Namibia Minute

Sunday, 22 February 2026

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Sunday, 22 February 2026

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Politics

Government spends N$152m on luxury retirement homes for four former presidents

The News

The Namibian reports that the state has paid N$152 million over the past decade on retirement residences for four former presidents—Sam Nujoma (N$43 million), Hifikepunye Pohamba (N$35 million), Hage Geingob (N$36 million), and Nangolo Mbumba (N$38 million)—prompting debate among parliamentarians and activists about whether such spending is justified given widespread poverty and housing shortages in the country.

22 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Politics

Government spends N$152m on luxury retirement homes for four former presidents
The Namibian reports that the state has paid N$152 million over the past decade on retirement residences for four former presidents—Sam Nujoma (N$43 million), Hifikepunye Pohamba (N$35 million), Hage Geingob (N$36 million), and Nangolo Mbumba (N$38 million)—prompting debate among parliamentarians and activists about whether such spending is justified given widespread poverty and housing shortages in the country.
22 February 2026 · The Namibian →
IPC's Itula vows to challenge what he calls authoritarianism
Independent Patriots for Change president Panduleni Itula has pledged to oppose bills that would give the president and Cabinet greater control of state resources, arguing they represent authoritarian systems that undermine the Constitution and rule of law.
22 February 2026 · The Namibian →
President seeks oil licensing control via Petroleum Act amendment
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is proposing to shift upstream oil licensing powers from the minister to the presidency, a move she argues is justified given her removal of a minister over corruption. However, according to an opinion piece by professor Roman Grynberg, the proposed legislation lacks transparency provisions and parliamentary oversight, and extends civil immunity to presidential appointees in ways that could facilitate future corruption similar to the Fishrot scandal.
22 February 2026 · The Namibian →
President directs military funeral for Nghimtina despite Cabinet moratorium
Retired colonel and former defence minister Erkki Nghimtina (78) received a military funeral at the direction of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, despite a Cabinet moratorium on official funerals that runs until 31 March 2026. The decision has drawn scrutiny from a social activist who argues that military honours should not be automatic for Swapo veterans and former ministers and must be governed by statutory law rather than political motivation.
22 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Former Swapo Communications Director Erkki Nghimtina Dies
Erkki Nghimtina, who rose to director of communications for Swapo's People's Liberation Army of Namibia (Plan) during the armed struggle and played a key operational role in military engagements against colonial forces, has died at his homestead in Edundja. He was born in 1948 and survived by four of his 12 siblings and 18 of his 19 children.
22 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's 2026/27 budget faces tightening fiscal constraints
Economists warn that weaker-than-expected revenue collections will limit government spending and create difficult policy trade-offs, with limited fiscal space and elevated expenditure demands requiring disciplined management to keep the deficit within preferred levels. The upcoming budget is expected to clarify fiscal policy direction and investment frameworks while balancing revenue performance with expenditure commitments through improved resource prioritisation and efficiency.
22 February 2026 · The Namibian →
IPC warns oil wealth risks fueling political self-enrichment in Namibia
The Independent Patriots for Change have cautioned that Namibia's oil discoveries could become an avenue for political self-enrichment if leaders prioritize personal gain over public service. IPC leaders expressed concern that the ruling party's move to place the oil sector under the Office of the Presidency could lead to corruption, noting that oil has historically become a curse in Africa.
22 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Angula pays tribute to late liberation veteran Nghimtina
Nahas Angula, chairperson of the Sam Nujoma Foundation, has paid tribute to the late Erkki Nghimtina, a liberation struggle veteran and trustee of the Foundation who passed away on 8 February 2026. Angula described Nghimtina's death as a significant loss to the nation and Foundation, hailing his dedication to Namibia's liberation and governance and his contribution to preserving the legacy of Founding President Sam Nujoma.
22 February 2026 · Informanté →
Former Defence Minister Erkki Nghimtina laid to rest
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah delivered a condolence message at the military memorial for former Cabinet Minister Erkki Nghimtina, honouring his contributions to Namibia's liberation struggle and his service in defence, mines and energy, works and transport, and labour portfolios. His burial took place at the Eenhana Memorial Shrine.
22 February 2026 · Informanté →

Business

Namibia requires 70% local citizenship in bank leadership roles
The government has introduced regulations barring foreign nationals from top banking positions, requiring that at least 70% of directors and CEO posts be held by Namibians. Banks that fail to comply face fines of up to N$100,000 or imprisonment, though foreign nationals may be appointed if no qualified Namibian is available.
22 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Trophimus Hiwilepo appointed MTC Board Chairperson
The Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) has appointed Trophimus Hiwilepo as its new Board Chairperson from 13 February 2026, replacing the late Theofelus Mberirua. Hiwilepo, a non-executive director since July 2024, holds a degree from the University of the Western Cape and serves on other corporate boards including NAMCOR and Gondwana Collection.
22 February 2026 · Informanté →
NORED investigating N$7 million fraud over seven years
Namibian Police in Omusati Region are investigating a fraud case in which NORED, the northern power utility, has lost exactly N$7,131,986.12 between 2018 and October 2025, allegedly after a suspect in Ondukuta village bypassed the company's prepaid meter.
22 February 2026 · Informanté →

Mining & Energy

Namibia's CETM exports offer US$221 million opportunity, Asia leads
A UNCTAD and Government of Namibia report identifies significant export potential in critical energy transition minerals, with 33 CETM-related products worth US$221 million in trade-adjusted global opportunities. Asia dominates market potential at 75.4%, led by China, with chemicals and copper products accounting for 91% of weighted export value.
22 February 2026 · Informanté →

Agriculture & Land

South Africa receives first FMD vaccine shipment for livestock protection
South Africa's agriculture minister received the first shipment of one million foot-and-mouth disease vaccines from Argentina, marking the start of a 10-year national eradication strategy to vaccinate over 14 million cattle and regain export market access. President Ramaphosa declared FMD a national disaster and announced plans for a coordinated vaccination programme targeting 80% of the national herd by December, with additional vaccine supplies expected from multiple international and domestic sources.
22 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Weekend rainfall continues across Namibia; floods risk in south
Widespread showers have hit multiple regions this weekend, with more rainfall expected on Sunday, particularly heavy thundershowers in the Hardap and //Kharas regions that could cause flash floods. Several areas have already recorded significant rainfall, including Windhoek, Oshikoto Region, and Omaheke Region.
22 February 2026 · Informanté →
EU donates nine vehicles to support Namibian communal farmers
The Ministry of Agriculture has received nine EU-funded vehicles—eight Land Cruisers and one truck, valued at N$10 million—to strengthen livestock value chains in the Northern Communal Areas. The vehicles, including two mobile veterinary clinics, aim to improve animal health monitoring, combat Foot and Mouth Disease, and enhance market access for communal farmers.
22 February 2026 · Informanté →

Society

Unidentified man's body recovered from Zambezi River
The body of an unidentified man was discovered floating in the Zambezi River on Saturday and retrieved by Katima Mulilo Police water unit and navy forces. Forensic officers have stored the body at Katima Mulilo State Hospital mortuary pending postmortem examination as police investigate the man's identity.
22 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Education gaps and youth unemployment shape Namibia's labour challenge
About 39% of Namibians are currently in education, with primary schooling the largest cohort at 20.5% of the population. Among those who have left school, education remains concentrated at lower levels, and 44.1% of Namibians aged 15–34 are not in employment, education or training, indicating weak school-to-work transitions and pressure on entry-level job absorption.
22 February 2026 · The Namibian →
NSA explains why more divorced women than men in Khomas
The Namibia Statistics Agency released 2023 census data showing 4,835 divorced individuals in Khomas region (1,747 men and 3,088 women), and clarified that the gender disparity reflects current marital status at enumeration, not divorce events—differences can arise from differential remarriage rates, migration, mortality, and reporting patterns.
22 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Police allegedly assault 31 pupils during Otjiwarongo theft investigation
Nine police officers allegedly assaulted 31 pupils from Karundu Junior Secondary School in Otjiwarongo on Monday during an investigation into a reported cellphone theft. Three boys sustained serious injuries including a fractured skull, broken ribs, and an ear injury; the regional police commander confirmed the incident and says an internal investigation is ongoing.
22 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Defence Force member killed in Karibib road collision
Immanuel Samoa (39), a Namibian Defence Force member based at Karibib, died after being hit by a vehicle on the C33 road near Karibib early Friday morning. The driver of a white bakkie told police he attempted to avoid the pedestrian but was unable to prevent the collision; a culpable homicide case has been opened and investigations are continuing.
22 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Boy gang-raped by unknown men in Omusati region
Two unknown suspects allegedly gang-raped a 13-year-old boy in Oshuuli village, Ogongo Constituency, Omusati region on Wednesday morning. The victim's father reported the incident to police.
22 February 2026 · Informanté →

Culture

Miss Namibia chief executive Karuaihe-Upi steps down after 35 years
Umbi Karuaihe-Upi, who has led the Miss Namibia Organisation and worked at the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation for 35 years, has announced her departure. She says the organisation is left in stable condition and notes succession planning was a priority during her tenure.
22 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Sport

Real Madrid beaten by Osasuna in La Liga title race
Real Madrid lost 2-1 to Osasuna on Saturday in La Liga after Raul Garcia's 90th-minute goal, a significant blow to their title hopes as Barcelona trail by just two points. Atletico Madrid bounced back from a four-game winless streak with a 4-2 victory over Espanyol to strengthen their grip on fourth place.
22 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Manchester City beats Newcastle to close gap on Arsenal
Pep Guardiola called Manchester City's 2-1 victory over Newcastle a "massive" moment in the Premier League title race, closing the gap on leaders Arsenal to two points. Guardiola praised his young squad's resilience despite 70 percent of players never experiencing a title race, and singled out midfielder Nico O'Reilly for two clinical finishes.
22 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Scotland beats Wales in thrilling Six Nations rugby match
Scotland defeated Wales 26-23 at the Principality Stadium with a try from George Turner in the 75th minute, coming from behind to take their first lead of the game. Scotland will now face Ireland in Dublin in their bid to complete a first Triple Crown since 1990.
22 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Kane scores twice as Bayern extend Bundesliga lead
Harry Kane scored his third straight Bundesliga brace as Bayern Munich beat Eintracht Frankfurt 3-2, moving nine points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund. Kane has now netted 28 goals in 23 Bundesliga appearances this season.
22 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Ireland beats England 42-21 in Six Nations rugby
Jamison Gibson-Park starred as Ireland defeated England 42-21 at Twickenham in a Six Nations match, setting a record for an Irish win at the venue with five tries in the first half alone. The victory keeps Ireland in title contention with two wins and one loss from three games.
22 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Chelsea, Aston Villa held up in Champions League race
Chelsea drew 1-1 with Burnley at Stamford Bridge after Wesley Fofana's red card allowed Zian Flemming to equalize late, while Aston Villa salvaged a 1-1 draw against Leeds with Tammy Abraham's 88th-minute goal. Both results dent the sides' top-four hopes as the Premier League title race heats up.
22 February 2026 · The Namibian →
South Africa secure Women's Cosafa semifinal spot with Angola win
South Africa defeated Angola 2-0 to clinch top spot in Group A of the Hollywoodbets Cosafa Women's Championship 2025 and secure a semifinal berth. Malawi's 8-1 rout of Lesotho leaves them third in the pool with three points, level with Angola, though only one can join South Africa in the last four after their final fixture.
22 February 2026 · The Namibian →

World & Region

Chatunga Mugabe faces attempted murder charges in South Africa
The 28-year-old youngest son of Zimbabwe's former ruler Robert Mugabe faces attempted murder charges in South Africa while out on bail in Zimbabwe on separate assault allegations. His arrest at a Johannesburg property follows a shooting incident, continuing a pattern of legal troubles for the Mugabe family in the region.
22 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Opinion

TVET deserves equal respect as university pathway
An opinion piece argues that technical and vocational education (TVET) should be recognised as a respected pathway to success rather than a fallback option, and calls for society, employers and government to provide fair wages, start-up support and resources to empower TVET graduates as essential contributors to national development.
22 February 2026 · The Namibian →