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 →
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 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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →