Namibia Minute.
Friday, 30 January 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Friday, 30 January 2026
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Archive Minute from Friday, 30 January 2026
Politics

NMT condemns online attacks targeting journalist over Sankwasa story

The News

The Namibia Media Trust has condemned threats and xenophobic abuse directed at a reporter at The Namibian following coverage of urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa, expressing concern that personal attacks and xenophobic framing undermine media freedom. NMT executive director Zoé Titus called on the minister to address disputes through factual and lawful means rather than personalising criticism, and urged newsrooms to strengthen safety protocols for journalists.

30 January 2026 · The Namibian →

Politics

  1. NMT condemns online attacks targeting journalist over Sankwasa story

    The Namibia Media Trust has condemned threats and xenophobic abuse directed at a reporter at The Namibian following coverage of urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa, expressing concern that personal attacks and xenophobic framing undermine media freedom. NMT executive director Zoé Titus called on the minister to address disputes through factual and lawful means rather than personalising criticism, and urged newsrooms to strengthen safety protocols for journalists.

    30 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Politicians criticise Presidency for not condemning minister's xenophobic remarks

    Politicians have criticised the Office of the President for failing to hold Minister James Sankwasa accountable after he made xenophobic comments about a Zimbabwean journalist, with opposition figures and analysts arguing the Presidency should have condemned his remarks rather than deflecting responsibility to the relevant line ministry.

    30 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Education Minister warns against corruption in teacher appointments

    Minister of Education Sanet Steenkamp has called for transparent and merit-based teacher appointments, warning that corruption in the process will not be tolerated. She emphasised that officials involved in solicitation or acceptance of money or favours in appointments commit serious misconduct and criminal acts, with consequences including dismissal and referral to law enforcement.

    30 January 2026 · Informanté →

  4. Theofelus launches five-year digital transformation strategic plan

    Information Minister Emma Theofelus unveiled a 2025–2030 strategic plan in Opuwo designed to guide Namibia's digital transformation across five pillars: digital infrastructure, innovation and skills, service delivery, policy frameworks, and public information access. The plan aims to improve public services, drive innovation, and expand technology access to rural communities and youth nationwide.

    30 January 2026 · New Era →

  5. Vice President Witbooi discusses inclusive growth and women's leadership

    Speaking at the Global South Utilities Forum in Abu Dhabi, Namibia's Vice President Lucia Witbooi emphasized that economic transformation must be inclusive and felt in people's daily lives, and highlighted that Namibia's Cabinet now comprises more women than men for the first time in its independent history. She stressed that education, skills training, and leadership opportunities for youth and women are critical to driving the country's future economy.

    30 January 2026 · New Era →

  6. Walvis Bay mayor outlines council's infrastructure and housing priorities

    Mayor Johannes Shimbilinga reaffirmed the council's commitment to improving roads, housing, sanitation and community facilities as part of its five-year development agenda. The authority has completed road rehabilitation on 3rd Street and Allen Dean Martin Street, with Railway Street rehabilitation expected to finish by March 2026, and has completed 233 low-cost houses valued at N$37 million under the Green Valley government housing project.

    30 January 2026 · New Era →

  7. Oshikoto region profile: population, economy, and council overview

    Oshikoto region in northern Namibia has an estimated 257,302 residents spread across 38,685 square kilometres, with agriculture—including crop cultivation and livestock rearing—as the backbone of its economy, complemented by a mining heritage centred on Tsumeb.

    30 January 2026 · New Era →

Business

  1. ICT Ministry launches five-year plan for digital expansion and cybersecurity

    Namibia's Ministry of Information and Communication Technology has launched a 2025–2030 strategic plan and national ICT policy aimed at expanding digital infrastructure, broadband access and cybersecurity while reducing the digital divide, particularly in underserved regions like Kunene. The policy identifies high data costs, limited infrastructure and unequal ICT access as key challenges and sets targets for wider broadband coverage, increased digital literacy and stronger cybersecurity frameworks.

    30 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. 20Twenty to launch Namibia's first inflation-linked home loans

    20Twenty Financial Solutions has secured N$92 million in funding to offer Namibia's first inflation-linked home loans, where annual installment increases are tied to salary growth or inflation rates. The company's chief executive said the sustainability-linked note issuance signals investor confidence in the company's financial model and its social outcomes.

    30 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Namibia's budget deficit projected to narrow by 2026/27

    According to PSG Wealth's economic outlook, Namibia's budget deficit as a percentage of GDP is expected to decline from 5.9% in the 2025/26 financial year to 5.3% in 2026/27, though rising debt-service costs continue to constrain fiscal space for development spending.

    30 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Namib Mills says strike not causing food shortages yet

    Namib Mills has played down claims that an ongoing employee strike is leading to food shortages, saying it is prioritising major product lines and honouring client contracts. The union representing striking workers warned that continued industrial action could lead to a national crisis with shops running out of food by week's end, but a Namibian reporter found no evidence of shortages at sampled retailers.

    30 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. EAN wants changes to investment bill to attract more capital

    The Economic Association of Namibia has welcomed the Draft Investment Promotion and Facilitation Bill as an important step toward consolidating investment policy, but cautioned that it requires refinement—particularly in balancing regulation with active investment encouragement, clarifying incentives and sector designations, and reducing approval burdens on smaller businesses to better compete for global capital.

    30 January 2026 · New Era →

  6. Namibia's trade deficit worsened to N$4.4 billion

    Namibia's trade deficit deteriorated to N$4.4 billion in November 2025, with exports falling 24.5% to N$10 billion and imports declining 10.4% to N$14.4 billion, according to the Namibia Statistics Agency. Mining sector commodities including gold, uranium, and diamonds drove exports, while the country remained heavily reliant on petroleum oils and motor vehicles for imports.

    30 January 2026 · New Era →

  7. Air Connect Namibia drives rapid aviation growth in region

    Namibia has nearly doubled its international air connectivity since 2023 and achieved the largest capacity growth among southern African countries without a flag carrier, with passenger numbers growing 11% in early 2025. The Air Connect Namibia initiative has secured several new international routes and added over 120,000 new seats to the network, positioning the country as a premier tourism and investment destination.

    30 January 2026 · New Era →

Mining & Energy

  1. South African IDC seeks buyers for Rössing Uranium stake

    The Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa has opened a public disposal process to sell its 10.2% equity stake in Rössing Uranium Limited, a founding shareholder that has reached the end of its investment horizon. Interested parties are invited to submit bids with company background information, financial capacity, and strategic rationale for the transaction.

    30 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Fishing companies accused of leveraging job cuts for quota demands

    Industry players and unionists allege that fishing companies are threatening mass layoffs to pressure the government for increased quotas, with Gendev announcing the retrenchment of over 400 workers. The labour minister has placed Gendev's retrenchments on hold pending stakeholder consultation and rejected proposals to allocate quotas directly to employees.

    30 January 2026 · New Era →

  3. Minister calls for local mineral beneficiation in //Kharas region

    Mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse visited //Kharas and urged locals to benefit more from the region's natural resources through value addition and local participation in mining activities. He also warned small miners that Exclusive Prospecting Licences could be revoked if not optimally used, and noted government efforts to expand electricity access.

    30 January 2026 · New Era →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Heavy rainfall forecast brings flash flood risk to southern Namibia

    Consistent rainfall across Namibia this week is expected to intensify today with heavy showers and possible flash flooding in southern regions, according to the Namibia Meteorological Service. The public has been warned to exercise caution during storms, particularly while driving.

    30 January 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Government settles N$30 million debt to Meatco livestock suppliers

    The Namibian Government has released N$30 million in outstanding payments to livestock producers through Meatco, according to an announcement by the Office of the Prime Minister on 27 January 2026. The settlement provides relief to producers affected by severe drought and supports Meatco's turnaround plan and efforts to rebuild trust across the red meat value chain.

    30 January 2026 · Informanté →

  3. New Lubuta–Sachona road impassable, isolates schools and healthcare

    A newly completed 31-kilometre bitumen road in Zambezi linking villages to the B8 Highway has become impassable due to heavy rains, cutting off residents from schools and healthcare facilities. The road was constructed without culverts or water-passage tunnels despite running through a low-lying floodplain, prompting criticism over design oversight and value for money.

    30 January 2026 · New Era →

Society

  1. OneAfrica journalist Maria Hamukwaya found after Windhoek taxi incident

    OneAfrica journalist Maria Hamukwaya, who went missing after sending a distressing message from a taxi in Windhoek on Friday, has been found and is giving a statement to police. The Windhoek City Police confirmed the taxi's registration number was fake.

    30 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. OneAfrica journalist Maria Hamukwaya reported missing in Windhoek

    OneAfrica journalist Maria Hamukwaya was reported missing after sending a distressing message to her manager on 30 January saying she felt unsafe in a taxi in Windhoek and feared abduction; her phone has been switched off and authorities have been notified to search for her.

    30 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Moffat Hapulile becomes first correctional officer with dwarfism

    Moffat Hapulile, 30, has successfully completed three months of training and become one of the first two people with dwarfism accepted into the Namibian Correctional Service as a correctional officer. Despite facing mockery and bullying, Hapulile says he remained focused on his goals and was treated equally throughout the training programme at Omaruru, which he describes as one of his greatest achievements.

    30 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Namibia registers twice-yearly HIV prevention injection drug

    Namibia has fast-tracked registration of lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable HIV prevention medication administered twice yearly, placing it among the first African countries to approve the next-generation pre-exposure prophylaxis option. However, Health Minister Esperance Luvindao highlighted that the drug's current global price of over US$28,000 per person per year is unaffordable for most Africans, and the ministry is engaging with the African Medicines Agency to advocate for price reductions.

    30 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Capricorn Foundation invests N$1.6m in rural education initiatives

    The Capricorn Foundation has committed N$1.6 million to three education programmes targeting rural and marginalised communities, including early childhood development, e-learning for secondary schools, and Grade 12 bursaries. The funding aligns with the foundation's strategic focus on bridging the access gap between rural and urban areas.

    30 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Namibia registers twice-yearly HIV prevention drug lenacapavir

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services has approved lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable HIV preventive medicine administered twice yearly, placing Namibia among the first African countries to do so. The ministry acknowledges the drug's breakthrough potential but emphasises the need for affordable pricing to ensure equitable access across the continent, given the current global list price of over USD 28,000 per person annually.

    30 January 2026 · Informanté →

  7. Nestlé NAN infant formula recalled over safety concerns

    The 800-gram tin of Nestlé NAN Special Pro HA Infant Formula (batch 5166074213) has been recalled following an urgent notice from the Ministry of Health and Social Services. Retailers and consumers are urged to immediately withdraw the product, and parents should seek medical attention if infants show symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy or unusual behaviour.

    30 January 2026 · Informanté →

  8. School food poisoning linked to stale bread in Kavango West

    Forty learners from Katjinakatji Senior Secondary School were hospitalized with diarrhoea, vomiting and body malaise after consuming bread suspected to have gone bad on 25 January 2026. All have been discharged with no fatalities; health officials found no poison or toxic substances and attributed the incident to general stomach upset, prompting the regional council to implement cooler storage units and restrict bread supply to two-day periods.

    30 January 2026 · Informanté →

  9. Education minister denounces corruption in teacher recruitment

    Education minister Sanet Steenkamp has condemned irregular recruitment practices within the ministry, citing nepotism, favouritism and corruption in teacher appointments. She announced investigations into alleged misconduct and said those found guilty will face disciplinary action, dismissal, and referral to law enforcement.

    30 January 2026 · New Era →

  10. Namibia's blood transfusion service explains cost behind free donations

    Although Namibians donate blood freely, the Namibia Blood Transfusion Service charges patients for transfusions to cover processing, testing, and storage costs—part of a WHO-endorsed voluntary donation model. NamBTS says the country has strong donor participation but faces fragile supplies and hopes to expand the donor base through awareness campaigns.

    30 January 2026 · New Era →

  11. Health minister vows to terminate delayed contractor at Gobabis hospital

    Health minister Dr Esperance Luvindao expressed frustration over a multi-million-dollar Gobabis State Hospital theatre renovation that has taken nearly six years and repeatedly missed deadlines under the same contractor, who previously failed to complete similar work at Rundu State Hospital. Luvindao has directed immediate termination of all outstanding and delayed contracts, warning that performance will now be consistently linked to employment retention.

    30 January 2026 · New Era →

  12. Nantu opens first regional savings cooperative office in Nkurenkuru

    The Namibia National Teachers' Union inaugurated a satellite office of its Nantu Likwafela Savings and Credit Cooperative in Nkurenkuru to provide teachers in Kavango West with accessible financial services including low-interest loans and savings accounts. The cooperative, established following a 2000 congress resolution to address teacher debt, offers members interest rates around 11.5% compared to 30–40% from commercial lenders.

    30 January 2026 · New Era →

  13. Katjinakatji school hostel food scare resolved, learners stable

    After 113 learners at Katjinakatji Senior Secondary School hostel sought medical attention on Monday with stomach cramps and diarrhoea following consumption of bread delivered Friday, 28 were hospitalised and later discharged. Medical assessments found no poison or toxic substances; health professionals concluded symptoms were consistent with general stomach upset rather than poisoning.

    30 January 2026 · New Era →

  14. Ministry calls for waste management as baboons invade Windhoek

    The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has urged Windhoek residents to manage waste responsibly after increased baboon sightings in areas like Goreagab and Kwanangombe, where the animals have been entering homes, damaging property, and stealing food. The ministry's spokesperson said the baboons are drawn to urban areas by improperly managed waste and called on residents to work together to fence off the animals or relocate them without harm, as only law enforcement are permitted to use firearms in the city.

    30 January 2026 · New Era →

  15. Arandis Primary principal reflects on education service journey

    Lahja Nashuuta Melanie Goamus, principal of Arandis Primary School in Erongo, attributes her 24-year career in public education to her father's example and family background of service. She credits her training and professional development for equipping her with teaching and leadership skills, though she identifies resource constraints and insufficient support for struggling learners as key challenges facing her school.

    30 January 2026 · New Era →

  16. EduMove Race provides school supplies to rural learners

    Namibian Traders will host the EduMove Race this Saturday in Windhoek, a walking, running, and cycling event designed to raise funds and donations for school items—shoes, uniforms, and bags—for children in rural areas and informal settlements. The initiative aims to remove barriers to learning and reduce educational inequality by directly distributing goods to learners rather than cash donations.

    30 January 2026 · New Era →

Culture

  1. YouTuber IShowSpeed pledges donations after global tour

    American streamer IShowSpeed announced plans to donate to communities he visited during a 20-country tour in 28 days, including stops in Namibia where he visited Himba villages, met local athletes and content creators, and experienced cultural sites across Windhoek.

    30 January 2026 · New Era →

Sport

  1. Former Beauties winger Iiyambo appointed NFA projects director

    Salome Iiyambo, a retired winger who played for Namibia's Beauties and the national team in the Women's Cosafa Cup, has become the Namibian Football Association's projects and external affairs director. She also holds a master's degree in sport administration and is a CAF women's football instructor, having overcome early family scepticism about pursuing a career in football.

    30 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Pirates outline recruitment and restructuring bid for promotion

    Orlando Pirates official Mabos Ortman has outlined a comprehensive restructuring and recruitment strategy aimed at securing the club's promotion back to the Namibian premier league after relegation to the Southern Stream First Division in 2024. The club plans to target experienced players with premier league experience, particularly in midfield and striking, while also restructuring as a member-based organisation and rebranding, with league play resuming in February 2026.

    30 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. African Stars chairperson dismisses Mafoso departure rumours to Lesotho

    African Stars chairperson Salomon Hei has confirmed that coach Bob Mafoso remains under contract with the club despite rumours of his potential move to become Lesotho's national team coach. Hei said Mafoso attended an interview for the Lesotho position but the club has received no formal confirmation of his departure.

    30 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. World's top athletes to compete in Windhoek street event

    Namibia will host a World Athletics-sanctioned street event on 27–28 March featuring international stars including shot putters Joe Kovacs and Tom Walsh, pole vaulters Sam Kendricks and Sandi Morris, and likely Swedish superstar Armand Duplantis. The event, to be held on Robert Mugabe Avenue, is described as the first international athletics street event in southern Africa, with a minimum prize purse of US$25,000.

    30 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Namibian cyclist Coetzee competes in Rwanda ultra-endurance race

    Endurance rider Drikus Coetzee is set to compete in the Race Around Rwanda, a 1,000-kilometre self-supported ultra-endurance bikepacking event featuring elite cyclists from across the globe. Coetzee says his preparation has been good and he is aiming for his first international ultra-endurance victory, with fellow Namibians Nabil Robiati and Pierre Lambert also competing.

    30 January 2026 · New Era →

  6. WSL Round 2 tests early season title credentials

    Round 2 of the FNB Women's Super League begins this weekend with key fixtures expected to reveal genuine title contenders. Coaches from FC Ongos Ladies, V-Power Angels, Julinho Athletic Ladies, and Arrows Ladies discuss their teams' ambitions, with emphasis on performance, fitness improvements, and competitive readiness.

    30 January 2026 · New Era →

  7. Remembering Johnny-Wambu, legendary Namibian footballer

    A New Era column pays tribute to Johnny-Wambu, a former left fullback for Windhoek's Ingwe (Tigers) who overcame initial social barriers and team cliques to become a vital defender, renowned for his hard-tackling style and man-marking abilities alongside teammates like Nicodemus and Hipondoka.

    30 January 2026 · New Era →

  8. NPFL resumes second leg with double-header weekend fixtures

    The Namibia Premier Football League kicks off the second leg of its season this weekend with Rounds 6 and 7, beginning with Khomas Nampol taking on Tigers FC. Khomas Nampol coach Fortune Eichab said his side, currently hovering above the relegation zone, is mentally and physically ready after using the mid-season break to rebuild fitness and cohesion.

    30 January 2026 · New Era →

Tourism & Environment

  1. Namibia named Africa's top tourism destination for 2025

    Namibia was officially recognised by the African Tourism Board as Africa's top tourism destination for 2025, citing its authentic experiences, vast low-density landscapes, and conservation-focused tourism. The country recorded 1.26 million tourist arrivals in 2024, a 45.5% increase from 2023, with South Africa, Germany, and the United States as leading source markets.

    30 January 2026 · New Era →

World & Region

  1. China pledges expanded support for Namibians in 2026

    China's ambassador announced that the country will increase support for Namibians during 2026 China-Africa activities under the theme "Year of People-to-People Exchanges," with 58 key activities planned including agriculture training, technology transfer, and educational exchanges. The initiative aims to strengthen economic, political, and social ties between China and African nations, with the Association of Local Authorities in Namibia welcoming the cooperation on urban planning and development.

    30 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. US Embassy Namibia implements visa bonds for business and tourist visas

    The US Embassy in Namibia has introduced visa bonds ranging from N$8,000 to N$240,000 for B1/B2 (business/tourist) visa applicants as part of a global pilot programme, calculated based on the estimated cost of immigration enforcement and deportation (approximately N$272,223 per individual). The bonds are refundable if visa terms are met, and do not apply to existing visa holders or student visa applicants.

    30 January 2026 · The Namibian →

Opinion

  1. Atomic Scientists warn world faces existential risks

    The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has set the Doomsday Clock to 85 seconds before midnight—its closest point in 80 years—citing nuclear weapons, climate change, and artificial intelligence as mounting threats to humanity. The article uses the clock as a metaphor for business risk, urging entrepreneurs to heed warning signs and avoid ignoring financial red flags that precede failure.

    30 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. SMEs deserve protection and support, not confiscation and shame

    An opinion piece argues that small and medium enterprises, which employ 40–60% of Namibia's workforce and contribute 30–40% of economic activity, are treated poorly despite being essential to survival and dignity. The author calls for safe trading spaces, affordable permits, microfinance access, and dialogue rather than confiscation of goods from informal traders struggling to earn a living.

    30 January 2026 · New Era →

  3. Namibian civil society must reduce donor dependence, build local funding

    An opinion piece argues that Namibian CSOs have become trapped in donor-dependent cycles, driven by foreign funding priorities rather than local needs, and proposes reforms including a national civil society fund, government service contracting, domestic resource mobilisation, and stronger accountability to communities rather than foreign donors.

    30 January 2026 · New Era →

  4. Opinion: National focus needed on marriage and family stability

    A former MP and bishop argue that rising divorce rates in Namibia—including 111 cases listed on one court day—demand national reflection and stronger support systems. They call for marriage preparation as a cultural norm, investment in counselling and family education, and renewed emphasis on understanding marriage as a life-long commitment rooted in emotional maturity and mutual respect.

    30 January 2026 · New Era →

  5. Parents must take responsibility for learner pregnancy crisis

    A New Era opinion piece argues that parents, not schools or social media, bear primary responsibility for rising learner pregnancy rates. The author identifies parental silence on sex and relationships, inadequate supervision, poor role-modelling, emotional neglect, and poverty as key drivers—and calls for parents to engage in open dialogue, monitor their children, ensure safe accommodation, and lead by example.

    30 January 2026 · New Era →

  6. Otombo consumption undermines family structure and rural productivity

    An opinion piece reflects on the social and health consequences of excessive Otombo consumption in rural Namibian communities, arguing that the traditional sorghum beverage's abuse has eroded family structures, contributed to poor parental engagement, and weakened agricultural productivity among youth. The author calls for scientific research, community dialogue, and action by churches, traditional authorities, and government to address the issue.

    30 January 2026 · New Era →

  7. Cybercrime legislation urgent as Namibians lose millions

    A New Era editorial warns that cybercrime—from pension fraud and investment scams to trafficking and harassment—has become a national crisis requiring immediate legislative action, noting that the announced Cybercrime and Data Protection Bills must become law urgently alongside public awareness and accessible victim support mechanisms.

    30 January 2026 · New Era →

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