Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare told staff at the Office of the Prime Minister that absenteeism and slow capital project execution will not be tolerated, and called on public servants to embrace integrity and avoid corruption, nepotism, and other retrogressive practices. He emphasized that supervisors must provide necessary tools and support for effective service delivery and accountability.
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare told staff at the Office of the Prime Minister that absenteeism and slow capital project execution will not be tolerated, and called on public servants to embrace integrity and avoid corruption, nepotism, and other retrogressive practices. He emphasized that supervisors must provide necessary tools and support for effective service delivery and accountability.
Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi has directed the new National Road Safety Council board to install dashcams in 50 traffic police vehicles, 60 ambulances, and two council vehicles to support evidence-based reporting and deter non-compliance with traffic laws. The board was also tasked with finalizing livestream systems at road blind spots and hot spots, and assessing reflective tags for domestic animals.
National Council Chairperson Lukas Muha called on the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association to strengthen support for member countries facing political instability and conflict, citing Sudan and Zimbabwe as examples. He stressed that dialogue and cooperation among lawmakers are crucial to prevent disputes from escalating into conflict.
Executive director of justice and labour relations Audrin Mathe launched a book titled 'The Art of Persuasion; The Making of Namibia's Constitution' in Windhoek on Monday, describing the Constitution as a covenant and promise to build prosperity together. Botswana's President Mokgweetsi Masisi emphasised the importance of respecting the Constitution and its role in sustaining stability and freedom in the region.
Justine Shiweda, an Ondangwa control prosecutor, died on Saturday at age 31 from injuries sustained in a retaliatory acid and gun attack in October allegedly carried out by associates of a suspect whose bail she had refused. Suspects including former police officer Abner Mateus have been charged with murder, and legal officials have called for swift justice and heightened security for prosecutors.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has paid tribute to former Cabinet minister and long-serving MP Erkki Nghimtina, who died at age 77, describing him as a dedicated national leader and freedom fighter who served in various ministerial roles and fought in exile for Namibian independence.
The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations announces the death of regional control prosecutor Justine Shiweda on Saturday, following injuries sustained in a heinous attack last October. The ministry pledges to work with law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice and to enhance security measures for prosecutors and court officers.
The Anti-Corruption Commission arrested the mother of fugitive businessman Victor Malima in the Oshana region on Friday, allegedly for involvement in illicit financial transactions and business registrations linked to criminal proceeds connected to the ongoing Namcor-Enercon corruption investigation. Malima remains at large and has been described as a key facilitator in the case.
Control Prosecutor Kristiana Erastus at Grootfontein Magistrates Court received an anonymous note warning him to step down or face violent attack, citing community disapproval and referencing the death of Ondangwa Prosecutor Justine Shiweda. The Prosecutor General confirmed the incident has been reported to police and authorities are reviewing safety measures for judicial officers.
A magistrate failed to appear at Ondangwa for the bail application ruling of medical doctor Fillemon Nakanduungile; the case has been postponed to Monday. Nakanduungile's charge was upgraded from attempted murder to murder following the death of state prosecutor Justine Shiweda, who was shot and attacked with acid last October.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has mourned the death of Erkki Nghimtina, a liberation struggle veteran and former Cabinet and Parliament member who died on 8 February 2026 at age 78. Nghimtina served as MP from 1995 to 2020 and held several government portfolios including Defence, Mines and Energy, and Labour and Industrial Relations.
Martha Ndinelao Antindi, mother of wanted fugitive Victor Malima, and his aunt Johanna Mundhego appeared in Windhoek Magistrate's Court facing theft, money laundering, and graft charges related to a N$400 million Namcor fraud case in which the state alleges they received illegal transfers totalling N$1.5 million through Eco Fuel entities.
Namibia commemorates Constitution Day on 9 February, celebrating the adoption of the Constitutional Proposals in 1990. The event honours the role of the Constitution as the supreme law safeguarding human dignity and fundamental rights, with annual commemorations of constitutional writers revived in 2023 after a Covid-19 interruption.
Namibia's Constitution, enacted in 1990 and globally recognized as one of the best, is celebrated annually on 9 February. Legal professionals interviewed by New Era praised its role in protecting democratic rights and the rule of law, but also highlighted significant challenges: weak operation of lower courts, inadequate security for prosecutors and judicial staff, and a failure to address poverty and inequality affecting much of the population.
Martha Ndinelao Antindi, mother of fugitive Victor Malima, and his aunt Johanna Hambelela Mundjego were arrested and made their first court appearance in connection with the oil-rot fraud and corruption matter. They face three counts each, including dealing with gratification, money laundering, and theft, allegedly involving N$1.5 million in unlawful proceeds from Namcor that passed through companies in which they held interests.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah received letters of credence from 10 heads of mission who pledged to deepen cooperation with Namibia in trade, infrastructure, energy, tourism and education. The envoys outlined priorities including direct air connectivity with Kenya, the Trans-Kalahari railway project with Botswana, energy and mining cooperation with Gabon, and education and climate change partnerships with Tunisia.
Erkki Nghimtina, a former Cabinet minister who served in the National Assembly from 1995 to 2020 and held various ministerial portfolios including mines and energy, works and transport, and labour, died on Sunday. He played a significant role in Namibia's independence struggle and military history before transitioning to politics after retiring from active military service in 1995.
International relations minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi has urged Namibia's retired ambassadors to share their experience with new diplomats, warning that the current global environment of shifting alliances and resource competition requires drawing on institutional knowledge to safeguard the country's sovereignty and economic interests. She highlighted the expanded mandate of her ministry to include trade and investment, and called on retired diplomats to mentor young officials through the Namibia School of Diplomatic Studies.
Namibia's criminal justice sector is embracing plea bargaining as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism to speed up case disposal, Chief Justice Peter Shivute announced at the 2026 Legal Year opening. Justice Minister Fillemon Immanuel said the system would help manage courts' heavy workload and conclude criminal trials within reasonable time limits.
The City of Windhoek Council has approved renaming Khomasdal's Rand Street to Joshua //Hoëbeb Street in honour of the 90-year-old former ambassador and politician. //Hoëbeb is recognized for his roles as an anti-apartheid activist, educator, diplomat, and regional governor, including serving as Namibia's first high commissioner to South Africa and playing a key role in Walvis Bay's reintegration into Namibian sovereignty in 1994.
Politicians, executives and community members gathered at Heroes' Acre to lay wreaths and reflect on the contributions of Founding President Sam Nujoma and former president Hage Geingob, both lost in February in consecutive years. Speakers emphasised their roles in Namibia's independence struggle and post-independence development, calling for renewed national unity and recommitment to their ideals of justice, reconciliation and inclusive governance.
Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu told staff that providing good public service is non-negotiable, stating that mediocre delivery undermines state trust. She emphasized the need to improve civil registration processes, expand access to birth certificates and identity documents, and align all ministry work with national development priorities.
Otjiwarongo mayor Leonard Simushi has called on councillors to be transparent, accessible, and responsive to residents, emphasizing that political differences must not undermine service delivery. He stated that accountability will be central to the new council's five-year term, with strengthened public engagement and communication mechanisms needed to meet resident expectations.
Namibia's young people are positioned to tackle high youth unemployment through entrepreneurship, with support from growing business incubators, mentorship programmes, and funding initiatives across the country. The article emphasises that successful ventures can start with identifying simple community problems and that resilience and practical planning are key to turning business ideas into sustainable ventures.
Letshego Holdings Namibia has appointed legal practitioner Christoffer Chipeio as an independent non-executive director, effective 4 February. Chipeio brings over a decade of experience in compliance, governance, legal advisory and regulatory matters across financial services and corporate sectors.
The Bank of Namibia warns that vendors making cash bouquets face fines up to N$50,000 or three years' imprisonment, citing damage to banknotes and harm to currency-sorting machinery. Small business owners say the surprise enforcement will devastate their livelihoods, particularly around Valentine's Day and other peak gift-giving seasons.
Namibia is expanding beef and lamb exports to the UAE and Qatar, with three major export abattoirs operating halaal-certified facilities that comply with Islamic dietary laws. Halaal compliance involves strict slaughter practices, separate storage from non-halaal items, and daily monitoring to ensure meat is permissible under Islamic law.
Parliament's Standing Committee on Natural Resources has flagged that the Namibia Industrial Development Agency requires over N$500 million in funding to sustain its 148 nationwide properties, with an additional N$550 million capital injection needed for its strategic business plan and N$29.7 million to clear utility arrears. The agency faces operational challenges including electricity and water disconnections across 69 and 89 parks respectively, delayed policy implementation on diamonds and special economic zones, and mounting utility costs.
First National Bank Namibia has issued a stern warning to its CashPlus agent network over reports that some agents are charging customers additional fees or requiring compulsory purchases before allowing cash withdrawals or deposits, practices the bank says are prohibited and undermine the financial inclusion programme.
Standard Bank Namibia has appointed Helena Mboti as group economist. Mboti brings a decade of experience in central and commercial banking, including roles at the central bank in research and financial stability, and at FirstRand Namibia Group, where she conducted macroeconomic analysis and policy interpretation.
Lissony Njembo Ragiv Oarum, who runs One-Way-Painter specialising in road markings and residential painting, received a spray machine through Katutura Central constituency's annual SME support programme. He left a five-year spray-painting job to start his own business and now operates as a mobile painting service with his cousin.
Namibia's Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy said the country remains committed to working with other African diamond producers and reaffirmed partnerships with De Beers and the Natural Diamond Council to address industry challenges and advance a unified continental strategy for marketing natural diamonds globally.
Lawmakers have urged the government to negotiate stronger, value-driven deals as the US seeks to position Namibia as a strategic partner for uranium and offshore oil and gas resources. Parliamentarians stress that Namibia must prioritize national interests and negotiate from strength, with some citing Venezuela's institutional collapse as a cautionary lesson.
Rosh Pinah Zinc and Appian Capital Advisory have commissioned a new paste fill plant at Rosh Pinah mine as part of the RP2.0 expansion project, which aims to improve underground mining efficiency and reduce tailings. The expansion, expected to nearly double processing throughput to 1.3 million tonnes per year, is over 85% complete and on schedule for completion in Q3 2026.
Namibia's Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy expressed concern that TotalEnergies and Galp Energies failed to obtain prior government approval before announcing their acquisition of oil interests in PEL83 (Mopane discovery) and PEL56 (Venus discovery), despite such approval being legally required.
The 19.3 MWp Gerus Solar One Project, located between Otjiwarongo and Otavi, was officially inaugurated by the British High Commissioner. The plant, developed by Solarcentury Africa in partnership with Sino Energy, will sell electricity directly into the Southern African Power Pool, contributing to Namibia's renewable energy capacity and regional power trade.
Rosh Pinah Zinc has commissioned a paste fill plant, the first of its kind in Namibia, as part of its RP2.0 expansion project, which is over 85% complete and on track for completion in Q3 2026. The facility reduces mining dilution, decreases tailings, and improves ore recovery while supporting the mine's goal to nearly double processing throughput to 1.3 million tonnes per year.
The Namibian government has challenged a TotalEnergies–Petrobras agreement to acquire controlling stakes in Petroleum Exploration Licence 104 offshore, stating it was informed only minutes before the public announcement and was not formally consulted despite legal requirements for ministerial approval. The ministry stressed that all petroleum transactions require prior approval under Namibian law and reaffirmed its commitment to regulatory compliance and transparency as the country's oil sector develops.
The Kunene region community of Petrusfontein is asking the government for funding to start a community garden to grow vegetables. Located over 30km from the nearest shops, the community currently car-pools to town once a month at a cost of around N$250 per person.
Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani has urged farmers, particularly in //Kharas Region, to remain vigilant against Foot-and-Mouth Disease, which is currently affecting South Africa and parts of Botswana. She called on farmers to monitor visitors from affected areas and ensure livestock transport trucks are properly disinfected, while the Ministry reassured that Namibia's animal health systems are prepared to respond to any potential risks.
Agriculture columnist Otniel Hembapu argues that farming success depends not on passion alone, but on perseverance, adaptability, and sound management systems—and that young farmers must treat it as a long-term business, not a quick path to profit. He contends that external pressures like drought, disease, and volatile markets test farmers' ability to endure, and that successful farming is driven by correct variables and timing rather than effort or luck.
Meatco has brought its books fully up to date and paid over N$696 million to livestock producers between November 2025 and January 2026, with no outstanding arrears. The corporation is offering its highest producer prices to date—N$68 to N$78 per kilogram—for the February to April 2026 period.
A 47-year-old security guard in Katima Mulilo was found dead on Monday; police confirmed his death as suicide after a revolver was discovered near his body. In a separate incident, two men have been charged with housebreaking and theft after stealing firearms from a house on Impalila Island.
The African Child Development Trust's second annual charity golf event is scheduled for 27 February at Windhoek Golf Club to raise funds for early childhood learning initiatives and free educational materials distributed across Namibia's 14 regions. The 2025 event raised over N$120,000, supporting workbooks for 1,855 children for a year, and organisers aim to exceed those goals in 2026.
Schools in Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions conduct lessons in makeshift corrugated iron classrooms with leaking roofs due to lack of funds and restrictive policies delaying permanent infrastructure construction. School principals say the ministry has not prioritized repairs or building proper structures, with regional officials citing budget constraints and noting that nearly 2,000 classrooms nationwide lack permanent structures.
The Bank of Namibia has allocated seven bursaries to undergraduate and post-graduate students in economics, mathematics, statistics and education at Namibian and South African universities. Central bank governor Ebson Uanguta said education is society's most reliable equaliser and reduces the permanency of inequality.
The National Housing Enterprise is constructing 100 houses at Eenhana in Ohangwena region, with the first phase comprising 30 units at Ekolola. The project continues a partnership between the Eenhana Town Council and NHE to address the regional housing backlog, with a mayor noting the enterprise's construction of close to 400 houses between 1998 and 2015.
Regional prosecutor Justine Shiweda, who was shot and attacked with acid at her home in Ondangwa on 17 October 2025, has died in Windhoek after months of hospitalization. The case will now be upgraded from attempted murder to murder, with police noting the corrosive substance severely damaged her kidneys and liver.
Namibian police have urged the public not to share videos on social media out of context, saying such content can damage reputations and careers and may result in criminal charges. The warning follows a six-month-old arrest video of musician Exit Rockaz that recently resurfaced online; Exit has since clarified the video is from August last year and that he was only a passenger and was released immediately after questioning.
Fifty-six council-funded low-cost houses handed over to Oranjemund residents in September remain unoccupied because beneficiaries cannot afford mandatory upfront deposits, settlement of past municipal debts, and completion of electrical and plumbing work. The houses, part of a rent-to-own scheme over 15 years at N$700 monthly, lack ceilings and floor tiles that residents must install themselves, prompting beneficiaries to question why a handover ceremony was held for incomplete properties.
A 32-year-old man was arrested after allegedly deliberately driving through a crowd outside a bar in Omaruru on Sunday, injuring seven people. Five victims were treated and released while two remained hospitalised; the suspect was granted bail of N$1,500.
The National Housing Enterprises has committed to construct 100 houses valued at N$7.4 million in Eenhana's Extension 10, with construction set to begin on 16 February 2026 and run for five months. The initiative aims to address housing demand for low-income earners while creating employment and skills development opportunities for local residents.
Police arrested a driver on the Western Bypass Road after intercepting a vehicle carrying unskinned meat bearing visible cattle brand marks during a routine patrol; two escort vehicles fled the scene. The Namibian Police confirmed preliminary investigations indicate the meat originated from stolen cattle and will be returned to the rightful owner once identified.
#BeFree Youth Campus received 60 back-to-school stationery packs valued at N$60,000 from Professional Provident Society (PPS) Insurance Namibia. The donation will be distributed fairly among the campus's 500+ weekly members, with priority given to those participating in programmes and consulting with wellness staff.
Elly Aron, a 20-year-old software development student, has been crowned Miss World Namibia 2026 and will represent the country at the 73rd Miss World International Competition in Vietnam at the end of February. She plans to advocate for teenage pregnancy prevention through her platform, working with the Penomwene Trust.
A new evolutionary study finds human penises are large compared to other primates, evolved to be noticed as signals for mate attraction and rivalry intimidation. Yet Western culture has spent centuries hiding male nudity in art through fig leaves and other means, creating a tension between biological display and cultural repression that persists in contemporary censorship debates.
Bas de Leede scored an unbeaten 72 and took two wickets as the Netherlands defeated Namibia by seven wickets at the T20 World Cup in Delhi, securing the Dutch team's first win of the tournament.
The Seawork Cares Beach series is hosting a Valentine's Day edition on 14 February at the Mole in Swakopmund, featuring over 11 race options including ocean swims, beach runs, and walks for participants of all fitness levels. The event aims to promote healthy active lifestyles, build community connections, and celebrate personal achievement in a supportive, inclusive atmosphere.
The Lesotho Football Association has appointed Bob Mafoso, formerly of Namibia's African Stars FC, as head coach of the national team on a two-year contract, with his first assignment being an African Cup of Nations qualifier against Seychelles in March.
A record 50 Namibian footballers now play abroad, spreading across Europe, Asia, and Africa—with South Africa hosting the largest contingent at 13 players, followed by Zimbabwe and Botswana. This reflects the strongest period of player exports in the nation's history, with recent transfer windows bringing moves to top academies and clubs across multiple continents.
Pakistan's prime minister has ended a week-long boycott by directing the national cricket team to play India in the T20 World Cup on February 15 in Colombo, following negotiations involving the ICC and Bangladesh Cricket Board. The reversal came after Pakistan had initially refused the fixture in protest of Bangladesh's replacement by Scotland due to security concerns.
South Africa defeated Canada by 57 runs in their T20 World Cup campaign opener, scoring 213-4 after Canada chose to field, with David Miller and Tristan Stubbs combining for an unbeaten 75-run stand at the end. Lungi Ngidi's four-wicket haul restricted Canada to 156-8 in reply.
African footballers across Europe's major leagues scored crucial goals over the weekend. Burkina Faso's Dango Ouattara scored his second consecutive match-winning goal for Brentford in a 3-2 victory at Newcastle, while players from Cameroon, Senegal, Zambia, Guinea, Ghana, and Ivory Coast also found the back of the net for their clubs.
France's 36-14 win over Ireland and England's 48-7 rout of Wales marked dominant opening rounds of the Six Nations Championship, with France vindicating coach Fabien Galthie's squad selections and England's George Ford orchestrating his team's victory. Scotland's narrow 18-15 defeat to Italy has renewed focus on coach Gregor Townsend's tenure, as the side continues to struggle against adversity.
Zimbabwe dominated Oman in their first T20 World Cup match since 2022, skittling them for 103 and chasing down the target with 39 balls to spare. Quick bowlers Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani were instrumental, reducing Oman to 27-5 with Muzarabani taking player-of-the-match honours.
Scotland posted 207-4 with opener George Munsey scoring 84, then bowled out Italy for 134 in their T20 World Cup Group C match in Kolkata on Monday. Italy's T20 World Cup debut was hampered by an early injury to captain Wayne Madsen, who dislocated his shoulder while fielding.
The Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 29-13 to capture the Super Bowl, with quarterback Sam Darnold throwing a touchdown pass and running back Kenneth Walker rushing for 135 yards and earning MVP honours. Kicker Jason Myers made five field goals—the most ever by one player in a Super Bowl—as Seattle's defence dominated, while Bad Bunny performed an all-Spanish halftime show.
Namibia posted 156/8 in their 20 overs but the Netherlands chased down the target in 18 overs, with Bas De Leede scoring an unbeaten 72 to secure a 159/3 victory. Namibia's campaign begins with a loss but they will face India on 12 February aiming to recover.
Namibia begin their ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign today against the Netherlands at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, in a group that also includes India, Pakistan, and the USA. The tournament has shown that associate nations are increasingly competitive, with several posting strong performances in the opening three days of matches across India and Sri Lanka.
Defender Apollo Hangero ended his 12-year stint with Khomas Nampol FC, citing work and family commitments after his deployment to the Omaheke region. The 32-year-old police officer, who helped the team rise from the second division to the NPFL and won three Police Championships, will continue playing for Omaheke Nampol in lower divisions.
Eeshoke Chula Chula and King Kauluma Palace ended their match 0-0 at Oshakati Stadium on Sunday, with few clear chances created by either side. The encounter was decided late when Chula Chula's Michael Jonas was sent off for violent contact in the 73rd minute, after which KK pressed harder but still could not break through.
Namibia's chess fraternity held two major national tournaments in Windhoek, with the National Junior Open Championships attracting more than 400 young players and the National Schools Teams Championships drawing over 30 teams. The growth reflects rising popularity at grassroots and school levels, though federation officials say stronger administrative structures and more trained arbiters and teachers are needed to support expansion.
Brave Gladiators head coach Lucky Kakuva has announced a preliminary 44-player squad for the Hollywoodbets Cosafa Women's Championship, set to take place in South Africa from 18 February to 1 March 2026. The squad will be trimmed to 23 players and includes senior players, new faces, and standout performers from junior national teams.
The National Botanical Research Institute, supported by a N$100,000 Nedbank Go Green Fund grant, conducted two expeditions to the Kunene region between July 2022 and May 2023, collecting 228 herbarium specimens to fill gaps in Namibia's botanical record. Several collected species are under review as potential new species, and the work demonstrates the institute's commitment to understanding and conserving Namibia's over 4,500 plant taxa, of which 18% are endemic.
Namibia Ports Authority will receive 34 international passenger liners at Walvis Bay and Lüderitz ports between February and July 2026, expected to bring approximately 60,000 tourists and boost the country's tourism economy. The Ministry of Environment and Tourism and police are coordinating safety and security measures to welcome visitors and protect Namibia's reputation as a destination.
Ten newly designated heads of mission presented their credential letters to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, with envoys from countries including Kenya, Botswana, New Zealand, and Vietnam pledging strengthened cooperation in trade, tourism, cultural exchange, and economic development.
Zambia's government rolled out free primary and secondary education in 2022, driving enrolment of over 2.3 million additional learners and achieving a 70% Grade 12 pass rate—now the administration's flagship achievement as it enters August elections. Opposition parties acknowledge the policy's popularity but criticize overcrowded classrooms and implementation challenges, while the government frames growth as a positive consequence requiring continued infrastructure investment.
A Namibian assessment of President Cyril Ramaphosa's 2025 State of the Nation pledges finds significant progress on energy reform and infrastructure investment, but widespread failure in local government service delivery, water provision, jobs creation, and health insurance rollout. The analysis concludes the president is "fixing the system but failing the street," where citizens experience repeated failure in municipal services, water crises, and public health.
Police in Sydney used pepper spray and force against thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators protesting Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit on Monday, resulting in 27 arrests and injuries to officers and protesters, with authorities defending their actions as necessary restraint.
President Donald Trump has threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Ontario to Michigan until the US is "fully compensated for everything" it has given to Canada and demands negotiations on fair treatment and ownership stakes. The bridge, funded by Canada at an estimated cost of $6.4bn CAD and expected to open in early 2026, has been a point of contention for over a decade, with Trump citing recent trade disputes and tariffs as justification for his position.
Kenya is experiencing a surge in kala-azar, a deadly sandfly-borne disease, with cases rising from 1,575 in 2024 to 3,577 in 2025 and spreading to previously untouched areas. Health officials attribute the outbreak to climate change and expanding human settlements, while treatment remains limited and costly in affected regions.
Sydney police deployed pepper spray on protesters who gathered to oppose Israel's President Isaac Herzog's visit to Australia, which was meant to console the Jewish community following a December shooting at a Bondi Beach Hanukkah festival. The visit sparked protests in Sydney and Melbourne, with some Jewish groups supporting Herzog's presence while others opposed it due to concerns about Gaza.
The Kremlin accused the United States of using "suffocating measures" against Cuba as the island faces a worsening energy crisis following a US-ordered halt in oil shipments from Venezuela and new US tariffs threatening supplies from Mexico. Cuba has announced emergency measures including a four-day workweek and fuel restrictions as power plants struggle to maintain electricity.