Namibia Minute.
Saturday, 14 February 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Saturday, 14 February 2026
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Archive Minute from Saturday, 14 February 2026
Politics

Nandi-Ndaitwah and Johnson Sirleaf discuss women leadership in Africa

The News

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and former Liberian president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf led discussions in Addis Ababa on women in African leadership, emphasizing the importance of women supporting one another and building mentorship networks. Nandi-Ndaitwah also warned about climate change's impact on land and water resources, cautioning that without responsible management these pressures could fuel instability and conflict.

14 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Politics

  1. Nandi-Ndaitwah and Johnson Sirleaf discuss women leadership in Africa

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and former Liberian president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf led discussions in Addis Ababa on women in African leadership, emphasizing the importance of women supporting one another and building mentorship networks. Nandi-Ndaitwah also warned about climate change's impact on land and water resources, cautioning that without responsible management these pressures could fuel instability and conflict.

    14 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Prosecutor slain after attack vowed justice without fear

    Prosecutor General Martha Imalwa eulogized the late Ondangwa control prosecutor Justine Shiweda at her memorial service, saying her commitment to impartial justice made her a target and that her legacy will strengthen the courts. Shiweda died last week from injuries sustained in an October attack; six suspects are in custody.

    14 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Judge sets aside prison relocation of four Fishrot accused

    A Windhoek High Court judge has set aside a decision by prison authorities to move four Fishrot fraud trial accused—James Hatuikulipi, Mike Nghipunya, Otneel Shuudifonya and Pius Mwatelulo—from C Section to Echo Unit, finding that the authorities failed to hear them or provide reasons for the relocation. The judge emphasised that trial-awaiting inmates are human beings whose rights must be respected under the rule of law.

    14 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. President announces N$62.3 million disbursed to youth projects

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced that N$62.3 million from the National Youth Development Fund has been disbursed to 140 youth projects, creating approximately 722 jobs. The N$500 million fund, launched in 2025, provides loans and grants to young entrepreneurs without collateral requirements.

    14 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Home Affairs officer arrested for issuing birth documents to Angolan

    The Anti-Corruption Commission arrested an administrative officer at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Rundu for allegedly facilitating the issuance of national documents to an ineligible Angolan national in 2018. He faces corruption charges under the Anti-Corruption Act and was granted bail of N$8,000.

    14 February 2026 · Informanté →

  6. Namibian President discusses leadership with ex-Liberian leader

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah engaged in a public discussion with former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on leadership, resilience, and governing in male-dominated spaces, moderated by the UN Women Deputy Executive Director.

    14 February 2026 · New Era →

Business

  1. US ambassador sees Walvis Bay as regional energy trade hub

    The US ambassador to Namibia said Walvis Bay port could become a major gateway for energy and trade in southern Africa, strengthening secure supply chains and reducing dependence on fragile routes. American companies and organizations are ready to support the port's expansion with expertise in port safety and engineering.

    14 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namib Mills strike nears resolution after company concessions

    Namibia Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union leader Petersen Kambinda says negotiations between striking Namib Mills workers and the company have progressed 80% toward an amicable solution, with agreement reached on salary and benefits. The remaining disagreements concern the December bonus and back pay, with the company offering 50% of the bonus and five months' back pay while the union seeks 100% of the bonus and seven months' back pay.

    14 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Luxury estate offers preferential pricing to Namibians and SADC citizens

    Woodlands @ Herboths, a luxury residential estate, is offering preferential pricing on five plots exclusively to Namibians and SADC citizens, emphasizing space, privacy, and investment potential in an unspoilt natural setting.

    14 February 2026 · Informanté →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Heavy rainfall recorded across multiple Namibian regions

    Widespread showers across Namibia on Thursday and Friday brought more than 30 mm of rain to many areas, with Tsumeb recording 60 mm and Gobabis experiencing street flooding. Further showers are expected in northern, Khomas, Omaheke, and Hardap regions, with flash-flood warnings in place.

    14 February 2026 · Informanté →

Society

  1. Windhoek constructs N$12.5-million cemetery at Rocky Crest

    The City of Windhoek is building a new N$12.5-million cemetery on 21.5 hectares south of Rocky Crest Extension 8, with construction expected to complete by February 2027. When finished, the cemetery will offer approximately 11,500 plots with space for about 40 graves each, plus a chapel for funeral services.

    14 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Unam and Nust rank in top 50 sub-Saharan African universities

    The University of Namibia and Namibia University of Science and Technology have been ranked 31st and 46th respectively in the inaugural QS World University Rankings: Sub-Saharan Africa, which assessed 1,000 institutions across the region. Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp said the recognition reflects progress in strengthening Namibia's higher education system and enhances the country's public universities' credibility on the continental stage.

    14 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Male suicide in Namibia demands urgent conversation and support

    An opinion piece argues that suicide among men in Namibia is a critical crisis, noting that recent weeks have seen repeated reports of men ending their lives. The author calls on men to acknowledge mental health struggles and seek help, and appeals to women to actively check in on the men in their lives, emphasising that open conversation can be lifesaving.

    14 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Namibian couples navigate Valentine's Day amid economic pressure

    As Valentine's Day approaches, couples in Namibia reflect on how financial strain affects relationships, with several emphasizing that true love is built on communication, emotional support and commitment rather than spending. Experts and couples interviewed stress that romance can survive economic hardship when partners prioritize transparency, patience and shared values over material gifts.

    14 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Kenyan man remanded on murder charge in Windhoek death

    A 40-year-old Kenyan man appeared in court on a murder charge related to the death of a 33-year-old woman found in her Windhoek home on Monday. The woman was assaulted and strangled; the accused remains in custody with bail opposed, and his case has been postponed to 24 April for further investigations.

    14 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Slain prosecutor Shiweda laid to rest with state honours

    The funeral of prosecutor Justine Ndapandula Shiweda took place at Onambango near Ondangwa, with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah ordering that he be given a dignified national honours funeral.

    14 February 2026 · Informanté →

  7. Namibians gather to mourn slain prosecutor Justine Shiweda

    State prosecutor Justine Shiweda was mourned at a memorial service in Onambango village near Ondangwa on Friday, attended by the Prime Minister representing the President, along with cabinet ministers, senior officials, and traditional leaders, ahead of his burial.

    14 February 2026 · Informanté →

  8. Man charged with murder of ex-lover in Otjomuise

    Jeffrey Kasume, 41, was arrested and charged with the murder of Regina Kondombolo, 33, his former domestic partner, whose body was discovered at a residence in Otjomuise Extension 2 on Monday evening. The state has opposed bail, citing flight risk concerns and potential witness interference, with the case postponed to 24 April 2026 for further investigations.

    14 February 2026 · Informanté →

  9. Slain prosecutor rejected N$100,000 bribe, family says

    Late State Prosecutor Justine Shiweda rejected a N$100,000 bribe allegedly offered to facilitate bail in a high-profile case at Ondangwa, according to her father's advice delivered at her memorial service—to work hard for the nation and never betray its people.

    14 February 2026 · Informanté →

  10. Rehoboth holds cancer awareness walk for young patients

    The Big Walk for Young Warriors, a 5km childhood cancer awareness walk, took place in Rehoboth today, organised by the Rehoboth Lions Club in partnership with the Cancer Association of Namibia and CHICA to show support for young cancer patients.

    14 February 2026 · New Era →

Culture

  1. Patrick Sikiliza releases Valentine's single with late Ras Sheehama

    Namibian artist Patrick Sikiliza has launched a Valentine's Day love single titled 'Home Away From Home', featuring reggae legend Ras Sheehama, who died in September last year. Sikiliza describes the song as a declaration of love about choosing one person regardless of life's circumstances, and says the release serves as a tribute to Sheehama's memory and a way of preserving his spirit among younger generations.

    14 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Rising amapiano star Shax Champion on his rapid success

    Teen musician Andreas Shipanga, known as Shax Champion, has seen rapid stardom since his debut hit "Soos 'n Dier" in June 2024, crediting his unique sound and choral background for his success. He won song of the year at the 2025 MTC Namibia Content Creator Awards and advises aspiring musicians to develop their own style rather than copying international artists.

    14 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Five affordable Valentine's Day date ideas for Namibians

    The Namibian suggests five low-pressure date options for Valentine's Day: making a shared playlist, painting together over wine, cooking an intimate meal at home, visiting a local art gallery, or simply resting together as a couple. The piece notes that Saturday Valentine's Day dates offer more time for celebration without the constraint of work hours.

    14 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Sport

  1. Ireland crush Oman by 96 runs at T20 World Cup

    Ireland's stand-in-captain Lorcan Tucker scored an unbeaten 94 as Ireland posted 235-5, the second biggest total in men's T20 World Cup history, then defeated Oman by 96 runs to secure their first Group B victory. Tucker rescued Ireland from 64-4 with a 51-ball innings including ten fours and four sixes, sharing a 101-run partnership with Gareth Delany who made 56.

    14 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Dortmund beats Mainz 4–0, narrows Bayern Munich lead

    Borussia Dortmund thrashed Mainz 4–0 at home on Friday with Serhou Guirassy scoring twice and Julian Ryerson assisting all four goals, pulling them to within three points of Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich ahead of a head-to-head clash in two weeks.

    14 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Chelsea beats Hull 4-0 in FA Cup fourth round

    Chelsea advanced to the FA Cup fifth round with a dominant 4-0 victory over Hull, with Portuguese forward Pedro Neto scoring a hat-trick. The match was emotionally charged as Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior faced his former club, which sacked him two years ago.

    14 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. South Africa's Markram demands sharper bowling before New Zealand clash

    South Africa captain Aiden Markram said his bowlers must be more disciplined after needing two super overs to beat Afghanistan at the T20 World Cup. Markram cited 22 extras conceded in two games as a concern before Saturday's Group D match against unbeaten New Zealand, where the winner will secure a place in the Super Eights.

    14 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. USA beats Netherlands by 93 runs in T20 World Cup

    The USA dominated the Netherlands with bat and ball, posting 196-6 before bowling them out for 103, with Saiteja Mukkamalla scoring 79 and Harmeet Singh taking 4-21. The victory boosted USA's net run rate and kept alive their hopes of reaching the Super Eights, though they must beat Namibia in their final Group A match on Sunday.

    14 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Sharma, Sohaib fifties lead UAE to T20 World Cup win

    Half-centuries from Aryansh Sharma (74 not out) and Sohaib Khan (51) helped the UAE chase down Canada's 151 to secure a five-wicket victory in the T20 World Cup in New Delhi, giving the UAE their first win in two matches in Group D.

    14 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Morning Star Boxing Academy holds first annual awards ceremony

    Morning Star Boxing Academy in Grootfontein held its inaugural Annual Sports Awards on 7 February 2026, recognizing boxers across junior, youth, and senior categories. The volunteer-run academy, founded in 2019, provides free boxing training with a focus on community building and developing safe, inclusive environments for young people.

    14 February 2026 · The Namibian →

World & Region

  1. Namibian truck driver arrested in Botswana drug trafficking case

    A 31-year-old Namibian truck driver appeared in Botswana's Gantsi Magistrate's Court charged with trafficking in narcotic drugs after Botswana police intercepted his truck at the Mamuno border and recovered eight boxes of cannabis weighing over 100kg. The accused has been remanded in prison pending a court reappearance on 26 February.

    14 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. South Africa to deploy army to combat gang violence

    South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced he will deploy the military to support police in fighting criminal gangs and illegal mining, with initial deployment focused on the Western Cape and Gauteng provinces where gang violence and illegal mining are rising problems.

    14 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Namibia presents youth jobs, water security to African Union

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah presented Namibia's progress report on youth unemployment at the African Peer Review Forum, outlining reforms including education transformation, vocational training expansion, and the Welwitschia Fund to boost job creation. She also urged African leaders to prioritise water security and sanitation as central to the continent's development agenda.

    14 February 2026 · Informanté →

  4. Namibia signs landmark agreement with Global Water Partnership Organisation

    Namibia and the Global Water Partnership Organisation have formally signed a headquarters agreement, establishing GWPO's Secretariat in Namibia as part of a dual-headquarters model. The agreement commits Namibia to providing office infrastructure, administrative support, visa facilitation, and tax exemptions to support the world's first Global South-based intergovernmental organisation focused on water governance.

    14 February 2026 · Informanté →

Opinion

  1. Valentine's Day: celebration, disappointment, and self-care

    A column on Valentine's Day navigates the emotions of the weekend celebration—from anticipation to potential letdown—and urges readers to practice self-love regardless of romantic outcomes, noting that one day doesn't define one's worth or future relationships.

    14 February 2026 · The Namibian →

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