Minister Wise Immanuel has mediated talks between Namib Mills and striking workers represented by Naretu, with agreement reached on salary increments, salary adjustments, allowances, and bonuses. Several issues remain unresolved, and the minister has ordered both parties to reach consensus by the end of next week.
2 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Minister Wise Immanuel has mediated talks between Namib Mills and striking workers represented by Naretu, with agreement reached on salary increments, salary adjustments, allowances, and bonuses. Several issues remain unresolved, and the minister has ordered both parties to reach consensus by the end of next week.
2 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Senior advocate Raymond Heathcote has raised constitutional concerns that Namibia's proposed Investment Promotion Bill may contradict Article 99 of the Constitution and create legal uncertainty through excessive ministerial discretion. Heathcote argues the Bill could discourage foreign investment and impermissibly transfer Parliament's legislative authority to the executive.
2 February 2026 · Informanté →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah officially opened the Cabinet for 2026, calling on ministers and public servants to maintain focus on accelerating the National Development Plan 6, strengthening education outcomes, and advancing Vision 2030, while upholding integrity and accountability with four years remaining in the Eighth Administration's mandate.
2 February 2026 · Informanté →
Temporary road closures will be implemented around the Parliament Building in Windhoek on February 2–3, 2026, to accommodate the Official Opening of Parliament. Specific roads including intersections along Sam Nujoma Drive, Robert Mugabe Avenue, Fidel Castro Street, Daniel Manumava Street, and Love Street will be closed for a military parade rehearsal (08:00–10:00 on February 2) and the opening ceremony (11:30–15:00 on February 3), with public advised to use alternative routes.
2 February 2026 · Informanté →
An academic opinion piece argues that political leaders should practise "situational leadership"—adapting their approach to circumstances while maintaining democratic principles—rather than relying on a single rigid style. The author criticises the current Administration for not effectively combating corruption and for some ministers allegedly using unconstitutional methods that violate citizens' rights.
2 February 2026 · New Era →
The Dr Hage Geingob Fellows was launched through the Inter-Generational Leadership Accelerator programme during the inauguration of the Leadership Lab Yetu in Kigali, Rwanda, on Saturday. The initiative, honouring the legacy of the late former president, includes Cabinet ministers, mayors and civil society leaders from across Africa and establishes Yetu as a Pan-African hub to bridge gaps between emerging and established leaders.
2 February 2026 · New Era →
The Windhoek High Court has set aside the 2023 ministerial decision to designate Maraghuli Felix Mashika as Hompa of the Gciriku Traditional Authority, ordering the minister to reconsider the matter within 90 days based on a proper determination of Gciriku customary law. The court found that the original decision lacked proper reference to customary law and was made on assumptions.
2 February 2026 · New Era →
Namibia's Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economy, Industry, Public Administration and Planning completed an oversight visit to the //Kharas region to monitor capital projects including airport infrastructure, hospital renovations, and the railway line. Committee chairperson Iipumbu Shiimi said Parliament has a constitutional responsibility to track government investments to ensure effective use of public funds and tangible benefits to citizens, though some concerns were raised about slow implementation and official absenteeism.
2 February 2026 · New Era →
Matheus David John Pandeni constituency councillor John Mwoonde says his leadership focuses on uniting communities, expanding economic participation, and addressing social challenges including unemployment, urban hunger, and substance abuse. Since taking office, he has implemented infrastructure upgrades, educational support, funded income-generating projects, and rolled out wellness and socio-economic programmes for residents.
2 February 2026 · New Era →
The Ministry of Industries, Mines, and Energy announced that petrol will decrease by N$1.00 per litre and both diesel grades by 50 cents per litre from 4 February 2026, driven by lower international crude oil prices, rising global supplies, and appreciation of the Namibian Dollar.
2 February 2026 · New Era →
African passenger traffic rose 7.8% in 2025 and the continent's load factor reached a record 74.9%, according to the International Air Transport Association, though Africa still accounted for only 2.2% of global passenger air travel and 2.1% of air cargo markets. IATA's Director General highlighted decarbonisation and supply chain challenges as key issues facing the global aviation industry.
2 February 2026 · New Era →
The Ministry of Finance is requesting public entities to submit compliance records for the Code of Good Practice on Preferences, which directs government institutions to prioritise Namibian suppliers and manufacturers. Enhanced monitoring and quarterly reporting requirements are being implemented to ensure adherence and strengthen local businesses.
2 February 2026 · New Era →
Namib Mills and the Namibian Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union reached a partial agreement on wages after a three-week strike involving over 95% of workers, with the minister's mediation securing agreement on yearly salary boosts, salary adjustments, and allowances; three issues remain unresolved.
2 February 2026 · New Era →
Namibia's elite-driven urban expansion prioritises Western-style development over rural communities, resulting in land seizure, inadequate compensation, and the pauperisation of rural people who lose agricultural livelihoods and cultural heritage. The authors argue that development must be context-specific and that rural investment is needed to address unsustainable rural-urban migration.
2 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Multiple regions across Namibia experienced light to moderate rainfall over the weekend, with amounts ranging from 5 mm to 19 mm recorded in Windhoek, Otjiwarongo, and other areas. The Namibia Meteorological Services forecasts additional scattered and isolated thundershowers for several regions on Monday, with southern areas expected to experience high temperatures.
2 February 2026 · Informanté →
A seven-year-old boy identified as Winsley Brander drowned in the Hudup River near Maltahöhe in the Hardap region on Saturday while swimming with three other boys without adult supervision. Police recovered his body from beneath the river near a bridge along the C14 gravel road.
2 February 2026 · The Namibian →
An 8-year-old boy sustained injuries to his forehead and tongue after jumping from a moving vehicle on a gravel road in Oshikoto's Omuntele constituency on Friday. He was treated at Okatope Health Centre before being transferred to Onandjokwe Hospital.
2 February 2026 · The Namibian →
At a substance abuse awareness campaign at Dr Lemmer Secondary School in Rehoboth, First Gentleman Denga Ndaitwah warned pupils that drug and alcohol use threatens their education and future, urging them to avoid peer pressure and prioritize discipline and academic progress. Hardap Governor Riaan McNab described substance abuse as a "silent and deceptive threat" destroying families and communities, cautioning that nations cannot progress when youth are destroyed.
2 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The City of Windhoek disconnected electricity at the National Union of Namibian Workers' headquarters in Katutura after months of non-payment of an alleged N$120,000 electricity account. NUNW secretary general Job Muniaro confirmed the December disconnection, attributed the delay in reconnection to underground water pipe repairs, and said the union has since settled the electricity bill but also owes N$40,000 in water charges.
2 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibian reports that food poisoning has killed more than 30 people in the Kavango regions over less than three years, with hundreds of schoolchildren also hospitalized due to contaminated food and unhygienic kitchens; five deaths from suspected food poisoning were reported in January alone.
2 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Lt Gen Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah led a substance abuse awareness campaign in Rehoboth, urging learners to reject drugs, resist peer pressure, and focus on education as the path to becoming future leaders and serving Namibia.
2 February 2026 · Informanté →
At least seven serious road accidents occurred across Namibia between Friday and Sunday, resulting in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries. Police reported that suspected drink-driving and mechanical failures contributed to several of the incidents.
2 February 2026 · Informanté →
Two suspects aged 47 and 50 were arrested in Outapi on Saturday for attempting to sell a .303 hunting rifle with a scratched-off serial number to undercover officials. They face charges of dealing in arms and ammunition without a licence and possession of arms without a licence.
2 February 2026 · Informanté →
A 21-year-old woman was discovered naked with multiple wounds to the head and face behind Sophia Shaningwa Fire Station in Outjo on Saturday morning. Police suspect she was struck repeatedly with a stone; her cellphone was missing from the scene and no arrest has been made.
2 February 2026 · Informanté →
A 16-year-old boy, Petrus Kambode, was killed by lightning on Friday while tending cattle and goats in Elundu village. A 15-year-old companion survived and was hospitalised; no foul play is suspected.
2 February 2026 · Informanté →
The Windhoek Magistrate's Court has withdrawn the fraud case against gospel artist Naftalie Shigwedha Amukwelele (D-Naff) and five co-accused pending further police investigations. The court granted the defendants' applications citing incomplete investigations and ordered a refund of bail money; D-Naff said the case had damaged his image and cancelled bookings but expressed relief at the withdrawal.
2 February 2026 · New Era →
According to an opinion piece by a deaf education advocate, Namibia's special schools face severe capacity shortages, with waiting lists exceeding 200 children at some facilities and overcrowded dormitories forcing learners to sleep on floors. The author argues that despite constitutional protections and international conventions, the gap between policy and implementation denies vulnerable children their right to education and calls for urgent government action to expand facilities and establish new schools in underserved regions.
2 February 2026 · New Era →
Epukiro Secondary School achieved fourth position nationally in the 2025 NSSCAS exams and first in Omaheke region, with all 63 examination candidates meeting university admission standards. The school's three top performers—Hitjitevi Handura (38 points), Ngundambiriko Mujende (36 points), and Mbitjitandjambi Mbatara (34 points)—have all enrolled at the University of Namibia to pursue Chartered Accountancy degrees, crediting their success to family support, dedicated teachers, and personal determination.
2 February 2026 · New Era →
The National African Students' Association has expressed grave concern about vape devices detected in primary schools, calling them a serious threat to children's health and safety. The association is urging stricter controls on vape sales near schools and plans awareness campaigns with communities and parents.
2 February 2026 · New Era →
Five people accused of drug trafficking and money laundering, including Naomi Fisch and Steve Schneiders, have been served with a preservation order freezing their bank accounts and other assets. The State alleges that unexplained funds totalling over N$150,000 found in their accounts are proceeds of drug-dealing activities.
2 February 2026 · New Era →
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare says the government's Subsidised Tertiary Education Funding Model, which covers tuition and registration fees for eligible first-time undergraduate and TVET students at public and recognised private institutions, represents a step closer to the longstanding goal of free education. NUST acting Vice Chancellor Andrew Niikondo warned students that misconduct including AI-assisted plagiarism could result in suspension and loss of the subsidy.
2 February 2026 · New Era →
The National Art Gallery of Namibia's joint exhibition 'Art as Poetry', featuring works by André du Pisani and Helen Vale, closes on 5 February. The exhibition brings together approximately 50 artworks in various media, including painting, sculpture, pottery and found objects collected over 34 years, exploring how visual art conveys meaning through colour, texture, rhythm and form.
2 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Williebath Bomba Shigwedha, founder of Kasie Vibe, released a new single titled 'Today' featuring Page Ethnix as part of a broader push to support emerging musicians. He plans to release a 13-track album produced by Andrew on the Beat, with all tracks featuring emerging talents, while also launching a DJ career with an aim to become the highest-paid DJ in Namibia by year-end.
2 February 2026 · New Era →
The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture will invest N$10 million to bring back the Namibia Annual Music Awards, which ceased in 2020 after losing its sponsor MTC. According to Michael Kayunde, a media personality and events curator, while the revival is significant for the creative economy and job creation, questions remain about whether the budget is sufficient and whether arts and culture deserve their own dedicated ministry.
2 February 2026 · New Era →
Namibian rapper Diogene Ochs, known as D-Jay, released a double album compilation of his greatest hits spanning 23 years, with Volume 1 on 26 January and Volume 2 released recently. The award-winning artist said the albums represent his legacy and feature songs from five studio albums, two mixtapes, and singles, along with four new recordings, and will not be sold but offered as a tribute to his fans.
2 February 2026 · New Era →
Miss NGO Namibia Elly Aron was crowned Miss World Namibia 2026 and will represent Namibia at the Miss World International competition later this year. She takes over from Selma Kamanya, who placed in the Top 8 at Miss World Namibia and was named Top Model in Africa.
2 February 2026 · New Era →
Pakistan's government has approved the national cricket team's participation in the Twenty20 World Cup starting February 7, but barred them from playing their scheduled match against India on February 15. The decision came after Pakistan's cricket chief met the Prime Minister, following the ICC's rejection of Bangladesh's security-related demands to relocate their matches.
2 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The New York Knicks defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 112–100, stretching their win streak to six games. OG Anunoby scored 25 points for the Knicks while LeBron James, playing what could be his last game at Madison Square Garden, scored 22 points for the Lakers.
2 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Established powerhouses like FC Ongos, Khomas Nampol and African Stars Queens have dropped points early on, while young emerging teams including Windhoek City, Julinho Athletics and VPower Angels have made strong starts. Windhoek City's 2-0 upset victory over Khomas Nampol exemplifies the competitive nature of this season's league, attributed partly to FNB's sponsorship attracting more players and creating movement between teams.
2 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Mighty Gunners defeated Unam 2-1 on Saturday to remain atop the league standings. Since Namibia's independence, the Otjiwarongo club has never won the championship but are now serious contenders this season.
2 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Inter Milan defeated Cremonese 2-0 on Sunday to extend their lead at the top of Serie A to eight points, though the match was marred when an Inter fan threw a firecracker that nearly hit Cremonese goalkeeper Emil Audero. The incident caused a brief stoppage but Audero suffered only minor injuries and was able to continue playing.
2 February 2026 · The Namibian →
England won the second T20 international against Sri Lanka by six wickets to wrap up the three-match series 2-0, a warm-up ahead of the T20 World Cup co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India. Captain Harry Brook praised the team's batting and bowling preparations, while Sri Lanka's skipper acknowledged room for improvement despite some promising individual performances.
2 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Manchester City drew 2-2 with Tottenham after Dominic Solanke's two second-half goals, leaving City six points behind leaders Arsenal. Benjamin Sesko secured Manchester United's third consecutive win with a 3-2 victory over Fulham.
2 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Ireland and Scotland both secured places at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 with victories on the final day of qualifying, with Ireland defeating Thailand by 62 runs and Scotland beating the USA by 41 runs. Bangladesh also finished their qualifying campaign undefeated with a seven-wicket win over the Netherlands.
2 February 2026 · The Namibian →
India secured a place in the ICC u19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2026 semifinals with a 58-run victory over Pakistan in the Super 6 stage. India posted 252 runs, with Vedant Trivedi scoring 68, and bowlers Ayush Mhatre (3/21) and Khilan Patel (3/35) proved decisive in restricting Pakistan to 194.
2 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 to win his first Australian Open title and become the youngest man to win all four major tennis championships. At 22, the Spaniard surpassed Rafael Nadal's record and denied Djokovic an unprecedented 25th major title.
2 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibian international Riaan Hanamub earned Player of the Match honours as AmaZulu secured a 1–0 victory over Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership, moving the team to third place. It was Hanamub's second Man of the Match award in two months.
2 February 2026 · New Era →
The Namibia Football Association concluded a five-day FIFA Futsal Coaching Course, bringing together local coaches for intensive training in modern futsal concepts, tactics, and player development. Fifa Coaching Instructor Graeme Dell highlighted futsal's role in developing young footballers and praised the coaches' commitment to the programme.
2 February 2026 · New Era →
The Namport Zambezi Regional Second Division league began on Saturday after a delay from its original December 2025 start date due to budget approvals and infrastructure constraints. The league will use two venues this season and run until June 2026, with 12 clubs competing.
2 February 2026 · New Era →
Unam FC suffered their first seasonal defeat, losing 2-1 to league leaders Mighty Gunners at Unam Sport Stadium on Saturday, with Bernhard Horaseb scoring twice for the winners. Unam coach Robert Nauseb said his team dominated early but should have managed the ball better in the closing stages.
2 February 2026 · New Era →
Khomas Nampol Ladies suffered a 2–0 defeat to Windhoek City in Round 2 of the FNB Women Super League, with head coach Novata Paulus citing poor player discipline and failure to follow tactical instructions as key factors, while goalkeeper absence also contributed to the loss. In other matches, Mighty Gunners Ladies thrashed Desert Foxes 7–0, and Unam Bokkies defeated Mighty Angels 3–1.
2 February 2026 · New Era →
The Namibia Tourism Board chief says Namibia must collaborate with neighbouring countries to attract long-distance tourists who want multi-country itineraries. The remarks came as Proflight Zambia announced direct flights between Windhoek and Lusaka starting March 2026, operating three times weekly to support regional tourism and travel connectivity.
2 February 2026 · New Era →
Released US Justice Department documents show that former South African President Jacob Zuma attended an intimate dinner organised by late sex-trafficker Jeffrey Epstein at the Ritz Hotel in London on 5 March 2010, during an official state visit to the United Kingdom.
2 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any American attack would spark a regional conflict as the US deployed forces nearby, while Iran's Foreign Minister expressed confidence in nuclear negotiations despite distrust of the US as a negotiating partner. The tensions follow a deadly crackdown on anti-government protests and concerns over Iran's nuclear programme.
2 February 2026 · The Namibian →
South Africa's Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini used a derogatory term for African migrants and called for them to leave the country during a speech in KwaZulu-Natal, drawing concern from human rights experts who warn his comments risk encouraging vigilante action against foreigners in a region already marked by anti-migrant tensions.
2 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The Trump administration is signalling a new approach to Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—military-run states that have expelled France and turned to Russia for defence support. The US is prioritizing security cooperation and counter-terrorism over previous concerns about democracy and human rights, and aims to balance Russian influence in the region through intelligence and weapons support.
2 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Africell has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme to provide digital connectivity services, including 4G, high-speed internet, and IoT devices, to innovation centers in Sierra Leone and The Gambia. The collaboration will also support robotics, entrepreneurship, and digital skills programmes to help young innovators develop solutions to development challenges.
2 February 2026 · New Era →
Israel's Ministry of Diaspora Affairs announced it is terminating the humanitarian operations of Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in Gaza, requiring the organisation to cease work and leave by 28 February 2026. The decision follows MSF's failure to provide a list of its Palestinian staff as required by Israeli authorities, though MSF stated it could not agree to share staff information without assurances that the data would be used solely for administrative purposes and would not put colleagues at risk.
2 February 2026 · New Era →
Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei characterized recent anti-government protests as a "coup" and warned that any US military attack would trigger a regional war. The IRGC has faced designations as a terrorist organization by the European Union and United States, prompting Iranian lawmakers to retaliate by labeling European armies as terrorist groups.
2 February 2026 · New Era →
China's ambassador to Namibia held roundtable talks with local representatives to advance the 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, with discussions focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas such as development, entrepreneurship, and media exchanges. Namibian visitors to China shared insights on modernisation initiatives and the tangible outcomes of Namibia–China partnership, including housing projects for police officers.
2 February 2026 · New Era →
The Namibian argues that while minister James Sankwasa has gained popular support for firing town councillors and demanding accountability, he has undermined his credibility by owing NamWater over N$170,000 for five years and attacking a journalist who exposed the debt. The opinion piece warns that Sankwasa's selective enforcement of accountability standards and bullying of media oversight reveals his calls for public accountability as populist hypocrisy.
2 February 2026 · The Namibian →