. England and Afghanistan win second matches at U19 Cricket World Cup

    England defeated Zimbabwe by eight wickets and Afghanistan beat the West Indies by 138 runs in their respective second matches of the ICC Men's U19 Cricket World Cup 2026. A third match between New Zealand and USA was abandoned due to rain, but not before USA player Nitish Sudini scored an unbeaten 117, marking the first-ever century by a USA player in the tournament.

    19 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  11. Nangolo to defend WBO Africa title in April

    Boxer Flame 'Special One' Nangolo will defend his WBO Africa super featherweight title on April 25, following his recent ranking among the WBO's top 15 boxers. AC Promotions is seeking corporate sponsorship and government support to cover sanctioning fees and operational costs for the event.

    19 January 2026 · New Era →

  12. U/19 Men's Cricket World Cup begins in Namibia, Zimbabwe

    The ICC Men's U19 Cricket World Cup kicked off in Namibia and Zimbabwe from 15–26 January 2026, with matches at the Namibia Cricket Ground and High Performance Oval. Opening results included West Indies defeating Tanzania by five wickets, Australia beating Ireland by eight wickets, Afghanistan overcoming South Africa by 28 runs, and Sri Lanka defeating Japan by 203 runs.

    19 January 2026 · New Era →

Tourism & Environment

  1. NTB settles N$160,000 dispute with Ghanaian firm Hype.Up

    The Namibia Tourism Board paid N$160,000 to Ghanaian company Hype.Up to resolve a long-standing dispute over an unpaid invoice from a Ghana Roadshow project, following legal review and a PwC forensic audit that found no irregularities.

    19 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Environment ministry calls for end to illegal sand and gravel mining

    Environment Minister Indileni Daniel has urged an end to illegal sand and gravel mining across Namibia, noting that such activities lack required Environmental Clearance Certificates and pose serious risks including land degradation, riverbank erosion, and threats to water and food security. The ministry plans regional stakeholder engagements on new Sand and Gravel Mining Regulations to balance development with environmental protection.

    19 January 2026 · New Era →

World & Region

  1. Trump threatens EU NATO members with tariffs over Greenland

    US President Donald Trump has threatened Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland with tariffs starting at 10% from 1 February, rising to 25% on 1 June 2026, until they agree to sell Greenland to the United States. Trump cited the mineral-rich Arctic territory's strategic importance and accused the nations of creating unacceptable risk to global peace and security.

    19 January 2026 · New Era →

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