Namibia Minute.
Sunday, 15 March 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Sunday, 15 March 2026
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Archive Minute from Sunday, 15 March 2026
Politics

New book examines Ailonga couple's faith during liberation struggle

The News

A new ethnographic biography recounts how Salatiel Ailonga, a Swapo chaplain, and his Finnish wife Anita spoke out against human rights violations within the anti-colonial resistance movement, providing shelter for victims and facing exile and social isolation for their moral stand. The book, launched in Helsinki in October 2025, explores the intersection of Christian faith and liberation in Namibian independence history, with the Ailongas' story serving as a reminder of the suppressed human costs of the struggle.

15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Politics

  1. New book examines Ailonga couple's faith during liberation struggle

    A new ethnographic biography recounts how Salatiel Ailonga, a Swapo chaplain, and his Finnish wife Anita spoke out against human rights violations within the anti-colonial resistance movement, providing shelter for victims and facing exile and social isolation for their moral stand. The book, launched in Helsinki in October 2025, explores the intersection of Christian faith and liberation in Namibian independence history, with the Ailongas' story serving as a reminder of the suppressed human costs of the struggle.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Parliament must ensure oversight delivers results, not reports—Kuugongelwa-Amadhila

    National Assembly Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila told parliament's women caucus that parliamentary oversight must produce concrete results and implementation, not merely reports that "gather dust." She urged lawmakers to apply a gender lens to all legislation, policies, and budgets, and to ensure follow-through on recommendations through progress reporting and action on shortfalls.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. President meets AR opposition party for national consultations

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah held consultations with the Affirmative Repositioning Movement at State House, part of her broader engagement with opposition parties on matters including economic development, governance, and institutional accountability. Both the President and AR leader Job Shipululo Amupanda characterised the dialogue as constructive and focused on strengthening governance and national progress.

    15 March 2026 · Informanté →

Business

  1. Maryke van Lill appointed managing director of O&L Leisure

    O&L Leisure has appointed Maryke van Lill as managing director, effective 1 March, following more than 15 years of experience in marketing, brand strategy and client leadership. Van Lill, who previously served as general manager of marketing for the hospitality division, will join the O&L Group executive team and lead the business's strategic direction focused on sustainable growth and premium brand positioning.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. German motorcycle brand Baierkraft chooses Namibia as African assembly hub

    Baierkraft, a German motorcycle manufacturer, has selected Namibia as its primary assembly facility for producing motorcycles designed for African emerging markets. The company expects to produce its first pre-series ORYX 300 model in August 2026 and anticipates employing over 200 Namibians by 2027, leveraging the country's climate advantages, landscape, logistics infrastructure, and port access for regional distribution.

    15 March 2026 · Informanté →

  3. NamPower seeks 8.4% tariff increase for 2026/27 financial year

    The Namibia Power Corporation has submitted a bulk tariff application of 8.4%, raising the average tariff from 206.11 c/kWh to 223.40 c/kWh. The Electricity Control Board noted that while cost-reflectivity would require a 30.4% increase, NamPower has opted for a measured approach to balance tariff cost-reflectivity with affordability.

    15 March 2026 · Informanté →

  4. Namibia seeks to boost Russian exports amid trade imbalance

    Namibia exported USD 13 million in goods to Russia in 2024 while importing USD 39.5 million, prompting the government to launch a business forum aimed at expanding Namibian exports and deepening economic partnerships in agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and other priority sectors.

    15 March 2026 · Informanté →

Mining & Energy

  1. Namra warns all mineral, petroleum licence transfers taxable

    Namibia's Revenue Agency has warned that mineral and petroleum licence transfers are subject to Namibian tax even when conducted abroad, with only 5% of companies currently complying. A tax amnesty expires in October, but industry representatives have raised concerns that the current tax regime discourages investment.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Gibeon vocational centre plans invasive prosopis tree removal initiative

    The Johanna Jacobs Vocational Training Centre at Gibeon is proposing a biodiversity and restoration programme to remove invasive prosopis (makarakasha) trees that consume large quantities of water and damage infrastructure. The centre plans to harvest timber for productive use and introduce fish farming and superfruit orchards to transform the area into an agricultural hub.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Society

  1. One Economy Foundation trains 90 rural youth in entrepreneurship skills

    The One Economy Foundation equipped 90 young people in Groot Aub, Rehoboth, and Okahandja with entrepreneurship training and starter kits through its #EmpowerToEarn initiative, in partnership with FirstRand Namibia Foundation Trust. The two-day workshops, held between February and March, covered business set-up, financial literacy, and practical training in catering, hairdressing, and agriculture—areas identified through consultation with over 450 young people as having strong income-earning potential.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Omuthiya residents voice service delivery grievances at council meeting

    Residents of Omuthiya raised concerns at a public meeting about the council's failure to fix broken streetlights, clear overgrown areas, clean the town, collect household waste, and address unsanitary conditions at the open market. The mayor said the council is working with the Northern Regional Electricity Distributor to fix the lights and will investigate the market conditions, while noting that waste collection depends on residents placing bins outside their yards on designated days.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Erongo police recruit taxi drivers as informants against drug trafficking

    Erongo police have asked taxi and bus operators to serve as informants and join the police reservist programme to combat drug trafficking in the region. Police seized drugs valued at N$2.5 million between October 2025 and February 2026, and warned drivers that they may face legal consequences if found transporting illegal items unknowingly.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Family of missing man demands answers after two months

    Beatus 'Tuna' Iiyambo went missing on 11 January after travelling to Windhoek for a job. His family has staged a demonstration demanding answers from police and the businessman who employed him, claiming discrepancies in accounts of his movements and noting his phone was last used on 11 January despite claims he called days later.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Political backlash over Chinese majority stake in desalination plant

    Opposition MPs and analysts have criticized the government's agreement to give China General Nuclear Power Group a 70% controlling stake in a N$3-billion coastal desalination plant while the state retains only 30%, raising concerns about water sovereignty and affordability for poor Namibians. NamWater and Swakop Uranium defended the joint venture structure as necessary to finance critical infrastructure while maintaining public sector participation.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Windhoek taxi driver arrested for bribing traffic officer

    A 40-year-old taxi driver was arrested in Windhoek's central business district for attempting to bribe a traffic officer to avoid a N$750 fine. Police urged motorists to refrain from bribery, warning that it undermines police performance.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Omuthiya councillor backs local market vendors with lunch initiative

    Regional councillor Erastus Nekomba treated public servants to lunch from local market vendors to raise awareness and support for small-scale traders' livelihoods. The Oshikoto regional council says the initiative will be repeated quarterly.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Two arrested in Katutura copper wire theft granted bail

    Two suspects arrested in Katutura with large quantities of suspected stolen copper wire have been granted bail of N$3 000 each by Katutura Magistrate's Court. Police warned that copper wire theft damages critical infrastructure and disrupt essential services, and cautioned that offenders will face consequences under the law.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. Deepfake video of Vice President used in online money scam

    A manipulated video falsely showing Vice President Lucia Witbooi promoting an online money-making scheme promising up to N$18,800 daily earnings is circulating on social media. Authorities warn the deepfake is a common scam tactic used to impersonate public figures and defraud people, and the public is urged to report suspicious content and verify information through official sources.

    15 March 2026 · Informanté →

  10. Otjihase Pump Station maintenance disrupts water in Brakwater

    NamWater has announced a scheduled maintenance shutdown of the Otjihase Pump Station on 19 March 2026 due to NamPower work on an electrical reticulation line, affecting some downstream customers in the Brakwater area; the City of Windhoek and major storage reservoirs will not be affected.

    15 March 2026 · Informanté →

  11. Prison service chief inspects irrigation system at Katima Mulilo facility

    The Commissioner-General of the Namibian Correctional Service visited Katima Mulilo Correctional Facility to assess progress on seven centre-pivot irrigation systems being installed on farmland in the Zambezi Region, with completion targeted for end of March or early April. He urged staff at the facility to prioritize teamwork and collaboration for organizational success.

    15 March 2026 · Informanté →

  12. 18-year-old learner arrested for stabbing classmate at Walvis Bay school

    An 18-year-old learner has been arrested after allegedly stabbing another learner in the neck at De Duine Secondary School in Narraville, Walvis Bay. The victim, who intervened in a fight, was treated at hospital and discharged, while the suspect faces attempted murder or assault charges at the Walvis Bay Magistrate's Court.

    15 March 2026 · Informanté →

Culture

  1. Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights softens dark source material

    A review of Emerald Fennell's film adaptation of Emily Brontë's *Wuthering Heights* finds it a bright, romance-focused interpretation that removes much of the novel's gothic and supernatural darkness, sanitises the morally complex characters (especially Heathcliff), and diverges significantly in tone and content from the book.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibian actress Masters calls for better pay, international support

    Diana Masters, who has appeared in local films and stage productions since childhood, says Namibian actors deserve fair rates and stronger support systems, including international exposure, collaborations, and training opportunities to raise standards and expand visibility of the country's film and theatre industries.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Sunny Boy reflects on music career, advises upcoming artists

    Namibian rapper and producer Sunny Boy, known for hits like "Balance" and "Summertime," discusses his journey from church choir singer to established artist, his creation of the hikwa genre blending hip-hop and kwaito, and upcoming album "The Kingdom of Yaziza." He encourages aspiring musicians to pursue their passion while ensuring music becomes central to their lives, and notes Namibian artists can compete internationally, citing TopCheri's recent award win in Rwanda.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Sport

  1. 19-year-old Antonelli wins maiden Formula One race in China

    Kimi Antonelli, the youngest pole-sitter in Formula One history, won his first grand prix in Shanghai, leading Mercedes to a one-two finish ahead of teammate George Russell. Both McLarens failed to start the race after separate technical issues.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Medvedev defeats Alcaraz, advances to Indian Wells final

    Daniil Medvedev ended Carlos Alcaraz's 16-match winning streak with a 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) victory to reach the Indian Wells final, where he will face Jannik Sinner, who defeated Alexander Zverev 6-2, 6-4.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. France win Six Nations with dramatic late penalty over England

    France retained the Six Nations title with a 48-46 victory over England, decided by a Thomas Ramos penalty kick after the final whistle. Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored four tries in a 13-try thriller in which the lead changed hands repeatedly.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Real Madrid beats Elche 4-1, closes gap on Barcelona

    Real Madrid defeated Elche 4-1 in La Liga on Saturday, with goals from Antonio Rudiger, Fede Valverde, Dean Huijsen, and Arda Guler. The victory moves Los Blancos within one point of Barcelona at the top of La Liga ahead of the Catalans' match against Sevilla.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Arsenal youth star Dowman scores in Premier League title push

    Max Dowman, 16, became the Premier League's youngest ever goalscorer as Arsenal defeated Everton 2-0 to extend their lead over Manchester City to nine points. City drew 1-1 with West Ham, continuing their recent struggles in the title race.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Inter's Serie A lead cut after draw with Atalanta

    Inter Milan drew 1–1 with Atalanta at home on Saturday after Nikola Krstovic's 82nd-minute equalizer, which Inter's coaching staff disputed, allowing AC Milan to close the gap in the title race. Napoli beat Lecce 2–1 with Scott McTominay returning from injury as a substitute.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Wales ends three-year Six Nations drought with Italy rout

    Wales defeated Italy 31-17 in Cardiff on Saturday to end a 15-match losing streak in the Six Nations, with the Welsh dominant in the first half, scoring four tries for a 31-0 lead before Italy rallied late in the match.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Bayern Munich holds nine-man draw against Bayer Leverkusen

    Bayern Munich drew 1-1 with Bayer Leverkusen despite being reduced to nine men after two red cards in a Bundesliga clash on Saturday. Second-placed Borussia Dortmund defeated Augsburg 2-0, moving nine points behind the reigning champions with eight games remaining.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. Godon wins chaotic Paris-Nice stage as weather disrupts race

    France's Dorian Godon won the shortened seventh stage of Paris-Nice after heavy snow and rain forced organisers to cut the planned route and alter the start. Two-time Tour de France winner Jonas Vingegaard maintains a commanding 3min 22sec lead heading into the final stage in Nice.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  10. Ireland defeats Scotland 43-21, keeps Six Nations title hopes

    Ireland beat Scotland 43-21 at Lansdowne Road on Saturday to keep their Six Nations title hopes alive and win the Triple Crown for the fourth time in five years. The victory, featuring six tries from the Irish, extended their winning streak against Scotland to 12 games and left them three points ahead of France in the title race.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  11. 597 students race in annual David Namwandi Trust Half Marathon

    High school pupils and university students from across Namibia participated in the 4th Annual David Namwandi Trust Half Marathon in Windhoek, which featured a 21km race for tertiary students and a 10km race for high school pupils aged 16 to 19. The event aims to give young athletes from all 14 regions an opportunity to showcase their long-distance running skills and promote discipline, physical fitness, confidence and mental endurance.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  12. Usakos multi-purpose sport facility construction begins under N$140m programme

    Construction of a multi-purpose sport facility in Usakos has begun as part of the government's N$140-million national sport infrastructure programme directed by the president to develop facilities across all 14 regions. The project will include a football pitch, athletics track, spectator seating and changing rooms, with completion expected to enable the town to host regional sporting tournaments and support youth development.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Opinion

  1. Kandorozu's parliamentary comedy routine falls flat with audience

    Vetaruhe Kandorozu delivered an impromptu stand-up comedy special on the parliamentary floor titled 'Namibia Does Not Look Like That', featuring a joke about deputy minister Dino Ballotti that drew silence rather than laughs. The Namibian's opinion piece critiques the failed routine and suggests Kandorozu misunderstands both comedy and Namibia's multicultural identity.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Omusati ban on teacher side businesses questioned

    An opinion piece argues that a directive from Omusati's education office banning teachers from running side businesses overlooks the economic hardship many educators face, with salaries insufficient to cover living costs. The author contends that such punitive measures risk demoralising teachers and suggests instead adopting balanced policies that formalise supplementary income opportunities or increase teacher salaries.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

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