Residents of Bukalo village in Zambezi region say few meaningful development goals have been achieved since independence, with limited government infrastructure beyond schools, clinics, and roads. Local leaders cite inadequate government funding, lack of security services deterring investors, and mismanagement during the transition to village council status as major obstacles to progress.
20 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Public servants and teachers plan to demonstrate on Friday against a 100% increase in Public Service Medical Aid Scheme contributions and a directive requiring treatment at public hospitals, calling it an Economic National Day of Action. The Teachers Union of Namibia says the presidential directive was implemented without consultation and violates basic employment conditions, though the education ministry has ordered schools to remain fully operational with staff attendance recorded.
20 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Minister Ericah Shafudah's 2026/27 budget prioritises fiscal consolidation to narrow the deficit from 6.6% to 5.5% of GDP, which has implications for pensioners through inflation control (projected at 3.5%), interest rates set at 6.5%, and improved payment systems for benefits. The budget contains no explicit changes to pension taxation or retirement fund reforms, suggesting policy continuity but leaving structural issues like coverage and adequacy for future intervention.
20 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Swapo has filed an urgent application in the Windhoek High Court to evict about 50 people who have been camping at the party's national headquarters since October 2024, demanding clarity on alleged UN funds for repatriated exiled Namibians in 1989. The hearing is scheduled for 27 March after the court gave respondents time to obtain legal representation.
20 March 2026 · The Namibian →
President Nandi-Ndaitwah's "no business as usual" approach is being felt as Namibians prepare for the 36th Independence anniversary, with celebrations now decentralized to all 14 regions for the first time. Police are conducting operations in regions including Oshana and Omusati to prevent crime and crack down on dangerous driving through roadblocks and licensing checks.
20 March 2026 · Informanté →
Magistrate Olga Maharukua postponed the fraud, money laundering, and corruption trial involving the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia to 21 April 2026 for a Section 119 plea hearing. The state prosecutor requested additional time to complete investigations, amend charges, and resolve tax evasion issues with NamRA, though defence lawyers opposed the postponement, arguing investigations should have been finalised at a previous remand.
20 March 2026 · Informanté →
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has urged financial institutions to protect homeowners from repossession even after decades of payments, calling for a national dialogue to find fair solutions that prioritise "humanity over profit". He also questioned why housing loans span decades compared to vehicle loans and highlighted Namibia's severe housing crisis, with a backlog of over 300,000 houses.
20 March 2026 · New Era →
The ruling Swapo party is pursuing a legal eviction order against expatriated war veterans who have occupied its Windhoek headquarters since October 2025, demanding immediate release of funds and benefits they say were promised to them over three decades ago. The veterans refuse to leave until they receive an explanation of how N$21.7 million allocated for their reintegration was managed, and the matter is set to return to court on 27 March 2026.
20 March 2026 · New Era →
Parliamentarian Vetaruhe Kandorozu has raised concerns about low tax revenue collection from Namibia's fishing and mining industries despite their significant economic contributions. He called for stronger collection systems, value addition to lithium, and industrialisation incentives to boost government revenue and reduce reliance on foreign loans.
20 March 2026 · New Era →
Kavango East is one of Namibia's 14 regions in the northeast, covering 23,983.2 km² with Rundu as its administrative centre. The region is divided into six constituencies and its population speaks multiple languages, with Rukwangali (46%), Angolan languages (21%), and Rumanyo (18%) being most common.
20 March 2026 · New Era →
Namibia's 36th Independence celebrations have been decentralised across all 14 regions for the first time, expanding inclusivity beyond the previously centralised model. However, this year's approach carries political undertones, as many regional keynote speakers are perceived as potential contenders in the 2027 Swapo Party Elective Congress, raising questions about whether national commemorations are being repurposed as platforms for political positioning.
20 March 2026 · New Era →
Since independence in 1990, Namibia's Parliament has evolved into a democratically elected body and now has its first female speaker, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, elected in March 2025. However, political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah notes that despite its progressive constitutional framework, Parliament has struggled with weak oversight of the executive due to single-party dominance and the executive being drawn directly from Parliament, resulting in limited depth in legislative debate.
20 March 2026 · New Era →
As Namibia marks 36 years of independence, the government's priorities under President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah are guided by the Sixth National Development Plan and focus on accelerating inclusive economic growth, creating jobs, strengthening social services, and responsible natural resource management. Key areas include housing and land delivery, healthcare, education, green hydrogen development, and addressing unemployment through public-private sector cooperation and youth entrepreneurship initiatives.
20 March 2026 · New Era →
As Namibia approaches 36 years of independence, young people and political leaders acknowledge notable strides in education access, infrastructure, rural electrification, and economic opportunities since 1990, while noting that unemployment and inequality remain pressing challenges requiring urgent attention.
20 March 2026 · New Era →
Namibia's judicial system has transformed from a racially discriminatory colonial and apartheid-era instrument into a constitutional democracy grounded in the rule of law and equal protection. Since independence in 1990, reforms including the Bill of Rights, Legal Aid Directorate, and increased Namibianisation of judicial leadership have significantly broadened access to justice for all citizens.
20 March 2026 · New Era →
As Namibia marks 36 years of independence, citizens including academics and community voices are urging the country not to take its hard-won freedom and democratic stability for granted, while highlighting ongoing challenges such as youth unemployment, healthcare gaps, and water scarcity in rural areas that require urgent government attention.
20 March 2026 · New Era →
Over three decades since independence, Ohangwena Region has shifted from a predominantly rural area with limited services to a more developed region with expanded schools, clinics, roads and communication networks. Regional leaders credit sustained government investment and community participation, though they acknowledge further development is needed to meet growing demands.
20 March 2026 · New Era →
Kavango East and West regions are recording development gains including road upgrades, agricultural projects, and town expansions, but local leaders say progress remains uneven and call for faster implementation and decentralised budgets. Recent highlights include a hydrocarbon discovery in Kavango West and major infrastructure projects in Rundu.
20 March 2026 · New Era →
Political analyst Natjirikasora Tjirera says Namibia has made progress in health and democratic institutions since independence, but faces serious challenges from youth unemployment and a failing education system. He argues that the country needs to shift toward a state-driven economy and better harness natural resources for manufacturing and job creation.
20 March 2026 · New Era →
Namibian youth were central to the independence struggle, but veterans and contemporary activists argue that economic emancipation remains incomplete. Today's youth movements have shifted from political freedom to addressing unemployment, social inequality, and demanding accountability for change.
20 March 2026 · New Era →