Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare inaugurated a new governance structure for the Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme (Psemas) to improve accountability, efficiency and long-term sustainability. The new committee replaces the former coordinating committee and aims to strengthen healthcare governance, guide policy development, oversee reforms and ensure cost-effective healthcare benefits for public servants.
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare inaugurated a new governance structure for the Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme (Psemas) to improve accountability, efficiency and long-term sustainability. The new committee replaces the former coordinating committee and aims to strengthen healthcare governance, guide policy development, oversee reforms and ensure cost-effective healthcare benefits for public servants.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah marked International Women's Day by acknowledging Namibia's progress in advancing women's rights while stressing that gender-based violence and economic inequality remain barriers to full equality. She called on all Namibians, including boys and men, to work together to remove obstacles preventing women and girls from enjoying their rights and opportunities.
The Anti-Corruption Commission's annual report shows that of 127 investigations received, only 12 were finalised in court with outcomes of seven convictions, four acquittals and one withdrawal. The report also notes significant backlogs, with 24 cases submitted to the Prosecutor General this year and 20 awaiting decisions.
High Court judge Marilize du Plessis has accepted late-filed arguments by Ricardo Gustavo opposing an application by co-accused Sackeus Shanghala to recuse her from the Fishrot trial. Gustavo argues that Shanghala has not shown evidence of bias, while Shanghala contends that Gustavo's lawyer is not ready for trial, citing scheduling conflicts.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has appointed Romeo Muyunda as Deputy Director for Public Relations and Information Services and official spokesperson. Muyunda brings more than 17 years of experience in corporate communications and public relations, having previously served as Corporate Communications Manager at the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia.
The Namibian Anti-Corruption Commission's annual report shows that abuse of power accounted for 45% of corruption reports during 2024/2025, followed by bribery, misuse of public resources, tender irregularities, and recruitment violations. Since 2006, the ACC has referred 822 cases to the Prosecutor-General, of which 596 were prosecuted, resulting in 256 convictions and 159 acquittals or charge withdrawals, with 183 cases still pending.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah held consultations with South West Africa National Union (SWANU) at State House to discuss national issues including land reform, genocide negotiations, agriculture financing, and water challenges facing farmers. The meeting was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen engagement with political parties represented in the National Assembly.
The Anti-Corruption Commission reported that 45% of the 127 cases it handled in the 2024/25 financial year involved abuse of power, with bribery and misuse of public resources among other common issues. Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare called for robust anti-corruption strategies, adequate funding for key institutions, and better collaboration among stakeholders to combat corruption.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah marked International Women's Day by acknowledging Namibia's progress in gender equality while highlighting persistent challenges including gender-based violence, economic inequality, and harmful social attitudes. She called for joint efforts from government, civil society, and communities to empower women and girls, and urged men and boys to support the equality agenda.
Two men accused in the murder of prosecutor Justine Shiweda have had their case transferred from Windhoek to Ondangwa Magistrate's Court to be tried with their co-accused. Eight people have been arrested over the October 2025 attack on Shiweda, which involved shooting and throwing corrosive acid on his body, allegedly linked to his denial of bail to one of the accused.
The National Disaster Fund received an unqualified audit opinion from auditor general Junias Kandjeke for the 2021–2023 financial years, meaning its accounts were properly prepared and free of material misstatements. However, the auditor noted the Fund failed to meet legal deadlines for submitting accounts, and its total assets declined to N$278.2 million by March 2023 while donation income fell sharply.
Namib Mills workers represented by Naretu have failed to reach a wage deal with the food manufacturer despite four rounds of mediated negotiations, with the union citing threats of disciplinary hearings and what it calls company "arrogance." The company claims it has agreed on wage issues and is ready to end the lockout, but says the union has added demands outside the scope of wage negotiations and blames workers for unlawful strike conduct.
The Bank of Namibia launched an instant payment programme in 2024 to establish national payment infrastructure that enables digital money transfers within seconds via mobile phones, aiming to improve financial inclusion particularly in rural and informal sectors. The system will roll out in phases starting with government-to-person payments for social grants, followed by person-to-person transfers and digital wallet interoperability.
Trustco CEO Quinton van Rooyen warned that Namibia faces a job-creation crisis, with only about 15,228 employers supporting a population of three million, meaning each employer must create opportunities for nearly 200 people. He described the shortage as a structural economic challenge requiring more investment and business creation.
FNB Namibia has won the Best Foreign Exchange Bank award in Global Finance magazine's 26th Annual World's Best Foreign Exchange Banks. The recognition highlights the bank's leadership, innovation and superior service in the global FX market.
The Namibia Revenue Agency and key state institutions have signed the Inter-Agency Standard Operations Framework for Coordinated Border Management to improve coordination at Namibia's borders, reduce delays in goods movement, and strengthen infrastructure and security. NamRA Commissioner Sam Shivute emphasised the need for effective implementation of initiatives like one-stop border posts and coordinated controls to support economic growth.
Uranium exploration company Deep Yellow Limited has appointed Jennifer Mintz as chief legal officer to ensure strong corporate governance and regulatory compliance as the company advances its Tumas uranium project development in Namibia.
Monthly livestock auctions in Namibia's northern communal areas are increasing as farmers recognize the importance of selling their animals. The Ministry of Agriculture has expanded auction facilities across regions to help farmers avoid long-distance travel, though a shortage of buyers remains a challenge.
Namibian livestock and veterinary representatives participated in the 2026 International Forum for Transboundary Animal Diseases and Food Safety Conference in Cape Town, where regional and international experts discussed strategies to prevent and control Foot and Mouth Disease in Southern Africa. The conference emphasised the importance of surveillance, early detection, regional coordination, and cross-border communication, with several partners expressing interest in supporting Namibia's efforts to maintain its FMD-free zone without vaccination.
The auditor general has flagged deep disarray in the Land Acquisition and Development Fund, citing improper reclassification of N$24.9 million in transactions without disclosure and land tax income of N$24.4 million misstated through incorrect accounting methods, resulting in an adverse audit opinion.
Masubia Ngambela Raphael Mbala has warned of collapsing fish stocks in the Zambezi River due to destructive and illegal fishing methods, calling for urgent coordinated intervention by government and traditional authorities. He said depleted stocks threaten food security and livelihoods for communities dependent on fishing, while the Ministry of Fisheries has implemented seasonal bans, illegal gear confiscations, and joint patrols to protect breeding cycles.
Namibian Police seized various illicit substances including cannabis, mandrax tablets, cocaine, and crack cocaine in February, with 196 suspects arrested between 1 and 28 February, according to police spokesperson deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi.
The Namibia Media Professionals Union has called on media organisations to promote women into leadership positions in newsrooms, noting that despite growing numbers of women in journalism, decision-making roles remain male-dominated. The union cited research showing women journalists face job stagnation, salary discrepancies, and barriers to advancement, and called for media houses to protect journalists against online abuse.
UN resident coordinator Hopolang Phororo warned during International Women's Day commemoration that while Namibia ranks eighth globally in gender equality, genuine equality requires more than representation—women need full economic participation and freedom from violence and discrimination. She noted that one in three women in relationships have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence, and called for stronger law enforcement and changes in social attitudes.
Kavango West Regional Council chief regional officer Matheus Singambwe has called for reforms to pension and social grant payment systems to allow beneficiaries to collect multiple grants in a single visit, reducing transport costs and inconvenience. NamPost spokesperson says qualifying beneficiaries will soon receive all payments at once at the counter, with work underway to introduce a government-backed digital social grant account with zero fees to improve access and budgeting flexibility.
A 34-year-old man was arrested in Oshikoto region for allegedly raping his 16-year-old daughter at Emono village; housemates reportedly caught the two in the act and he is expected to appear in court on Monday. In a separate incident, a 24-year-old woman was allegedly raped at Swakopmund after being forced into a man's room, with no arrests yet made.
Police in the Zambezi region opened an inquest after a 50-year-old man allegedly died by suicide in Nguluke village on Thursday evening. No foul play is suspected, and no suicide note was found at the scene.
Police are investigating several robbery incidents reported over the weekend across Windhoek, Okahao, and Rehoboth, where armed suspects threatened victims with firearms, knives, and pangas, stealing cash, cellphones, and a vehicle that was later recovered. No arrests have been made in any of the incidents.
Government leaders and industry stakeholders at the Women in Aviation Namibia Summit emphasised the need for inclusive opportunities and mentorship for women in the aviation sector, with the Prime Minister noting that women should pursue roles based on merit and capability, and the Minister of Gender Equality stressing the need for structured pathways and accountability to address women's underrepresentation in technical and leadership roles.
Police arrested a 43-year-old in Aus with mandrax tablets and suspected drug proceeds, and a 22-year-old in Kavango West's Karanawa village with cannabis. Both suspects remain in custody pending court proceedings and investigation.
A man who reported a rental car theft to police in Tsumeb on 7 March was arrested after officers found suspected unpolished diamonds wrapped in socks in his travelling bag. The suspect had no valid permit to possess the suspected diamonds and is in police custody pending a Magistrate's Court appearance.
A 34-year-old man from Onayena village was arrested after allegedly raping his 16-year-old daughter on 8 March 2026. He was discovered in the act by housemates and was taken into police custody to appear before the Ondangwa Magistrate's Court.
A 36-year-old woman has been arrested in Oshakati after intentionally drowning her toddler in a pond on 6 March 2026. According to police, the suspect is a psychiatric patient, and a murder case has been opened.
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) and Hulina Offshore Energy have partnered to launch a two-year national awareness campaign addressing electronic waste and plastic pollution, combining public education, community collection drives, and policy development to promote responsible disposal practices aligned with Namibia's Extended Producer Responsibility framework.
At a Women in Aviation Namibia summit held Friday at Droombos in Windhoek, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah reaffirmed the government's commitment to advancing women in aviation through aligned national policies and regional frameworks, while emphasizing that women should pursue roles based on merit and capability rather than gender. Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi and Gender Equality and Child Welfare Minister Emma Kantema highlighted that aviation must provide structured pathways, mentorship, and accountability to close the gap in female representation in technical and leadership roles.
The Namibia Training Authority CEO warned unregistered TVET training providers that they face closure, noting that non-compliance and disregard for the country's laws persist in the sector. Currently 71 training providers are registered, with TVET enrolment at approximately 13,500 trainees at the start of the 2026 calendar year.
Iuze Mukube Jonas Murao, facing nine charges including rape and housebreaking, admitted in a pre-trial memorandum to stealing items from a shop in 2008, but denied rape allegations during cross-examination in the Windhoek High Court, claiming he was elsewhere when the alleged incidents occurred and that accusers are lying.
A security guard working for Amsteel Security Services says he and colleagues earn N$2,000 per month for 12-hour shifts without overtime pay, public holiday pay, or risk allowance, despite a government minimum wage of N$18 per hour effective January 2025. Labour Minister Fillemon Wise Immanuel has directed all government ministries to verify that state-contracted service providers comply with minimum wage laws.
Matheus Singambwe, Kavango West Regional Council Chief Regional Officer, has called for reforms to the pension and social grant payment system, including allowing beneficiaries to collect multiple grants in a single visit to reduce repeated trips and transport costs. Nampost says beneficiaries who qualify for multiple grants will soon be able to receive all payments at once, and work is underway to introduce a government-backed digital social grant account with zero fees to give beneficiaries greater flexibility.
The National African Students' Association has raised alarm over unpaid scholarship funds leaving Namibian government-sponsored health students in Zambia unable to pay for meals, accommodation, or tuition. The health ministry said it is preparing a statement on the issue.
Nationwide consultations are underway to revise Namibia's Early Childhood Development policy ahead of a formal transfer of the mandate to the education ministry effective 1 January 2027. The revision realigns the existing policy to reflect legislative and institutional changes, with focus on strengthened teacher qualifications, quality assurance, and integration of health and nutrition interventions, alongside government plans to significantly increase sector investment including per-child grants.
Namibian musician Monica Pineas, known as TopCheri, has been named the best star artist for southern Africa (2025/2026) at the Shining Stars Africa Awards ceremony in Kigali. The award recognises her work including her final album 'I Am Monika', and adds to her growing list of achievements as she continues to represent Namibia on continental platforms.
Albertina Haimbala, who finished as first runner-up in the 2023 Miss Namibia pageant and later competed as Miss Earth Namibia in 2024, has returned to compete in the 2026 pageant, aiming to represent Namibia at Miss Universe.
A new Werner Herzog documentary called 'Ghost Elephants' features three Ju/'hoansi master trackers from Nyae Nyae conservancy in Otjozondjupa as they help naturalist Steve Boyes search for a mythical population of giant elephants in eastern Angola. The film, arriving on Hulu and Disney+ this Sunday, highlights the trackers' ancestral knowledge and ability to identify elephants by their footprints.
The Miss Namibia Organisation has revealed 20 semi-finalists for Miss Namibia 2026 and 10 semi-finalists for Miss Teen Namibia 2026. The selected contestants will participate in mentorship, training, and community initiatives before the national finals later this year in Gobabis.
Namibian singer TopCheri won 'Best Star Artist Southern Africa of the Year' at the Shining Star Africa Awards in Kigali, Rwanda, and performed tracks from her latest album 'I am Monika'. She expressed gratitude for the recognition and clarified that while stepping back from full-length albums, she will continue releasing singles and performing.
Faith Tjambari, a 21-year-old UNAM forward and communications student, is pursuing a career in rugby while studying, having developed her passion for the sport while watching boys train after school. She credits discipline and time management with helping her balance rigorous training, matches, and university work despite a recent serious ankle injury.
Scotland defeated France 50-40 in a high-scoring match, while Italy beat England for the first time in 32 attempts and Ireland struggled past Wales. Even top players like France captain Antoine Dupont can have an off-day, England coach Steve Borthwick faces mounting pressure after three consecutive defeats, and Ireland must improve their discipline ahead of facing Scotland.
Wanderers advanced to next weekend's 50-over cricket final after finishing top of the league standings with a superior net run rate, despite losing their final match by 20 runs to Windhoek High School Old Boys. Trustco United, who beat CCD by seven wickets, will face Old Boys in a semifinal playoff to determine the second finalist.
Smart Girls from Shinyungwe village in Kavango East qualified for the MTC Netball Premier League after winning the promotion play-off matches on Saturday. The youthful team, most of whose players were members of the Kavango East u20 champion team at last year's Namibia Newspaper Cup, is celebrated as a breakthrough for regional talent development, though their coach highlighted facility shortages and the need for regional investment in youth sports.
Victor Wembanyama scored 29 points as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Houston Rockets 145-120 on Sunday, with six Spurs players reaching double figures in the win. The victory extended San Antonio's winning streak to 15 of their last 16 games as they remain near the top of the Western Conference.
Namibian cyclists had a successful showing at the Cape Town Cycle Tour, with Alex Miller finishing fifth overall in the men's 109km race and third in the elite men's category, and Vera Looser finishing fourth overall in the women's 78km race and second in her age category.
India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the T20 World Cup final at home, with Sanju Samson scoring 89 and Jasprit Bumrah taking 4-15 to secure a dominant victory. India became the first team to defend the T20 World Cup title and to win it on home soil.
Katjijari Choice Mbangura, a 21-year-old Namibian attacking player from a football family, scored on his Premier League debut for Young African FC against African Stars FC. The Katutura-born player, who has also played for SKW and Prolific Sports Club, aims to compete at the highest level after recent trials with Cape Town Spurs in South Africa.
The annual DTS Volleyball for All tournament in Windhoek attracted 216 teams competing in 6-a-side and 4-a-side formats, drawing close to 5,000 spectators. The Namibia Volleyball Federation president noted the tournament's role in growing the sport, creating employment opportunities, and building team bonding across corporate entities.
Simon Matias won the men's 42.2km race in 2:13:01, while Salmy Nduviteko claimed the women's title in 2:37:00 at the annual Rössing National Marathon. Nduviteko won her debut marathon and credited her coach and teammates for the victory.
Namibia's first-ever premier street athletics showcase, the Namibian Classic, will take place 27–28 March at Vegkop Stadium in Windhoek, featuring world-class international and local athletes competing in sprints, hurdles, jumps, pole vault, and the street mile. The World Athletics-recognised event will allow competitors to earn global ranking points and will be broadcast live on SuperSport and World Athletics platforms.
Wanderers Netball Club, Mighty Gunners, Okamwandi United and Smart Girls have secured promotion to the MTC Netball Namibia Premier League following playoff action at Khomasdal Netball Courts. The four newly promoted teams will join established sides in the upcoming Premier League season.
Namibia will receive a FIFA-standard football field valued at approximately N$9 million through a continental partnership between ANOCA and FIFA, to be implemented at the NNOC OlympAfrica Centre in Omaruru. The sponsorship was announced by ANOCA president Mustapha Beraff during his visit for the ANOCA Zone VI General Assembly, as part of a broader initiative to develop football infrastructure and expand access to sport for young people across Africa.
A 46-year-old woman, Klaudia Mwaala, died in Omugulugombashe village after being attacked by a roaming elephant while attempting to take pictures with it. The incident has sparked calls from residents for improved government response and wildlife awareness, and ministry officials have urged the public to refrain from engaging with wild animals and report sightings to authorities instead.
Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Iran's Ali Khamenei who was killed in US-Israeli strikes, has been selected as his successor. The 56-year-old has kept a low profile and holds a mid-ranking clerical rank, raising questions about his credibility as supreme leader under Islamic Republic principles that favour religious standing and proven leadership over hereditary succession.
Heavy rains destroyed a key bridge at Kasumbalesa Border Post in Zambia, forcing 700 SADC truck drivers to take alternative routes to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite authorities temporarily fixing the bridge within 48 hours, logistics companies face higher fuel and operational costs, affecting trade flow of mining inputs and mineral exports across the region.
Iran's Assembly of Experts has voted to choose a new supreme leader following Ayatollah Khamenei's death in recent strikes, though the name has not yet been announced. Israeli forces have continued air strikes on Iranian fuel facilities and targets across the region, with the conflict now in its ninth day and no clear path to resolution.
Crude oil prices jumped sharply Friday amid escalating US-Israel tensions with Iran and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with Brent crude reaching US$92.69 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate surpassing US$90. The prospect of sustained high energy prices threatens to trigger global inflation and constrain central banks' ability to support economic growth.
Iran's Assembly of Experts has voted to appoint a new supreme leader following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, though the name has not yet been announced. Reports suggest the late leader's son, Mojtaba Khamenei, may be the chosen successor, though the announcement remains pending and the US has objected to his potential selection.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they can sustain aerial drone and missile attacks for up to six months after US-Israeli air strikes hit fuel depots in Tehran and targeted locations in Beirut. The conflict has extended into its ninth day with no clear path to resolution, as analysts warn it could last a month or longer.
A Namibian scholar argues that recent parliamentary debate has shifted toward personal attacks on Deputy Minister Dino Ballotti rather than substantive policy engagement, undermining democratic institutions and diverting attention from urgent socio-economic challenges like unemployment and economic strain that demand genuine legislative focus.