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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.