Namibia Minute.
Sunday, 1 March 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Sunday, 1 March 2026
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Archive Minute from Sunday, 1 March 2026
Politics

NCIS director seeks secret hearing in defamation case

The News

The director general of Namibia's Central Intelligence Service is asking the High Court to order that a defamation case brought against him by a government official be heard in secret, citing national security concerns about vetting processes. The plaintiff opposes the closure request, arguing that constitutional guarantees of public hearings and transparency in state institutions must be upheld.

1 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Politics

  1. NCIS director seeks secret hearing in defamation case

    The director general of Namibia's Central Intelligence Service is asking the High Court to order that a defamation case brought against him by a government official be heard in secret, citing national security concerns about vetting processes. The plaintiff opposes the closure request, arguing that constitutional guarantees of public hearings and transparency in state institutions must be upheld.

    1 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia's N$104 billion budget prioritises operations over development spending

    Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah tabled a N$104 billion budget for 2026/27 with N$81.3 billion allocated to operations and only N$6.5 billion to development, drawing criticism from economists and opposition figures who warn this allocation will constrain economic growth. The government collected N$89.8 billion in revenue and plans to borrow N$15 billion, while interest payments of N$16.2 billion now exceed the development budget.

    1 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Minister warned Namport against sidelining president's son's company

    Transport minister Veikko Nekundi reportedly warned Namport bosses at a January meeting not to take business from Tradeport Namibia, co-owned by President Nandi-Ndaitwah's son Nande Ndaitwah, which Namport said stood to lose about N$20 million in annual income if it brought in a competing South African operator. Nekundi denies favouring the president's son, saying his duty is to protect local companies over foreign ones.

    1 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. 2026/27 budget allocations announced across major ministries

    Namibia's government has allocated key budgets for the 2026/27 financial year, with education receiving N$28.7 billion, health N$13.1 billion, and safety and security N$8.1 billion, while smaller allocations include N$181 million for the Electoral Commission and N$109 million for the Anti-Corruption Commission.

    1 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Prison seeks to move Fishrot accused to communal cells again

    The Namibian Correctional Service is attempting to relocate the four Fishrot-accused inmates from single cells to communal cells at Windhoek Correctional Facility, citing security and operational concerns. The move comes after a High Court judge recently ruled that a similar relocation was unlawful because the accused were not given a fair hearing, and the accused have warned they will return to court if the new notice proceeds.

    1 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Auditor cites accounting gaps in Aroab Village Council finances

    The auditor general's report on Aroab Village Council for the year ended 30 June 2019 reveals N$4.4 million in debt, significant accounting discrepancies, and missing financial documentation, prompting a disclaimer audit opinion. The council is advised to establish an acceptable accounting framework and ensure supporting documents are provided for trade payables and adjustments.

    1 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. PDM leader urges government to declare youth unemployment national disaster

    PDM president McHenry Venaani called on the government to declare youth unemployment a national disaster and establish a dedicated task force, following a meeting with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Venaani warned that rising youth joblessness poses a serious risk to national stability and proposed expanding agriculture, enforcing stricter parliamentary oversight of the petroleum bill, and reducing bureaucratic barriers to investment as key solutions.

    1 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Public sector urged to break silos, pursue citizen-centred innovation

    The Executive Director in the Office of the Prime Minister called on government institutions to dismantle silo-based operations and strengthen collaboration to deliver practical, citizen-centred innovation. Participants at the Public Sector Innovation Conference agreed that breaking down departmental silos is essential to improving service delivery, and emphasised that innovation extends beyond ICT to include simple, community-based solutions and design thinking approaches.

    1 March 2026 · Informanté →

Business

  1. National Housing Enterprise posts N$22.5m profit on government injection

    The National Housing Enterprise reported a net profit of N$22.5 million for 2024/25, a significant jump from N$6 million the previous year, largely due to a N$61 million government recapitalisation. However, the improvement masks underlying challenges: total revenue fell 15% to N$195 million as housing unit sales plummeted from 455 to 231 units, while non-performing loans and impairments have risen amid economic pressures.

    1 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Rundu Water Treatment Plant Extension Project 79% complete

    The Rundu Water Treatment Plant Extension Project is 79% complete with construction and commissioning on track for August 2026. The project aims to strengthen water supply security in the region and future phases will extend supply lines to surrounding communities to replace unreliable river and borehole systems.

    1 March 2026 · Informanté →

Mining & Energy

  1. Global wars drive oil prices affecting Namibia's economy

    Russia's invasion of Ukraine caused Namibian fuel prices to rise 83% between April 2021 and February 2022, driving inflation from 3.1% to 4.8% and forcing interest rate increases that burden households and businesses. Current unrest in Iran and tensions in the Middle East pose similar risks to Namibia's oil-dependent economy, with prolonged price spikes potentially damaging growth.

    1 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namcor appoints Ndafyaalako as acting managing director

    Namcor has appointed Mtundeni Ndafyaalako, its upstream development and production executive, as acting managing director effective 1 March 2026, pending completion of the recruitment process for a permanent MD. Ndafyaalako succeeds Maureen Hinda-Mbuende, who served as interim head for six months.

    1 March 2026 · New Era →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Namibia protects FMD-free status to maintain beef export markets

    Namibia has reaffirmed that its foot-and-mouth disease-free status without vaccination is essential for protecting export markets and the agricultural economy, warning that unauthorized vaccine use could jeopardize this standing and result in severe financial losses. The country manages FMD risk through strict movement controls, surveillance, and border measures, with vaccination reserved only for outbreaks under veterinary authority, as the no-vaccination policy in the free zone allows access to high-value international meat markets.

    1 March 2026 · Informanté →

Society

  1. Two dead in Rovos Rail train derailment near Keetmanshoop

    A luxury Rovos Rail passenger train derailed near Keetmanshoop on Sunday morning, killing two people. TransNamib chief executive Desmond van Jaarsveld confirmed the deaths and said emergency response teams were dispatched immediately, with authorities now investigating the cause.

    1 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Oshikoto education official warns teachers against on-duty drinking

    The Oshikoto education deputy director has warned teachers that intoxication and substance abuse while on duty will result in disciplinary action, citing reports of some staff arriving visibly intoxicated or leaving premises during breaks to drink. He stressed that teachers must maintain public service integrity and that ineffectiveness from alcohol or drug use will not be tolerated.

    1 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Graduate unemployment crisis deepens as jobs fail to match education

    Despite widened access to higher education, Namibian graduates struggle to find permanent employment, with youth unemployment at 44.4% and many university-educated workers forced into informal jobs or underemployment. Labour experts attribute the crisis to structural economic limitations rather than lack of qualifications, leaving graduates bearing costly interview travel expenses while pursuing work in their fields.

    1 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. 66 road deaths recorded in Namibia in two months

    Namibian police recorded 66 road deaths and 391 crashes between 1 January and 22 February, with 694 injuries also reported. While figures show a decrease compared to the same period in 2025, they mark a significant long-term increase relative to 2024 baselines, with deaths up 50%, crashes up 18%, and injuries up 23.

    1 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Parents welcome free tertiary education as shared responsibility

    Parents of students benefitting from Namibia's free tertiary education programme say it has eased financial burden on families, allowing them to focus on accommodation and living costs while government covers registration and tuition fees. One parent noted the relief extends to government-provided school materials, though another flagged concern that free education offers little value if graduates remain unemployed.

    1 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Nored workers strike over pay; eight regions face blackout risk

    Northern Regional Electricity Distributor employees across eight Namibian regions have stopped work over salary disputes, demanding a 6% raise and payment of a 14th cheque. The strike threatens widespread power cuts and economic damage to businesses in affected areas including Oshana, Omusati, Oshikoto, and others.

    1 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. MPs criticise directive requiring public servants use state health facilities

    Former and current MPs have condemned President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's directive requiring public servants to use state healthcare facilities from 1 April, citing constitutional concerns, infringement of personal choice, and doubts about public facility readiness. Minister of Health Esperance Luvindao responded by clarifying that no one will be forced to use public facilities and those who opt out can use N$240 to access private medical care.

    1 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Rovos Rail train derailment kills two near Keetmanshoop

    A Rovos Rail passenger train derailed near Keetmanshoop after a bridge gave way following heavy rains, killing two people. Emergency services attended the scene, and survivors are receiving support at a facility near Fish River Canyon while authorities investigate the cause.

    1 March 2026 · Informanté →

  9. Government removes PSEMAS co-payment, raises member contributions

    The government has decided to eliminate the 5% co-payment under PSEMAS effective 1 April 2026, while increasing member contributions for both low and high options. The decision follows consultation with trade unions and accompanies broader reforms including strengthened financial controls and establishment of a governance committee.

    1 March 2026 · Informanté →

  10. NCS focuses on rehabilitation alongside punitive measures

    The Commissioner-General of the Namibian Correctional Service said the Service's work encompasses transformation and rehabilitation, not just punishment. He highlighted the 2008 implementation of the Offender Risk Management Correctional Strategy as evidence-based and central to the NCS's mission.

    1 March 2026 · Informanté →

  11. Namibia steps up enforcement as nocturnal drone sightings multiply

    Namibian authorities have reported multiple drone sightings across the country, particularly at night, prompting the Civil Aviation Authority and police to reiterate that night flights are prohibited and engage with relevant stakeholders. The NCAA and NamPol are urging the public to report suspicious drone activity using specific coordinates, while reminding operators that all drones must be registered, flights require approval, and operations are banned in national parks and protected areas.

    1 March 2026 · Informanté →

Culture

  1. Namibian filmmaker Errol Geingob on visual storytelling

    Errol Geingob, a Namibian filmmaker, writer, and co-founder of Desert Film Productions with over two decades in the industry, believes visual storytelling gives voice to the unheard and documents local realities. He has worked on productions including Tate Penda and taught at the College of the Arts alongside his film work.

    1 March 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Sport

  1. Barcelona thrash Villarreal as Yamal scores first career hat-trick

    Lamine Yamal scored a hat-trick in Barcelona's 4-1 win over Villarreal, becoming the youngest player to achieve the feat in La Liga this century at 18 years old. The victory extended Barcelona's lead at the top of the league to four points above Real Madrid.

    1 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Manchester City closes on Arsenal; Liverpool wins five

    Manchester City defeated Leeds 1-0 to close within two points of Premier League leaders Arsenal, while Liverpool beat West Ham 5-2 to climb into fifth place. Liverpool's improved set-piece performance has driven their recent success, moving them three points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea.

    1 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Kane scores twice as Bayern defeat Dortmund, extend lead

    Harry Kane scored twice and Joshua Kimmich added a late goal as Bayern Munich beat Borussia Dortmund 3-2 on Saturday, moving 11 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga with 10 matches remaining.

    1 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. New Zealand advances to T20 World Cup semifinals

    New Zealand qualified for the T20 World Cup semi-finals after Sri Lanka narrowly avoided defeat to Pakistan on Saturday, winning by only five runs despite Pakistan needing to win by 65 to advance on net run rate. Sri Lanka's captain Dasun Shanaka struck an unbeaten 76 off 31 balls to take his side to 207-6 in reply to Pakistan's 212-8, denying Pakistan a place in the semifinals.

    1 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Medvedev wins Dubai title after Griekspoor withdraws with hamstring injury

    Daniil Medvedev claimed his second Dubai ATP 500 title on Saturday when opponent Tallon Griekspoor withdrew due to a left hamstring injury sustained in his semi-final. Medvedev said he remains uncertain about competing at next week's California ATP 1000 event due to partial UAE airspace closures following Iranian strikes on the region.

    1 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Van der Poel wins Dutch cycling classic Omloop Het Nieuwsblad

    Dutch cyclist Mathieu van der Poel broke away 16km from the finish to solo victory at the season-opening cobbled classic Omloop Het Nieuwsblad on Saturday, finishing over 20 seconds ahead of Tim van Dijke and Florian Vermeersch. Demi Vollering won the women's 135km edition, dominating the sprint finish.

    1 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Dr Hage Geingob Cup expands to all 14 regions nationwide

    The Namibia Football Association has resolved to transform the Dr Hage Geingob Cup into a national football competition played across all 14 regions to honour the late President and preserve his legacy and passion for football. Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare was appointed Patron of the NFA, succeeding Geingob, and pledged to mobilise financial resources for football development.

    1 March 2026 · Informanté →

Tourism & Environment

  1. Minister rejects smart city development plans for Skeleton Coast Park

    The Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has rejected claims that a smart city and port development will be built at Cape/Angra Fria in the Skeleton Coast National Park, stating no approval has been granted. The minister noted that similar proposals were submitted in 2013, 2017 and 2022 but were rejected because such projects would undermine Namibia's conservation and tourism reputation.

    1 March 2026 · Informanté →

World & Region

  1. US-Israeli strikes kill Iran's supreme leader; Tehran retaliates regionally

    The US and Israel launched major attacks on Iran on Saturday, killing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and striking multiple cities; Iran responded with an unprecedented wave of drone and missile strikes across the Middle East targeting countries hosting US military bases. Hundreds of civilians were killed in the initial strikes, and Iran's retaliation caused casualties and damage in Israel, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and other regional countries.

    1 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei killed in US-Israeli strikes

    Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, who ruled Iran for three decades, has been killed during the first day of massive US and Israeli air strikes on Iran, as announced by US President Donald Trump and confirmed by Iranian state TV. His death marks a significant and uncertain turning point for Iran and the wider region.

    1 March 2026 · The Namibian →

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