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.
8 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
8 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
8 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
8 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
8 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
8 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
8 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
8 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
8 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
8 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
8 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
8 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
8 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
8 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
8 March 2026 · Informanté →
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.
8 March 2026 · Informanté →
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.
8 March 2026 · Informanté →
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.
8 March 2026 · Informanté →