Namibia Minute.
Monday, 26 January 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 26 January 2026
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Archive Minute from Monday, 26 January 2026
Politics

NBC denies plans to re-interview director general candidates

The News

The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation has denied allegations that it intends to conduct re-interviews for the director general position, a role vacant since outgoing chief Stanley Similo's contract expired last year. NBC board chairperson Lazarus Jacobs said the recruitment process remains incomplete and that any claims about re-interviews are "speculation, innuendo and rumour mongering."

26 January 2026 · The Namibian →

Politics

  1. NBC denies plans to re-interview director general candidates

    The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation has denied allegations that it intends to conduct re-interviews for the director general position, a role vacant since outgoing chief Stanley Similo's contract expired last year. NBC board chairperson Lazarus Jacobs said the recruitment process remains incomplete and that any claims about re-interviews are "speculation, innuendo and rumour mongering."

    26 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Minister rejects housing enterprise CEO contract extension

    Minister of Urban and Rural Development James Sankwasa has rejected the National Housing Enterprise board's request to extend the contract of chief executive Gisbertus Mukulu beyond its June 2026 expiry, declining to publicly explain the decision. The rejection comes amid criticism of NHE's slow housing delivery—the organisation delivered only 445 houses in 2023/24 despite a national housing backlog of about 300,000 units.

    26 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Liberation struggle icon Kanana Hishoono laid to rest

    Swapo co-founder and political advisor Kanana Hishoono (89) was buried at Eenhana Memorial Shrine on Saturday, with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah praising his unwavering commitment to Namibia's liberation struggle and legacy of selfless dedication. Hishoono, who also served as headman of Onambutu village in Ohangwena region and died on 14 January, was remembered by mourners and political leaders as a founding figure in the national liberation movement.

    26 January 2026 · New Era →

  4. PDM president criticises Namibian media quality and coverage

    PDM president McHenry Venaani criticised Namibian journalism for failing to contribute effectively to political discourse, citing inexperienced journalists, inadequate investment, and over-reliance on artificial intelligence. He also urged opposition parties to form coalitions to prevent Swapo from regaining a two-thirds majority, and reported PDM's electoral performance as satisfactory, including reclaiming the Okakarara constituency.

    26 January 2026 · New Era →

Business

  1. WBCG consults industry partners on SADC trade gateway role

    The Walvis Bay Corridor Group conducted a three-day stakeholder engagement in the Erongo region in January 2026 to identify operational bottlenecks and gather input from transport and logistics partners toward finalising its 2026–2031 strategic framework. The organisation aims to enhance Namibia's position as the preferred trade gateway for the SADC region.

    26 January 2026 · New Era →

  2. Government allocates N$12m for peri-urban electrification projects

    The government has allocated N$12 million to provide electricity to 969 peri-urban households across Hardap and //Kharas regions, with plans to scale up the programme as part of efforts to improve service delivery in communities where infrastructure development has lagged population growth.

    26 January 2026 · New Era →

  3. Oshikoto gives equipment to small business owners

    The Oshikoto Regional Governor's office has distributed tools and equipment to beneficiaries of its Micro Income-Generating Projects Programme, enabling retailers, gardeners, welders and other small entrepreneurs to reduce operating costs and expand their enterprises. The initiative aims to promote self-reliance, entrepreneurship and inclusive local economic development across five constituencies.

    26 January 2026 · New Era →

Mining & Energy

  1. President orders legal review of Paragon Oil licence renewal

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has asked the attorney general to review the circumstances surrounding Paragon Oil & Gas' petroleum exploration licence (PEL 37) renewal, which was granted for four years despite regulations limiting third renewals to two years. The licence resurfaced as a controversy when former mines minister Natangwe Ithete was fired last year, allegedly for approving the renewal against the president's wishes.

    26 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia pursuing nuclear energy to address power shortage

    Dr Kaire Mbuende, Director-General of Namibia's National Planning Commission, said the country cannot ignore nuclear energy generation given its status as Africa's largest uranium producer. He cited energy insecurity—with less than 60% of the population having electricity access and 60% of supply imported—as justification for pursuing nuclear alongside renewables, oil and gas, and small modular reactors, all under an IAEA-compliant national strategy.

    26 January 2026 · Informanté →

  3. Namibia poised for uranium sector growth in 2026

    According to an outlook by legal experts Patrick Kauta and Vivien Chaplin, Namibia's uranium mining sector is expected to benefit from rising global demand for nuclear energy, with established producers like Rössing, Husab, and the restarted Langer Heinrich expanding, while new projects including Etango-8, Tumas, and Norasa advance through development stages. The sector faces challenges including water scarcity and global market volatility, but Namibia's stable political environment and substantial reserves position it as an increasingly attractive investment destination for nuclear fuel supply.

    26 January 2026 · New Era →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Court orders eviction from Kerina resettlement farm

    A Windhoek High Court judge has issued an eviction order against two people occupying a resettlement farm that was allocated to independence hero Mburumba Kerina, after the government claimed their occupation was unlawful and notices to vacate issued in 2023 went unheeded. The occupants disputed the claim, arguing succession under Kerina's will entitled them to remain, but the government cited statutory requirements for estate administration and lease assignment that they had not followed.

    26 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Lamb and sheep prices rise despite falling marketing and exports

    Producer prices for lamb and sheep rose by 22.92% and 27.43% respectively in 2025, but these gains did not fully cover rising production costs. The price increases were not driven by higher volumes—sheep marketing and exports actually declined due to drought-induced destocking and weak external demand, with sheep marketing dropping 40.85% in the first half of 2025.

    26 January 2026 · Informanté →

  3. Oshikoto farmer grows commercial vegetable business from small garden

    Penda II Nantinda of Pronego Green Farm in Ekamba B village started with a failed potato crop in 2022, then pivoted to horticulture in 2023, growing tomatoes, spinach, beetroot and other vegetables that now supply major retailers in Ondangwa. Despite obstacles including high water costs and pest challenges, Nantinda shares his success at agricultural youth meetings to encourage young farmers.

    26 January 2026 · New Era →

  4. Deputy minister urges youth toward modern, value-driven agriculture

    Deputy agriculture minister Ruthy Masake told young Namibians at an Oniipa engagement that the future of agriculture rests in their hands, urging them to embrace modern farming practices and access low-interest loans through the National Youth Development Fund launched in September 2025. Legislator Willem Amutenya stressed the need to commercialise production on communal land and secure reliable markets for northern region produce.

    26 January 2026 · New Era →

Society

  1. Parents seek temporary schools for unplaced pupils

    Several weeks into the 2026 school year, parents in Windhoek are calling on the education ministry to urgently establish temporary schools or tents to accommodate children still without placements after submitting applications and following up repeatedly. Parents report their children are missing instruction while being sent home, and say the delays affect both academic progress and children's emotional well-being.

    26 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Nine-year-old girl killed in crocodile attack in Kavango West

    Anna Kakuvi, 9, was killed on Saturday morning after a crocodile attacked her while she was washing her feet near a river in Mazwa village, Kavango West. The girl was tending cattle with three other children when the crocodile struck; her body was later recovered and police investigations are ongoing.

    26 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Former refugees association apologises for harassment of NBC journalists

    The Former Refugees Repatriation Association Namibia has apologised after its members allegedly verbally abused and obstructed NBC journalists at Swapo headquarters in Windhoek last week. Association president Matheus Nangolo said the actions were those of individuals acting in their personal capacity and do not reflect the organisation's values.

    26 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Epukiro Secondary raises N$176,600 for infrastructure after strong exam results

    Epukiro Secondary School in Omaheke raised N$176,600 from community donations during a visit by the regional governor, who commended the school's fourth-place national ranking in Grade 12 exams. The funds will support infrastructure improvements, though the principal noted ongoing challenges including overcrowded classrooms and deteriorating facilities.

    26 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Police officer shoots girlfriend, then dies from self-inflicted wound

    A 39-year-old police officer shot his 36-year-old girlfriend during an argument in Khomasdal on Saturday night, then fatally shot himself. The woman survived and is receiving treatment at Katutura State Hospital in stable condition.

    26 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Khomas Council prioritises water, sanitation in five-year plan

    The Khomas Regional Council has launched a 2025/2026–2029/2030 Strategic Plan with water provision and sanitation as key priorities. The Council allocated over N$2.5 million for water projects including rehabilitation of 11 boreholes and drilling of five new ones, and N$2.6 million for constructing 175 dry toilets in rural areas, with 60 already completed.

    26 January 2026 · Informanté →

  7. Otjimbingwe man dies in shack fire, cause unknown

    A 37-year-old man burned to death in his corrugated iron house in Otjimbingwe's Aru-Ais suburb on 24 January. No foul play is suspected and the cause of the fire remains unknown; police investigations continue.

    26 January 2026 · Informanté →

  8. Woman arrested for forging Grade 12 certificate

    A 25-year-old woman was arrested at the International University of Management in Ongwediva after allegedly forging her Senior Secondary School certificate by altering symbols with an ink pen and pasting letters on copies. She was detained pending appearance before Oshakati Magistrates' Court.

    26 January 2026 · Informanté →

  9. 13-year-old boy accused of raping 8-year-old girl

    A 13-year-old boy is accused of raping an eight-year-old girl at his home in Oshandubala village, Ondangwa on 23 January. No arrest has been made and police investigations are continuing.

    26 January 2026 · Informanté →

  10. Labour Advisory Council investigates fishing industry worker exploitation

    A consultative meeting between fishing industry employers and workers in Walvis Bay grew tense when unrecognized unions complained their grievances were not heard. The Labour Advisory Council, tasked by the labour minister to probe alleged exploitation, heard complaints of wage discrepancies, excessive working hours without overtime, unauthorized salary deductions, and unequal pay—though employers disputed several allegations, citing contracts and the seasonal nature of the sector.

    26 January 2026 · New Era →

  11. Primary school learners in Namibia becoming addicted to vaping

    Vaping products, known as 'choef', are increasingly being used among Namibian adolescents including primary school learners, with prices as low as N$100 making them easily accessible. The products are highly addictive and pose health risks including lung damage and safety hazards such as battery explosions, though a parliamentary standing committee's recommendation for an import ban has not yet been implemented.

    26 January 2026 · New Era →

  12. Erongo region's 33.7% pass rate sparks responsibility debate

    Erongo recorded a 33.7% pass rate in 2025, below the national average and ranking among the bottom five regions. The governor called for collective responsibility from education stakeholders, while the teachers' union argued that poor performance reflects systemic challenges including overcrowding, teacher shortages, and inadequate infrastructure rather than teacher failure alone.

    26 January 2026 · New Era →

  13. Grootfontein mother seeks support for disabled daughter's schooling

    A Grootfontein mother is fighting to provide her wheelchair-dependent daughter with access to education and the care she needs. The child, who is eager to learn but faces barriers from a broken wheelchair and lack of accommodating schools, requires a functional mobility aid and school placement to live with dignity.

    26 January 2026 · New Era →

  14. Free eye screening helps over 500 Oshana learners

    More than 500 school-going learners in Oshana region received free eye screenings at Oshakati Intermediate Hospital, with those diagnosed with refractive vision problems given eyeglasses at no cost. The health ministry campaign, run with Ethical Eye Vision and a British NGO, aimed to improve learners' academic performance and included guidance to parents about limiting children's screen time.

    26 January 2026 · New Era →

  15. PM praises teachers as foundation of Namibia's future

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare commended teachers for their dedication to shaping Namibia's young people, describing teaching as the foundation of all professions and noting that an educated nation is essential for sustainable development. He assured stakeholders of government's commitment to creating equitable learning environments and urged education officials to prioritise implementation over rhetoric.

    26 January 2026 · New Era →

  16. Gochas learners gain new hostel facility in Hardap region

    A N$11.6 million hostel accommodating 60 learners was officially opened in Gochas by education minister Sanet Steenkamp, donated by Spanish non-profit Foundawtion in response to an initiative by retired principal Theo-Paulina Goliath to improve living conditions for students in the community.

    26 January 2026 · New Era →

Culture

  1. Miss Namibia 2026 pageant opens entries for women and teens

    The Miss Namibia Organisation has opened entries for the 2026 pageants, with applications closing 30 January. Reigning Miss Namibia Johanna Swartbooi describes the competition as a "starter pack for adulthood" requiring professional coaching in public speaking, interviews and presentation skills, while the winner receives a house, car, cash and scholarship plus the chance to represent Namibia at Miss Universe.

    26 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibian Annual Music Awards return after six-year break

    The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture has announced the revival of the Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) this year, following a six-year pause. The ministry aims to support the local music industry, encourage emerging artists, and reinforce music's role in nation-building and cultural identity.

    26 January 2026 · Informanté →

  3. DJ Dozza builds international career through quality production

    Namibian producer Mentos Goagoseb, known as DJ Dozza, is gaining recognition locally and internationally through collaborations with German producer Leo Large, with recent placements on Netflix and Showmax, and upcoming releases planned for 2026.

    26 January 2026 · New Era →

Sport

  1. Namibia defeats Kenya 8-4 in futsal AFCON qualifier

    Namibia secured a convincing 8-4 victory over Kenya in the first leg of their Africa Cup of Nations futsal qualifier at the Dome in Swakopmund, with Ken Salote scoring four goals as the hosts dominated the second half. Head coach Marco Antunes described the result as potentially historic and expressed hope that futsal will grow into a major sport in Namibia alongside the return leg scheduled for 28 January in Nairobi.

    26 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Julinho draws with Ongos as Women Super League kicks off

    Julinho Athletic staged a comeback to draw 3-3 with FC Ongos in the opening round of the FNB Women Super League; newly-promoted Mighty Angels also impressed with a 1-0 win over African Stars Queens, while VPower Angels, Mighty Gunners, and Khomas Nampol secured wins.

    26 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Patrick Durand smashes under-12 800m freestyle record

    Patrick Durand of Dolphins Swimming Club set a new record at Bank Windhoek Long Course Gala 3, winning the boys 12 and under 800m freestyle in 10:18.09, breaking the 12-year-old record by more than 10 seconds. Several other swimmers came close to breaking records across various age categories.

    26 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Namibia eliminated from T20 Women's World Cup qualifying

    Namibia's bid to reach the Super Six stage of the T20 Women's World Cup qualifying tournament in Nepal ended with a three-wicket loss to Papua New Guinea on Saturday, their third consecutive defeat in Group A.

    26 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Stuttgart beats Gladbach 3-0, climbs to fourth in Bundesliga

    Deniz Undav scored to help Stuttgart cruise to a 3-0 victory at Borussia Moenchengladbach on Saturday, with the German Cup holders climbing to fourth place. Undav has now scored 11 goals in 12 Bundesliga matches this season.

    26 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Manchester United stuns Arsenal, Villa closes title gap

    Manchester United inflicted Arsenal's first home defeat of the season with a 3-2 victory, while Aston Villa beat Newcastle 2-0 to close within four points of the Gunners in the Premier League title race.

    26 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Alcaraz, Djokovic advance to Australian Open quarter-finals

    Top seed Carlos Alcaraz defeated Tommy Paul to reach the Australian Open quarter-finals in straight sets, while Novak Djokovic advanced without playing after opponent Jakub Mensik withdrew injured. Aryna Sabalenka and rising 18-year-old Iva Jovic also secured quarter-final spots.

    26 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Australia and West Indies advance in U19 Cricket World Cup

    Australia defeated South Africa by six wickets in the Super Six stage of the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2026, bowling out the Proteas for 118. The West Indies beat Ireland by 25 runs (DLS) in a rain-affected match.

    26 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. Khomas Nampol dominates Desert Foxes in Women's Super League opener

    Khomas Nampol FC Ladies defeated Desert Foxes FC 3–0 in the opening match of the FNB Women's Super League at Jan Wilken Stadium in Walvis Bay, with goals in the second half from Helena Shuumbwa, Fiina Katina, and Penomwaameni Tomas. Coach Novata Paulus acknowledged a poor first-half display but praised her team's second-half response, while Desert Foxes coach Baron Brown acknowledged the disappointment but expressed pride in his young squad's effort.

    26 January 2026 · New Era →

  10. Namibian women's football shows growth in professionalism, talent

    Women's football in Namibia has improved markedly over the past five years, with better player development, expanded competitions, improved welfare services, and emerging talent moving to international leagues. The writer credits increased exposure, better coaching, and consistent competitive play, while noting infrastructure gaps remain a challenge.

    26 January 2026 · New Era →

  11. Namibia's Brave 5 beat Kenya 8-4 in futsal qualifier

    Namibia's national futsal team defeated Kenya 8-4 in the first leg of their African Cup of Nations qualifier at the MTC Dome in Swakopmund, with Ken Salote scoring four goals. The team will face Kenya again on 28 January in Nairobi for the second leg to secure qualification.

    26 January 2026 · New Era →

  12. Women's Super League opens with draws and defensive struggles

    The 2025 FNB Women's Super League kicked off with FC Ongos Ladies and Julinho Athletic Ladies drawing 3-3, and Unam Bokkies drawing 1-1 with Arrows Ladies FC, with coaches citing fitness and positional discipline as early-season concerns. Defending champions Mighty Gunners Ladies won 3-0 against Windhoek City SC.

    26 January 2026 · New Era →

Tourism & Environment

  1. Animal rights activist backs baboon culls in Windhoek

    Animal rights activist Margaret Jacobsohn has backed the killing of three baboons in Windhoek's Goreangab area, citing the difficulties of managing habituated baboons in urban areas. She attributed the conflict to habitat loss and poor waste management, and called for public education and community-driven solutions to prevent future human-wildlife clashes.

    26 January 2026 · The Namibian →

World & Region

  1. South African survivor details years of abuse by Jeffrey Epstein

    Juliette Bryant, a South African woman groomed by Jeffrey Epstein starting in 2002 when she was 20, describes how she was lured to New York under false pretenses and subjected to a two-year ordeal of sexual assault, isolation, and control at multiple locations including his island and New Mexico ranch. Bryant, one of the few known South African survivors, has come forward publicly since Epstein's 2019 arrest and received compensation through victim programmes.

    26 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. US immigration agents' shooting sparks Minneapolis protests

    Federal ICE agents shot and killed 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on Saturday; protests have since spread across US cities with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz calling on President Trump to remove federal immigration agents from the city, while the Trump administration defends the shooting and faces criticism from some Republican officials and 60+ Minnesota businesses.

    26 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Kenyan ex-deputy president claims assassination attempt at church

    Rigathi Gachagua, Kenya's former deputy president who was impeached in 2024, alleged that rogue police officers attacked a church service he was attending in Nyeri using bullets and tear gas, accusing President William Ruto of ordering the assault. Gachagua was escorted to safety, no injuries were reported, and police launched an investigation into the incident.

    26 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. US federal agents kill intensive care nurse in Minneapolis

    Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse at a Minneapolis Veterans Affairs hospital, was shot and killed by federal immigration agents during a scuffle on an icy roadway while participating in demonstrations against an immigration crackdown. Local officials and colleagues disputed Trump administration claims that Pretti intended to harm federal agents.

    26 January 2026 · New Era →

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