Namibia Minute.
Thursday, 12 March 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Thursday, 12 March 2026
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Archive Minute from Thursday, 12 March 2026
Politics

New Swapo MP pledges to improve healthcare access and mental health services

The News

Newly sworn-in MP Christine Haindaka said she will advocate in parliament for strengthened social protection systems, equitable healthcare access, and mental health services, with particular focus on antenatal care, HIV-AIDS, tuberculosis and cancer. Haindaka, who holds qualifications in social work and HIV counselling, called for adequate support and resourcing of healthcare workers.

12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Politics

  1. New Swapo MP pledges to improve healthcare access and mental health services

    Newly sworn-in MP Christine Haindaka said she will advocate in parliament for strengthened social protection systems, equitable healthcare access, and mental health services, with particular focus on antenatal care, HIV-AIDS, tuberculosis and cancer. Haindaka, who holds qualifications in social work and HIV counselling, called for adequate support and resourcing of healthcare workers.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. MPs criticise 2026/27 budget for failing to address youth unemployment

    Members of parliament have raised concerns that the recently tabled 2026/27 budget, which allocates N$81.3 billion to operational expenditure and only N$6.5 billion to development spending, fails to adequately address youth unemployment and lacks a credible plan for job creation. IPC parliamentarian Michael Mwashindange argued that the fiscal framework prioritises recurring operational costs over strategic investments, while rising debt payments and interest costs continue to crowd out productive investments needed to stimulate employment.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Roads Authority CEO proceeds with dismissals despite legal warnings

    The Roads Authority's independent lawyer warned CEO Hippy Tjivikua against dismissing two senior executives over a N$16 million vehicle procurement tender, citing serious procedural errors in the disciplinary process that could result in labour disputes. Tjivikua proceeded with the dismissals anyway; the fired executives have appealed, arguing the process was flawed.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. NUDO MP apologises for remark about Namibian appearance

    National Unity Democratic Organisation parliamentarian Vetaruhe Kandorozu apologised on social media for unparliamentary conduct towards education minister Sanet Steenkamp after remarking "Namibians don't look like that" during a parliamentary debate, which prompted a heated exchange.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Officer involved in firearm incident appointed to protect vice president

    Police constable Benjamin Mutongolume, who was involved in a firearm discharge incident at Walvis Bay in September 2024, has been appointed as the official bodyguard to Vice President Lucia Witbooi by Police Inspector General Joseph Shikongo. The officer was investigated for discharging a firearm within a municipal area and was given the option of paying a N$3,000 fine or serving six months' imprisonment, with the police stating the transfer was already in process prior to the incident.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. NUDO MP and deputy education minister resolve parliamentary dispute

    NUDO parliamentarian Vetaruhe Kandorozu and deputy education minister Dino Ballotti have reconciled after Kandorozu made unparliamentary remarks telling Ballotti to "go back to Italy" during a National Assembly debate. The two lawmakers announced their peace on social media, with Kandorozu describing the incident as teasing and both committing to move forward.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Employers warn draft dispute resolution bill risks political intervention

    The Namibian Employers Federation has cautioned that a draft alternative dispute resolution bill, which would allow the justice and labour minister to direct a new commission to mediate disputes deemed in the national interest, could open the door to political involvement in workplace conflicts. While labour analysts note the provision is limited to mediation requiring both parties' agreement, concerns remain about how "national interest" would be defined and the potential for ministerial overreach.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Impalila residents face high import duties, government says

    Independent Patriots for Change parliamentarian Michael Mwashindange raised concerns in the National Assembly about high import duties on goods purchased by residents of Impalila Island in the Zambezi region, forcing them to shop across the Botswana border instead of at Katima Mulilo. Finance minister Ericah Shafudah responded that the Import and Export Control Act requires levies on all imported goods without exception, and that changing this would require amending the law.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. Three non-Namibian judges appointed to ease High Court civil caseload

    The Judicial Service Commission says it has appointed three judges from southern African countries to Namibia's High Court on fixed-term contracts to address a shortage of civil judges caused by retirements and the reluctance of senior legal practitioners to accept permanent positions. The commission states the measure is temporary while it develops domestic solutions, including a training programme for aspirant judges.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  10. IPPR warns preferential procurement vulnerable to corruption

    The Institute for Public Policy Research warns that Namibia's preferential procurement policy risks abuse without greater transparency and accountability measures. The IPPR calls for data collection on preference-based contracts and stricter compliance, citing poor submission rates of procurement plans by public entities.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  11. Swapo official urges party unity, discipline in ||Kharas region

    Matheus Mumbala, Swapo ||Kharas regional coordinator, called on party members to avoid petitions and internal conflicts, emphasizing the need for unity, respect among comrades, and collaborative problem-solving. He also urged regional and local authorities to use government legal resources rather than costly private lawyers, redirecting savings to community development.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  12. Public servants plan nationwide work pause March 20

    Namibian public servants will stage a nationwide work pause on 20 March to protest a five percent salary increase and a presidential directive requiring them to use public health facilities. Teachers Union of Namibia Secretary General Mahongora Kavihuha said the action aims to highlight economic hardship and deliver petitions to regional governors and State House, while unions involved in wage negotiations face potential legal action.

    12 March 2026 · Informanté →

  13. President meets UDF leadership in parliamentary consultation round

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah received a courtesy visit from the United Democratic Front leadership, led by party president Hendrik Gaobaeb, as part of consultations with all parliamentary parties she pledged during the 2025 State of the Nation Address. Both sides emphasised the importance of dialogue and inclusive leadership.

    12 March 2026 · Informanté →

  14. Former Agriculture Minister Hengari transferred to trial for bribery

    Magistrate Immanuel Udjombala has transferred the bribery case of former Minister Dr McAlbert Hengari to the regional court at Katutura Magistrate's Court, with trial set for 23 April 2026. Hengari and a co-accused were arrested in April 2025 after allegedly attempting to offer a bribe of N$220,000 to a woman who accused him of rape in 2019.

    12 March 2026 · Informanté →

  15. Police officer arrested as suspect in prosecutor threat case

    Inspector Kefas Hoaeb, head of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit in Grootfontein, has been arrested as the second suspect in an assault by threat case involving prosecutor Kristiana Erastus. The suspects face charges of assault by threat and conspiracy to commit murder, allegedly linked to threatening notes warning the prosecutor would be killed unless he stepped down from his role.

    12 March 2026 · Informanté →

  16. Fishrot defendants clash over judge removal bid

    Ex-Cabinet minister Sacky Shanghala is seeking to recuse Acting Judge Marilize du Plessis from the protracted Fishrot corruption trial, arguing her previous pronouncements show bias and prejudice, while co-accused Ricardo Gustavo opposes the application as a delay tactic unsupported by facts of actual bias.

    12 March 2026 · New Era →

  17. Former agriculture minister Hengari arraigned in bribery case

    Ex-minister Mac-Albert Hengari and a co-accused have been transferred to Windhoek Regional Court to face three charges including bribery and allegedly attempting to defeat justice by offering N$222,000 to a woman to withdraw a rape case against him. Both accused are on bail with restrictions and are scheduled to appear in court on 23 April 2026.

    12 March 2026 · New Era →

  18. Minister warns councillors against improper governance standards

    Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa has warned councillors to uphold proper governance standards and settle outstanding local authority bills, or face personal liability and account disconnections. He called on them to prioritize service delivery over party politics and work collectively for the benefit of residents.

    12 March 2026 · New Era →

  19. NDF defends proposed Erongo airspace reclassification plan

    The Namibian Defence Force says its proposal to reclassify the FYM 401 airspace in Erongo as restricted follows international aviation standards and is under review by the National Airspace Committee. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association has objected, warning the change could disrupt flight routes and harm sectors including tourism, mining, and rural services that depend on aviation.

    12 March 2026 · New Era →

Business

  1. FlySafair imposes fuel surcharge as South Africa faces jet fuel crisis

    South African low-cost carrier FlySafair introduced a temporary fuel surcharge from 12 March to 12 May after jet fuel prices surged by approximately 70% in one week following US-Iran hostilities. The airline, which absorbs fuel costs typically comprising 50–55% of its operating expenses, says the surcharge reflects soaring prices driven by Middle East uncertainty and South Africa's heavy reliance on imported jet fuel due to limited domestic refinery capacity.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Coca-Cola investigates filling station for selling expired bottles

    Coca-Cola Namibia is investigating Ondangwa's Puma Onamulunga filling station for selling expired 1.25-liter Coca-Cola bottles at a reduced price of N$10. The supervisor acknowledged the beverages had passed their sell-by date of 7 March and attributed the incident to new staff, while a health inspector warned that expired products pose food poisoning risks.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Nine-week Namib Mills strike ends with union wage agreement

    Namibia Revolutionary Transport Union and Namib Mills have signed an agreement ending a nine-week industrial action, with workers to receive backpay and bonus portions, and benefits negotiated through 2026.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Government reintegrates 222 Walu Fishing workers through redress programme

    The government will reintegrate 222 workers from Walu Fishing through agreements with four fishing companies under the Government Employment Redress Programme, as part of efforts to address labour grievances and promote job creation in the sector. Recent consultations at Walvis Bay clarified employment obligations and worker placement, with companies instructed to submit signed contracts to enable the government to finalise designation agreements and release fishing quotas.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Namibia's inflation basket outdated, masks real cost pressures

    Namibia's Consumer Price Index, based on spending data from 2009/10, significantly underestimates inflation experienced by households, particularly low-income earners who spend more on food and fuel. The basket is being updated in 2027, which may reveal inflation has been higher than headline figures suggest, widening inequality as wage adjustments fail to match actual cost-of-living increases for poorer households.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Namib Mills strike ends after 59 days with wage agreement

    A 59-day strike by nearly 700 Namib Mills workers across Namibia has ended following an agreement with the employer. The union secured improved benefits for 2026, including partial bonus payments on Friday and back pay the following week, with full benefits to take effect from 1 July.

    12 March 2026 · Informanté →

  7. Liquor licences must be renewed by end of March 2026

    The Ministry of Industries has announced that all liquor licences must be renewed and fees paid by 31 March 2026, in accordance with the Liquor Act. Failure to comply will result in licence termination, requiring new applications to be submitted.

    12 March 2026 · Informanté →

  8. Namibia and Russia to hold trade and economic talks

    The Namibia–Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation will convene in Windhoek from 13 to 16 March 2026, focusing on bilateral cooperation in mining, education, health, transport, trade, investment, agriculture, and waste management. A parallel Business Forum with over 300 representatives will discuss logistics, industrialisation, technology transfer, and value chain development.

    12 March 2026 · Informanté →

  9. Nafau and Hungry Lion agree wage increase deal

    The Namibia Food and Allied Workers Union and fast-food chain Hungry Lion signed a two-year wage agreement on Tuesday, preventing a threatened strike. The deal includes a N$375 monthly pay increase in year one and N$400 in year two, plus a new housing allowance, and provides permanent positions for temporal and fixed employees with one year's service.

    12 March 2026 · New Era →

  10. Chery to launch diesel PHEV bakkie in late 2026

    Chery has confirmed an all-new double-cab bakkie, the KP31, scheduled for late 2026 or early 2027 introduction with a segment-first diesel plug-in hybrid powertrain combining a 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine with electric drive technology. The vehicle will be built on the Kaitan ladder-frame chassis and will feature off-road capabilities including locking differentials, low-range gearbox, and dedicated driving modes.

    12 March 2026 · New Era →

  11. Mahindra XUV 3XO hits 10,000 sales milestone

    Mahindra has delivered its 10,000th XUV 3XO vehicle in Southern Africa, achieving this milestone in just over 500 days since the model's October 2024 launch. The compact SUV, which comes standard with safety features like six airbags and Level 2 ADAS, has become the fastest-selling vehicle in Mahindra's local lineup.

    12 March 2026 · New Era →

  12. German motorcycle brand selects Namibia as African manufacturing hub

    Baierkraft, a motorcycle manufacturer specialising in bikes for harsh African terrain, will assemble its motorcycles in Namibia starting August 2024, with expectations to create over 200 jobs by 2027. The company cited Namibia's challenging landscapes, port access, and rail infrastructure as key factors in the decision to establish its African production and distribution centre in the country.

    12 March 2026 · New Era →

  13. Nictus Holdings registers insurance company in Botswana

    Namibian financial services firm Nictus Holdings is expanding into Botswana through a new company offering alternative risk transfer insurance products, aiming to provide risk management solutions to businesses and institutions facing digital and economic uncertainties.

    12 March 2026 · New Era →

  14. Namibia and AfDB launch N$28.5 billion industrialisation plan

    The Namibian government and African Development Bank launched a five-year Country Strategy Paper providing N$28.5 billion (US$1.78 billion) to diversify the economy beyond mining, support infrastructure and climate resilience, and address youth unemployment through technical and vocational education.

    12 March 2026 · New Era →

  15. Overdraft lending rebounds, signalling household financial strain

    Overdraft lending in Namibia rose 1.4% year-on-year in January 2026, reversing a 10.7% decline the previous month, with economist Cheryl Emvula attributing the rebound to post-holiday financial pressure and weak wage growth forcing households to rely on short-term credit. Overall private sector credit growth slowed slightly to 4.2% in January, driven by weaker business lending though household borrowing improved modestly.

    12 March 2026 · New Era →

  16. NamPower seeks 8.4% electricity tariff hike for 2026/27

    The electricity utility NamPower has proposed an 8.4% tariff increase to the Electricity Control Board for the 2026/2027 financial year, citing the burden of non-paying customers, the need for capital investment, and new infrastructure. The ECB will receive stakeholder input before making a final determination on the proposed hike.

    12 March 2026 · New Era →

  17. German defence firm Rheinmetall forecasts 45% sales surge

    German defence manufacturer Rheinmetall has forecast a 45% jump in 2026 sales to a maximum of 14.5 billion euros, driven by European countries increasing military spending in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and uncertainty over US security commitments. The firm's core profit jumped by a third to a record 1.8 billion euros in 2025, and it is rapidly expanding production capacity across Europe.

    12 March 2026 · New Era →

Mining & Energy

  1. Oil prices surge despite major reserve release due to Middle East tensions

    Brent crude rose over 9% to top $100 per barrel despite the International Energy Agency releasing a record 400 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves, as Iran's threats and attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz drive supply concerns. The price spike has pushed fuel costs globally, with Asian countries particularly affected and some implementing energy conservation measures.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia faces potential N$4.50 per litre fuel price hike in April

    Soaring international oil prices and Middle East tensions threaten to drive Namibian fuel prices to unprecedented heights in April, with the country's three-month fuel reserves and limited storage capacity posing supply challenges. Government officials and industry experts warn that while Namibia has sufficient reserves for 2–3 months, the country's infrastructure constraints and reliance on Middle Eastern oil through the Strait of Hormuz leave it vulnerable to supply disruptions, prompting authorities to explore alternative fuel sources and taxi associations to plan 10–12% fare increases.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. LPM questions green hydrogen project as political vote-winning tool

    An LPM parliamentarian has criticized the green hydrogen project as a political campaign tool rather than a genuine development plan, citing the lack of a dedicated legislative framework. The government's press secretary defended the project as part of Namibia's development vision alongside oil and gas initiatives, while the minister acknowledged no standalone green hydrogen act exists but said the sector is governed by existing environmental and energy legislation.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Aupindi proposes commodity dividends to hedge currency volatility

    Swapo MP Tobie Aupindi has proposed a "Commodity Dividend Model" under which Namibia would receive mining and resource dividends in physical commodities like gold, uranium, and lithium rather than fiat currency, arguing this would protect the country against inflation and currency volatility while building a strategic reserve. Aupindi also called for greater industrialisation, more effective taxation of mineral rents, reform of state-owned enterprises, and a shift from passive SACU reliance toward regional value chains and manufacturing.

    12 March 2026 · New Era →

  5. Government deploys taskforce as fuel reserves face three-month strain

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare told Parliament that Namibia's fuel reserves will last approximately three months amid global supply disruptions caused by Middle East conflict, and that government has established a taskforce and is consulting stakeholders to develop contingency measures to avert a national crisis.

    12 March 2026 · New Era →

Society

  1. African students union president challenges Namibia on education access

    The All-African Students Union president praised Namibia's free education policy but called for stronger efforts to improve education quality and student welfare. He presented an award to International University of Management founder David Namwandi, recognising his contributions to education across the African continent.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Man admits fatal assault on pregnant girlfriend in Gobabis

    A 28-year-old Gobabis resident admitted in the High Court to assaulting his pregnant girlfriend Fransiska Naobes in March 2023, causing injuries from which she died seven weeks later in hospital. He claimed he acted after being told by a neighbor that Naobes was unfaithful, but did not admit to intending to kill her, so the state rejected his murder plea.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Woman denies murder and arson in deadly Windhoek house fire trial

    Mecthilde Karomo, accused of starting a fire in December 2022 that killed two people in Okahandja Park, Windhoek, testified that she was sleeping in her own house when the blaze occurred and denied setting the fatal fire. She disputed prosecution witnesses' claims that she confessed to the arson after a dispute with her then-boyfriend Leonard Haupindi.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Elisenheim woman admits to fatal stabbing in viral video

    A 46-year-old Windhoek woman has admitted to fatally stabbing her husband's brother after an argument. She appeared in the Magistrate's Court and was remanded in custody; a video of her confession circulated on social media hours after the incident.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Five-year-old girl dies after alleged abuse by father in Oshana

    A five-year-old Grade 1 pupil, Mia Nghishihange, died at Ongwediva hospital on 24 February after being rushed there with wounds covering her body and an open head wound. Her father, Martin Nghishihange (23), has been arrested and charged with murder; her mother says she wants him to face justice and remain in custody.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Zambezi man sentenced to 22 years for raping child niece

    A 53-year-old man was sentenced to 22 years in prison by the Katima Mulilo Magistrate's Court after being found guilty of raping his 10-year-old niece on three occasions in June 2020. The magistrate rejected the man's denials, finding his version of events "false beyond reasonable doubt."

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Family protests over missing Omusati man Beatus Iiyambo

    Family members of Beatus 'Tuna' Iiyambo, missing for two months since January 12 after arriving in Windhoek for a job selling kapana, staged a demonstration in Otjomuise demanding answers. His family alleges that businessman Matheus Shapaka, who offered him the job, reported unusual behaviour including hallucinations on the day Iiyambo went missing, and that police are refusing to hold him accountable.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Newborn boy found abandoned at church in Ohangwena region

    A nearly two-week-old baby boy was discovered abandoned in a corridor near a church toilet in Omungwelume, Ohangwena, on Tuesday evening. The baby is alive and healthy; police are appealing for information about the mother's whereabouts.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. 294 senior officials to use public hospitals from April

    Health and social services minister Esperance Luvindao announced that 294 senior government officials will be required to use public health facilities starting 1 April, though those wishing to see private doctors can still do so if the doctors have a public health licence and claim costs through government healthcare.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  10. Windhoek Central Hospital water heating system restored for N$6.48m

    The Minister of Works announced the completion of Windhoek Central Hospital's industrial electric geyser system refurbishment at a cost of N$6.48 million, which included installation of 14 new industrial geysers with digital controls, replacement of corroded piping with plastic alternatives, and upgrades to electrical distribution boards across the facility.

    12 March 2026 · Informanté →

  11. Minor girl gang-raped by two boys in Ohangwena

    A 9-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped by two minor boys while on her way to school in Onamunama village, Ohangwena Region. The suspects allegedly assaulted her with sticks, threatened her, and remain unarrested as police investigate.

    12 March 2026 · Informanté →

  12. Family demands answers after kapana seller vanishes in Windhoek

    Beautus Tuna Iiyambo, a 26-year-old from Okahao who arrived in Windhoek on 11 January to work as a kapana seller, disappeared the next morning after saying he was near a large water dam. Despite police searches of the Goreangab Dam, he has not been found, and family members have taken to the streets demanding justice.

    12 March 2026 · Informanté →

  13. Government dispatches disaster team to flooding-hit Zambezi Region

    The Prime Minister says the government has sent the National Disaster Risk Management Unit to the Zambezi Region after rising river levels caused flooding in areas including Linyanti and Sibbinda, with the Hydrological Services warning communities to move to higher ground.

    12 March 2026 · Informanté →

  14. Woman reunited with family after 25 years in foster care

    Mbakondja Upora was separated from her biological family at age two after severe abuse by her aunt, including burns and permanent injuries that caused the loss of toes on both feet. After 25 years in various foster homes, she was reunited with her family in 2025 and now lives with a maternal aunt in Coblenz, drawing strength from her Christian faith and dreams of becoming a singer.

    12 March 2026 · New Era →

  15. Rehoboth deploys N$70m prepaid meters to cut water debt

    Rehoboth Town Council is rolling out prepaid water and electricity meters across all suburbs to improve revenue collection and reduce its N$150 million debt to NamWater. The installation runs from March to June 2026, with monthly rental fees tiered by residency status, and a 70/30 payment system designed to gradually clear existing arrears while maintaining service access.

    12 March 2026 · New Era →

  16. Heatwave boosts beach visits; lifeguards warn of drowning risks

    Hot weather is drawing crowds to beaches in Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, but Monarch Lifeguard and Emergency Rescue Services has warned that the heat increases drowning risks and called on parents to supervise children and avoid improvised flotation devices.

    12 March 2026 · New Era →

  17. Woman denies arson in deaths of ex-boyfriend, his girlfriend

    Iuze Mukube Mecthilde Karomo denies setting fire to a Windhoek shack in December 2022 that killed her ex-lover Leonard Haupindi Kadubuli and his girlfriend Anastasia Ihemba Matende. Testifying before the High Court, Karomo acknowledged a confrontation with Kadubuli the day before the fire but disputed threatening to burn the house and said she only learned of the deadly fire after hearing shouts from outside.

    12 March 2026 · New Era →

  18. Omaruru vocational centre opens April with welding training

    The Omaruru Technical Vocational Education and Training centre, housed in Omaruru's 'Yellow Building', will admit its first intake in April and gradually expand programmes over 18 months. The centre will initially offer accredited level 4/N3 welding training and aims to provide vocational education access to learners in rural areas of Erongo region.

    12 March 2026 · New Era →

Culture

  1. Beauty and wellness exhibition launches in Windhoek on April 4

    Vibration Studios will host the Visions Beauty Exhibition at the Windhoek Showgrounds, bringing together 25 beauty and skincare brands, with panel discussions on African representation in the beauty industry and a men's grooming corner. The one-day event is expected to attract over 1,500 visitors and will feature live entertainment, workshops with industry professionals, and interactive content creation activities.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Ballet, festivals, and film screenings fill Windhoek calendar

    This week in Windhoek features performances including the National Ballet School's 'Peter Pan', a four-day Fractal Festival of psytrance and electronic music at Spitzkoppe Mountain Range starting at N$1,200, and 'The Film Week', an annual celebration of Namibian cinema running through Sunday at Nust with screenings and industry discussions.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Sport

  1. Namibian swimmers gain experience at South African Open Water Championships

    A nine-member Namibian team competed at the South African National Open Water Championships in Jeffreys Bay, with no medals won but significant international experience gained. Madison Bergh was Namibia's top performer, finishing fourth in the women's 17-to-18-year-old 5,000m freestyle, while several other athletes achieved top-ten placements in their events.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Kunene defends Nedbank Cup titles under new coaches

    Kunene region, last year's champions in both the football and netball Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup tournaments, will defend their titles under new leadership: Simon !Haradoeb has replaced Uerikondjera Kasaona as football coach, and Hilya Nashilongo has stepped up from assistant to lead the netball team. Both coaches acknowledge the pressure of defending titles but expressed confidence in their squads' experience and readiness.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Scotland eyes Six Nations title with Ireland showdown

    Scotland can win the Six Nations championship for the first time in the era if they beat Ireland on Saturday and France lose to England. Back-row forward Rory Darge said the team is prepared for the pressure, though Scotland have not won in Dublin since 2010.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Real Madrid beats Manchester City 3-0 in Champions League

    Federico Valverde scored a hat-trick as Real Madrid defeated Manchester City 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, while PSG beat Chelsea 5-2 and Arsenal drew 1-1 with Bayer Leverkusen.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Namibian umpire Martins promoted to FIH international panel

    Local hockey umpire Siyabonga Martins has been promoted to the International Hockey Federation's International Panel of Umpires for indoor hockey, his second international promotion in as many years. Martins, who began officiating in 2016, aims to officiate at World Cup and Olympic Games events.

    12 March 2026 · New Era →

  6. Okahandja United challenges NFA replay decision after match abandoned

    Okahandja United FC's chairperson says the club is unhappy with the Namibia Football Association's decision to replay an abandoned match against Young African FC scheduled for 28 March 2026, arguing that misconduct rather than unsuitable conditions caused the abandonment and that the replay should not proceed while their disciplinary complaint is pending. The match was abandoned in the 53rd minute after an incident involving Young African's head coach, with Okahandja United having been leading 1–0.

    12 March 2026 · New Era →

  7. Black Africa football club rebuilds after leadership crisis and relegation

    Black Africa, a prominent Namibian football club, is undergoing a turnaround following internal disputes and relegation from the top league. An interim caretaker committee is overseeing governance restructuring and member registration to establish regional structures that will elect a substantive leadership team at a Special General Meeting.

    12 March 2026 · New Era →

  8. Lydiana Nanamûs builds football legacy as fearless defender

    Windhoek City Sporting Club defender and senior women's national team player Lydiana Nanamûs has built a career from joining The Little Pumpkins girls' football team at the Bernhard Nordkamp Centre in 2009, becoming a two-time FNB Women's Super League champion and 2024 PstBet NFA Cup Player of the Tournament. A central defender known for her leadership and resilience, she holds 19 caps for the national team and credits her success to coaches, teammates, and the impact she has on young girls who look up to her.

    12 March 2026 · New Era →

  9. Mozambique hosts Region 5 Games in December 2026

    The African Union Sports Council Region 5 Games will take place in Maputo, Mozambique, from 4–13 December 2026, bringing together under-20 athletes from ten Southern African countries in a structured multi-sport environment designed to accelerate talent development and strengthen regional benchmarking. CEO Stanley Mutoya confirmed strong participation is anticipated and highlighted the Games' legacy benefits, including infrastructure improvements, enhanced governance, and long-term cooperation among member countries.

    12 March 2026 · New Era →

Tourism & Environment

  1. Police warn residents to avoid stray elephant near Etosha

    Residents of Onaanda/Elim in Omusati Region have been urged to remain vigilant and avoid approaching a stray elephant being herded back to Etosha National Park after being spotted in the area. The warning follows a recent incident in which a woman was killed by a wounded elephant after residents allegedly provoked the animal while photographing it.

    12 March 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Zambezi and other rivers surge; flood alert issued nationwide

    The Zambezi River at Katima Mulilo has risen to 6.76 metres, significantly higher than recent years and well above last week's 3.99m reading. The Hydrological Services of Namibia has issued a flood alert for the eastern Zambezi floodplains and recommended that communities nationwide activate flood preparedness measures, as several other rivers including the Kavango and Orange are also elevated.

    12 March 2026 · Informanté →

World & Region

  1. ANC appears unfocused ahead of upcoming local elections

    According to The Namibian opinion analysis, South Africa's ANC faces upcoming local elections with little apparent focus on governance messaging or strategic preparation, while the party confronts internal disputes, municipal service delivery failures, and dwindling support from coalition partners that could further erode its electoral standing.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. US launches trade investigation into major partners

    The US has launched a Section 301 investigation into unfair trade practices by major trading partners including China, the EU, India, Japan, South Korea and Mexico, potentially leading to new tariffs by summer. The probe follows a Supreme Court ruling that struck down Trump's previous tariff policies and offers the administration a way to impose new levies on countries found to have engaged in unfair trade.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Young Iranians cope with ongoing war, internet blackout

    As the US and Israel continue attacking Iran since 28 February, young Iranians in Tehran are sheltering at home, adjusting sleep schedules around bombings, and some fleeing to safer regions ahead of Nowruz. With government-imposed internet outages, residents are using Starlink devices at high cost and legal risk to maintain contact with loved ones, though connectivity remains severely limited.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. South Africa summons US ambassador over judicial criticism

    South Africa's government formally protested and summoned the new US ambassador after he dismissed the country's constitutional court ruling on an anti-apartheid chant, saying he did not care what the courts said. The ambassador later clarified his remarks and apologized, expressing regret for comments that were seen as disrespectful to South Africa's legal system.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. IEA members release record 400 million oil barrels

    The 32 member countries of the International Energy Agency have agreed to release a record 400 million barrels from emergency reserves to address global oil supply shortages and soaring prices caused by conflict disrupting exports through the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts say the move offers only short-term relief, amounting to roughly three or four days of global oil supply.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Congo-Brazzaville's long-ruling president faces weakened opposition in vote

    Denis Sassou Nguesso, 82 and in power for over 40 years, is heavily favored to win Sunday's presidential election in Congo-Brazzaville as the opposition remains divided and sidelined. Observers expect record-low voter turnout in the oil-rich but impoverished nation, where many citizens express frustration over unemployment despite economic growth.

    12 March 2026 · New Era →

  7. Ghana grants citizenship to diaspora Africans seeking ancestral home

    Ghana granted citizenship to 150 members of the African diaspora in a recent ceremony, part of a broader initiative to reconnect descendants of Africans abroad with the continent; over 1,000 diaspora members have obtained Ghanaian citizenship in recent years, many citing historical, cultural, and personal motivations for their return.

    12 March 2026 · New Era →

  8. Japanese zoo denies bullying of abandoned baby macaque Punch

    Ichikawa City Zoo outside Tokyo issued a statement defending the treatment of Punch, a seven-month-old baby macaque abandoned by his mother who became an internet sensation after clinging to an IKEA plush orangutan toy. The zoo said that while other monkeys discipline him as is natural in macaque society, Punch spends most days peacefully and is becoming less reliant on the toy as the troop accepts him, though separating him now would prevent his reintegration.

    12 March 2026 · New Era →

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