NUDO's Vetaruhe Kandorozu told Education Deputy Minister Dino Ballotti to "go back to Italy" and made comments about white people not being Namibian in the National Assembly on Wednesday, forcing Deputy Speaker Phillipus Katamelo to adjourn the session; Kandorozu later withdrew his remarks after being told they were "unparliamentary" and not in the interest of building the nation.
NUDO's Vetaruhe Kandorozu told Education Deputy Minister Dino Ballotti to "go back to Italy" and made comments about white people not being Namibian in the National Assembly on Wednesday, forcing Deputy Speaker Phillipus Katamelo to adjourn the session; Kandorozu later withdrew his remarks after being told they were "unparliamentary" and not in the interest of building the nation.
Finance minister Ericah Shafudah unveiled an operational budget of N$81.3 billion for the 2026/27 financial year, with 61.7% of spending directed to the social sector including education, health, and civil service salary increases. The government projects revenue of N$89.8 billion and targets a budget deficit of 5.5% of GDP, down from current levels as part of its fiscal consolidation strategy.
The director general of Namibia's intelligence service has requested that a N$1.8-million defamation case against him be heard in camera to protect classified information, but lawyers and human rights experts argue that holding the trial in secret would undermine public accountability and enable officials to hide misconduct under the guise of national security.
The Otjiwarongo Municipality has failed to implement a 2014 salary directive or comply with a Labour Court order to pay over N$30 million in back pay owed to 20 employees, despite the ruling last year. The dispute arose after management ignored a ministry instruction to adjust C4-band employees' salaries by N$7,475 and instead gave them only N$2,000 in adjustments while promoting D-band staff, prompting workers to take the case to court in 2021.
The government has awarded Roads Contractor Company (RCC) a N$140-million project to build sport facilities across Namibia's 14 regions, bypassing standard public procurement rules under a presidential fast-track exemption. The decision has drawn criticism from industry groups and opposition politicians over transparency and accountability, though officials argue the project follows existing legal frameworks and incorporates oversight mechanisms.
Minister of works and transport Veikko Nekundi has said he will not contest for the Swapo secretary general position or any of the party's top four posts at the 2027 party congress. The announcement comes amid speculation about potential candidates for the party's leadership race, including Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare and SPYL leader Ephraim Nekongo.
Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa met with Iran's ambassador to Namibia to reaffirm ties between the two countries and extended condolences following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on 28 February, which she described as "unjustified aggression and an illegal military operation."
Parliament has suspended recruitment for an information commissioner and deputy, further delaying implementation of the 2022 Access to Information Act. No reason has been provided for the halt.
Cabinet has approved three Memoranda of Understanding with Spain, Malta, and Hungary to strengthen cooperation in education, research, sport, and scholarships. The agreements include sports and physical education cooperation with Spain, a research and innovation framework with Malta, and Hungarian scholarships for Namibian citizens.
Disgruntled Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund employees have petitioned President Nandi-Ndaitwah to intervene in the institution's reintegration into the education ministry, citing salary cuts of up to 100%, lack of consultation, and what they describe as autocratic board decisions. The staff have filed a labour complaint, with several including the acting CEO resigning on Friday, though Education Minister Steenkamp disputes the allegations and insists service delivery will not be affected.
Raphael Mbala, newly inaugurated Ngambela of Masubia Traditional Authority, says the authority faces poor financial status and deep community divisions after nearly four years without a substantive chief. He plans to restore financial transparency, strengthen governance systems, and rebuild unity through improved communication and adherence to cultural succession principles.
Omaheke Regional Council chairperson Rocco Nguvauva and governor Pijoo Nganate opened 2026 activities with a call for stronger cooperation among public institutions and stakeholders to improve service delivery, reduce unemployment, and raise living standards across the region.
Rocco Nguvauva, chairperson of Omaheke Regional Council, said the new council will build on foundations laid by previous leadership, focusing on infrastructure development, basic service provision, and community empowerment while maintaining fiscal discipline and responsiveness to regional needs.
The Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service has clarified that its development budget ceiling stands at N$243 million, structured around Youth Infrastructure Development and Integrated Sport Development programmes. The executive director noted that the Sam Nujoma Stadium falls outside this portfolio as it is owned by the City of Windhoek, and that major projects require multi-year financing and public-private partnerships.
Vida e Caffè, a popular South African coffee franchise, has opened at Windhoek's Maerua Mall, marking its return to the city after over a decade. The café serves hot and iced coffee, matcha, smoothies and food items, and is the franchise's 42nd international establishment.
Former employees of Icelandic fishing company Samherji have renewed demands for compensation seven years after losing their jobs when the company ceased operations in Namibia following the 2019 Fishrot scandal. The 252 workers, who received only N$10,000 severance and no consideration for years of service, say they have been left struggling financially while assets and vessels were sold off.
Namibian banks lent N$534.7 million more in January than December, a 0.4% monthly rise that brought total private sector credit to N$122.85 billion. However, annual growth slowed to 3.9% from 4.4% in December, driven mainly by reduced corporate borrowing and net repayments, though lending to individuals accelerated to 3.0% annual growth.
The Bank of Namibia and South African Reserve Bank have signed a revised Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen institutional cooperation on central banking functions, supervision, regulation, and resolution planning of cross-border financial institutions. The agreement establishes a formal framework for collaboration on financial stability, monetary coordination, and capacity-building while protecting the statutory independence of both institutions.
The City of Windhoek has announced temporary sidewalk closures in Otjomuise and Khomasdal from 9 March to 10 April 2026 to install new fibre infrastructure, with work conducted in phases and property access maintained throughout.
Mitsubishi has launched a next-generation Triton pickup with a 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine, advanced Super Select 4WD-II system with seven drive modes, and upgraded interior features including an 8-inch infotainment display and rally-inspired seats. The Triton is available in Namibia in double cab GL and GLS variants, priced from around N$640,000 to N$890,000.
Zambian carrier Proflight Zambia inaugurated its first flights to Windhoek this week, operating three times weekly between Lusaka, Livingstone, and Namibia's capital. Government officials and aviation stakeholders highlighted the route's potential to boost tourism, trade, and regional connectivity between the two countries.
Nedbank Group's digital volumes and values have increased significantly as clients embrace digital channels, with 70% of Nedbank Africa Regions' active clients now digitally active, meeting the 2025 target. The group's headline earnings grew 2% to R17.2 billion in 2025, while the bank continues strategic expansion including a proposed acquisition of 66% stake in NCBA Group in East Africa.
The Toronto Venture Exchange withheld approval for ILC Critical Minerals to exercise its option to acquire Lepidico Mauritius, which owns 80% of Namibia's Karibib lithium project. The failed deal was a setback for ILC's southern African plans, as Karibib holds Africa's largest known rubidium resource and significant lithium reserves.
Deep Yellow's Tumas uranium project in Namibia is advancing with an initial capital investment of about N$7.55 billion and a post-tax net present value of N$9.19 billion, with a projected internal rate of return of 19%. The project aims to operate at a competitive all-in sustaining cost of N$716.40 per pound of uranium.
Namibia re-exported petroleum oils worth N$307 million to Zambia and Botswana in January, ranking as the third-largest re-exported commodity at 12.3% of total re-exports. The country's overall export revenue reached N$11.4 billion in January, with uranium, gold, fish, and diamonds dominating the export basket.
Namibia's fuel supply remains secure for the next two to three months despite surging Brent crude prices linked to Middle East geopolitical tensions, the industries minister told parliament, while South Africa has announced fuel price increases for March. The government is monitoring developments before adjusting local pump prices, and sources fuel from multiple regions including the Middle East, India, and the European Union.
Namibia Oil and Gas launched its second Bi-Annual Industry Report, bringing together senior executives, policymakers, and industry professionals to review developments in the country's oil and gas sector. The report provides data-driven analysis and strategic insights into key projects, exploration activity, and supply-chain developments shaping Namibia's energy landscape.
The Regional Energy Regulators Association of Southern Africa has elected Dr. Paulo António da Graça, Executive Chairman of Mozambique's Energy Regulatory Authority, as its new Chairperson. RERA, established in 2002 and hosted in Windhoek, works to strengthen regional cooperation on energy regulation, renewable energy integration, and grid modernisation across Southern Africa.
Namibia Oil and Gas launched its second Bi-Annual Industry Report, providing data-driven analysis and strategic insights into the country's oil and gas sector. The event brought together senior executives, policymakers, and industry professionals to reflect on developments shaping Namibia's evolving energy landscape.
Namibia's Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources has backed uranium exploration by Russian state-owned Rosatom in the Omaheke region, citing potential for billions in investment and thousands of jobs, though the project faces resistance from environmentalists and farmers concerned about groundwater contamination.
ISF Trading Enterprises, which plans to build a 300,000-barrel-per-day oil refinery at Walvis Bay, is embroiled in a legal dispute with Portugal-based consultant Ana Lúcia Rodrigues Santos over an unpaid N$2.6 million invoice and an agreed 1% equity stake in the project. ISF Trading denies owing the money, claiming Santos failed to properly perform her investor-attraction duties, while Santos maintains she carried out extensive work and the company has avoided communication.
A light aircraft crashed at Gobabeb Namib Research Institute in the Erongo region on Wednesday evening, killing two British nationals who were conducting wildlife research. The aircraft is registered in the United Kingdom.
A 31-year-old driver was arrested in the Zambezi region after striking and killing a 13-year-old boy on his way to school on Dr Hage Geingob Drive in Katima Mulilo. The driver faces charges of culpable homicide and reckless or negligent driving.
Popular Democratic Movement MP Winnie Moongo told Parliament that ||Kharas and Hardap regions have no blood banks, forcing transfusions to be limited to district hospitals and leaving rural residents without timely access to blood. She highlighted that the national blood supply is consistently limited and that only 1% of Namibians donate blood, citing misconceptions about the donation process, and asked the health minister what plans exist to improve access and boost voluntary donations.
Rehoboth Town Council faces a possible bulk water supply cut by Namibia Water Corporation due to the municipality's outstanding N$100 million debt, which would close schools affecting over 10,000 pupils and disrupt operations at a police holding facility with about 200 inmates.
NamWater has suspended planned bulk water supply cuts to Rehoboth following negotiations with the town council over an outstanding debt of N$150 million. Negotiations now involve the Hardap governor's office and the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, with water services remaining operational pending further discussions.
The Walvis Bay Oncology Centre opened at Walvis Bay District Hospital, allowing cancer patients in Erongo to receive treatment closer to home rather than travelling to Windhoek. The facility was funded primarily by Langer Heinrich Uranium Mine and is part of efforts to decentralise cancer care services across Namibia.
The government has launched nationwide consultations to revise its early childhood development policy ahead of its formal transfer to the Ministry of Education in January 2027. The revision aims to strengthen support for young children's development and learning, improve teacher qualifications and monitoring, and increase investment including a new per-child grant for children aged three to five years.
Jonas Murao, accused of raping a four-month-old baby at Hoachanas in November 2016, claims he was at a farm on the date of the alleged assault. The baby's mother testified that she found her daughter without a nappy and with blood on her private parts after being awakened by her partner, and noted shoe prints in their one-room house that resembled sandals Murao was wearing that day.
The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare and Ministry of Health and Social Services have launched a National Parenting and Caregiver Handbook that emphasises community-based child-rearing and provides resources for parents navigating 21st century parenting challenges, including technology and cyberbullying. The handbook's seven modules are designed to help parents maintain emotional stability and promote the African principle that "strong communities build strong children."
The City of Windhoek warned residents and motorists to expect temporary traffic disruptions on Thursday afternoon as a heavy abnormal load was scheduled to pass through the capital via Trans Kalahari Road and Sam Nujoma Drive, affecting traffic signals and major intersections.
Namibian Police in the Erongo Region are searching for an unknown suspect who struck and killed pedestrian Lukas Tuhafeni Tateati on the road between Omaruru and Kalkveld on 3 March 2026, and fled the scene. The public is urged to contact Detective Inspector Ndeshifilwa Teofelus or the nearest police station with information.
The City of Windhoek is warning vehicle owners that altering a car's appearance without legal authorisation contravenes Road Traffic and Transport Regulations. Owners must notify the Namibia Traffic Information System and relicense their vehicle, with failure to comply potentially resulting in vehicle impoundment and legal penalties.
Jonas Murao, 45, accused of nine charges including raping a four-month-old baby in Hoachanas, testified in his defence that he was not present when the alleged crimes occurred and was working at a settlement farm at the time. He denied all involvement and claimed an alibi for each incident dating back to 2008.
New Era crime briefs report multiple rape cases in Zambezi region courts, including cases involving minors, with accused persons remanded in custody and investigations ongoing.
Nine students receiving N$2,400 monthly bursaries from the Social Security Commission to study at Lingua College say the allowance is insufficient, with N$2,000 going to hostel fees and leaving only N$400 for food and personal expenses. The students report inadequate meals and poor living conditions, threatening to organize a peaceful protest if the college and SSC do not address their concerns.
The Namibian publishes a calendar of entertainment and educational activities happening this week and beyond, ranging from financial literacy and cinema screenings to ballet performances, fitness classes, and desert music festivals across Namibia.
Trailblazing Namibian chef Elizabeth Isai has qualified for the Worldchefs Global Chefs Challenge finals to be held in Newport, Wales in May after winning first place in the Africa/Middle East semi-finals. The 25-year-old, who completed her chef certification at the Namibia University of Science and Technology in 2020, has previously achieved multiple accolades including gold at the 2022 WorldSkills Africa Competition and senior chef of the year in 2024.
Paulinus Ndjolonimus will challenge undefeated Danish prospect Jacob Bank for the WBO Global super middleweight title in Denmark on 26 April. The bout will serve as an eliminator for a WBC world title fight.
After exiting the T20 World Cup, Namibia will host Uganda in March for bilateral matches, followed by Scotland and Oman in April for a Cricket World Cup League 2 series. Coach Craig Williams said the matches are crucial preparation and points-gathering opportunities, as Namibia currently sits sixth on the eight-team CWCL2 standings.
Arsenal moved seven points clear at the top of the English Premier League after Bukayo Saka's goal secured a 1-0 win against Brighton, while second-placed Manchester City was held to a 2-2 draw by Nottingham Forest.
New Zealand defeated South Africa by nine wickets in the T20 World Cup semi-final in Kolkata, with Finn Allen smashing the fastest century in T20 World Cup history off 33 balls to secure victory. New Zealand will face either India or England in Sunday's final in Ahmedabad.
An eight-person Namibian open water swimming team will compete in the South African National Open Water Championships from 6–8 March at Marina Martinique in Jeffreys Bay, competing in 3km sprints and 10km marathon swims. The Pupkewitz Foundation sponsored the team with N$70,000, and NASFED leadership expressed confidence in the team's readiness to represent Namibia.
Record-breaking Namibian swimmer Oliver Durand, a multiple national champion and holder of over 100 national medals, is focused on qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games. The 200m and 400m individual medley specialist has recently set numerous records at national championships and aims to continue improving his technique and power to reach the world stage.
Namibian boxer Paulinus Ndjolonimus will fight Denmark's unbeaten Jacob Banks on 25 April for the WBO Global Super Middleweight title and a World Boxing Council world title eliminator. The bout marks a career-defining opportunity for Ndjolonimus, who holds the WBO Africa Super Middleweight title and carries a professional record of 20 wins and one loss.
The Namibia Industrial Development Agency says significant progress has been made reviving the Manyeha Crocodile Farm in Kongola, with land clearing and roofing completed and renovations underway. The farm is expected to relaunch as a lodge by end of 2026, followed by agricultural crocodile breeding operations in 2027, though traditional governance complexities have created some coordination challenges.
Iran launched several rounds of missiles at Israel early Thursday, triggering alerts and explosions heard in Jerusalem, though Israel's emergency services reported no casualties and cleared people to leave their shelters.
The Namibian's analysis of Mosiuoa Lekota, who died on Wednesday, argues that his role in forming the Congress of the People in 2008 was equally vital to his anti-apartheid activism. By breaking the ANC's political dominance, Cope's 1.3 million votes prevented Zuma's government from securing a two-thirds majority, shifted South African politics from racial to policy-based competition, and inspired the formation of other parties including the EFF and ActionSA, fundamentally changing the country's democratic trajectory.
China has announced an annual economic growth target of 4.5–5%, the lowest since 1991, as it faces domestic challenges including weak consumption, a shrinking population, and property crisis, alongside global trade tensions and energy pressures. The target, released during China's "two sessions" political gathering, signals a shift to more flexible goals while Beijing pursues investments in innovation, green energy, and efforts to boost household consumption.
The UK Home Office will stop issuing study visas to nationals from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan, citing widespread visa abuse and high rates of asylum claims filed after students arrived on legitimate visas. The measure takes effect this month as part of the government's effort to control immigration, with figures showing that about 95% of Afghans who arrived on study visas subsequently applied for asylum since 2021.
Almost three years into Sudan's conflict between the military-led government and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, a recent commercial flight to Khartoum signals potential normalcy, but the underlying causes of the war remain unresolved. Both sides view the conflict as existential, foreign powers continue supplying weapons, and analysts warn that without comprehensive mediation addressing root causes—including demilitarisation, constitutional reform, and accountability for war crimes—the conflict could drag on for decades and potentially splinter the nation.
Mosiuoa Lekota, a prominent anti-apartheid campaigner who served as South Africa's defence minister and ANC chairperson before founding the rival Congress of the People party, has died after a period of illness. He was imprisoned on Robben Island during apartheid and broke from the ANC in 2008 over corruption concerns.
Proflight Zambia launched a new three-times-weekly air service connecting Lusaka and Windhoek via Livingstone, operating on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Namibian officials said the route would boost trade, tourism and regional connectivity between the two nations.
Several Namibians stranded in the Gulf region are struggling to secure safe passage as Middle East tensions escalate, with an anonymous source alleging the Namibian Embassy in Cairo has not responded to emails from affected citizens seeking assistance. The stranded individuals report receiving little guidance on how to leave, with the source calling for government intervention through diplomatic channels to secure visa exemptions and coordinate assistance.
Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa met with Iran's ambassador to Namibia and condemned the US-backed Israeli military operation against Iran. Namibia's government also issued a statement expressing grave concern about the escalation in the Middle East, citing risks to international peace and security.
Scientists have unearthed fossils of Spinosaurus mirabilis, a previously unknown species of massive predatory dinosaur that roamed Africa around 95 million years ago. The discovery in the Sahara Desert, made after a Tuareg guide led researchers to a remote site, yielded a six-foot-long femur, skull fragments, and distinctive crests, with researchers describing it as a landmark discovery.
India and Canada have reached agreements on critical mineral cooperation and a uranium supply deal for nuclear power, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Indian counterpart Narendra Modi announcing the pacts as part of efforts to reset strained ties and expand their partnership on energy, trade, and defence.
A Namibian editorial argues that effective boards operate at both strategic and operational levels, with the chair guiding discussion to ensure agendas remain focused on policy and direction-setting rather than implementation management. When directors see themselves as strategic decision-makers needing occasional operational context, management teams view them as governance partners.