Namibia Minute.
23 March 2026
A daily Namibian brief · Est. 2026
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Archive Minute from 23 March 2026
Politics

Asoli leader criticizes president's first year promises as unrealistic

The News

Asoli Progressive Party president Josef Kauandenge has criticized president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's first year in office, saying her key policy promises—including free tertiary education, public healthcare use by officials, stadium rebuilding, and airline revamp—are unrealistic political statements made without implementation timelines or feasibility studies.

23 March 2026 · The Namibian

Politics

  1. Asoli leader criticizes president's first year promises as unrealistic

    Asoli Progressive Party president Josef Kauandenge has criticized president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's first year in office, saying her key policy promises—including free tertiary education, public healthcare use by officials, stadium rebuilding, and airline revamp—are unrealistic political statements made without implementation timelines or feasibility studies.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Deputy minister proposes N$5,000 monthly grant for liberation veterans

    Deputy Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs Charles Mubita has proposed increasing monthly veteran allowances from N$2,200 to N$5,000, citing 18 years without increment and poor living conditions for liberation struggle veterans. A political commentator argues the proposal lacks fiscal planning and could strain the national budget.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian

  3. High Court judge rejects Fishrot accused's bias challenge

    High Court Judge Marilize du Plessis has dismissed an application by Fishrot-accused former Minister of Justice Sacky Shanghala and co-accused to remove her from the case, rejecting their allegations that she was biased and lacked experience to preside over the trial.

    23 March 2026 · Informanté

  4. Namcor fraud suspect granted N$200,000 bail with conditions

    Panduleni Hamukwaya, whose business allegedly received proceeds linked to criminal activity at state-owned Namcor, has been granted bail of N$200,000 by a Windhoek magistrate. Hamukwaya and his wife, a former Namcor finance executive, have been in custody for eight months; the court considered that he would become sole caregiver to their minor children if released.

    23 March 2026 · Informanté

  5. President urges Namibians to embrace progress amid persistent challenges

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah delivered an Independence Day address highlighting 36 years of democratic progress, infrastructure development, and education advancement while calling for collective action to address poverty, inequality, unemployment, corruption, and tribalism. She warned of external risks including global tensions and climate change, and committed government to achieving Vision 2030 goals through investment in youth development, subsidised tertiary education, and infrastructure.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

  6. ACC gathers input for next anti-corruption strategy plan

    The Anti-Corruption Commission held a consultative workshop in Keetmanshoop with //Kharas regional stakeholders to gather input for the 3rd National Anti-Corruption Strategy and Action Plan for 2026-2030. ACC Director General Paulus Noa emphasized that fighting corruption and promoting ethical values is a collective responsibility requiring preventative measures across all sectors of society.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

  7. //Kharas region evolving into strategic economic hub, VP says

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi says //Kharas has evolved from a historically marginalised area into a dynamic economic hub through government's commitment to inclusive development, with progress in agriculture, mining, fisheries, tourism, and infrastructure. She noted the region faces ongoing challenges in value addition, water, sanitation and housing, and is positioned to benefit from large-scale renewable energy and green hydrogen initiatives.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

  8. Minister warns against tribalism and corruption undermining unity

    At Independence Day commemorations in Oshikango, Minister James Sankwasa cautioned that tribalism and corruption continue to divide Namibians and hinder development, despite the nation's freedom being achieved through collective unity. He urged citizens to reject tribal divisions and hold corrupt officials accountable to build a prosperous nation.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

  9. Erongo governor warns residents against taking democracy for granted

    Erongo governor Natalia /Goagoses cautioned residents at Independence Day celebrations in Karibib not to take democracy for granted, urging all to maintain and safeguard peace and stability. She highlighted regional challenges including water scarcity and pledged to prioritise development funding for youth, women and vulnerable groups, while a liberation war veteran called for policy reform to ensure mineral wealth benefits all citizens.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

  10. Hambyuka urges economic growth beyond political independence

    Kavango East Governor Hamunyera Hambyuka called on residents to transition from celebrating political freedom to generating shared prosperity, addressing youth unemployment, water provision, and housing as critical challenges while emphasizing that independence must include access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for all families in the region.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

  11. Young leaders mobilize to address Kavango East development gaps

    Young politicians in Kavango East say they are leveraging Namibia's 36th independence anniversary to translate freedom into tangible development, addressing persistent challenges including limited infrastructure, youth unemployment, and inadequate access to water, sanitation, electricity and connectivity in rural areas.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

  12. Deputy Minister calls for unity, action against corruption

    At Namibia's 36th Independence Day celebrations in Bukalo, Deputy Minister of Defence Charles Mubita urged the country to move beyond reflection and embrace action on national development, warning that corruption, nepotism, and tribalism continue to undermine progress. In a show of political unity, Mubita invited opposition leaders, including NDP leader Lukato Lukato, to join him on stage, emphasizing that national development transcends party lines.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

Business

  1. Fima may limit pension fund lump-sum retirement payment options

    Namibian pension funds are seeking clarity on how the Financial Institutions and Markets Act (Fima) will affect retirement payouts, with a leaked memo suggesting the act could prohibit members from taking their full savings as a single cash payment and instead require monthly annuity payments. Industry players and Namfisa are meeting to discuss the interpretation of the new law and its potential consequences for retirees.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Government assures public of adequate fuel supply amid global oil concerns

    Namibia's government has dismissed circulating reports of fuel shortages, stating the country has sufficient supplies to meet demand in the short, medium and long term. The ministry notes that global oil prices have risen above US$100 per barrel due to Middle East tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz shipping route.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Budget balances fiscal discipline with oil investment decision

    Namibia's 2026/27 budget reflects finance minister Ericah Shafudah's fiscal caution as the country awaits a final investment decision on TotalEnergies' Venus oil project, expected mid-2026. Economist Robin Sherbourne described the budget as a "holding operation" in a constrained economic outlook, though he warned that reduced development spending may limit growth despite the budget's focus on "People, Productivity and Prudence."

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Namibian startup Geosynth pitches mining tech at Cape Town indaba

    Geosynth, a Namibian software startup founded by Dennis Heita, Even Hashikutuva, and Nigerian co-founder Ayomikun Dina, presented a data-driven platform at the African Mining Indaba designed to reduce exploration risk and improve decision-making in mineral exploration. The team reportedly earned investor interest and credibility from senior geologists despite the traditionally unwelcoming environment for young African tech founders.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Thirty Omusati youth businesses approved for National Youth Development Fund

    Finance minister Erica Shafudah announced that 30 youth-owned businesses in Omusati have been approved for funding under the National Youth Development Fund, with N$257 million allocated to the fund to support young entrepreneurs nationwide. Shafudah also outlined government initiatives to strengthen food security through irrigation projects, livestock facilities, and vocational training in the region.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian

  6. PM urges financial institutions to prioritize dignity in lending practices

    Prime Minister Dr Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare has called on financial institutions to engage in respectful dialogue that preserves individuals' dignity and minimizes severe consequences like home repossession, emphasizing humanity and shared national responsibility. During a meeting with the Bank of Namibia, he commended the institution's strategic direction and affirmed government support for advancing the Sixth National Development Plan through credible and forward-looking institutions.

    23 March 2026 · Informanté

  7. FNB Namibia wins Best Bank award for second consecutive year

    FNB Namibia has been named the Best Bank in Namibia for 2026 by Global Finance, the second year running. The award recognises the bank's focus on innovation, customer service, and responding to Namibia's economic challenges.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

  8. Nasan Energies wins approval to buy 52 fuel stations

    The locally owned Nasan Energies has received approval from the Namibia Competition Commission to purchase 52 fuel service stations (operating under Engen and Shell brands) from Vivo Energy Namibia. Upon completion, the company will become Namibia's third-largest fuel retailer and aims to boost local ownership in a sector historically dominated by foreign operators.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

Mining & Energy

  1. Namibia's mining investment attractiveness drops sharply due to policy uncertainty

    According to the Fraser Institute's 2025 survey, Namibia's mining investment attractiveness index fell from 66 to 56, dropping its global ranking from 30th to 51st place. Industry leaders and analysts attribute the decline to uncertainty over local ownership requirements, delays in policy implementation, and concerns about new regulatory frameworks.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Namibia denies fuel shortage despite global oil tensions

    The Namibian government has reassured the public that domestic fuel supply remains stable and sufficient amid rising global oil prices, citing the National Oil Storage Facility at Walvis Bay (capacity 75 million litres, three months' reserves) and mandatory 30-day reserves held by fuel companies as key buffers against global disruptions.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

Agriculture & Land

  1. Ministry establishes FMD control zone in ||Kharas region

    The Ministry of Agriculture has established a foot-and-mouth disease control area in the ||Kharas region as a precautionary measure to prevent disease spread from neighbouring countries and safeguard Namibia's FMD-free status and international export market access. The declaration does not indicate an outbreak in Namibia.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian

  2. One arrested after cattle theft at Okahandja resettlement farm

    Police arrested a 31-year-old driver after four suspects allegedly slaughtered cattle without consent at Uitkoms Resettlement Farm in Hochfeld on Friday, with three others still at large. Three recovered cattle carcasses valued at approximately N$60,000 were seized, and the arrested suspect remains in custody.

    23 March 2026 · Informanté

  3. Global tensions drive up Namibian farm input costs and food prices

    Global geopolitical conflicts are raising fertiliser, fuel, and feed costs for Namibian farmers and disrupting supply chains, according to an Agricultural Economist from the Namibia Agricultural Union. The sector's heavy reliance on imported inputs and interconnected regional markets leaves it vulnerable to international instability, with lessons learned from fertiliser price surges during the Russia–Ukraine war.

    23 March 2026 · Informanté

  4. Aminuis councillor outlines agriculture, education, health priorities

    Aminuis constituency councillor Isando Kavari says his top priorities are strengthening agricultural value chains, expanding access to education, and developing coordinated health response systems for the Omaheke region's remote eastern settlements. He plans to improve market access through training and skills development, diversify farming activities to complement livestock production, and ensure all 14,000 residents have access to uninterrupted healthcare at multiple growth points.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

Society

  1. Namibia monitors South African Citro-Soda recall for safety risks

    Following a South African recall of Citro-Soda antacid batches, Namibia's Health Ministry is investigating whether affected products entered the local market and will consult with the Medicines Regulatory Council. The ministry has advised the public to remain vigilant and consult healthcare professionals if they experience unusual symptoms after using the product.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Guided dance sessions attract wellness-seekers in Windhoek

    A wellness-focused sunset dance session hosted by Secret Sunrise Namibia drew 140 participants in Windhoek, combining guided movement and music through wireless headphones. The founder notes the concept, which operates in 23 cities globally, is designed to provide physical activity and mental relief in a shared yet personal experience.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Nust launches Namibia's first supply chain management PhD

    The Namibia University of Science and Technology will introduce a doctoral degree in supply chain management from May, the first such programme in the country. The initiative aims to develop expertise in logistics, transport, and distribution to support Namibia's positioning as a SADC logistics hub and address a skills shortage highlighted in national development plans.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Namibia drops to 108th in World Happiness Report ranking

    Namibia fell from 103rd to 108th place out of 147 countries in the 2026 World Happiness Report. The report also found that life satisfaction among under-25s has declined sharply in countries including the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, with heavy social media use identified as a contributing factor.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Two suspected suicides reported in Namibia's northern regions

    Police reported two suspected suicide cases over the weekend in northern Namibia: a 48-year-old man found dead at a farm in Kamanjab district on Friday following an argument with his daughter, and a 45-year-old man discovered in bushes near Tsumeb on Saturday. No foul play is suspected in either case.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian

  6. TikTok bans accounts featuring sexualised AI-generated black women

    TikTok has removed 20 accounts after the BBC and researchers found dozens of unlabelled AI-generated videos of highly sexualised black female avatars on social media platforms, many linking to explicit content sites. Critics say the trend perpetuates racist exploitation and stereotypes of black women through exaggerated depictions and race-based terminology.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Two killed in separate road accidents over weekend

    Police reported two fatal accidents this weekend: a 55-year-old man died when an unlicenced driver lost control of a vehicle near Okalikua mine, and a 24-year-old woman was struck and killed while crossing the road at Onashikuvu village.

    23 March 2026 · Informanté

  8. Police arrest multiple suspects for drug possession over Independence weekend

    Over the Independence weekend, several suspects were arrested across Namibia during police stop-and-search operations for possession of illegal drugs including cannabis, mandrax tablets, and cocaine. The arrests took place in multiple locations including Osire, Kavango West, Aranos, Mondesa, Mariental, and near Karasburg.

    23 March 2026 · Informanté

  9. Elderly couple robbed at gunpoint in Academia

    An elderly pensioner couple were held hostage and robbed of items worth over N$140,000 at their home in Academia on Friday 20 March. According to the crime bulletin, unknown male suspects entered through the couple's locked gate, restrained them with electrical cables, and stole cellphones, jewellery, and laptops before fleeing.

    23 March 2026 · Informanté

  10. Four arrested after Swakopmund robbery of couple on Strand Street

    A couple was robbed of an iPhone 16 and credit cards worth about N$18,000 on Strand Street in Swakopmund during the Independence weekend. Coordinated action by police and security personnel led to the swift arrest of four suspects and recovery of all stolen items.

    23 March 2026 · Informanté

  11. Authorities warn of high traffic, urge road safety

    Motorists are warned of higher-than-normal traffic volumes on major routes today. The West Coast Safety Initiative of Namibia urges drivers to ensure vehicles are roadworthy, exercise caution, avoid fatigue and distractions, wear seatbelts, and adhere to speed limits.

    23 March 2026 · Informanté

  12. Women's healing retreat set for Ongwediva in March

    Shiloh Frieda Nakanyala will host a healing retreat on 28 March in Ongwediva designed to bring women together to share experiences, connect, and learn practical ways to release emotional pain from past and present challenges. The event is open to all women and aims to ensure participants feel heard, understood, and supported in their healing journeys.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

  13. Zambezi floods cut off Kabbe schools, endanger learners

    Flooding in Kabbe has left schools surrounded by water and learners unable to safely attend classes. Students must navigate dangerous waters filled with crocodiles and hippos using unreliable dugout canoes, while snakes and rodents have invaded school buildings, disrupting lessons and threatening health.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

  14. NQA launches automation system with local tech partner Green

    The Namibia Qualifications Authority has partnered with Green Enterprise Solutions to introduce an Evaluation Automation System that replaces manual, paper-heavy processes with online application submission, real-time progress tracking, and digitally verifiable certificates. The locally developed system is expected to reduce processing times, improve accuracy, and restore public trust while signalling a broader digital transformation at NQA.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

  15. Ransomware attack exposes Namibia Airports Company to data theft threat

    The Namibia Airports Company suffered a ransomware attack by the INC Ransomware Group, with hackers claiming to have stolen 500 gigabytes of sensitive data including financial records, HR files, and customer information. The attackers have threatened to release the data after a countdown timer expires unless demands are met, making NAC the second confirmed Namibian victim of the group after an Otjiwarongo Municipality breach in 2025.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

  16. Bukalo village marks independence amid rural development gains

    As Namibia marked 36 years of independence, Bukalo Village Council reported progress in housing, water supply, road infrastructure, and local economic growth, with the village's population growing from 800 in 2011 to nearly 2,000 in 2023. Village Council CEO Anna Sazita attributed the developments to partnerships with the National Housing Enterprise and support from the Road Fund Administration, noting improvements in sewer systems and water pressure alongside new projects including a sports stadium and open market.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

  17. Diplomatic Spouses donate shade nets to Special Olympics centre

    The Association of Diplomatic Spouses handed over shade nets valued at N$41,000 to the Special Olympics Namibia centre in Windhoek, which serves 1,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities. The donation will expand capacity and create a safer, more welcoming environment for athletes' training and educational programmes.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

Culture

  1. Strong turnout highlights Namibia's growing film sector momentum

    The Namibia Film Commission concluded its 2026 film week with strong public attendance and industry participation, screening 162 films over four days with 345 industry participants and 860 audience members. The event featured panel talks, masterclasses, and workshops on production skills, alongside premieres of local and African films, reinforcing the festival's role in developing Namibia's film industry.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Guided dance session draws 140 participants in Windhoek

    Secret Sunrise Namibia hosted a sunset wellness session in Windhoek that combined music, movement and wireless headphones to create a shared yet personal experience. The event, which reaches capacity at 140 participants, is part of a broader wellness offering designed to provide both physical activity and mental relief in a relaxed environment.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Namibia's 2026 film week draws strong turnout, industry growth

    The Namibia Film Commission's four-day 2026 film week attracted over 860 audience members and 345 industry participants for 162 film screenings, panel talks, masterclasses and workshops aimed at building capacity across production, budgeting, script development and marketing. Locally funded productions drew particular interest, with films from 15 African countries also showcased and youth engagement highlighted as a key feature of the festival.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Oshakati hosts 14th Totem Expo in May-June 2026

    The Oshakati Totem Expo will return to Oshakati Stadium from 29 May to 6 June 2026, bringing together cultural groups, artists, SMEs and businesses to celebrate tradition, share cultural heritage and support local economic growth. According to the Town Council, the event provides opportunities for entrepreneurs and vendors while allowing communities to reconnect with their roots through performances, crafts and exhibitions.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

  5. Meat and Beer Festival marks 21 editions with community support

    The Meat and Beer Festival, now in its 21st edition since launching in 2022, has grown into a household name in Namibia's entertainment industry through passion and community spirit rather than substantial corporate backing. The event provides platforms for upcoming and established artists, and vendors report significant income opportunities and business growth through the festival's various locations across the country.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

  6. Savannah Comedy Hour launches fifth edition in Windhoek

    The Savannah Comedy Hour, a monthly comedy platform started in 2021 by the Comedy Hour Collective and sponsored by Namibia Breweries, has been relaunched for its fifth edition at the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre. The event has hosted over 50 shows and showcased more than 40 local comedians, with organisers planning to introduce new comedians and poets in the coming year.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

  7. Musicians demand fairness, support in revived NAMAs

    Namibian artists have called for fair prize structures, better professional support, and financial literacy training as the government consults on reviving the Namibia Annual Music Awards, which were discontinued in 2020. The Arts Directorate is also advancing an updated copyright law to protect musicians and other creatives in the digital age.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

Sport

  1. Real Madrid beats Atletico 3-2 in La Liga derby clash

    Vinicius Junior scored twice as Real Madrid defeated Atletico Madrid 3-2 in a Madrid derby at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday, keeping the side four points behind league leaders Barcelona. Barcelona maintained their position at the top by edging Rayo Vallecano 1-0.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Paratus Vuma wins inaugural Top Score title

    Paratus Vuma FC won the 26th Top Score seven-a-side soccer tournament on Saturday, defeating Saintz FC 3–1 on penalties in the final despite Saintz being reduced to six men during the match. It was the first title for Paratus in their second year competing in the tournament.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Two national records set at Independence athletics meet

    At Namibia's Independence Celebrations Athletics Championships, Ansune Smith set a new women's hammer throw national record of 50.31m—breaking the 50m mark for the first time—and Frieda Iithete broke the national triple jump record with 12.78m. Several other athletes came close to existing records across middle-distance, sprinting, and field events.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Namibian Classic athletics meet postponed due to athlete withdrawals

    The Namibian Classic international athletics meet scheduled for next weekend has been postponed due to significant withdrawals of international athletes, largely resulting from travel disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The organising committee said the postponement was unavoidable to maintain the world-class standards they committed to delivering.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian

  5. JJ Smit takes over as Namibia Eagles cricket captain

    JJ Smit has replaced Gerhard Erasmus as captain of the FNB Namibia Eagles for a two-match 50-over series against Uganda starting today. Erasmus, who captained the side for six years during Namibia's four consecutive T20 World Cup finals runs, said he is taking a break to reduce his workload and has offered to assist with tactics.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Eight-year-old Klara Shafondjodi wins U7 national chess title

    Klara Shafondjodi, eight years old, has secured the U7 girls' championship title at the National Namibian Schools Chess Championship. Beyond chess, she is also an accomplished artist and piano student who enjoys a balanced life between academics, hobbies, and playtime with classmates.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian

  7. CAF Champions League semis set: Berkane, Sundowns advance

    Renaissance Berkane of Morocco and Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa secured CAF Champions League semi-final places on Sunday. Berkane won 1-0 away to Al Hilal in Kigali to advance 2-1 on aggregate, while Sundowns qualified 3-2 on aggregate despite losing 2-0 away to Stade Malien.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian

  8. Undav nets two as Stuttgart beats Augsburg

    Germany forward Deniz Undav scored twice and assisted once as Stuttgart defeated Augsburg 5-2 on Sunday to move third in the Bundesliga, three points clear of RB Leipzig. Undav has now scored 18 goals in 23 league games this season, equalling his total from the previous year with seven matches remaining.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian

  9. Hodgkinson wins 800m gold at world indoor championships

    Keely Hodgkinson claimed her first global gold medal at the world indoor championships, running 1:55.30 for victory in the 800m — the second fastest time ever recorded over the distance. Britain had a dominant day with teammates Georgia Hunter Bell and Molly Caudery also winning gold in the 1,500m and pole vault respectively within 28 minutes.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian

  10. Man City win League Cup; O'Reilly scores twice against Arsenal

    Manchester City defeated Arsenal 2–0 in the League Cup final at Wembley, with Nico O'Reilly scoring twice after Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga's costly error. The victory gives City their ninth League Cup and manager Pep Guardiola his fifth triumph in the competition.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian

  11. Paratus Vuma FC wins 26th Top Score 7-a-side tournament

    Paratus Vuma FC defeated Saintz FC on penalties to win the 26th edition of the Top Score 7-a-side tournament in Windhoek after six weekends of competition, claiming the N$15,000 prize. The tournament drew 72 teams, mostly from companies participating in team-building initiatives, despite early weather challenges.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

  12. Namibian youth swimmers medal at South African championships

    The Namibia Aquatic Sports Federation youth team secured two silver and one bronze medal at the South African National Youth Swimming Championships in Port Elizabeth, with Tristan Nell claiming silvers in the 200m butterfly and 400m individual medley, and multiple swimmers achieving personal bests.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

  13. Namibian Golden Oldies football team travels to South Africa match

    The Namibian Golden Oldies Football Club, comprising players aged 60 and above, will play a friendly against Upington Legends on 28 March 2026 in South Africa. The team is also discussing hosting a Four Nations Trophy in Namibia later this year featuring teams from Botswana, South Africa, Angola and Namibia.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

  14. Football legends assess Namibia's sport progress since 1990

    As Namibia marked its 36th Independence Day, football legends offered mixed assessments of the sport's development: while some highlighted achievements like regional league decentralisation, women's football success, and Cosafa wins, others argued investment has been inadequate and called for stronger grassroots structures, more players in top foreign leagues, and improved stadium standards.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

  15. Woodland Ridge wins Independence Cup horse racing championship

    Woodland Ridge from Junius Racing won the Independence Cup 2026 horse racing competition held at Gobabis turf in the Omaheke region, claiming the main race of 2000 metres and a cash prize of N$4,500. More than 50 horses from various racing clubs across Namibia competed in 17 races as part of the Independence celebration.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

  16. Regional athletics championship provides pathway to African Youth Games

    An athletics championship hosted by Unam Athletics Club, Nust Welwitschias 77 Athletics Club and Khomas Regional Athletics at Independence Stadium in Windhoek gave athletes from across multiple regions an opportunity to qualify for the African Youth Games while celebrating women in athletics and Namibia's 36th Independence anniversary.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

World & Region

  1. London police investigate arson on Jewish ambulances as hate crime

    London Metropolitan Police are investigating an arson attack on four Hatzalah ambulances, operated by a Jewish Community Ambulance service, as an antisemitic hate crime after the vehicles were set on fire in Golders Green on Monday. Police are examining CCTV footage and searching for three suspects, with no injuries reported.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Namibia and Botswana plan 'no-stop' border posts

    Presidents Nandi-Ndaitwah and Duma Boko discussed implementing no-stop border posts to facilitate seamless trade and movement of people, aiming to boost intra-Africa trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area. The countries plan to collaborate on trade, tourism, infrastructure, natural resources, and logistics, with Namibia positioning Walvis Bay as a regional gateway.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian

  3. South Africa's commercial crime surge defies public scrutiny

    Commercial crime cases in South Africa have nearly doubled over a decade to 143,600 in 2024/25, becoming the only major crime category besides kidnapping that is growing relentlessly, yet official statistics lack granular breakdowns and institutions remain largely silent about the problem. Digital banking fraud has surged 86% in a single year, with AI-enabled scams and social engineering tactics making fraud increasingly sophisticated and difficult to track.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian

  4. South Africa: ANC signals mayoral strategy for Johannesburg election

    President Ramaphosa's comments suggesting retention of Johannesburg's current mayor signal possible ANC plans to impose a national candidate on the region, while the party's recent march focused on defending national sovereignty appears designed to shift campaign messaging away from local service delivery failures to broader anti-Trump and liberation movement themes.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Kenya grants amnesty to nationals illegally fighting for Russia

    Kenya's foreign minister announced that Kenyans conscripted illegally to fight for Russia in Ukraine will receive amnesty upon return home. The government estimates 252 Kenyans have been unlawfully recruited, with 44 repatriated so far, 11 killed or missing, and 160 still actively fighting; Russia has agreed to place Kenya on a "stop list" to prevent further recruitment.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian

  6. US reaffirms partnership commitment on Namibia's independence day

    The United States extended congratulations to Namibia on its 36th Independence Day, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirming bilateral ties and highlighting cooperation in health, economic development, and emerging opportunities.

    23 March 2026 · Informanté

  7. Kenya and Uganda advance Chinese-funded railway extension

    Kenya and Uganda's presidents met to advance a multi-billion-dollar extension of a Chinese-built railway to Uganda, despite Kenya spending roughly US$1 billion annually servicing debt from the project. The leaders argue the rail link will reduce logistics costs and inefficiencies in East Africa, with plans for the line to reach Kisumu by June 2027 and later extend to the Kenya-Uganda border at Malaba.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

  8. SADC chief urges regional adoption of Namibia-Botswana ID travel model

    SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi has called on member states to adopt a regional travel agreement similar to Namibia and Botswana's 2019 arrangement, which allows citizens to cross borders using national identity cards instead of passports for up to 90 days. Magosi said the agreement has eased movement for border communities and boosted trade between the countries, and urged SADC members to remove trade barriers and deepen cooperation to accelerate regional integration and deliver jobs, food security, and improved livelihoods for the region's 380 million people.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

  9. Iran threatens Middle East infrastructure after Trump ultimatum

    Iran has threatened to attack US energy and infrastructure across the Middle East if President Trump follows through on his vow to "obliterate" Iranian power plants, amid escalating missile strikes between Iran and Israel over the Strait of Hormuz and nuclear facilities.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

Opinion

  1. How Namibians can challenge mental illness stigma and discrimination

    An opinion piece argues that stigma around mental illness prevents people from seeking treatment and that Namibia must work to challenge discrimination through education, honest conversation, and support networks. The author offers practical steps for individuals and communities to create a mentally healthy, inclusive environment that rejects stigma.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

  2. Creative sector undervalued in Namibia's economy and society

    An opinion piece argues that Namibia treats creativity as peripheral rather than a central economic driver, often undercompensating creative work and failing to recognise the accumulated wisdom and expertise behind it. The author calls for repositioning creativity as a primary industry with fair compensation and institutional support.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

  3. Sport officers vital but under-resourced in Namibia

    An opinion piece argues that sport officers are essential to community development in Namibia, organizing tournaments, identifying talent, and promoting inclusion, yet they face significant challenges including limited resources, inadequate training, and low pay that threaten programme sustainability.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

  4. TVET educator explores partnerships to strengthen vocational training

    A NUST lecturer reflects on her career in technical and vocational education, arguing that TVET institutions cannot operate in isolation but must partner closely with industry to align programmes with labour-market needs, improve workplace learning, and prepare skilled graduates for Namibia's economic development.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

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