Chief Manasse Zeraeua has called for traditional authorities to have a strengthened and more clearly defined role in national governance. He stressed their continued importance in mobilising communities, resolving disputes, managing land allocation in communal areas, and facilitating dialogue between government and citizens.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Chief Manasse Zeraeua has called for traditional authorities to have a strengthened and more clearly defined role in national governance. He stressed their continued importance in mobilising communities, resolving disputes, managing land allocation in communal areas, and facilitating dialogue between government and citizens.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Acting judge Marilize du Plessis rejected an application by two accused in the Fishrot fraud and corruption case to recuse herself, finding that her factual observations about trial delays did not demonstrate bias and that her acquaintance with two state witnesses would not affect her impartiality.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Prime minister Elijah Ngurare has called for national unity during Namibia's 36th independence celebration in Oshakati, urging Namibians to rise above political divisions and embrace a shared national identity. He told parliamentarians to prioritise national unity over partisan interests in commemorating the country's progress.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Political leaders including National Democratic Party chief Martin Lukato are blaming past corruption and poor planning for Impalila and Kasika islands' continued illegal use of Botswana pula 36 years after Namibia's independence, and are calling for government action to build a delayed bridge linking the islands and addressing transport challenges in the flood-prone region.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Vice President Lucia Witbooi delivered a tribute at the graveside of Reverend Willem Konjore in ǂGabes on the eve of Namibia's 36th independence anniversary, highlighting his role as a founding father, liberation struggle participant, and senior government minister who died in June 2021.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
At a national Independence Day commemoration at Sam Nujoma Stadium on 21 March 2026, Frans Kapofi addressed Namibians 36 years after the country's sovereignty in 1990, honouring those who fought colonial rule and calling on citizens to contribute to national prosperity through active participation rather than passive expectation.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Vice President Lucia Witbooi commemorated Namibia's 36th independence anniversary in Karasburg under the theme "Beyond 36: For a Prosperous Future," calling for unity and action to build on the country's foundations and accelerate socio-economic transformation. She highlighted government priorities including agriculture, youth empowerment, education, and green hydrogen initiatives, while acknowledging structural challenges in the IIKharas region and ongoing development projects aimed at inclusive growth.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
At a State House ceremony, Namibia's Head of State Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah addressed the nation's 36th Independence Day, reflecting on the country's sovereignty and the international solidarity that enabled its liberation. She reaffirmed Namibia's commitment to inclusive development, democratic governance, and peaceful coexistence while expressing gratitude to nations and movements that supported the independence struggle.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah commemorated Namibia's 36 years of independence, honouring the nation's struggle for freedom and founding president Sam Nujoma, while calling for collective action to address poverty, inequality, corruption, and tribalism. The President outlined government priorities including poverty reduction, youth development, education, infrastructure, and climate adaptation under the theme "Beyond 36: For a Prosperous Future."
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The High Court dismissed the City of Windhoek's bid to cut off electricity to customers in arrears on water and other municipal fees, upholding an Electricity Control Board directive prohibiting the practice. Judge Andrew Corbett ruled that while regulations permit suspension for unpaid electricity accounts, they do not allow blockage of prepaid meters for failure to pay other municipal charges, and that Electricity Act provisions prevail over local authority rules.
24 March 2026 · Informanté →
Dr Mac Albert Hengari, former Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, is claiming N$10 million in damages for what his lawyers describe as an unlawful arrest in April 2025 without a magistrate's warrant. His legal representatives argue there was no probable cause for his arrest and that the case lacks sufficient particulars for his defence, giving the State 30 days to settle before formal legal action is initiated.
24 March 2026 · Informanté →
Magistrate Jozanne Klazen granted businessman Panduleni Hamukwaya bail of N$200,000 in connection with alleged bribery linked to NAMCOR misconduct, citing the lengthy period before trial commencement and his substantial ties to the community, including property ownership and dependents, while imposing stringent reporting conditions.
24 March 2026 · Informanté →
A High Court judge dismissed an application by five Swapo members seeking to overturn the party's decision to postpone an extraordinary congress, ruling the matter moot after the congress had already taken place and Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah assumed the presidency. The court also granted the party's counter-application, ordering Reinhold Shipwikineni to retract a May 2023 letter in which he claimed to suspend the party president and assume the role, and to issue a formal apology within seven days.
24 March 2026 · New Era →
Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa has called for "courageous intervention" at Rehoboth Town Council, citing massive debts to NamWater (N$145 million) and NamPower (N$140 million), governance failures, and non-compliance with government directives. He warned that services could be suspended by end of May 2026 if the council fails to address the financial crisis, while residents have demanded forensic investigation and accountability from senior officials.
24 March 2026 · New Era →
Ex-agriculture minister Mac-Albert Hengari has formally demanded N$10 million in damages from government, claiming his April 2025 arrest was unlawful, carried out without a warrant, and in violation of constitutional rights. His lawyers allege he was detained for over three months without proper grounds and later prosecuted without sufficient legal basis, causing reputational and financial harm; authorities have 30 days to settle before legal proceedings commence.
24 March 2026 · New Era →
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare praised government investments in rural electrification, water supply, roads and health facilities in Oshana region during the 36th Independence Day celebrations, and stressed that capital projects must benefit local companies and support local economic empowerment.
24 March 2026 · New Era →
Namibia's 36th Independence Day celebrations across all 14 regions carried a unified message from political and community leaders to preserve the liberation legacy, strengthen unity, and address youth unemployment and economic inequality. While acknowledging democratic achievements and progress in service delivery, leaders emphasised that political independence must now be matched by economic emancipation and that youth must drive future development.
24 March 2026 · New Era →
Panduleni Hamukwaya, eighth accused in an alleged Namcor fraud and corruption case, has been granted N$200,000 bail after eight months in custody, on condition he surrender his passport and report regularly to investigating officers. He is charged with fraud, money laundering, and theft relating to N$1.55 million allegedly received as gratification from an asset purchase agreement, which he claims was investment in a wildlife farming project.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
About 97% of small and medium enterprises in Namibia are considered non-bankable by traditional financial institutions, with access to finance identified as a major barrier. The Namibia Tourism Board CEO attributes this to entrepreneurs' lack of preparation, poor documentation, absent collateral, weak financial management, and limited business skills, noting that roughly 90% of SMEs fail within five years.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Judge Orben Sibeya dismissed RedForce Debt Management's claim against the Rundu Town Council for N$9.2 million, finding that RedForce failed to prove the council repudiated their agreement and that the agency itself breached the contract by consistently failing to meet its monthly debt collection target of N$5 million. The judge ordered RedForce to pay the council's legal costs.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
LinkNamibia is a digital marketplace that connects skilled tradespeople with customers across Namibia, addressing both youth unemployment and the shortage of reliable artisan services. The platform vets artisans and handles payments, creating accessible pathways to income for technical graduates without requiring formal business registration or advertising.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Old Mutual Investment Group has committed N$12.75 million to the Mariental Extension 6 Affordable Housing Development in Hardap region, which includes servicing of 311 residential plots with 87 already completed. The project aims to expand access to affordable, serviced housing and contributes to job creation and community stability in the town.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Shipping lines including Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, and CMA CGM are rerouting vessels around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid Middle East conflicts, increasing demand for maritime fuel at Namibian ports like Walvis Bay and Lüderitz as key bunkering hubs along Africa's coastline.
24 March 2026 · Informanté →
A High Court judge dismissed a N$9.2 million claim by debt collector RedForce against Rundu Town Council, finding the municipality lawfully terminated the company's contract after RedForce failed to meet a N$5 million monthly collection target since March 2021. The judge ruled RedForce did not prove the council had repudiated the agreement or failed to provide necessary support, and rejected claims that faulty water meters prevented the company from meeting its obligations.
24 March 2026 · Informanté →
Old Mutual Investment Group Namibia has joined government and private partners to launch the Mariental Extension 6 Affordable Housing Development, which will deliver 311 serviced residential plots with 87 already completed. The project, officially launched by Vice President Lucia Witbooi, aims to ease pressure on housing demand in the town and is supported by the Tunga Fund, developers, and end-user financiers.
24 March 2026 · New Era →
The Namibia University of Science and Technology has launched the country's first Doctor of Philosophy in Supply Chain Management, designed to equip candidates with advanced knowledge in logistics, transport, and procurement—areas identified as critical gaps in the Fifth National Development Plan and Namibia Logistics Hub Master Plan. The programme, beginning in May 2026, aims to develop local expertise to improve Namibia's position as a regional logistics hub and address challenges such as port delays and high transport costs.
24 March 2026 · New Era →
Nedbank Namibia has introduced the "Unlock Your First Home" initiative to help first-time buyers overcome financial barriers in a housing market marked by rising prices, particularly in urban centres. The programme offers up to 108% financing with interest rates 1% below standard rates, potentially eliminating deposits and upfront costs that have locked many Namibians out of homeownership.
24 March 2026 · New Era →
Four employees at Metro Mariental were arrested for allegedly stealing stock valued at over N$24,000 by signing invoices for food items that were never delivered between January and March. The accused were granted bail of N$3,000 each and face fraud charges, with their case postponed to 22 June 2026 pending investigations.
24 March 2026 · New Era →
Australian uranium developer Bannerman Energy has praised the progress and commitment of local Namibian contractors at its Etango project in the Erongo region, with over N$690 million in contracts placed locally. The company has also restructured certain contracts into smaller packages to enable Namibian contractors to participate and help meet project timelines.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Chamber of Mines of Namibia has warned that the country's mining investment attractiveness has dropped sharply in the 2025 Fraser Institute survey, falling from 30th to 51st place out of jurisdictions ranked, citing policy uncertainty including proposed 51% local ownership requirements and planned legislation on water, environment and minerals as key concerns. The government has since clarified there is no fixed local ownership requirement, aiming to restore investor confidence.
24 March 2026 · New Era →
Residents and descendants of farm workers at Okamuru/Omingondo in Omatako constituency are facing worsening living conditions and restrictions from the current farm owner, including locked gates, movement restrictions, and cut water access. The community, citing multi-generational occupation and ancestral graves on the land, is calling on the government to purchase the farm for resettlement after the farm owner rejected proposed dialogue.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Hope Farm Project in Erongo, a joint initiative by the agriculture ministry and Swakop Uranium Foundation, handed over additional small stock to farmers on Monday in its second phase. The revolving programme, which has benefited 48 farmers so far with over 1,000 goats and sheep, requires beneficiaries to return a portion of their herd after two years to support new participants.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
An animal auction at Otjetjekua village in Kunene raised N$583 200 from the sale of 75 out of 91 head of cattle, conducted by Harambee Communal Auctioneers in partnership with local cooperatives and government support. The auction highlighted farmer challenges including low buyer numbers and lack of modern facilities, prompting the cooperative to seek funding for improved infrastructure.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
A private commercial shipment of 3,000 live cattle was exported to Mauritius over the weekend, facilitated by Namport and monitored by Namibia's veterinary services to ensure compliance with international animal health standards. The outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in South Africa reportedly prompted the Mauritian buyer to source cattle from Namibian exporters.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia is hosting a Continental Technical Workshop on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Kampala Results Framework and Biennial Review Indicators in Windhoek, bringing together African Union Commission delegates, regional experts, and development partners. Deputy Minister Ruthy Masake highlighted the workshop's role in refining mechanisms to track agricultural progress, promote accountability, and foster peer learning toward food security and sustainable development across the continent.
24 March 2026 · Informanté →
The Namibia Meteorological Services predicts moderate to heavy rainfall on Tuesday across Kunene, Erongo, Otjozondjupa, Khomas and central-northern regions, with showers also expected in coastal areas. Several regions have already received significant rainfall in recent days, and the public is advised to remain cautious given the Zambezi River's recent rapid rise and associated flooding.
24 March 2026 · Informanté →
The City of Windhoek has begun a community education campaign in Samora Machel Constituency to raise awareness about illegal land grabbing and promote safe settlement practices, educating residents on the dangers of illegal land occupation and encouraging compliance with municipal regulations.
24 March 2026 · Informanté →
Monoculture — repeatedly growing the same crop on the same land — offers efficiency gains but damages soil structure, depletes nutrients, and allows pests and diseases to thrive. Experts recommend crop rotation and incorporating legumes to restore soil health and reduce vulnerability to pest outbreaks.
24 March 2026 · New Era →
Gabriel David, known as "The Chicken Guy," has built a thriving diversified farm since 2021, starting with poultry and expanding into egg production and goat farming. His operation, which supplies live and processed birds, goats, and other livestock, demonstrates how training, quality service, and reinvestment of profits can create a sustainable agricultural business.
24 March 2026 · New Era →
Deputy Minister of Defence Charles Mubita has directed law enforcement to urgently strengthen protection along the Namibia–Zambia border following a surge in violent cattle rustling incidents in the Zambezi region, where armed gangs have been intimidating herders and driving livestock across the border into Zambia.
24 March 2026 · New Era →
The government is moving to digitise birth and death registration systems to improve service delivery and coordination between health and civil registration sectors. Health and social services minister Esperance Luvindao said the shift addresses long-standing gaps where births registered in health facilities were not legally recognized for months or years, and forms part of a broader national digital health policy (2026-2036).
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Keetmanshoop municipality plans to disconnect water supply to residents with outstanding bills dating before 31 January, with reconnection requiring upfront payments ranging from 10% for general consumers to 100% for government and business. The municipality itself faces disruption of bulk water supply from NamWater due to N$31.6 million in unpaid bills accumulated over nine months.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The article argues that Namibia, 36 years after independence, lacks a comprehensive genocide memorialisation regime and sets out foundational pillars including a Remembrance Day (inaugurated on 28 May in 2025), curriculum integration, monuments, museums, a legal framework, and a dedicated Genocide Memorial Authority to honour victims and advance reparatory justice.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Health Minister has granted Namibian health professionals a temporary extension under the Health Professions Act, allowing registered practitioners to continue practising without a new licence until 31 March 2027 on a "deemed licensed" basis, provided they apply for the required licence before that date. The extension follows concerns raised by the Namibia Medical Society that the operational framework for the licensing system was not finalised in time for the original 20 March 2024 deadline.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Construction of 54 houses at Usakos by the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia has stalled due to delays in procuring prepaid water meters. The Usakos Town Council says installation is on hold until additional materials from South Africa arrive, expected this week, though community members expressed frustration over the hold-up despite having paid N$5,400 for the meters.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Karasburg Town Council says it will review the junior council election if evidence of favouritism emerges, after community activist Jacobus Basson alleged that Grade 11 pupils from two schools were unfairly excluded while Lordsville Secondary School Grade 11s were allowed to participate. Town council officials deny favouritism, claiming only three schools submitted applications last year and that the selection process was already complete when Basson's daughter expressed interest this year.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
A 36-year-old woman was arrested after leaving her newborn at a church in Ohangwena, raising questions about what locations legally qualify as "safe places" under Namibia's 2019 safe-haven policy. While some argue the mother's circumstances warrant consideration and the law permits leaving unharmed infants at churches, police and government officials contend the specific location—an empty church with the baby placed unattended on the floor—did not meet statutory requirements for a designated safe place.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Two men, aged 26 and 51, were apprehended on Saturday while attempting to sell elephant tusks on the Oshakati–Endola main road. They are scheduled to appear in the Oshakati Magistrate's Court on Monday.
24 March 2026 · Informanté →
Informal car washers operating near Wernhil Bridge in Windhoek report declining business and rising operational costs for water and materials, while also facing disruptions from City Police and lacking formal permits to work. Workers say the struggling economy has reduced customer demand and made it harder to support themselves and their families.
24 March 2026 · New Era →
Five people died in a head-on collision between a VW Polo and a Ford Ranger near Okahandja last Thursday; three teachers from Otjiwarongo are feared among the victims. The Polo's driver allegedly swerved to avoid guinea fowls, crossing into the oncoming lane, and all five occupants were burnt beyond recognition. The Ford Ranger's driver was rescued and admitted to hospital with serious injuries.
24 March 2026 · New Era →
Veterans in Kavango East recount their experiences during apartheid and the liberation struggle, highlighting the transformation Namibia has undergone since independence—from military repression and restricted freedoms to access to electricity, water, and education. They emphasize progress while urging youth to maintain national unity.
24 March 2026 · New Era →
Bank Windhoek has sponsored N$550,000 to the Namibia Chess Federation to strengthen youth development through chess education and national team preparation, bringing the bank's total support over four years to N$2 million. The funding will support grassroots development, school outreach, and participation in regional and international competitions, including the 2026 Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan.
24 March 2026 · New Era →
'The Bride' (2026), directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal and starring Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale, reimagines Mary Shelley's gothic story as a tale of a woman reanimated to be Frankenstein's monster's companion, who discovers agency and voice despite being created to satisfy a man's needs. The film blends classic horror aesthetics with contemporary themes of male loneliness, female bodily autonomy, and the silencing of victims of gender-based violence.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
A new feature film set in Katutura, written and directed by Florian Schott and Ndinomholo Ndilula, is casting more than 30 speaking roles and seeking local investment to fund an all-Namibian production exploring love, culture, time travel, and social issues through humour.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The 'Canvas of Namibia' exhibition at Windhoek's Namibian Arts Association features 23 artists and personal items including Hendrik Witbooi portraits, a military helmet and memorabilia from the liberation struggle, celebrating Namibian independence while addressing contemporary issues like corruption and township life.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibian mountain-bike riders won two podium finishes at the Absa Cape Epic, an eight-day race covering 700km in South Africa's Western Cape: Jacky Shipena and Jana von Backstrom came second in the Open Women's category, while Martin Freyer and Tristan de Lange took third in the Open Men's category.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Cor Beuke and Liana du Plessis won the Bank Windhoek Independence Betterball tournament at Windhoek Golf Club with 52 points, beating 28 other teams in a 58-golfer field that celebrated Namibia's independence through sport.
24 March 2026 · New Era →
Head coach Simon Petrus !Haradoeb has announced a provisional Kunene region U/20 squad for the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup, scheduled for 3–5 April in Keetmanshoop, featuring five recalled veteran players alongside emerging talents from regional academies. The defending champions aim to retain their title through a blend of experience and youthful energy.
24 March 2026 · New Era →
The inaugural Namibia Street Classic, scheduled for 27–28 March at Vegkop Stadium in Windhoek, has been postponed following withdrawals of several international athletes. The organisers attributed the withdrawals to the ongoing Middle East conflict, which has disrupted travel and affected participation, and said proceeding would not meet the high standards they set.
24 March 2026 · New Era →
The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture has distributed N$10 million to each of Namibia's 14 regions for construction of basic, multi-purpose community sports facilities as part of a phased national sports infrastructure development programme. The first phase, funded with N$140 million, will support construction of 28 facilities nationwide, with implementation decentralised to Regional Governors.
24 March 2026 · New Era →
Organisers in Outjo are inviting football and netball teams to register for the SummerJive community sports tournament scheduled for 29–30 August, which aims to showcase youth talent, drive community development, and create economic opportunities. Last year the event drew nearly 25 football teams, and registrations remain open until 28 August.
24 March 2026 · New Era →
The Zambezi River has overflowed into eastern floodplains, submerging villages in Kabbe South and Kabbe North, while the Kavango and Chobe rivers also record high water levels. Communities along all three rivers have been advised to remain on alert and activate flood preparedness measures.
24 March 2026 · Informanté →
Leonid Radvinsky, the Ukrainian-American billionaire owner of OnlyFans streaming site, has died at 43 after a long battle with cancer. Radvinsky bought Fenix International Limited, which owns OnlyFans, in 2018 and had been its majority shareholder since then.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
President Trump ordered a five-day postponement of US military strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure, citing productive conversations between the US and Iran over a "complete and total resolution" of Middle East hostilities. Trump said Iran must surrender its enriched uranium stockpile for a deal, and his envoys including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are engaged in ongoing talks.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his capacity as SADC chairperson, marked Southern Africa Liberation Day on 23 March 2026 by reflecting on regional liberation struggles, honouring freedom fighters and international allies like Cuba, and urging member states to remain united and vigilant in advancing the region's common agenda while supporting self-determination movements including the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Presidents Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Dumo Boko met to discuss trade-enhancing initiatives, pledging cooperation on securing commodities, keeping ports open, and unlocking regional value chains through the Port of Walvis Bay. The discussions centred on partnerships in trade, infrastructure, tourism, natural resources management, logistics, and the Trans-Kalahari Railway Corridor.
24 March 2026 · New Era →
Iran has threatened to target desalination plants in the region after claiming damage to its own water and energy infrastructure in conflict with Israel and the US, with experts warning that attacks on such facilities in the Middle East—where desalination supplies most of the region's drinking water—could trigger catastrophic humanitarian and economic consequences.
24 March 2026 · New Era →
An opinion piece argues that proposals to redirect public servants with medical aid schemes toward state hospitals must account for fairness to those paying contributions, and warns that without expanded public infrastructure and staffing, redirecting patients could strain already-overburdened facilities and discourage the investments people make in private healthcare access.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
An opinion piece argues that organisational culture and strategy must work together, with international standards providing structure to translate vision into practice. The author contends that leaders must embed ethics, sustainability and stakeholder engagement into both their culture and strategic plans to build resilient organisations.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →