Former police watchdog head Robert McBride testified before Parliament's ad hoc committee investigating alleged cartel infiltration, dredging up the controversial "fire pool" scandal at former president Jacob Zuma's Nkandla residence, which McBride said cost as much as building a mansion and was falsely presented as a security measure.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Former police watchdog head Robert McBride testified before Parliament's ad hoc committee investigating alleged cartel infiltration, dredging up the controversial "fire pool" scandal at former president Jacob Zuma's Nkandla residence, which McBride said cost as much as building a mansion and was falsely presented as a security measure.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Eight people—Namibian businessman Laurensius Julius and seven Chinese nationals—pleaded not guilty to 1,583 charges of customs fraud, money laundering, and false declarations before the Windhoek High Court. The state alleges they defrauded customs authorities and Nedbank by declaring incorrect import values and inflating freight costs to send inflated payments to China between 2013 and 2016.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Documents bearing the letterhead of state-owned August 26 Construction were allegedly used to facilitate the theft of N$3.9 million from ||Kharas Regional Council in October 2024. The money was paid to Tushiko Investment Technology, a company linked to businessman Titus Iipumbu, and the regional council's chief regional officer Ralph Sachika is alleged to have colluded in the scheme.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The death of liberation struggle veteran Kanana Hishoono is framed as an occasion to reflect on the humility and service that defined liberation leaders, and to question whether those values still guide current leadership. The writer argues that liberation veterans deserve honour but not unchecked authority, and calls for renewal of the humility and accountability that once characterised the movement, warning that legitimacy cannot rest on past sacrifice alone.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The Katima Mulilo council has terminated the employment contract of acting chief executive Marina Kandumbu, citing legal concerns about her appointment and other issues. Kandumbu disputes the termination as unlawful and procedurally unfair, while the appointing minister has characterized the council's action as tribal.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The Minister of Urban and Rural Development has warned ministries and councillors to settle outstanding municipal debts or face disconnections and sanctions. As of March 2025, local authorities and councils owed the Namibia Water Corporation N$2.4 billion, with the City of Windhoek reporting residents, businesses, and government combined owe the municipality N$1.2 billion.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →
High Court Judge Marilize du Plessis postponed the Fishrot trial to 9–20 March 2026 after defendants' unsuccessful bid for a longer postponement pending a collateral review against the Anti-Corruption Commission. Sackeus Shanghala indicated he will appeal the judge's refusal, challenging the ACC's authority to have investigated evidence under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act prior to 2023.
22 January 2026 · Informanté →
The Employment Equity Commission's Review Panel will hear from 15 employers, including the Road Fund Administration, Beefcor Meat Suppliers, and Letshego Bank, over their failure to comply with the Affirmative Action Act; hearings are set for 21–22 January 2026 and are open to the public. The panel will assess whether employers are making genuine efforts to promote fair and equitable employment practices, and may issue binding orders or initiate criminal proceedings for non-compliance.
22 January 2026 · Informanté →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has conferred a state funeral on the late Mathias Kanana Hishoono, a veteran of the National Liberation Struggle, recognising his contributions to independence, democracy and national development. Hishoono will be buried on 24 January 2026 at the Eenhana Shrine in Ohangwena Region.
22 January 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia will host the Namibia International Cybersecurity Conference & Exhibition (NICSC) 2026 from 22–24 April in Windhoek, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and cybersecurity professionals to address digital threats and strengthen Africa's cyber resilience under the theme "Securing Africa's Digital Future: Innovation, Resilience, and Sovereignty."
22 January 2026 · New Era →
After nearly six years, the fishing quota corruption trial in which Namibian fisheries resources were allegedly stolen through deals with Icelandic company Samherji will begin on March 9, 2026. Acting Judge Marilize du Plessis rejected multiple postponement applications from former minister Sacky Shanghala and co-accused, ruling that lengthy delays in the civil review process and years of court proceedings weighed against further delay.
22 January 2026 · New Era →
Uzeraije Kapika Tjaverua, a former NBC radio presenter, has taken office as Okakarara constituency councillor and is prioritizing youth unemployment, vocational training, land distribution, education, and road infrastructure. He plans to address mental health support for young people, establish functioning school libraries, and advocate for solar power electrification in the area.
22 January 2026 · New Era →
Transport minister Veikko Nekundi expressed dissatisfaction with delays on the Bukalo-Muyako road project in Zambezi, noting that the 10-kilometre upgrade is only 40% complete after five months and warning that prolonged timelines will increase costs. The contractor cited heavy rainfall and compensation issues, while community representatives called for contract termination, citing lack of adequate machinery and personnel.
22 January 2026 · New Era →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah convened leaders from eight northern regions to discuss the 2026 work agenda, emphasizing collective responsibility and urging them to move away from perceptions of regional disparities. She also raised concerns about parliamentary inefficiency due to obstructions halting legislation and announced a state funeral for late liberation veteran Kanana Hishoono.
22 January 2026 · New Era →
The Minister of Works and Transport rejected the proposed relocation of Katima Mulilo's weighbridge to the Liselo area, citing flooding risks and engineering concerns. He instructed authorities to identify an alternative suitable location along the B8 main road, as the weighbridge relocation is a priority project for the presidency.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The Suzuki Jimny, now in its fourth generation, has become an iconic name in the small 4×4 segment since its introduction in 1970. A Swakopmund branch supervisor attributes its sustained popularity to its trustworthiness, reliability, simple and capable 1.5-litre engine, affordability, and suitability for various terrains, with owners gradually upgrading from three-door to five-door models for extra space.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →
FNB Namibia's Kirsty Watermeyer and MTC's Erasmus Nekundi have been recognized by Africa PR Week among the continent's top 100 corporate communications leaders, a list that honours professionals demonstrating leadership, strategic influence, and ethical communication practices.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Congolese fuel supplier Orion Energy SARL has withdrawn its lawsuit against Eco Fuel Investment, owned by fugitive businessman Victor Simaneka Malima, which accused him of failing to deliver fuel despite receiving over USD 1.3 million in advance payment. Malima is alleged to have fled to Angola after associates linked to his company were arrested in connection with a Namcor fraud case involving over N$400 million.
22 January 2026 · Informanté →
The Development Bank of Namibia recorded a 42% increase in operating profit from N$62 million in 2023/24 to N$88.3 million in 2024/25, reflecting strong cost discipline and enhanced recoveries. The bank also secured significant new funding, including N$607 million from KfW Green Credit Line II and became the first Namibian institution accredited by the Green Climate Fund.
22 January 2026 · Informanté →
The Jetour T1, a recently launched SUV available in Namibia, has received warm reception for combining bold design, modern features, and competitive pricing. The vehicle is offered in four models in Namibia, priced from around N$552,000 to N$675,000, with features including panoramic cameras, turbocharged engines and advanced driver-assistance systems.
22 January 2026 · New Era →
Hyundai has officially released the all-new Santa Fe 2026 as a hybrid electric vehicle in Namibia, featuring a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with an electric motor, a redesigned boxier exterior, a curved panoramic display, and seven-seat capacity. The vehicle retails at approximately N$1 249 900 and positions itself as a competitor to established large-SUV models including the Toyota Land Cruiser and Kia Sorento.
22 January 2026 · New Era →
Mobile Telecommunications Limited has unveiled 18 excellence award categories for the second MTC Branding & Marketing Indaba, recognising innovation in branding, marketing, communications, and advertising. The award ceremony will be held on 10 April at the Mövenpick Hotel in Windhoek, with winners judged by an independent panel of industry experts, except for the People's Brand of the Year category which will be decided by public vote.
22 January 2026 · New Era →
The Northern Regional Electricity Distributor (Nored) is asking customers to report power outages as the company cannot respond to faults it is unaware of. The distributor explained that outages—whether planned maintenance or unplanned technical faults—increase during the rainy season due to weather damage, and that residents can report outages by calling 083 282 2123.
22 January 2026 · New Era →
Namibian police are seeking additional arrest warrants in the Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) robbery investigation, with authorities pursuing suspects linked to the theft and the proceeds from stolen diamonds. The latest arrest, of alleged Namdia security officer Charles Rhoman, followed a suspicious livestock transaction in April 2025, bringing the total arrests to eight.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The African Development Bank has approved a US$10 million loan to Hyphen Hydrogen Energy for detailed engineering studies on Namibia's green hydrogen and ammonia project near Lüderitz, a development that could create 15,000 construction jobs and 3,000 permanent positions while producing up to two million tonnes of green ammonia annually for export.
22 January 2026 · New Era →
Swakopmund Municipality plans to donate 165 single residential erven to residents of the Democratic Resettlement Community as part of a decongestion and land regularisation process. Beneficiaries, some of whom have lived in DRC for more than 28 years, will pay only a N$1,000 transfer fee instead of market value.
22 January 2026 · New Era →
The Kunene governor's office is calling on youth to apply for a beekeeping training programme aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and income generation. The training, to be held in Opuwo with support from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, will equip at least 20 young people with practical skills in honey production and business management, with participants receiving continued support to establish their own ventures.
22 January 2026 · New Era →
Security guards in Zambezi staged a demonstration demanding implementation of the new minimum wage of N$16 per hour effective January, overtime payment for Sundays and public holidays, and compliance with labour laws by their employers.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The Oshikoto Regional Health Directorate is targeting more than 68,000 children under age 10 for polio vaccination in response to the detection of poliovirus type 2 in environmental surveillance. The campaign will run in two rounds, starting 26 January, with all targeted children to receive two vaccine doses.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →
A personal finance advice article warns against spending January wages all at once, spreading purchases across multiple retailers, neglecting bills and healthcare, and overspending on takeaway instead of home-prepared food.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Residents of Goreangab informal settlement in Windhoek report escalating baboon raids destroying property, stealing food, and injuring children, with government authorities planning to scare away the animals and capture those that do not respond for relocation to remote areas. The Ministry of Environment and Tourism spokesperson says sustainable solutions are being sought with stakeholders, though some ministry sources indicate culling may be necessary.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The Editors' Forum of Namibia has condemned verbal abuse of NBC journalists by members of a repatriated refugees association camping at the Swapo head office in Windhoek. EFN chairperson Toivo Ndjebela warned that such conduct undermines media safety and the democratic mandate of journalism, and called on authorities to ensure journalists' security while reporting on public interest matters.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →
A Nust graduate describes how the shift from high school to university—marked by financial stress, academic pressure, and newfound independence—triggered anxiety and self-doubt, and experts say students need stronger emotional preparation and accessible mental-health support to develop self-efficacy and belonging during this psychological transition.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The Oshana health directorate is recruiting unemployed nursing graduates, retired nurses, and health sector graduates as vaccinators and data recorders for a national polio vaccination campaign running in late January and late February. Applicants must be registered with the Health Professional Council of Namibia, with the application deadline on Wednesday.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The Employment Equity Commission questioned Walvis Bay Primary School's claim that 64% of its workforce are persons with disabilities, far exceeding the legally mandated 5%. The school's consultant argued that the Affirmative Action Act's unclear definition of "disabilities" led to the higher count, but the review panel advised the school to follow the Act and consult the National Disability Council.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The City of Windhoek has announced that water supply to Northern Industrial and Katutura will be restored gradually throughout the day following a nearly two-day outage caused by a damaged 600 mm bulk water pipeline. The pipeline was repaired Wednesday night, but reservoir levels remain low and require time to stabilise before full supply is restored.
22 January 2026 · Informanté →
Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp has officially opened the Namaqua Kalahari Children's Hope Hostel in Gochas, Hardap Region, built by Spanish non-profit Foundawtion at a cost of N$11.6 million since October 2023. The facility comprises accommodation for boys and girls, dining hall, kitchen, and study areas, designed to improve access to education and reduce barriers to school attendance in the region.
22 January 2026 · Informanté →
Two men accused of murdering trans woman Christoph Frederick, whose mutilated body was found in a Windhoek riverbed in May 2024, appeared in the High Court today. The case has been postponed to February 2026, with LGBTQ+ activists calling for stronger legal protections for transgender people.
22 January 2026 · Informanté →
Heavy rainfall across Kavango West, Kavango East, and Zambezi regions has damaged several national roads and made driving conditions difficult. The Roads Authority urges motorists to reduce speed and exercise caution, and says maintenance teams are on standby to repair affected sections once weather permits.
22 January 2026 · New Era →
Namibia and Cuba are advancing plans for a joint state-of-the-art pharmaceutical plant designed to boost Namibia's pharmaceutical self-reliance and enable SADC exports, following bilateral talks between Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare and Cuba's ambassador. The countries are also considering introducing Cuba's Family Doctor health model in Namibia, building on existing cooperation that has trained 173 Namibian medical students in Cuba and deployed 93 Cuban health professionals across Namibian public health facilities.
22 January 2026 · New Era →
Employees of the Northern Regional Electricity Distributor have gone six years without a pay increase despite union negotiations, prompting the Mineworkers Union of Namibia to refer the dispute to the labour commissioner. The union has issued formal strike notice, with protected industrial action scheduled to commence on 23 January 2026.
22 January 2026 · New Era →
The Editors' Forum of Namibia has condemned the harassment of a Namibia Broadcasting Corporation news crew by members of the Former Refugees Repatriation Association at Swapo Party headquarters, stating that intimidation and obstruction of journalists performing their duties is unacceptable and weakens democracy.
22 January 2026 · New Era →
A cholera outbreak in Otjozondjupa's Kap n Bou informal settlement has been brought under control through the establishment of a dedicated treatment centre at Grootfontein State Hospital, with only two patients in quarantine as of Monday. The government has deployed improved water infrastructure and mounted multi-sectoral efforts including public awareness campaigns, with no deaths reported despite 39 confirmed hospitalizations and 108 suspected cases since the outbreak began in November 2025.
22 January 2026 · New Era →
During a bail hearing, a Namibian Police chief inspector testified that Joel Angula would likely interfere with witnesses and investigations if released, citing his prior misleading statements and knowledge of witnesses. The inspector also stated that 452 of 512 diamonds robbed from Namdia remain missing and could be disposed of or used for further crimes if the accused is freed.
22 January 2026 · New Era →
The Kavango East education directorate says there is insufficient classroom space to place Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level learners who upgraded from grade 11, with spaces reserved for full-time grade 11 learners. The directorate is waiting until the end of the week to see which enrolled learners do not return to AS level before opening admissions to learners from part-time schools.
22 January 2026 · New Era →
Project Never Walk Alone has unveiled a three-year plan to provide shoes to over 31,500 barefooted children across Namibia at a cost of N$12.9 million, with Kavango East identified as the region with the highest number of shoeless learners at over 14,000 children. The initiative, which has already assisted 12,750 children, aims to improve school attendance and learner well-being by addressing the impact of lack of shoes on education and confidence.
22 January 2026 · New Era →
The Ondangwa Town Council has expressed concern over increasing vandalism of street and road regulatory signs, warning that the acts pose safety risks to road users and create unnecessary financial burden on the local authority. The council stressed that road signs are critical traffic control instruments, and their destruction violates the law.
22 January 2026 · New Era →
Residents of Usakos are experiencing a water shortage after critical equipment was stolen from one of the town's main boreholes, with Erongosig and Hakhaseb areas most affected. NamWater says repairs to the vandalised borehole infrastructure are scheduled for completion this week, and water distribution measures are being implemented for affected areas.
22 January 2026 · New Era →
Kavango West Region has emerged as the top-performing region in 2025 Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level results, an achievement regional education director Pontianus Musore attributed to consistency, teacher commitment, and a strong focus on teaching and learning despite operating under difficult infrastructural and resource constraints. The region prioritises maximising teaching time, monitoring learner progress, and analysing performance data to identify and address weaknesses early.
22 January 2026 · New Era →
Eleven family members were arrested in Katima Mulilo after they allegedly assaulted a 58-year-old man during a land dispute at Kanono; the victim sustained a broken jaw and multiple injuries and is hospitalized, while all suspects face attempted murder charges, with one also facing a firearm theft charge.
22 January 2026 · New Era →
Over 120 motorcycle riders from clubs across Namibia will ride to Karibib on Sunday for the Ubuntu Breakfast Run, an annual event aimed at uniting African bikers in the spirit of Ubuntu—emphasizing compassion, humanity, and shared journey regardless of age, race, or motorcycle type. Riders from multiple African countries and Namibia converge at a central guesthouse where activities take place.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Wanderers Netball Club is focused on rebuilding after key player departures, with chairperson Lizl Stoman emphasizing the importance of developing younger players. The club has begun pre-season training and will hold its annual coaching clinic for children aged 8–12 this Saturday.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibia cricket team has received a farewell ahead of the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next month. Coach Craig Williams says the team is travelling not as underdogs but to compete and cause upsets, despite being drawn in a tough group alongside India, Pakistan, the Netherlands, and the United States.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Barcelona beat Slavia Prague 4-2, Bayern Munich defeated Union Saint-Gilloise 2-0, Newcastle won 3-0 at PSV Eindhoven, and Chelsea edged Pafos 1-0 in Champions League matches on Wednesday, with several clubs moving closer to securing direct qualification for the last 16.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Liverpool beat Marseille 3-0 to move fourth in the Champions League league phase and close to automatic qualification for the last 16, with Mohamed Salah starting after returning from Africa Cup of Nations duty with Egypt.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The International Cricket Council has rejected Bangladesh's request to relocate their T20 World Cup matches from India, citing no credible security threat to the team. Bangladesh has refused to play in India following a row with the Indian cricket board over a player's involvement in the Indian Premier League, and the outcome of their participation remains uncertain.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz defeated Yannick Hanfmann in straight sets to advance to the Australian Open third round, where he was joined by defending champion Aryna Sabalenka and American Coco Gauff. If Alcaraz wins the tournament, he would become the youngest man ever to complete the career Grand Slam of all four major titles.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Ben Mayes scored 191 runs to lead England to a 252-run victory over Scotland in the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2026 in Harare. Afghanistan completed a perfect group stage with a nine-wicket win over Tanzania, with Nooristani Omarzai taking five wickets for nine runs.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Cecil Koorts Jr has been invited to compete at the Champions of the Future karting event at Silverstone in March against 34 of the world's top young racers. The event will see all competitors use identical equipment supplied by one dealer to ensure fair competition.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Simonia Kanyumara, who grew up in Rundu in an athletic family, has built a career as a versatile volleyball player and national team member, recently recovering from an ankle injury. She credits both volleyball and pageantry—in which she was a former queen—with teaching her mental resilience and the ability to perform under pressure.
22 January 2026 · New Era →
The FNB Eagles have been sent off to prepare for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March 2026, marking Namibia's fourth World Cup qualification. Head coach Craig Williams said the team will compete to beat bigger nations, while captain Gerhard Erasmus emphasized the team's determination to make an impact despite facing tough opposition including the Netherlands, India, USA, and Pakistan.
22 January 2026 · New Era →
Southern Stream First Division side Young Brazilians FC has appointed Lionel Afrikaner as assistant coach to strengthen its push for promotion to the Namibia Premier League. Afrikaner, a teacher with experience in youth development, joins the fourth-placed club with a focus on implementing a defined style of play and sustainable development philosophy.
22 January 2026 · New Era →
Twin male mountain gorillas were born in Virunga National Park in the DRC in January to mother Mafuko, marking a rare event for the critically endangered subspecies. The births represent another milestone in the species' recovery from near-extinction in the 1970s, when fewer than 250 remained; populations have since climbed above 1,000, though the infants face significant early survival challenges.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Hotel room occupancy in Namibia for the fourth quarter of 2025 dropped 2.5% to 51.99% annually, according to the Hospitality Association of Namibia. While European tourists increased, particularly from D.A.CH countries, the sector faces challenges from high pricing and potential new levies.
22 January 2026 · New Era →
Frenchie Mae Cumpio, a 26-year-old Philippine journalist who reported on military and police abuses, was convicted of financing terrorism and sentenced to at least 12 years in prison. Press freedom groups have denounced the conviction as fabricated and a "travesty of justice," arguing the charges were designed to silence her critical reporting.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →
A Republican-led US House Oversight Committee has voted to hold former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress for refusing to comply with subpoenas related to an investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The contempt measure now goes to the full House of Representatives for a vote, and if approved, will be referred to the Department of Justice for potential prosecution.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →
President Trump said the US has formed a "framework" for a potential deal on Greenland and the Arctic region after talks with NATO, abandoning threats to impose tariffs on European allies. Diplomatic sources indicated there was no agreement for American control of the autonomous Danish territory, though talks on mineral rights and military cooperation could continue.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →
International Relations and Trade Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi is on an official working visit to Tokyo until 23 January 2026, where she will hold bilateral meetings with Japanese government officials and private sector representatives to expand cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, logistics and industrial development.
22 January 2026 · Informanté →
Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez said the country would use US$300 million from a US-brokered oil sale to prop up the bolivar against the dollar, which has become Venezuela's de facto currency. The move aims to stabilize the foreign exchange market after a six-year US embargo on Venezuelan oil created a shortage of dollars.
22 January 2026 · New Era →
Severe flooding in Mozambique has affected more than 500,000 people, with at least 150 deaths reported as heavy rains continue and dams release water. Damaged infrastructure is hampering aid delivery, and the UN warns of compounding risks including disease, malnutrition, crocodile threats, and the approaching cyclone season.
22 January 2026 · New Era →
US government funding cuts to USAID and PEPFAR in January 2025 have crippled HIV treatment services in Malawi, causing widespread staff layoffs, closure of clinics, and a sharp rise in treatment defaults and unplanned pregnancies. Healthcare workers warn that years of progress against HIV/AIDS are being undone, with vulnerable populations facing discrimination and a return of preventable deaths.
22 January 2026 · New Era →
Nigerian police reversed course Tuesday, acknowledging that gunmen had abducted over 100 people from multiple churches in Kaduna state during Sunday mass, after initially denying any kidnapping occurred. The admission came after pressure from Christian leaders and a UN security report, with police spokesman Benjamin Hundeyin citing earlier remarks as a "measured response" pending confirmation.
22 January 2026 · New Era →
Tetsuya Yamagami, 45, was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison for the July 2022 assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The judge described the broad-daylight shooting as "despicable and extremely malicious," noting Yamagami's motive was rooted in anger over the Unification Church's influence on his family and Abe's ties to the sect.
22 January 2026 · New Era →
Japan restarted the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant, the world's largest by capacity, for the first time since the 2011 Fukushima disaster, despite local opposition and safety concerns. The country is reviving nuclear energy to reduce fossil fuel reliance and meet carbon neutrality targets, though around 60% of residents in the plant's region oppose the restart.
22 January 2026 · New Era →