PDM president McHenry Venaani told Parliament that education and health, which receive the largest budget shares, should be evaluated on results rather than spending levels, arguing the country spends heavily on education but lacks measurable output. He also urged civil service salary reforms and called for clarity on the country's industrialisation strategy.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
PDM president McHenry Venaani told Parliament that education and health, which receive the largest budget shares, should be evaluated on results rather than spending levels, arguing the country spends heavily on education but lacks measurable output. He also urged civil service salary reforms and called for clarity on the country's industrialisation strategy.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's Ministry of Health and Social Services has abruptly suspended a tender process for building a N$194 million central medical store and is instead planning to lease and renovate part of the Ramatex Rhino Garments building at N$100,000 monthly, a pivot that the Global Fund (which approved the original construction plan) is reportedly discussing with the government.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Bernadus Swartbooi, leader of the Landless People's Movement, has proposed that Namibia explore exporting qualified workers abroad to generate remittances, citing examples from Nigeria and South Africa. He argued the government overemphasises education spending relative to job creation, leaving about 130,000 skilled young Namibians without employment opportunities.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
An IPC parliamentarian criticized the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development's reduced N$1.9-billion budget, arguing it will fail to address Namibia's housing shortage. He noted the ministry received N$2.7 billion the previous year but built only 194 housing units in Windhoek and Opuwo combined, while an estimated 12,000 shacks are erected annually.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Standard Bank Namibia hosted the Annual Budget Dialogue 2026, bringing together government, finance and industry leaders to discuss the 2026/27 national budget and its implications for economic growth. Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah stressed that the budget's success depends on cooperation between government, business, financial institutions and citizens, while speakers called for disciplined implementation and reforms that broaden revenue and stimulate investment.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
The United Democratic Front highlighted pressing challenges affecting communities in Kunene and northern regions during a consultative meeting with President Nandi-Ndaitwah, including human-wildlife conflict that is impoverishing rural households, a legal dispute involving the regional council, housing shortages, and educational inequality between rural and urban schools. The party noted that rural residents bear the costs of wildlife conservation while wild animals are regarded as national assets, and proposed dialogue-based solutions to ongoing disputes.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
Swapo Party Youth League secretary Ephraim Nekongo says discussions about leadership succession ahead of the party's 2027 congress are premature, as the party is still completing internal renewal processes at grassroots level before national leadership decisions are made.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
Jackson Muma, CEO of Okongo Village Council, discussed ongoing infrastructure and land delivery projects, including servicing 55 plots in Block 103 with N$5.6 million in funding, allocating 121 semi-serviced plots to the Shack Dwellers Federation, and developing an open market. Over the next five years, the council plans to position Okongo as an investment centre focusing on agriculture, tourism, and sports development, including construction of a 7-hectare sports field.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
Liina Hamunyela, founder of Unicorn Properties and managing director of Unicorn Supplies, has built both businesses from the ground up by identifying market opportunities in real estate and supply distribution. She advises young entrepreneurs to start with a clear vision, remain consistent, and persist through challenges including competition and economic fluctuations.
13 March 2026 · Namibian Sun →
The government is facilitating the re-employment of 222 former Walu Fishing workers through a redress programme involving four companies following a labour dispute. Walu Fishing lost its 2026 fishing quota after disputes with workers and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Namib Mills and the Namibian Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union have ended a 59-day strike involving about 1,000 workers. Under the agreement, workers will receive part of last year's benefits and bonuses, with backpay expected next week and improved benefits from 1 July 2026 automatically incorporated.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibian household credit growth rose to 3% in January, driven by increased overdraft demand as households faced post-holiday financial strain despite weak overall private sector credit growth. Overdraft lending accelerated to 7.2% year-on-year in January from 4.3% in December, marking a rebound after six consecutive months of contraction.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
A turnaround strategy for public enterprises should focus on meeting founding legislation requirements, adding value to stakeholders, and achieving industry leadership. Strong governance becomes the determining factor in achieving strategic success, despite state-owned enterprises having significant competitive advantages over private sector firms.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Properties in Katima Mulilo are struggling to sell because owners are pricing them above market value without proper valuations, and banks will not finance purchases based on inflated asking prices. Poor property condition and lack of economic drivers in the town compared to larger cities like Windhoek and Swakopmund further limit buyer affordability and demand.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The government and African Development Bank unveiled a five-year partnership worth N$28.5 billion to reduce Namibia's dependence on mining by investing in climate-resilient energy, water management, transport corridors, and technical education. Finance minister Ericah Shafudah said the strategy aims to create labour-intensive growth and address high youth unemployment.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Meat Corporation of Namibia has filed a High Court case against former CEO Patrick Liebenberg to recover N$6.1 million he allegedly misappropriated between 2024 and 2025. Liebenberg faces 26 disciplinary charges including fraud, sabotage, and forgery, and is under criminal investigation over the disappearance of 900 cattle valued at N$7 million.
13 March 2026 · Informanté →
MultiChoice Namibia is phasing out its Showmax streaming service following a comprehensive review, citing significant financial losses and shifting viewer preferences toward on-demand streaming platforms. The company says the decision is part of a broader digital strategy and that it will redirect resources to DStv Stream, though the move has prompted concerns from local filmmakers about reduced platforms for African content.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
The Namibian Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union (Naretu) and Namib Mills have concluded a wage deal ending a strike involving close to 1,000 workers. Under the agreement, workers will receive back pay and bonuses this week, with improved benefits automatically implemented from 1 July 2026 without further negotiation.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
Namibia's Consumer Price Index fell to 2.4% year-on-year in February 2026 from 3.6% a year earlier, driven by lower food prices, though housing and energy costs remained elevated at 4.7% inflation and core inflation stood at 3.2%.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
Manuel Tomas, owner of Manu Joinery in Ombili, took over his father's carpentry business in 2014 and now uses it to support his siblings and other family members. He completed a Level 3 woodwork and joinery qualification and produces custom household furniture including tables, chairs, and cabinetry.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
TransNamib is investigating a derailment of a luxury Rovos Rail train about 100km from Keetmanshoop that killed two people. A nine-member panel will conduct a departmental inquiry next week in Keetmanshoop, examining the circumstances of the incident, safety procedures, and potential maintenance lapses.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
The expanded Anirep-HopSol Africa solar plant at Otjiwarongo was commissioned on Thursday, increasing generation capacity from five megawatts to 13 megawatts and becoming the country's first solar facility backed by modern battery storage to supply roughly 11 megawatts to the national grid.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
A major hydrogen production facility planned for Tsau ǁKhaeb National Park promises jobs and economic growth but risks damaging endangered wildlife like African penguins and unique desert plants, prompting conservationists to warn of impacts on biodiversity despite Hyphen's commitments to minimise disturbance.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibia Revenue Agency has called a meeting at its Windhoek head office to address legal compliance and governance challenges in the transfer of mineral and petroleum licences and company shares, bringing together regulators, policymakers, tax officials, industry representatives and taxpayers. Former Cabinet minister Calle Schlettwein has criticised the regulatory framework, saying mineral rights are not adequately treated as state assets and arguing that many mineral companies employ tax avoidance schemes that result in profits leaving Namibia.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia is preparing to launch its first heavy-duty freight locomotive powered by locally produced green hydrogen later this year, a partnership between CMB.Tech Namibia, TransNamib and Africa Global Logistics. The hydrogen-powered locomotive will operate between Walvis Bay and Windhoek for a trial period of 50 round trips, with hydrogen produced off-grid at CMB.Tech's plant in Walvis Bay.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibian government has received 148 project proposals for its Green Hydrogen Programme, representing potential investments of around US$1 billion. Of these, 77 projects align closely with the programme's objectives, covering clean energy, industrial development, infrastructure, and climate-smart agriculture, with the initiative aiming to mobilise over US$1 billion in total investment through concessional climate finance and development bank support.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
The Directorate of Veterinary Services will conduct a regional awareness campaign on Foot-and-Mouth Disease from 16 to 20 March 2026 across seven regions, in collaboration with the Livestock and Livestock Products Board and farmers' unions, to strengthen preparedness and response to the ongoing FMD threat in the SADC region.
13 March 2026 · Informanté →
Meat Corporation of Namibia has enrolled 19 interns from various tertiary and vocational institutions in a six-month placement programme (October 2025–March 2026) aimed at developing skills in the red meat industry and supporting government's National Development Plan 6. The interns gain practical workplace experience across technical, operational and managerial roles while receiving a monthly allowance.
13 March 2026 · Informanté →
Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa told students they should use their skills and knowledge to create employment opportunities and strengthen local economies, rather than only seeking jobs after graduation. He encouraged young professionals to work in rural areas, describing them as frontiers of opportunity, and called for unity among youth organisations despite ideological differences.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Aptamil Nutribiotik 2 and Aptajunior Nutribiotik 3 infant formulas have been recalled in South Africa due to potential cereulide toxin contamination in raw materials, with the manufacturer confirming the products were exported to Namibia. The Ministry of Health and Social Services says it has not yet received official notification of the recall, while concerned parents in Windhoek express worry about formula safety and availability.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Lifeguards in Walvis Bay are warning of increased drowning risk as coastal heatwaves with temperatures between 35–36°C drive large crowds to beaches and swimming areas without adequate safety precautions. Monarch Lifeguard Services founder Marthin Muyenga urges close supervision of children, warns against improvised flotation devices, and advises against swimming under the influence of alcohol, while the Municipality of Walvis Bay has deployed certified lifeguards at Independence Beach and temporarily opened Dolphin Park swimming pool during weekdays.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibia Statistics Agency conducted a baseline study of informal settlements across the country's 57 local authorities, finding more than 200,000 Namibians live in 419 informal settlements, with several hundred thousand more in townships. While micro and small enterprises in these areas contribute significantly to the informal economy, they face challenges including compliance requirements, limited workspace and restricted access to services, while gambling establishments and cash loan outlets pose growing social and financial risks.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Capricorn Foundation has expanded its support for Meerkat Learning's Teaching at the Right Level programme in Kunene, reaching 1,200 pupils and 200 teachers. Since 2024, the foundation has invested N$798,000 to strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy, with results showing dramatic improvements including innumeracy dropping from 75% to 21% at one school.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The High Commission of India in Windhoek has opened applications for the ICCR India–Africa Maitri Scholarship Scheme, offering fully funded undergraduate, postgraduate, and research-level study opportunities in India for the 2026–2027 academic year, with applications closing on 15 April 2026. The scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, and airfare, with applicants required to demonstrate English proficiency and meet eligibility criteria including age limits and health documentation.
13 March 2026 · Informanté →
The Oshana Regional Youth Forum is running a three-day nail technology training course in Okaku village, with eight young people from the constituency receiving practical skills and start-up kits to launch small-scale nail care businesses. The training is funded through the National Youth Council's Youth Development Fund, which allocates N$25,000 to each constituency.
13 March 2026 · Informanté →
A 15-year-old Grade 9 student named Tessa Naweses disappeared from her home in Swakopmund's Mondesa area on 9 March 2026 at around 19:00. She has not attended school since and has not been located despite contact with friends and family.
13 March 2026 · Informanté →
Four of five awaiting-trial inmates who escaped from police holding cells in Ongwediva on 18 February have been rearrested and appeared in court on charges of escaping lawful custody. Martin Pohamba Kabila, facing a rape charge, remains at large and police are seeking public assistance to locate him.
13 March 2026 · Informanté →
The Government Institutions Pension Fund is pursuing High Court action to freeze the pension funds of two former employees, Matin Eugen Smith and Vabiola Aoses, accused of embezzling N$18.6 million by altering banking details of inactive beneficiaries and channeling funds into over 50 accounts. GIPF estimates it may recover about N$8 million combined with a forfeiture order already obtained and an interdict to seize the employees' pension benefits totaling N$1.4 million.
13 March 2026 · Informanté →
A New Era columnist argues that cultural messaging treating severe menstrual pain as normal prevents girls from seeking medical investigation for conditions like endometriosis, which affects roughly one in ten women globally, and calls for open conversations about women's health during Women's Month.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has confirmed that there are currently no unclaimed bodies in state mortuaries across Namibia, with all bodies either claimed or within legally required holding periods. This marks a turnaround from 2023, when Windhoek Central Hospital mortuary held over 200 unclaimed bodies, including infants and unidentified adults.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
Residents and businesses in Ongwediva complained at a town council meeting about dark streets creating safety risks, crumbling infrastructure, and slow service delivery, while Nored confirmed streetlight bulb shortages of two weeks but said stocks have been replenished and repairs will soon resume.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
An 18-year-old suspect was arrested in connection with the murder of 57-year-old Petronella Sabatha, a former Karundu Primary School employee, who was killed with an axe and knife at her home in Otjiwarongo on Monday. The suspect, who was known to the deceased, was apprehended on Monday night after sustaining injuries during the incident and has been scheduled to appear in court this week.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
Andrea Feris, 46, was denied bail after appearing in Katutura Magistrate's Court on a charge of fatally stabbing her brother-in-law, 40-year-old Abré Maasdorp, and injuring her husband, 45-year-old Granville Maasdorp, in an altercation at their Elisenheim home on Sunday. The magistrate cited the seriousness of the offence, public interest, and pending witness statements in denying bail; the case was postponed to 4 June 2026 for further investigation.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
The Namibia University of Science and Technology has confirmed the appointment of Nashilongo Gervasius as Director of Corporate Engagement and Internationalisation, a position she has held in an acting capacity since July 2024. Her role encompasses corporate engagement with industry and government, international partnerships, corporate communications, marketing and branding.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
The Namibia National Students Organisation completed its Access to Education and Fix My School Campaign in Kunene region, visiting multiple schools to assess learning conditions. The campaign found positive teaching efforts at some schools but also identified critical challenges including lack of basic teaching materials, temporary tent classrooms, and learners sleeping in classrooms due to absent hostel facilities, with findings to be submitted to the Ministry of Education.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
The Namibian Police Force honoured 17 officers who died in the line of duty between 2020 and the present during an Interpol Blue Day ceremony, with most deaths resulting from motor vehicle accidents, particularly among VIP Directorate members. Safety and security minister Lucia Iipumbu highlighted the need for improved working conditions, mental health support, and enhanced training to address road safety risks and other challenges facing law enforcement.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
Muuaupi Kavari, Senior Private Secretary to Omaheke's governor, discusses her path from three years of voluntary service to her current administrative role coordinating the governor's office. She emphasizes the importance of public service for community development and defends civil servants against criticism of ineffectiveness.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
Health Minister Dr Esperance Luvindao has instructed newly appointed members of the Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council to declare any commercial interests in the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry within three months, emphasising transparency and conflict-of-interest prevention. Failure to disclose conflicts can render council proceedings invalid or result in criminal penalties of up to N$8,000 in fines or two years' imprisonment.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
Composer Galilei Njembo says limited government funding and ministry restructuring have reduced support for arts and culture, and calls for increased budgets, expanded arts education in schools, and stronger platforms to develop artists and creatives locally.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
Robyn Nakaambo, a communication specialist and former radio personality, has launched a monthly podcast called "Candid Conversations with Robyn" featuring interviews with industry experts sharing inspirational stories and career lessons. The 30-45 minute episodes, released the first week of each month, aim to encourage listeners to pursue their goals by addressing issues and offering solutions through local professionals' experiences.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
Namibia's Namibian Theatre and Film Awards are being revived this weekend after pausing since 2019 due to Covid-19 disruptions, with new categories including dance and web series to reflect the sector's growing diversity. The revival coincides with growth in local film production, with 64 Namibian films submitted to Film Week 2026, and includes industry workshops to develop filmmakers' business and technical skills.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored his 127th consecutive 20-point game, breaking Wilt Chamberlain's 63-year-old NBA record, as the Thunder defeated Boston 104-102. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points with nine assists in the victory.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Bayer Leverkusen, the 2023-24 double winners, host Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich on Saturday while sitting sixth domestically after winning just two of their past six league matches, threatening their Champions League qualification hopes despite strong European performances.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Arsenal moves closer to their first Premier League title in 22 years with a seven-point lead over Manchester City, while struggling Tottenham face Liverpool fighting relegation after winning just once in their last 11 league matches. Manchester United and Aston Villa clash for crucial Champions League qualification places as the weekend's fixtures could significantly reshape the season's outcome.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's sport calendar is filled with Namibia Premier Football League matches nearing conclusion with crucial title and relegation battles, 50-over cricket semifinals and final, and matches in indoor hockey and volleyball across multiple venues throughout the country.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Liezel Garbers, a former TransNamib Netball Club and Namibian national team goal-attack, recalled her international netball career, including representing Namibia at the 1995 Netball World Cup in Birmingham where she was the team's top scorer. Now coaching at Windhoek Gymnasium for 17 years and organising the Capricorn Schools Netball Super League, Garbers has raised four daughters and advises young players to use their God-given talent to the best of their ability.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibia Boxing National Championship kicks off in Keetmanshoop, with more than 150 boxers from all 14 regions competing to qualify for the Commonwealth Games and World Games. Erongo Region has won the title for the past seven years, but other regions are preparing to challenge for the championship.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The MTC Volleyball National League kicks off this weekend in Otjiwarongo with both men's and women's competitions featuring new teams and squads. Federation CEO Festus Hamukwaya credits MTC's partnership with driving volleyball's growth and notes the league serves as a pathway for national team development.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Key matches in Rundu and Walvis Bay this weekend will be decisive for teams fighting relegation, including Rundu Chiefs, Young African, Tigers, and Life Fighters. The title race remains tight at the top, with just four points separating the leading three teams.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's Golden Oldies football club, a team of former players in their 60s and 70s, has accepted an invitation from South Africa's Safa ZF Mqcawu to play friendly matches in Upington on 27 March, following successful regional tours to Botswana and within Namibia in 2024.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Netball Namibia has appointed Jessica Gaomuses as its substantive secretary general and chief executive on a one-year contract. Federation president Juanitha Witbeen said the appointment marks a significant step toward professionalising the sport and strengthening governance.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Kavango West region, runners-up in last year's Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup final, are preparing to win the tournament this year with most of their experienced squad intact and the same technical team that won the title in 2023. The team will enter camp this week ahead of the tournament in ||Kharas, aiming to improve on last year's performance and build on their 2023 championship victory.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Ollie Watkins scored his first goal in eight games to give Aston Villa a 1-0 win against Lille in the Europa League last-16 first leg, putting the English club on course for the quarter-finals ahead of the second leg at Villa Park on March 19.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Swedish pole vaulter Armand Duplantis broke the world record for the 15th time at the Duplantis meet in Uppsala, clearing 6.31 meters on his first attempt. The 26-year-old, who has set four world records in 2025, surpassed his previous record of 6.28m set in Stockholm last June.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibian Navy has opened the SADC Naval Pentathlon Games in Walvis Bay from 9–13 March 2026, bringing sailors from Namibia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa and Tanzania to compete in five maritime and athletic disciplines including seamanship, obstacle crossing, lifesaving swimming, amphibious cross-country racing and utility swimming.
13 March 2026 · Informanté →
The Public Enterprises CEOs' Forum announced that Rundu, Kavango East, will host the 2026 SOEs Games, an event expected to bring around 4,500 people to the region for five to six days and boost the local economy through tourism spending. Officials said the games promote fitness, teamwork and networking among public sector employees, and will celebrate the contributions of public enterprises in the financial and research sectors.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
Jerimi Zimmer has taken over as head coach of Khomas Nampol from Fortune Eichab as the police side seek to improve their position in the Namibia Premier Football League with six matches remaining. Zimmer plans to focus on organisation, discipline, confidence-building, and tactical clarity to help the team finish the season strongly from their current 11th place position.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
Netball Namibia has appointed Jessica Gaomuses as secretary general and CEO to strengthen governance and accelerate the sport's growth and professionalisation. She will oversee strategic direction, operations, and financial stewardship while working to expand opportunities for athletes, coaches, and administrators.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
The 2026 MTC Volleyball National League begins this Saturday in Otjiwarongo, featuring eight teams in each men's and women's category and seven rounds hosted across multiple regions. Defending men's champions Namibia Correctional Service aim for a third consecutive title, while the league welcomes new teams from Kavango East and introduces Gobabis as a new host town.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
Athletic clubs from Omaheke's seven constituencies are converging in Gobabis for the Regional Athletic Championship, with zones reporting hundreds of qualified athletes and strong prospects for national selection. The event runs Friday and Saturday at Legare Sports Stadium, with logistics in place and sponsorship support announced.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
The Namibia Indoor Hockey League continues this weekend with six men's and five women's teams competing at the highest levels, running through May 7, 2026. Defending champions Saints 1 face Windhoek Old Boys in a key matchup as the league builds toward the title race.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
Rehoboth Town Council marked the groundbreaking of a new N$5 million sports facility on a 10-hectare site in Block H, which will accommodate six sports codes and create approximately 45 local jobs. The project has been welcomed as long-awaited community development, though some residents raised concerns about the location near a cemetery and questioned why it is being built while an older partially constructed stadium remains unused.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
A tribute to Bobby, a legendary defender from Walvis Bay who played for multiple clubs including Namib Woestyn and Blue Waters, and became one of the first non-white athletes to cross the colour line in Apartheid South West Africa by joining Sparta United.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
The Khomas Netball League begins play this weekend across three divisions at Wanderers Sports Grounds. The competition has introduced a new bonus point format awarding four points for a win, two for a draw, and bonus points for narrow losses or high-scoring matches to increase competitiveness and attacking play.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
SASSCAL's Namibia Programme Coordinator emphasised that Namibia's wetlands—including Etosha Pan, the Cuvelai-Etosha Basin, and river systems—are critical for agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and water supply, and require protection as they face threats in the dry country. He noted that wetland protection is both an environmental and climate adaptation responsibility, and highlighted SASSCAL's WeMAST monitoring initiative while calling for inclusive science and stronger community and women's voices in water governance.
13 March 2026 · Informanté →
A Zimbabwe court recently secured the world's first conviction of poachers using DNA evidence from an individual lion, demonstrating how genetic analysis can link seized animal parts to specific victims and suspects. Namibia actively uses DNA profiling for wildlife conservation, particularly for rhinos, as part of regional efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking through forensic evidence admissible in court.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
Recent flash floods in Sibbinda, Zambezi have forced hippos, elephants, and lions to roam through villages searching for dry ground and food, endangering residents, destroying crops, and killing livestock. Community members are calling for stronger wildlife management and a review of crop damage compensation policies.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
Namibia's environment and tourism ministry will inaugurate new light infrastructure, a solid waste management facility, and Wildlife Protection Service duty stations at Etosha National Park on 28 March. The improvements aim to strengthen ranger patrols against poaching, improve wildlife monitoring, and manage visitor waste to protect animals and the park's natural environment.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
Tourism stakeholders in Erongo have called for improved inter-ministerial coordination in tourism concessions and stronger policy structures as the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism reviews the National Tourism Policy. The revised policy aims to reflect emerging global trends and local realities, with emphasis on sustainability, digitalisation, and improved data management.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
Namibia's minister of international relations and trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi called for closer African collaboration at Ghana's 69th independence anniversary celebrations in Windhoek, emphasizing the importance of expanding economic cooperation through the African Continental Free Trade Area to unlock the continent's potential.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The US is moving parts of its Thaad anti-missile system from South Korea to the Middle East amid the Israel-Iran conflict, reportedly to bolster defences as Iranian strikes strain weapons inventory. The redeployment has prompted South Korea's president to publicly oppose the move, citing concerns for Seoul's deterrence capability, while China reiterated its longstanding opposition to Thaad's presence in the region.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Major general Richard Shibiri, the SAPS head of organised crime, testified at the Madlanga Commission about how criminal syndicates infiltrate police, but now faces damning allegations that he himself accepted a R70,000 loan from an organised crime accused in September 2024. The case underscores widespread institutional compromise and systemic vulnerabilities in South Africa's criminal justice system.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Conservationist Fred Daniel won a R306-million damages award against South Africa's government in September 2025 for state-sponsored persecution, but the office of the state attorney delayed paying his R700,000 in taxed costs for six months until asset seizure was threatened. The government has announced an appeal against the judgment despite the defendant agency stating it cannot afford the legal fees.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Senegal's parliament has approved legislation that doubles the maximum prison sentence to 10 years for same-sex sexual acts and criminalises the "promotion" of homosexuality. UN human rights officials and rights groups have warned the move could worsen discrimination and violence against sexual minorities, and could undermine the country's efforts to control HIV transmission.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The High Seas Treaty, which establishes the first-ever framework to create marine-protected areas on the high seas covering nearly two-thirds of the ocean, has come into force. Malawi became the first landlocked country to ratify the treaty in February 2025, emphasizing that ocean stewardship belongs to all countries regardless of proximity to the sea, as healthy oceans are essential for global food security, climate stability, and carbon absorption.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Israeli bombing of Iranian oil infrastructure near Tehran has triggered immediate health concerns and long-term environmental damage, with experts warning of contaminated water and soil, acid rain, and respiratory hazards from toxic smoke and particulates. Tehran residents have already reported breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and throat burning from black rain containing soot and oil particles.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani has taken on the role of Chairperson of the Council of Ministers of SASSCAL, the Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management. She pledged to advance regional expansion, encourage dialogue among member states, advocate for treaty ratification, and secure financial obligations and ongoing support from Germany.
13 March 2026 · Informanté →
Ricardo Rodrigues, master of the Angolan-flagged vessel Lucimar, was convicted in Walvis Bay Regional Court of harvesting marine resources without a valid licence in Namibian waters during December 2023, and sentenced to a fine of N$650,000. The court rejected his claim that the vessel drifted into Namibian waters, noting evidence including frozen Namibian fish species, wet nets with fresh fish, and the vessel's disabled navigation plotter.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
Namibia's International Relations Minister has strongly condemned recent military strikes against Iran by the United States and Israel as violations of international law and the UN Charter. The minister stressed Namibia's commitment to diplomacy and multilateral cooperation, and warned that escalating geopolitical tensions and competition for African resources pose economic risks including rising oil prices and trade disruption.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
A New Era columnist argues that Namibian society engages in "performative" responses to serious health issues like pornography and alcohol addiction without addressing root causes, and calls for more honest, holistic approaches to mental health rather than surface-level awareness campaigns.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
An opinion piece argues that while land provision is important, allocating plots does not automatically produce development; the real challenge lies in managing land after allocation and ensuring it translates into actual construction and economic activity, particularly in smaller settlements where basic service provision must be paired with strategies for long-term growth.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
An opinion piece argues that while Namibia's independence delivered political freedom to the generation that fought for it, young Namibians born after 1990 measure independence through economic opportunity, quality education, and global competitiveness. The article contends that with persistent youth unemployment and limited innovation ecosystems, Namibia must shift focus to entrepreneurship, education reform, technology infrastructure, and mentorship to enable the born-free generation to achieve economic empowerment and global competitiveness.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
An opinion piece argues that while Namibia's 2025 exam results show improvement, systemic educational gaps persist because learners lack foundational skills. The author, a U.S. Fulbright Scholar at UNAM, contends that formative assessment embedded in teaching—combined with investment in early childhood education—is more effective than summative exams alone at closing achievement gaps.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
New Era editorial criticizes the government's plan to shift civil servants from private medical aid to the public health system, launching April 1st, saying that while the policy aim is sound, the Ministry of Health has failed to communicate implementation details—such as how facilities will handle 170,000 additional patients, whether separate units will be created, and how pharmacy access will work. The piece warns that without clear planning and transparency, the already strained public system risks being overwhelmed, and urges the ministry to provide reassurance before the transition takes effect.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
An opinion piece argues that while strengthening Namibia's public healthcare system is necessary, proposals to redirect medical aid scheme members to public facilities risk overloading already-strained services and unfairly disadvantage those paying regular contributions. The author contends that healthcare reform should first expand public infrastructure and capacity before restricting private healthcare access.
13 March 2026 · New Era →