The Construction Industries Federation warns that direct appointment of state-owned enterprises for public contracts—such as the N$140 million sports facilities project awarded to the Roads Construction Company—systematically excludes small and medium enterprises and emerging contractors from public work. The editorial argues that tender exemptions create pathways for corruption and cronyism, citing examples including the cancelled Lüderitz Bay port tender, and contends that this pattern of bypassing competitive processes suffocates legitimate private sector participation.
The Construction Industries Federation warns that direct appointment of state-owned enterprises for public contracts—such as the N$140 million sports facilities project awarded to the Roads Construction Company—systematically excludes small and medium enterprises and emerging contractors from public work. The editorial argues that tender exemptions create pathways for corruption and cronyism, citing examples including the cancelled Lüderitz Bay port tender, and contends that this pattern of bypassing competitive processes suffocates legitimate private sector participation.
The Namibian editorial criticizes NUDO parliamentarian Vetaruhe Kandorozu for making racial remarks in parliament, calling such divisive statements inappropriate and unworthy of lawmakers sworn to uphold the Constitution. The piece also faults parliament's poor legislative record and calls for accountability, noting that no non-budget law has passed since members were sworn in last year.
Seven former Erongo Regional Council councillors claim the council owes them over N$1 million in unpaid accrued leave days, citing a 2022 government directive that allowed leave days to roll over. The council says payment authorisation rests with the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development and it is awaiting formal instruction to pay the remaining 100 leave days owed to each councillor.
The Roads Authority purchased seven iPad Pro 11 devices for its acting board members appointed for a six-month term, prompting complaints from within the agency that the expenditure was unnecessary for temporary appointees. The minister and RA officials defended the purchase as a standard procurement of tools of trade for official business, noting the devices remain the authority's property.
The government on Saturday honoured 17 police officers who have died in the line of duty over the past seven years during a commemoration of International Blue Day of Remembrance for Fallen Police Officers. Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu said the officers lost their lives while serving the country and protecting communities.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah marked International Women's Day by calling for renewed commitment to gender equality and removal of barriers limiting women's full participation in society, while acknowledging persistent challenges including gender-based violence and economic inequalities that require cooperation across government, civil society, and communities.
Momentum Metropolitan Namibia has appointed Joggie van Schalkwyk as regional manager within its Momentum Metropolitan Retail business unit. Van Schalkwyk comes from Old Mutual Broker Distribution and brings over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry.
Despite headline inflation averaging 4.6% over the past decade and reaching just 3.5% in 2025, Namibian households report persistent cost-of-living struggles, largely because the consumer price index basket used to measure inflation is based on 2009 consumption data and no longer reflects actual household spending patterns. A new basket update would likely show higher measured inflation, particularly for essential services and food categories that now consume a larger share of household budgets.
Women represent only 15–19% of the global mining workforce despite centuries of participation in the sector. In Namibia, progress is accelerating with more women in STEM fields, technical roles, and leadership positions, though sustained commitment to inclusion remains necessary.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources has endorsed the continuation of uranium mining by Headspring Investments, a subsidiary of Russian state-owned Rosatom, in the Leonardville area despite environmental concerns about contamination of the Stampriet aquifer. The committee chair argues that uranium is a natural resource already present in the area and that In-Situ Recovery technology, refined over 50 years, should be allowed to proceed to acquire scientific knowledge and enable Namibia to develop its nuclear industry.
Following a University of the Free State study that detected endocrine-disrupting chemicals in menstrual products, the South African government and health experts have reassured women and girls that sanitary pads remain safe, noting that detected chemical concentrations are well below permissible limits and that the study did not establish a causal link between the products and health conditions.
Gender Equality Minister Emma Kantema has praised the growing presence of women in Namibia's judiciary, noting recent milestones including the appointment of the first permanent woman judge to the Supreme Court and increased representation of women judges and magistrates. She acknowledged these achievements as evidence of women's capacity to lead at the highest levels while also flagging safety concerns for female judicial officers, referencing the 2025 death of prosecutor Justine Shiweda.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah marked International Women's Day by urging women and girls not to allow gender to constrain their aspirations, noting that while women have gained greater access to education, leadership and economic opportunities, barriers including gender-based violence and economic inequalities remain. She highlighted women's contributions across Namibian sectors and called for inclusive participation from boys and men in championing equality.
The Namibia University of Science and Technology and Otesa Civil Engineering have signed a strategic partnership to expand work-integrated learning and internship opportunities for students. The agreement provides structured placements lasting three to six months, with joint supervision by company professionals and university academic staff, and opens the door to future collaboration including research initiatives and career engagement.
The Namibia Career Expo, a two-day event hosting more than 30 schools, brings together pupils, students, companies and training institutions to explore career paths and entrepreneurship. The expo connects over 5,000 young Namibians with opportunities across government, private sector and educational institutions, with free transport provided for Windhoek schoolgoers.
Namibia University of Science and Technology has launched an on-campus satellite ground station in Windhoek to receive and process real-time satellite data, strengthening the country's capacity in Earth observation and scientific research. The university plans to introduce a master's degree programme in satellite system design and communication, and the government is developing a comprehensive legal framework to regulate national space activities.
The government plans to introduce universal free health coverage comparable to private sector standards, but an editorial warns the initiative risks failure without addressing systemic weaknesses in hospitals, funding mechanisms, and capacity. The Ministry has reportedly submitted a N$16-billion proposal for upgrades, with potential funding from 'sin' taxes, but the piece argues a phased approach and infrastructure audit are essential before expanding access.
Katima Mulilo residents and leaders are split on whether employing Zambian nationals for domestic work worsens the Zambezi region's 43.7% unemployment rate. While some argue locals are avoiding low-wage jobs and should support Namibian workers, others contend young Namibians are unwilling to take such positions, and the ministry says undocumented migrant workers fall outside labor protections.
Namibia Health Plan has called on Namibians to get tested early for non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer and mental health conditions, arguing that early intervention can reduce complications and improve quality of life. The medical aid fund is strengthening preventative healthcare initiatives including health risk assessments, screenings, chronic disease support programmes and workplace wellness interventions.
Japan has funded construction of four classrooms and a storeroom at Impalila Combined School in Namibia's Zambezi region, with the University of Namibia vice chancellor emphasizing that strong primary education foundations are essential for feeding universities and higher institutions.
Namibian lawmakers and child welfare experts are divided over whether to ban social media for children under 15, with supporters citing mental health and cyberbullying concerns while critics argue for evidence-based regulation rather than an outright ban. Experts also note that enforcement would be technically challenging given the ease of age verification manipulation.
A 2025 Old Mutual financial monitor report shows that 75% of employed Namibians have adult dependants relying on them for financial support, trapping them in a poverty cycle that prevents savings and wealth accumulation. Economists warn that when one person supports multiple family members, limited income leaves little for daily needs and nothing for long-term investments or generational wealth-building.
Thousands of motorists at Swakopmund face delays of up to a month for roadworthy testing appointments at the Natis centre, attributed by the Transport Minister to increased demand following the temporary closure of the Walvis Bay testing facility. The backlog has sparked concerns from road safety experts, vehicle dealers, and public transport operators about unsafe vehicles remaining on the road and business disruptions, though the Roads Authority says it will extend weekend hours to address the delays.
Vice President Lucia Witbooi called on churches and communities to intensify efforts to combat gender-based violence and support survivors, saying the church plays a critical role in promoting justice and social transformation.
The Namibia Training Authority reports that women make up 55% of the 13,512 trainees enrolled at Technical and Vocational Education and Training centres this year. The CEO emphasized TVET's role in supporting economic diversification, youth employability, and skills-driven productivity growth under the Sixth National Development Plan.
Dr Esperance Luvindao, the Health and Social Services Minister, said the ministry is addressing long waiting times at public hospitals through recruitment of additional health workers, with about 70% of over 2,000 positions filled last year. She noted that extended clinic operating hours and budget provisions for further recruitment are also being implemented, amid concerns that mandatory public health facility use by 119,000 civil servants from April 2026 could strain already congested hospitals.
Vice President Lucia Witbooi addressed the Women's World Day of Prayer gathering in Windhoek, calling for stronger action against gender-based violence and greater solidarity with vulnerable communities. She urged churches and faith-based organisations to provide support to survivors of violence and to challenge harmful cultural practices that perpetuate abuse and discrimination.
The Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested three officials from the Directorate of Rural Water Supply for allegedly submitting fraudulent requisitions and diverting two 10,000-litre water tanks intended for communities in the Omaheke Region. The tanks have been recovered and the officials are to appear before Gobabis Magistrate's Court.
George Russell won the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne by 2.974 seconds from Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli, with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc third. The new Formula One season-opening race featured new power unit rules where half of each power unit is a battery, and five cars failed to finish as drivers grappled with the changes.
India play defending their T20 World Cup title against New Zealand on Sunday in Ahmedabad, seeking to become the first team to win the trophy three times and the first to lift it on home soil. New Zealand reached the final by defeating South Africa in the semi-final and face an India team burdened by the expectations of 1.4 billion fans.
World champion Tadej Pogacar won the Strade Bianche cycling race for a record fourth time with a dominant long-range attack 80 kilometres from the finish, making a triumphant start to his 2026 season. French teenager Paul Seixas finished second after being dropped by Pogacar on the Monte Sante Marie gravel section.
Teenage star Lamine Yamal scored in the 68th minute to secure Barcelona a 1-0 victory at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, restoring the champions' four-point lead over Real Madrid in La Liga.
Manchester City beat Newcastle 3-1, Chelsea defeated second-tier Wrexham 4-2 in extra time, and Arsenal saw off League One Mansfield 2-1 to advance to the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.
Italy secured a historic 23-18 victory over England in the Six Nations, winning against them for the first time in 33 attempts. Tries from Tommaso Menoncello and Leonardo Marin, plus 13 points from fly-half Paolo Garbski, lifted Italy above England in the tournament table.
Scotland's 50-40 home victory over France with seven tries has kept the Six Nations title race alive ahead of the final day, with France and Scotland now level on 16 points. France can secure back-to-back titles if they match Scotland's result in their respective final matches against England and Ireland.
George Russell took pole position for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix ahead of Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli, while Max Verstappen crashed out in qualifying. The race marked the first qualifying session under Formula 1's radical new engine and chassis regulations, which required drivers to manage battery energy more carefully.
Namibia's Brave Gladiators women's football team have been awarded N$500,000, with an additional N$150,000 for coaching staff, following their historic COSAFA Women's Championship victory. Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp announced the award at a recognition ceremony, calling the win a milestone for Namibian women's sport and pledging continued government support for football development.
Namibia's communal conservancies earned N$292.5 million from hunting activities between 2013 and 2024, significantly exceeding the N$166.3 million from joint-venture tourism during the same period. Environment and tourism minister Indileni Daniel says hunting quotas are set using scientific data to ensure sustainable wildlife management, and warns that international pressure to ban trophy hunting threatens the communal conservancy programme.
The United States has handed over equipment for a wood identification and screening centre to Namibia's police and home affairs ministry to support investigations into illegal timber trafficking and natural resource crimes. The centre, equipped with forensic technology and training, will enable police to analyse timber samples and determine whether they were harvested legally.
A female resident of Omugulugombashe village in Omusati was killed by an elephant cow after the animal was wounded by a villager and then taunted by curious residents who touched it while taking pictures. The incident reflects a broader lack of awareness about managing human-wildlife conflict, the Informanté reports.
UN Secretary General António Guterres stated on International Women's Day that women worldwide hold only 64% of the legal rights enjoyed by men, with many countries preventing women from owning property, seeking divorce, or working without spousal permission. He called for a united global effort to address persistent legal discrimination and defend women's progress.
The Israel-Iran conflict risks disrupting global oil markets and import-dependent economies like Namibia through supply chain disruptions, commodity price spikes, and inflationary pressures. The article argues that strategic diversification of import sources and domestic production investments are essential for Namibian resilience against geopolitical shocks.
A same-sex couple in Botswana has filed a landmark court case challenging the constitutionality of the Marriage Act, arguing it discriminates by excluding civil same-sex marriages and denying equal protections. The case has drawn opposition from religious and traditional organisations but support from LGBTQ+ rights groups.
The Western Cape High Court declared that South Africa's VAT Act unconstitutionally delegates tax-setting authority to the finance minister, a power that must rest with parliament. Judge Matthew Francis ruled that parliament has 24 months to remedy the constitutional defect, with the current VAT rate to remain in effect unless parliament itself amends the law.
Namibia and Zimbabwe have pledged to fast-track agreements on trade, investment, youth development, and cooperation in education, ICT, and agriculture, during a visit by Zimbabwe's Ambassador to Prime Minister Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare. The countries also discussed expanding education and youth exchange programmes, and reviving the Southern Times newspaper to promote SADC projects and African culture.
In an International Women's Day opinion piece, Fransina Kahungu, secretary of the Swapo Party Women's Council, argues that real empowerment means building women's policy literacy, technical skills, and financial independence—not symbolic celebration—and calls on women's organisations to develop deep capacity for substantive leadership roles rather than acting as mere spectators to change.
The article argues that capability alone does not guarantee career advancement; professional opportunities flow to those whose ideas and thinking are visible to others. For job seekers and workplace professionals, sharing insights, participating in discussions, and allowing colleagues to understand how you think increases the likelihood of recognition and influence within organisations.
Copyright infringement and trademark abuse are widespread in Namibia despite legal protections, with artists replicating songs without permission and businesses using deceptive marks to mislead consumers. The author argues that existing laws are inadequately enforced and that victims lack affordable remedies, leaving them to bear costly legal action.
An opinion piece argues that Namibia should focus on achieving universal 2G and 4G coverage before pursuing 5G technology, as large areas of the country lack basic connectivity and the financial burden of 5G rollout could worsen the national debt crisis.
An opinion piece argues that Namibia's proposed petroleum amendment bill requires deeper public consultation and clearer justification before passage, raising questions about investment returns, Namibian participation, environmental safeguards, and long-term revenue management—citing lessons from resource governance failures elsewhere and the need to balance investor confidence with fairness to citizens.
An opinion piece argues that political leaders should be judged by service and integrity rather than English proficiency, responding to criticism of Windhoek Mayor Sacky Uunona's language skills. The author contends that reducing political debate to ridicule over fluency undermines democratic discourse and risks reinforcing elitism in societies where English is a second language.
An opinion piece criticizes Namibia's 2026 budget for adhering to austerity and neo-classical economics rather than pursuing structural economic transformation. The authors argue that the government should instead implement expansionary policies, industrialisation, public investment in social sectors, and democratic economic controls to address unemployment and inequality.