Namibia Minute.
Friday, 6 March 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Friday, 6 March 2026
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Archive Minute from Friday, 6 March 2026
Politics

NYC denies misconduct claims about former acting director

The News

The National Youth Council of Namibia has rejected allegations published by the Windhoek Observer regarding the resignation of former acting director Mzingisi Gqwede, saying the report contains inaccurate information and misrepresents internal matters. The council denied claims that its executive chairperson made belittling statements, disputed allegations over sitting fees, and dismissed reports of excessive travel expenditure.

6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Politics

  1. NYC denies misconduct claims about former acting director

    The National Youth Council of Namibia has rejected allegations published by the Windhoek Observer regarding the resignation of former acting director Mzingisi Gqwede, saying the report contains inaccurate information and misrepresents internal matters. The council denied claims that its executive chairperson made belittling statements, disputed allegations over sitting fees, and dismissed reports of excessive travel expenditure.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. National Council Chairperson Lukas Muha hosts CPA Africa executive meeting

    National Council Chairperson Lukas Muha opened the 90th Executive Committee Meeting of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa region in Swakopmund, calling for African parliaments to strengthen regional cooperation and ensure their voices shape the CPA's agenda and forthcoming constitutional reforms.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Vice President Witbooi opens CPA Africa executive committee meeting

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi opened the 90th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association African Region Executive Committee meeting in Swakopmund, emphasizing the importance of strong, independent legislatures in advancing democratic governance, constitutional order, and sustainable development across Africa.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Prime Minister outlines anti-corruption strategy implementation progress

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare addressed the National Anti-Corruption Strategy Steering Committee, emphasizing the government's commitment to fighting corruption and the importance of cooperation among anti-corruption institutions. He noted that the second National Anti-Corruption Strategy (2021–2025) is ending and an independent evaluation will inform the development of a third strategy for 2026–2030, with consultations planned across all fourteen regions.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Hai||om Association sues for N$2.8 trillion over Etosha expulsion

    The Hai||om Association, formed in 2024, has filed a lawsuit claiming N$2.8 trillion in compensation for the expulsion of Hai||om San members from Etosha National Park and the Mangetti West farms, alleging German colonial genocide, subsequent human rights violations, and a forced eviction in 1954. The association seeks either ownership of the land, equivalent replacement land, or compensation equal to the estimated market value of the disputed territories.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. MP's race comments spark parliamentary chaos and public debate call

    Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp condemned remarks by National Unity Democratic Organisation MP Vetaruhe Kandorozu, who told deputy education minister Dino Ballotti that he is from Italy and that Namibians do not look like him, calling for the matter to be addressed at the highest level. Kandorozu initially refused to apologize, saying his comments were meant as a joke, though he later withdrew them; Steenkamp said the incident dehumanised Namibians and argued that Namibia belongs to all its people.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Fired minister Ithete unpaid four months despite parliament seat

    Former deputy prime minister Natangwe Ithete has not received his parliamentary salary for four months following his October dismissal from Cabinet, reportedly because the National Assembly has not received an official directive confirming his removal from the executive. Officials cite administrative delays, while a political commentator attributes the delay to institutional incompetence in reintegrating him into the parliamentary payroll system.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. ACC arrests former senior official over fund misuse

    The Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested a former senior official at a public institution following investigations into allegations of corruptly using office for personal gain. Funds intended for the institution were allegedly deposited into a personal bank account between June and December 2021, and the suspect is expected to appear in court on 6 March.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. Namibia intensifies anti-money laundering reforms to exit FATF greylist

    Namibia is strengthening its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing framework with European Union support, with the Financial Intelligence Centre launching a national risk assessment workshop as part of efforts to exit the FATF greylist and prepare for international evaluation.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  10. Vice President opens Commonwealth Parliamentary Association African meeting

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi officially opened the 90th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) African Region Executive Meeting in Namibia, bringing together African legislators. Witbooi emphasised the CPA's role in strengthening democracy and parliamentary effectiveness across Africa amid ongoing political, economic, and technological transitions.

    6 March 2026 · Informanté →

  11. Lt Gen Ndaitwah addresses military on strategic leadership

    Namibia's First Gentleman Lt Gen (rtd) Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah delivered a presentation to senior military officers at the Namibia Command and Staff College on strategic leadership, management, and elements of national power, emphasizing the importance of effective leadership, sound policy formulation, and implementation to achieve national objectives.

    6 March 2026 · Informanté →

  12. Namibia's first female Supreme Court judge sworn in

    Lady Justice Esi Malaika Schimming-Chase was sworn in as a judge of the Supreme Court, becoming the first woman to be permanently appointed to Namibia's highest court. Chief Justice Peter S. Shivute officiated the ceremony, with the appointment effective 1 March 2026 marking a historic milestone for gender representation in the Namibian judiciary.

    6 March 2026 · Informanté →

  13. Bail application in magistrate murder case transferred to Ondangwa

    A Windhoek magistrate has transferred the bail application of two suspects charged with the murder of Ondangwa Prosecutor Justine Shiweda to the Ondangwa Magistrate's Court, rejecting defence requests to withdraw charges despite similar charges being pursued in Ondangwa. A third accused police officer facing graft charges will have his case separated and return to court in March 2026.

    6 March 2026 · Informanté →

  14. ACC arrests former official over alleged misuse of funds

    The Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested a former senior official at a public institution for allegedly depositing funds intended for the institution into a personal bank account between June and December 2021. The suspect is due to appear before Windhoek Regional Court on 6 March 2026.

    6 March 2026 · Informanté →

  15. 2026/27 budget prioritizes social spending but faces targeting concerns

    Namibia's newly tabled national budget allocates over 60% to social sectors and is viewed as a pro-poor tool that has contributed to reducing inequality, though an economist warns that spending is heavily skewed toward elderly pensions and that improved targeting and service delivery are needed to address persistent disparities.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

  16. Nudo MP refuses to apologize for remarks against deputy minister

    Nudo lawmaker Vetaruhe Kandorozu has remained defiant after making tribal and racial remarks against deputy education minister Dino Ballotti in Parliament, telling him to "go back to Italy." The party's acting president Peter Kazongominja said Kandorozu will face disciplinary action, emphasizing that Nudo is founded on principles of unity and the remarks do not represent the party.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

  17. Ovaherero leadership presses government on land, genocide reparations

    The Ovaherero Traditional Authority faction led by Hoze Riruako met President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to advocate for quota-based land allocation for historically dispossessed communities, restitution of ancestral land rights, and renewed negotiations with Germany over 1904–1908 genocide reparations. Riruako said the Ovaherero community wants these issues addressed through Namibia's own development policies rather than relying solely on German compensation, and urged the government to formally recognize early liberation fighters and traditional leaders.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

  18. NEFF meets President, pushes labour and oil sector reforms

    The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters met President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to raise concerns about labour hire practices, transparency in the emerging oil and gas sector, healthcare investment, and agricultural production. The party called for direct employment of workers instead of third-party labour hire, strong governance in oil development, and increased spending on hospitals and medical infrastructure.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

  19. Zambezi region profile: geography, economy, and electoral divisions

    Zambezi is a water-rich, tropical region of 19,532 km² in northeastern Namibia with a 2023 population of 142,373, bordering four countries. Its economy centres on agriculture, tourism and fishing, supported by major rivers, 12 conservancies and three national parks, and is divided into eight electoral constituencies.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

Business

  1. MTC rules out immediate telecom tower infrastructure spin-off

    MTC says it has no immediate plans to separate its tower and passive infrastructure assets into a standalone company, despite the model gaining traction globally and being used to unlock capital and improve efficiency. The company does not rule out the possibility in future, while Telecom Namibia already operates towers through its subsidiary PowerCom.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namcor board appoints new MD despite minister's opposition

    Namcor's board has appointed Mtundeni Ndafyaalako as interim managing director, replacing Maureen Hinda-Mbuende, reportedly without approval from the Mines Minister Modestus Amutse, who says he will meet with the board to understand the decision and address Hinda-Mbuende's grievances.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Showmax to discontinue streaming service in Namibia

    The Showmax board has announced plans to discontinue the streaming service, citing long-term sustainability and strategic priorities. Subscribers have been assured there will be no immediate disruption to their service.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Nedbank Group posts N$17.2 billion profit amid regional restructuring

    Nedbank Namibia reported N$17.2 billion in headline earnings for 2025, with the Southern African Development Community region—where Namibia is a primary contributor—recording a 15% increase in earnings to N$672 million. The group restructured retail and business banking operations and shifted its continental strategy away from West Africa toward SADC and East Africa.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. SMEs Compete marks 20 years supporting Namibian entrepreneurs

    SMEs Compete, a social entrepreneurship organisation, has spent two decades supporting entrepreneurs across Namibia's 14 administrative regions through targeted programmes including business mentorship, market access opportunities, and diagnostic tools to help micro, small and medium enterprises overcome barriers to sustainable growth.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Standard Bank wins 2026 Global Finance trade award

    Standard Bank Namibia has been named the best trade finance provider in Namibia in the 2026 Global Finance Best Trade Finance Providers Awards. The bank says the recognition reflects its commitment to supporting local businesses' regional and global integration amid increased activity in mining, energy, and other sectors.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Standard Bank wins best trade finance provider award in Namibia

    Standard Bank Namibia has been named Best Trade Finance Provider in Namibia in the 2026 Global Finance Best Trade Finance Providers Awards, recognizing its role in delivering trade finance solutions that support cross-border commerce and key sector expansion including mining, energy, and agriculture.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

  8. Rejoice Itembu appointed Standard Bank operations executive

    Rejoice Itembu has taken up the role of operations executive at Standard Bank Namibia effective 1 March 2026. Itembu is a seasoned banking executive with over 15 years of leadership experience in retail banking, digital transformation, and strategic operations.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

  9. Ministry calls for decisive gambling industry reforms

    The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has outlined an urgent need for comprehensive reforms to regulate Namibia's gambling sector, citing weak oversight that costs government revenue and exposes citizens to social harm. The minister called for a National Gambling Policy that prioritises player protection, skills development, and job creation, while confronting risks of addiction, and a gambling consultant warned that unlicensed online operators are extracting substantial revenue without paying taxes.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

  10. Katutura restaurant owner builds tradition-based business through social media

    Ketungoutji Natasha Kauteza operates Pukaa Catering in Katutura, serving traditional Namibian cuisine named after her grandmother. Founded in 2023 after she left a decade-long career at the Magistrate's office, the business has grown through social media visibility and now employs five staff members, with plans to expand to other towns.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

Mining & Energy

  1. Synthetic diamonds, US tariffs threaten Botswana's diamond-dependent economy

    Botswana, the world's second-largest diamond producer, faces mounting pressure from the rise of cheaper synthetic diamonds (now accounting for one-fifth of the global market) and US tariffs disrupting diamond polishing, threatening an economy where diamonds comprise 80% of exports and contribute a quarter of GDP. The country's economy shrank 3% in 2024 as output from state-owned Debswana fell 39% between 2023 and 2025, forcing mine closures and workforce reductions that ripple through dependent towns like Jwaneng.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Beifang Mining marks 13 years of operations in Namibia

    Beifang Mining Technology Services, a foreign-invested mining services company operating in Namibia since 2013, reports N$2.2 billion in direct foreign investment, employs over 915 staff (93% Namibian), and spent N$712 million on local procurement in 2025. The company emphasizes its adherence to Namibian labour law, employee training and development, and safety standards in response to recent public discussions about shift operations exemptions.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Critical minerals race requires transparency to prevent resource curse

    As global demand for minerals needed for clean energy and technology surges, countries are negotiating resource deals in secret, risking the same corruption and inequality that plagued past resource booms. The authors argue that transparency, public participation, and established accountability mechanisms like the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative are essential to ensure mineral wealth benefits entire societies rather than enriching elites.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Canadian exploration firm Trigon relocates to Morocco after selling Kombat Mine

    Trigon Metals, which sold Kombat Mine near Otavi to Horizon Corporation in December after halting operations and retrenching 533 employees, has relocated to Morocco where it has launched a drilling campaign at the Addana Project. The company, which changed its name to Safi Silver Corp, still holds interests in the Kalahari Copper Belt Project spanning the Namibia–Botswana border and was awarded €5 million by the European Union in January 2025 for copper exploration research.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Namibia tests first green hydrogen-powered freight locomotive

    Namibia is launching its first heavy-duty freight locomotive powered by locally produced green hydrogen later this year, a partnership between CMB.Tech Namibia, TransNamib and Africa Global Logistics. The dual-fuel locomotive will conduct 50 round trips between Walvis Bay and Windhoek, with hydrogen produced off-grid at CMB.Tech's plant in Walvis Bay.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Namdeb CEO warns of worst diamond market downturn

    Namdeb's CEO Riaan Burger said the company faces the most severe and long-lasting downturn in diamond market history, but expressed confidence the company will weather the crisis through cost restructuring, technological innovation, and diversification efforts including renewable energy adoption and supporting economic diversification in Oranjemund.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

  7. Ministry regulates fuel quality, combats smuggled Angolan fuel

    Namibia's Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy monitors fuel quality and security through licensing, border enforcement, inspection, sampling, and inter-agency cooperation to prevent smuggled Angolan fuel from entering the retail system. The ministry conducts routine and random sampling at ports, depots, and service stations, and has installed aboveground storage tanks at police stations and arranged waste management with licensed providers to safely handle confiscated illegal fuel.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Minister orders Okahandja to halt 101-plot sale to private firms

    Minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa has ordered Okahandja municipality to cancel the N$11-million sale of 101 residential plots to private companies in order to prioritise landless Namibians. Sankwasa said local authorities should not allocate government-serviced land to private developers, who should instead service their own land.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Riruako urges government to allocate land to Ovaherero now

    Ovaherero Traditional Authority chief Hoze Riruako has called on the government to allocate unoccupied land to the Herero population rather than wait for genocide reparation negotiations to conclude, clarifying that the initiative does not aim to reclaim legally acquired private land.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Government donates farm equipment and mango trees to correctional service

    The Namibian government has donated agricultural machinery and 200 mango trees to the Namibian Correctional Service in Katima Mulilo to develop a 1,000-hectare farm. The project aims to enhance food security, rehabilitate offenders through agricultural training, and mitigate climate change while reducing dependency on rainwater through irrigation.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

  4. Mpungu fish farm far below capacity despite N$30 million investment

    The Mpungu fish farm in Kavango West, designed to produce 20 metric tonnes annually, has never exceeded five tonnes per year due to slow-growing native tilapia species, poor pond drainage, inadequate temperature conditions, and insufficient funding for repairs. Officials say overcoming the shortfall will require decisions on funding, management, and science that have been delayed.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

Society

  1. Health Minister launches National Parenting and Caregiver Handbook

    Health Minister Esperance Luvindao officially launched the National Parent and Caregiver Handbook and Facilitator Guide in Windhoek, framing parenting as a strategic economic imperative under Namibia's Sixth National Development Plan. The handbook aims to support parents and caregivers in improving child health, cognitive development and future productivity, while equipping master trainers to carry the guidance into communities.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. IPC raises concerns over induced abortions at Katima Mulilo hospital

    An IPC shadow minister questioned the health minister in parliament about reports that nearly 80% of miscarriages at Katima Mulilo State Hospital may be induced abortions, citing concerns about young women using dangerous methods to terminate pregnancies and limited access to family planning services.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Woman killed by elephant in Omusati region

    A 46-year-old woman from Tsandi died after being trampled by an elephant on Thursday morning at Omugulugombashe village. The incident occurred when she got close to the elephant after it had been shot the night before; the animal was subsequently put down by nature conservation authorities.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Katima Mulilo temporarily relocates flood-affected families to community hall

    The Katima Mulilo Town Council has temporarily relocated 15 families to Ngweze Community Hall after heavy rains since January flooded their mud houses in the Cowboy, Dairy, and Choto areas. A local councillor says resources are insufficient to assist all affected communities and has appealed to local businesses for support.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Doctors question readiness for April 2026 health scheme redirect

    The Namibia Private Practitioners Forum has raised concerns that financial and operational gaps could hinder the government's Vision April 2026 plan to redirect public service medical scheme beneficiaries to state facilities. The forum warns that unclear tariff schedules, incomplete funding details, and lack of engagement with the private healthcare sector create uncertainty about whether patient care will remain accessible during the transition.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Persistent flooding disrupts Rundu training institute for weeks

    Rundu's Ngato Institute of Science and Technology has been disrupted by persistent flooding for over three weeks, with stagnant water from underground sources now a health hazard and breeding ground for mosquitoes. The institute's founder calls for professional engineering intervention to create water channels, and both students and nearby residents are requesting urgent action from the local authority.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Hardap school receives N$1.4 million in new classrooms

    WJD Cloete Combined School in Rietoog was inaugurated with four new classrooms and storage facilities worth N$1.4 million, made possible through a partnership between Children in the Wilderness and IXM Metals. The infrastructure aims to improve access to education in the rural Hardap region and reduce the need for pupils to travel long distances to neighbouring towns.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Three-month-old dies in Oshakati shack fire while unattended

    A three-month-old baby girl died in a fire in Oshakati's Evululuko location after the nanny left her unattended to take a shower following cooking. The fire was discovered by a neighbour and spread too quickly for rescue.

    6 March 2026 · Informanté →

  9. NANSO warns of declining discipline crisis in Namibian schools

    The Namibia National Students' Organization has raised alarm over declining discipline and teacher safety in schools, citing growing harassment of educators, substance abuse among learners, and lack of institutional support. NANSO called for urgent intervention including national dialogue on teacher-learner relationships and stronger legal protections for educators enforcing discipline.

    6 March 2026 · Informanté →

  10. Primary schools get N$11.8 billion in 2026/27 budget

    Primary schools have been allocated N$11.8 billion (42%) of the N$28 billion education budget for 2026/2027, with higher education receiving N$7.3 billion and secondary education N$5.38 billion. The education ministry has established systems to ensure transparent and accountable distribution of funds, with grant payments based on verified enrolment statistics.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

  11. Plane crash kills researcher and pilot at Gobabeb

    A light aircraft crashed near the Gobabeb Research Centre on Wednesday evening, killing researcher Alan Wilson and pilot Neil Thomas Oakman. The two had taken off to search for animal collars in the dunes as part of oryx research in the Namib.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

  12. Ovambanderu Traditional Authority opens 2026 with community ceremony

    The Ovambanderu Traditional Authority will hold an official opening ceremony in Otjombinde constituency tomorrow, serving as a roadmap for community activities and responsibilities. The event will honour fallen community forebearers, discuss finance and education matters, and feature cultural performances including drills and horse shows.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

  13. Okatjoruu residents face high water debts and service challenges

    Water-related challenges persist in Okatjoruu village despite recent restoration of supply, with residents struggling with high debts, water hardness, faulty meters, and high bills attributed to Covid-19-era free water directives. The Otjozondjupa Regional Council owes NamWater N$34 million, with Okatjoruu owing N$10 million, though the government agreed to cover half under a Covid-19 agreement.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

  14. N$100 pension increase draws mixed reactions from elderly

    Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah announced a N$100 increase in the old-age pension grant to N$1,700 per month, prompting divided responses. Some pensioners accept the modest raise and support government priorities elsewhere, while others and opposition party Swanu argue the increase is inadequate given the cost of living and call for the N$3,000 monthly pension that was previously promised.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

  15. TVET sector launches 2026 academic year with 13,512 trainees

    Namibia's Technical and Vocational Education and Training sector opened its 2026 academic calendar with record enrolment of 13,512 trainees, 55% of whom are female. NTA CEO and government officials emphasised TVET's role in economic diversification, youth employability, and industrialisation, with 71 registered training providers now operating across the country.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

  16. Grootfontein installs 3,400 prepaid water meters since December

    Grootfontein Municipality has installed 3,400 prepaid water meters at no cost to residents as part of a project targeting 7,000 meters, aiming to improve revenue collection and promote responsible water use. Residents have welcomed the system for providing greater transparency and control over water consumption.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

Culture

  1. MTC Kasi Vibe Festival opens calls for performers and vendors

    The MTC Kasi Vibe Festival will return 31 July to 2 August 2026 at Brakwater Recreational Park near Windhoek. Organisers are accepting applications from performers, vendors and businesses, with submission deadlines in March and May.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Omagongo Festival preparations underway in May

    The omagongo (marula wine) season begins in early February, culminating in the annual Omagongo Cultural Festival in May, hosted on rotation by eight Ovawambo traditional authorities. UNESCO recognized the festival in 2015 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

    6 March 2026 · Informanté →

  3. Documentary explores Nama leader Hendrik Witbooi's resistance legacy

    Filmmaker Alexander Honisch has completed an 82-minute documentary on Nama leader Hendrik Witbooi after nearly a decade of research, which will be screened on 14 March 2026 at Namibia University of Science and Technology. The film, titled 'God from Heaven Has Now Broken the Treaty', examines Witbooi's spiritual conviction, political foresight and armed resistance to German colonial expansion, and has been selected for 12 international film festivals and won three awards.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

  4. Media veteran Ilke Platt on PR innovation and mentoring

    Multi-award-winning PR consultant and founder of Poiyah Media Consulting Ilke Platt discusses her two-decade media career, the importance of mentoring young graduates, and how the Namibian PR industry must evolve with artificial intelligence and digital platforms while maintaining foundational communication principles.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

Sport

  1. Arsenal, Chelsea face FA Cup fifth-round tests

    Arsenal visit Mansfield and Chelsea face Wrexham in FA Cup fifth-round action, with the Premier League sides seeking to avoid upsets. Liverpool bid to avenge a 2-1 loss at Wolves on Friday.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. LeBron James breaks NBA field goal record despite Lakers loss

    LeBron James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record of 15,837 field goals with a first-quarter fadeaway jumper, though the Los Angeles Lakers fell 120–113 to the Denver Nuggets. The 41-year-old also sustained a left elbow injury in the fourth quarter but returned for the final minutes.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Weekend sports fixtures across football, cricket, netball, and hockey

    The Namibia Premier Football League continues with Rounds 23 and 24, while the FNB Women Super League resumes after the Brave Gladiators' return. The weekend also features cricket, netball playoffs, and the Magy Mengo Windhoek Hockey Tournament for schools.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Ex-goalkeeper Vries advises avoiding comparison with others

    Former Brave Warriors goalkeeper Virgil Vries, one of only three post-independence Namibian players to join South African giants Kaizer Chiefs, credits hard work, patience, discipline and consistency for his career achievements. He emphasises the importance of focusing on one's own journey rather than competing or comparing oneself with others, and now works in goalkeeper development at clubs in South Africa.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. MTC rewards Brave Gladiators N$300,000 for Cosafa Championship victory

    Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) has announced N$300,000 to be shared among players and technical staff of the Brave Gladiators following their 2-1 defeat of South Africa to win the 2025 Cosafa Women's Championship. Corporate sponsors and government officials have called for professionalization of women's football and greater corporate investment in the sport.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Namibia Street Classic athletics event launches in Windhoek

    The Namibia Street Classic, a World Athletics Category C ranked event costing about N$5 million, will take place on 27–28 March in Windhoek, featuring international athletes and Namibian stars including Christine Mboma. Organiser Henk Botha said the event will be Africa's first street athletics event and the largest sporting event hosted in Namibia, with live broadcasts on SuperSport and World Athletics platforms.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup launches for 24th year

    The Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup, one of Namibia's longest-running sporting events and a leading football development tournament since 2001, will be held at Keetmanshoop from 3–5 April. The tournament has grown to include netball and has also driven infrastructural development in hosting regions.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Scotland coach dismisses title talk before France match

    Gregor Townsend says Scotland's sole focus is beating France in the Six Nations on Saturday in Edinburgh, rather than the championship implications. A Scotland bonus-point win could put them atop the standings heading into their final match against Ireland, though Townsend insists the team believes it can win both remaining games.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. India beat England to reach T20 World Cup final

    India defeated England by seven runs in a thrilling T20 World Cup semi-final in Mumbai, with Sanju Samson's 89 helping India post 253-7, while Jacob Bethell's 105 brought England close to a record chase at 246-7. India will face New Zealand in Sunday's final in Ahmedabad.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  10. Young golfer seeks support for All-Africa championship trip

    Amateur golfer Rudi Junior Auseb has been selected to represent Namibia at the All-Africa Junior Team Championship in Kenya in March, but his parents say financial hardship threatens his participation. The family is appealing to the public for assistance to cover travel costs, pocket money, and a required cellphone, with the youngster currently relying on a N$250 monthly government social grant.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

  11. MTC awards N$300,000 to Brave Gladiators football team

    Telecommunications company MTC rewarded Namibia's national women's football team with N$300 000 following their triumph at the Cosafa Women's Cup, with each player and technical team member receiving N$10 000. Officials emphasised the importance of corporate partnerships in strengthening women's football and called for continued private-sector support.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

  12. Retired striker 'Tatekulu' reflects on football career

    Frederick Ndeutapo Ueitele, nicknamed 'Tatekulu', was a promising Namibian striker who played for Desert Rollers FC and was called up for Brave Warriors trials, but his career ended prematurely at 25 due to injury and subsequent relegation from the elite league. He now works as Public Relations Officer for Gobabis Municipality.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

  13. Bank Windhoek funds volleyball and swimming development

    Bank Windhoek has committed N$960 000 in combined sponsorship to the Namibia Volleyball Federation (N$560 000) and Namibia Aquatic Sports Federation (N$400 000), supporting grassroots and elite development in both sports. The funding enables youth development, competitions, and pathways for athletes to qualify for national and international championships.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

  14. Rössing National Marathon draws 4,500 runners to Swakopmund

    The 35th annual Rössing National Marathon, organised by Rössing Uranium and the Swakop Striders Running Club, will host approximately 4,500 runners and fun walkers in Swakopmund. The event also features a 5km fun walk for families and community members of all fitness levels.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

  15. Eleven teams contest MTC Netball Namibia play-offs tomorrow

    Eleven teams will battle at the Khomasdal Netball Courts in Windhoek for the MTC Netball Namibia play-offs, with only four teams set to be promoted to the top tier league. Go Monate Fella's head coach said the team has been preparing since November and is targeting promotion from the Khomas Super 10.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

  16. African Stars focused on title race approaching final stretch

    Log leaders and defending champions African Stars are preparing for rounds 23 and 24 of the Namibia Premier Football League, with head coach Agnus Chabala Elemu warning that every team is capable of upsetting them as the season enters its decisive stage. Stars currently lead on 41 points with eight games remaining, level on points with Eeshoke Chula Chula but ahead on goal difference.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

Tourism & Environment

  1. U.S. Ambassador convenes wildlife trafficking task force in Windhoek

    U.S. Ambassador John Giordano brought together Namibian conservation leaders and U.S. officials at a roundtable to strengthen cooperation against wildlife trafficking, focusing on enforcement, prosecution, and regional coordination. The United States has provided more than $8.7 million since 2016 to support Namibia's counter-trafficking efforts, which have yielded increased convictions and reduced poaching rates.

    6 March 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Wounded elephant kills woman in Omusati village conflict

    A 46-year-old woman died after being trampled by a wounded elephant in Omugulugombashe village in Omusati Region on Thursday morning. The elephant had been shot and wounded by a villager the previous evening; conservation officers subsequently put down the animal.

    6 March 2026 · Informanté →

World & Region

  1. Africa's growth surge masks persistent household hardship

    While the International Monetary Fund forecasts Africa's 2026 economic growth will outpace Asia's for the first time in modern history, economists warn that this recovery has yet to translate into improved living conditions for ordinary people in major economies like South Africa and Nigeria. In both countries, high costs for food, energy, and transport persist despite macroeconomic gains, and households remain poorer than a decade ago.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibian embassy confirms evacuation of 100+ citizens from Middle East

    Namibia's ambassador to Egypt says more than 100 Namibians are in the Middle East as the Iran-US-Israel conflict intensifies, and the embassy is facilitating voluntary evacuation efforts while prioritizing citizen safety. Some evacuees have criticised the Namibian consulate in Dubai for lack of communication and assistance during the crisis.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Nearly 26,000 VW Polo Vivos recalled in South Africa

    South Africa's National Consumer Commission has confirmed a recall of 25,729 VW Polo Vivo vehicles sold from February 2025 to February 2026 due to faulty handbrake rivet specifications that may prevent proper engagement or cause unexpected disengagement. Owners are advised to take precautionary measures and visit authorized dealerships for free inspection and repair.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. SADC MPs urged to protect sexual and reproductive health gains

    A review meeting of the Sweden-funded Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights project ended in Angola with calls for stronger domestic resource mobilization to safeguard progress as global funding faces uncertainty. Regional lawmakers and development partners emphasized Parliament's role in advancing SRHR, HIV/AIDS governance and gender equality across the SADC region.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

Opinion

  1. Male silence and peer complicity enable domestic abuse

    An opinion piece argues that passive men and those who tacitly approve of abuse through their silence or social acceptance are major contributors to the persistence of domestic violence. The author contends that male accountability within peer groups—questioning abusive behavior rather than normalizing it—is essential to stopping harm.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. Opinion: Namibia must build institutions ready for change

    Martha Abner, a UN Economic Commission for Africa fellow, argues that institutional reform in Namibia fails not due to resistance to change but because leaders' behaviour is inconsistent and new systems are introduced alongside outdated procedures. She contends that building change-ready institutions requires visible, consistent leadership and removal of competing procedures to restore public trust.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

  3. Namibia must increase defence spending, Iran-Israel conflict shows

    An opinion piece argues that Namibia's rising strategic importance due to offshore oil and gas discoveries and green hydrogen potential makes increased defence spending essential for preparedness against cyber warfare and hybrid threats, despite domestic pressure to allocate budgets to housing, unemployment and healthcare.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

  4. TVET receives only 15% of education budget, far below actual costs

    An opinion piece argues that Namibia's Technical and Vocational Education and Training sector receives only 15% of the N$4.2 billion education budget while universities receive 84%, despite TVET being more expensive to deliver because it requires workshops, specialised equipment, and highly qualified trainers. The author, a TVET college founder, calls for an urgent cost analysis and budget reallocation, noting that the minimum cost per TVET student exceeds N$38,000 annually while NSFAF subsidies are only N$16,000.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

  5. TVET trainers must master three pillars for Namibia's progress

    An opinion piece argues that effective TVET trainers must stand on three pillars—technical mastery gained through industry experience, pedagogical excellence in teaching methodology, and industry relevance reflecting evolving workplace demands—with continuous professional development essential throughout their careers. NUST's TVET department is working to professionalise trainer preparation through applied projects, modern instructional strategies, industry partnerships and embedded development initiatives.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

  6. Editorial: US defence spending drives war-dependent economy

    A New Era editorial argues that the United States has developed an entrenched war economy in which military spending and defence contracts sustain major industries and create financial incentives for perpetual conflict over peace. The editorial cites the scale of US defence spending, the involvement of Congress members in defence contractors, and decades of military interventions, contending that this structural dependence on war diverts resources from social and infrastructure investment.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

  7. Namibia must address unresolved land question through national dialogue

    An op-ed argues that Namibia's post-independence policy of national reconciliation, while avoiding violence, was never meant to end conversation about justice and land dispossession. The author contends that unresolved historical grievances—exemplified by a 4 March parliamentary incident—risk weakening democracy unless confronted honestly, citing scholarship on how democracies decline when internal tensions remain unaddressed.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

Namibia Minute