Namibia Minute.
Saturday, 14 March 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Saturday, 14 March 2026
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Archive Minute from Saturday, 14 March 2026
Politics

Minister reverses Uukolonkadhi chief approval, orders investigation

The News

Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa approved one chieftaincy claimant as chief in January but reversed course within weeks, withdrawing his letter and ordering an investigation into the disputed succession following the death of the previous chief in October 2024. The dispute centers on competing claims from two nephews, Malakia Shoombe and Johannes Asino, with the attorney general's office indicating the minister did not follow proper legal procedures under the Traditional Authorities Act.

14 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Politics

  1. Minister reverses Uukolonkadhi chief approval, orders investigation

    Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa approved one chieftaincy claimant as chief in January but reversed course within weeks, withdrawing his letter and ordering an investigation into the disputed succession following the death of the previous chief in October 2024. The dispute centers on competing claims from two nephews, Malakia Shoombe and Johannes Asino, with the attorney general's office indicating the minister did not follow proper legal procedures under the Traditional Authorities Act.

    14 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. IPC lawmaker challenges Nathaniel-Koch tribunal nomination

    Independent Patriots for Change lawmaker Rodney Cloete has challenged Namibia Tourism Board vice chairperson Rachel Nathaniel-Koch's nomination as Lands Tribunal board chairperson, citing alleged financial misconduct including N$3.4 million in excessive travel expenses and her previous removal from the Transportation Commission. Cloete raised questions with the agriculture minister about whether she is fit for the position and demanded a full vetting report; Nathaniel-Koch responded that she was unaware of the nomination and is willing to respond once the matter is clarified with her.

    14 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. NEFF sues ECN for damages over 2024 election deregistration

    The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters is seeking N$6.7 million in damages from the Electoral Commission of Namibia over its deregistration ahead of the 2024 elections, claiming the unlawful move damaged its public reputation and cost it parliamentary seats. The party was deregistered for allegedly failing to publish financial reports but successfully challenged the decision in the High Court, though the legal victory came too late to allow effective campaigning.

    14 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Ministry requires public servants declare outside work for approval

    The Ministry of Education clarified that public servants may engage in lawful outside work but must declare and obtain written approval to avoid conflicts of interest and protect service delivery. The clarification followed confusion after an Omusati Education Directorate notice, and applies regulations under the Public Service Act requiring all public servants to declare remunerative activities outside their official duties.

    14 March 2026 · Informanté →

Business

  1. Fimanekeni Mbodo appointed equity analyst at Cirrus Capital

    Fimanekeni Mbodo has been appointed as an equity analyst at Cirrus Capital. The entrepreneur, who has been running a business in Namibia for five years, says the country needs skilled financiers to deploy capital alongside entrepreneurs who create value and jobs.

    14 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Otesa Civil Engineering appoints Marius Burger as CFO

    Otesa Civil Engineering has appointed Marius Burger as chief financial officer effective 2 March, citing his experience in financial restructuring, operational efficiency and profitability improvement. The company says the appointment reflects its commitment to strong financial governance and sustainable value creation.

    14 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Namibia's Investment Bill Must Balance Foreign Capital and Local Benefit

    As Namibia finalises its investment promotion and facilitation bill in 2026, the government faces a balancing act: attracting global investors while ensuring meaningful economic participation for Namibians. The new law should use performance-based incentives to encourage value creation and job growth in strategic sectors like critical minerals and renewable energy, while maintaining policy clarity and ease of doing business to sustain investor confidence.

    14 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Namibia's inflation reaches lowest level since 2020

    Namibia recorded an annual inflation rate of 2.4% in February, its lowest since December 2020, driven by low food inflation and recent fuel price cuts that pushed the petrol/diesel CPI item into deflation. However, rising oil prices pose risks to inflation ahead, with potential April fuel increases of 200c/litre projected to add around 0.5 percentage points to headline inflation.

    14 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Roads Authority resumes Hong Kong vehicle registration after fraud delay

    The Roads Authority has resumed accepting applications for registration of motor vehicles imported from Hong Kong at all Natis offices, following a temporary suspension due to fraudulent misrepresentation of vehicle ages. Applicants must comply with regulatory requirements and submit all necessary supporting documents to avoid processing delays.

    14 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Mining & Energy

  1. Ghana seeks oil partnership and investment opportunities with Namibia

    Ghana's ambassador to Namibia says Ghanaian businesspeople are interested in investing in Namibian oil projects, and that Ghana views Namibia's oil discoveries as exciting for the continent. The ambassador also urged African nations to unite economically and consider alternatives to hydrocarbon industries amid global oil price volatility.

    14 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Mining sector's corporate tax contributions rise to N$5 billion

    Namibia's non-diamond mining sector contributed N$4.4 billion in corporate income tax in 2025/26, up 54% from the prior year, driven by strong gold performance and improved commodity prices, though diamond mining tax receipts fell significantly by 69% to N$74.3 million. Overall mining sector revenues to the state, including export levies and royalties, totalled more than N$5 billion, with uranium and base metals supporting export earnings despite sustained pressure on the diamond market.

    14 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Rural water infrastructure maintenance key to community resilience

    Namibia's rural boreholes are critical but often overlooked infrastructure; while the country has invested in expanding water access, long-term maintenance and operational reliability—not just construction—are essential to ensuring these systems continue serving communities effectively.

    14 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibian rangeland expert says agro-forestry unsuitable locally

    Rangeland expert Axel Rothauge argues that agro-forestry is not suited to Namibia's semi-arid climate, citing competition between woody plants and crops for soil moisture and failed trials at the University of Namibia's Ogongo Agricultural College. However, other African agricultural experts advocate for agro-forestry and drought-resistant crops as climate adaptation strategies.

    14 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Livestock board offers 15% subsidy on LSD vaccines

    The Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia is offering cattle producers a 15% subsidy on approved Lumpy Skin Disease vaccines, available on a first-come, first-served basis since 1 February 2026. Registered producers must purchase approved vaccines, obtain vaccination certificates from the Directorate of Veterinary Services, and submit claims with original receipts and bank confirmation letters, with applications limited to 350 doses per producer per subsidy period.

    14 March 2026 · Informanté →

Society

  1. Oshikoto woman arrested for exploiting underage domestic worker

    A 62-year-old pensioner from Oshikoto region was arrested for allegedly employing a 16-year-old Angolan girl as a domestic worker, failing to feed her, assaulting her with a stick, and promising unpaid wages. The victim received treatment at a health centre and hospital, and the suspect faces charges including assault, child protection and labour law violations, and human trafficking offences.

    14 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Windhoek plans over 11,000 erven to formalise informal settlements

    The City of Windhoek plans to formalise informal settlements by creating approximately 11,226 erven, with 3,587 in the first phase. The city is fast-tracking land-use planning, completing environmental assessments, and launching an electrification project to expand basic services in informal areas within one to two months.

    14 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Police arrest mother of newborn abandoned at church in Ohangwena

    Police arrested a 36-year-old woman accused of abandoning her newborn son at a church in Omungwelume, Ohangwena region. The baby was found on Tuesday and is alive and healthy; the mother confessed after a medical examination and has been charged with baby dumping.

    14 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Editorial: Teachers' side hustles spark debate on pay adequacy

    An Omusati education directive restricting teachers from side businesses has reignited debate over public sector side hustles. The editorial notes that while such restrictions aim to prevent burnout, teachers argue inadequate pay necessitates supplementary income, calling for transparent regulations that address both conflicts of interest and performance without impacting livelihoods.

    14 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Zambezi residents urged to relocate as river levels surge

    The Zambezi River has reached 6.75 metres and continues rising, prompting the regional council chairperson to urge residents to immediately relocate to higher ground as villages, schools and clinics become inaccessible. The Office of the Prime Minister has provided emergency support including tents, food, and water tanks to affected households in the Kabbe South and Kabbe North constituencies.

    14 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Keetmanshoop gets N$7.3 million public dialysis unit

    Keetmanshoop District Hospital will house a new dialysis unit with five machines, allowing residents with chronic kidney failure to access treatment locally rather than travel to Windhoek. The facility, completed in late 2024, is part of a national strategy to decentralise healthcare services across multiple regions.

    14 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Health ministry clarifies Vision April 2026 directive scope

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services has clarified that Phase 1 of "Vision April 2026", beginning 1 April 2026, applies only to 294 senior government officials and not to teachers, nurses, police, or general civil servants. The directive aims to strengthen public healthcare, with designated facilities across the country prepared through infrastructure upgrades and equipment procurement worth N$239 million.

    14 March 2026 · Informanté →

  8. Health Minister appoints new Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council members

    The Minister of Health and Social Services has officially appointed new members to the Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council, tasking them with regulating medicines and related substances to ensure products reaching the public are safe, effective, and of high quality. The minister warned against attempts to compromise the Council's integrity through corruption or favouritism.

    14 March 2026 · Informanté →

  9. 40% of Namibian households lack basic toilet facilities

    Deputy Minister Ruth Masake says sanitation remains a national crisis despite progress in water access, with about 40% of households lacking toilets and often practising open defecation. She noted that 91.4% of Namibians now have access to safe drinking water, but called for increased investment and coordinated efforts to address sanitation challenges and gender disparities in water access.

    14 March 2026 · Informanté →

  10. Ministry warns private schools IEB certificates unrecognised in Namibia

    The Ministry of Education has issued an urgent directive requiring private schools offering the IEB curriculum to register Grade 12 learners with recognised examining bodies, as the IEB International Secondary Certificate is not recognised by the Namibia Qualifications Authority and learners risk denial of university admission.

    14 March 2026 · Informanté →

  11. Mariental Municipality employees demand salary increase

    Staff at Mariental Municipality protested against being excluded from a recent government pay increment for civil servants, demanding a 3% salary increase. Union leaders warned they would escalate the matter to the Labour Commissioner if the municipality does not address their concerns within seven working days.

    14 March 2026 · Informanté →

  12. Zambezi River levels remain dangerously high, flood alert issued

    The Zambezi River at Katima Mulilo reached 6.75 metres on 12 March 2026, significantly higher than the same date in previous years, with water overflowing banks into eastern floodplains. Namibia's Hydrological Services urged communities to remain on high alert and activate flood preparedness measures across multiple flood-prone regions.

    14 March 2026 · Informanté →

Culture

  1. Government backs Namibian film industry with increased funding

    The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology reaffirmed government support for Namibia's creative sector at Film Week 2026, highlighting film as a driver of economic growth and cultural expression. The Namibia Film Commission's budget has increased from N$2 million to N$8 million annually, with plans to establish a N$50 million Creative Fund.

    14 March 2026 · Informanté →

Sport

  1. George Russell wins Formula One sprint race at Chinese Grand Prix

    Mercedes driver George Russell won the sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix on Saturday, with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc second and Lewis Hamilton third. The 19-lap dash featured a late safety car, multiple lead changes, and pit stops as drivers switched to fresh tyres.

    14 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Sabalenka and Rybakina set for Indian Wells final rematch

    Aryna Sabalenka defeated Linda Noskova 6-3, 6-4, and Elena Rybakina beat Elina Svitolina 7-5, 6-4, to meet in the Indian Wells title match for a rematch of their Australian Open final.

    14 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Alcaraz's unbeaten streak faces Medvedev test at Indian Wells

    World number one Carlos Alcaraz, unbeaten in 16 matches this season and seeded to defend his Indian Wells title, faces an eighth-match winning streak from Daniil Medvedev in Saturday's semi-final. Meanwhile, world number two Jannik Sinner, also undefeated in sets this tournament, takes on fourth-ranked Alexander Zverev in the other semi-final.

    14 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Sundowns beat Stade Malien 3–0 in CAF Champions League

    Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa built a 3–0 first-leg lead over Mali's Stade Malien in a CAF Champions League quarter-final on Friday, with VAR overturning two offside decisions to allow goals by Khuliso Mudau and Iqraam Rayners. The return match is scheduled for March 22 in Bamako.

    14 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. France seek Six Nations title in England finale

    France's reigning Six Nations champions remain in pole position to retain the title despite losing their Grand Slam hopes to Scotland, with head coach Fabien Galthie saying a bonus-point victory over England on Saturday would almost certainly secure the championship.

    14 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Russell takes pole for China Grand Prix sprint qualifying

    George Russell secured pole position for the Chinese Grand Prix sprint race on Friday, leading a Mercedes one-two ahead of teammate Kimi Antonelli, with world champion Lando Norris third. Russell said the Mercedes car has been "amazing" to drive, building on his championship lead after winning the season-opening race in Australia.

    14 March 2026 · The Namibian →

World & Region

  1. Namibia, Norway discuss bilateral ties and oil-gas cooperation

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah received a delegation from the Royal Norwegian Embassy to discuss strengthening cooperation on global economic developments and opportunities in Namibia's emerging oil and gas sector, with focus on responsible natural resource management for sustainable development.

    14 March 2026 · Informanté →

Opinion

  1. Namibia needs dedicated constitutional court to protect minority rights

    An opinion piece argues that Namibia should establish a specialised constitutional court to safeguard fundamental rights against majoritarian pressure, citing concerns that the current Supreme Court system has allowed laws contradicting equality protections—such as the 2024 Marriage Act—and left minorities vulnerable on issues including LGBTQI+ rights.

    14 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Windhoek should lower overly high speed humps, resident says

    A Windhoek resident argues that the city's speed humps are unnecessarily tall and damage vehicle suspensions, and recommends instead using kerb-height humps with smart spacing to calm traffic safely and reduce wasteful over-engineering.

    14 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Minister must explain halt to information commissioner recruitment

    The Namibian editorializes that Information Minister Emma Theofelus should publicly explain her decision to halt recruitment of an information commissioner required under the 2022 Access to Information Act. The editorial argues the office is essential to ensure all Namibians can access government information and hold institutions accountable.

    14 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Born-free generation faces economic challenges despite political freedom

    While Namibia's independence has created educational and technological opportunities for the post-1990 generation, young people measure freedom through economic opportunity rather than political sovereignty and face persistent unemployment and inequality. The coming decade requires shifts in entrepreneurship support, education, technology infrastructure, and mentorship to empower youth toward economic empowerment and innovation.

    14 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Opinion: Place Mungunda statue where Francois statue fell

    Two Namibian thought leaders argue that a statue of Anna Kakurukaze Mungunda, who died resisting forced removals in Windhoek in 1959, should replace the removed statue of colonial founder Curt von Francois. They contend this would honour resistance history and build a more inclusive national narrative without erasing the past.

    14 March 2026 · The Namibian →

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