Namibia Minute.
Friday, 27 March 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Friday, 27 March 2026
Windhoek—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Archive Minute from Friday, 27 March 2026
Politics

First gentleman urges leaders to be self-critical, forward-thinking

The News

First gentleman Denga Ndaitwah has called on leaders to adopt a self-critical and forward-thinking approach that reflects, adapts and focuses on present challenges rather than the past. Speaking at a public lecture on strategic leadership at the International University of Management, he distinguished leadership—getting people to want to do what needs to be done—from management, emphasizing that both are mutually inclusive.

27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Politics

  1. First gentleman urges leaders to be self-critical, forward-thinking

    First gentleman Denga Ndaitwah has called on leaders to adopt a self-critical and forward-thinking approach that reflects, adapts and focuses on present challenges rather than the past. Speaking at a public lecture on strategic leadership at the International University of Management, he distinguished leadership—getting people to want to do what needs to be done—from management, emphasizing that both are mutually inclusive.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. High Court grants bail to six in Namcor fraud case

    Six individuals charged in the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia fraud and corruption case have been granted bail by the Windhoek High Court after successful appeals, with the court finding material misdirections in the magistrate's earlier refusal. The accused include former Namcor executives and businessmen and are subject to strict conditions including movement restrictions and reporting requirements.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. IPC MPs question N$20 million to non-existent petroleum unit

    Opposition parliamentarians in the Independent Patriots for Change criticised the N$20 million allocation to an upstream petroleum unit in the Office of the President's budget, arguing the unit does not yet exist under law and the funding is therefore premature and amounts to corruption. They called for the money to be reallocated to the minister of industries, mines and energy pending passage of the petroleum bill.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Erongo establishes Rural Development Forum for inclusive growth

    The Erongo region has launched a Rural Development Forum to promote inclusive growth and improve rural communities' lives by bringing together stakeholders from government, NGOs, and the private sector. Governor Natalia /Goagoses said the initiative aligns with the sixth National Development Plan and aims to address persistent inequalities between rural and urban areas through improved infrastructure, economic opportunities, and grassroots-driven development.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Parliament divided over petroleum bill governance structure

    The petroleum amendment bill, which proposes moving oil and gas sector oversight to the Office of the President, has faced criticism in Parliament for creating a "power vacuum" and concentrating executive control. Critics argue the measure removes ministerial accountability to Parliament and risks elite capture, while the government defends the proposal as necessary modernisation to protect the sector and ensure proper regulation.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. High Court grants bail to six in Namcor corruption case

    A High Court appeals panel has granted bail to six accused persons in the Namcor fraud and corruption case, including former Namcor executives Jennifer Hamukwaya and Immanuel Mulunga, after they appealed against a Magistrate's Court refusal. Bail amounts range from N$20,000 to N$50,000, with conditions requiring reporting to the Anti-Corruption Commission twice weekly, surrendering travel documents, and not interfering with investigations.

    27 March 2026 · Informanté →

  7. Correctional Service strengthens global cooperation, reports 82% plan progress

    The Namibian Correctional Service has deepened its international engagement through partnerships with organisations including the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Corrections and Prisons Association, and achieved an 82% implementation rate of its Annual Plan in the 2025/2026 financial year, according to Commissioner-General Raphael Tuhafeni Hamunyela.

    27 March 2026 · Informanté →

  8. President inaugurates Home Affairs office in Nkurenkuru

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah has officially opened a new Kavango West Regional Office of the Ministry of Home Affairs in Nkurenkuru, aimed at improving access to civil registration and identity services. The facility will reduce the need for residents to travel up to 140 kilometres to Rundu for essential documents and provide services including birth and death registration, passport applications, and immigration services.

    27 March 2026 · Informanté →

  9. State must protect public prosecutors from rising threats

    According to a criminal intelligence analyst writing in the New Era, Namibia must implement robust security measures and witness protection programs to shield public prosecutors from intimidation and threats linked to organised crime, corruption, and drug trafficking cases. The analyst calls for a specialised threat assessment unit under law enforcement to proactively identify risks, with responsibility for prosecutor safety shared among individual prosecutors, their office, and law enforcement.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

  10. Speaker defends parliamentary rulings as consistent application of rules

    Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has responded to opposition criticism—particularly from Popular Democratic Movement legislator Inna Hengari—that she arbitrarily interrupts members and rules them out of order, saying her interventions are constitutional duties applying Parliament's own Standing Rules consistently and without exception, not personal acts.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

  11. MPs declare properties, assets; some submit empty forms

    Parliament members have submitted asset declarations showing residential properties, vehicles, business interests, and pension benefits, though several MPs including Jenelly Matundu and others submitted empty declaration forms, and some have yet to submit at all.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

  12. Omusati regional councillors sworn in after recent elections

    Following recently concluded regional councils and local authorities elections, newly elected and re-elected councillors from Omusati region have taken office. The region comprises 12 constituencies and five local authorities, with Outapi as its administrative capital.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

  13. Young civil servant drives Kunene Governor's Office operations

    Lahja Nashuuta Alpha Mbanyanda Uzera, a Senior Private Secretary in Kunene's Governor's Office, joined public service in April 2025 and has since contributed to infrastructure projects like the Oute Bridge and youth development programmes. He emphasises the dedication of his office team and plans to pursue postgraduate studies in International Relations with a goal of joining the diplomatic corps.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

Business

  1. Starlink to appeal Namibia's telecommunications licence rejection

    Starlink says it will appeal the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia's rejection of its application to operate in the country, citing the authority's decision as "disappointing". The regulator declined the application because Starlink failed to meet local ownership requirements, which mandate that telecommunications providers be at least 51% locally owned, along with other regulatory and legal compliance issues.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. NBC claims N$3m owed Huawei, not N$184m flagged

    The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation told Parliament it owes Huawei only N$3 million, not the N$184 million cited in the auditor general's report, citing a reporting threshold and incomplete project agreements. The NBC has received adverse audit reports for five consecutive years.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Oryx Properties launches unlisted fund with GIPF backing

    Oryx Properties is launching an unlisted property fund valued at N$8–10 billion, with the Government Institutions Pension Fund as anchor investor, designed to address liquidity constraints in Namibia's unlisted property market and create a pipeline for assets into its listed platform.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Namfisa confirms lump sum retirement payments unchanged

    The Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority has confirmed that lump sum cash entitlements on retirement will remain unchanged when the Financial Institutions and Markets Act is implemented, addressing concerns raised by the retirement fund industry.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Namibian MSMEs face financing, infrastructure barriers in remote areas

    Namibian small businesses struggle with collateral-based lending, high operating costs, skills gaps, and regional market barriers. These challenges are especially acute in underserved areas like Divundu village, where inadequate workspace and limited services force entrepreneurs to operate from makeshift structures and repurposed buildings.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. RMB grants Telecom Namibia N$405m for digital infrastructure upgrade

    Rand Merchant Bank Namibia has extended a N$405 million seven-year loan to Telecom Namibia to fund its five-year transformation strategy, aimed at improving broadband access and mobile network capacity nationwide to ensure citizens have access to reliable and affordable digital services.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. NEPC invests in staff training, youth skills amid budget constraints

    The New Era Publication Corporation says it is committed to supporting government initiatives through staff training programmes and youth internships, including a hackathon for innovative problem-solving, while also introducing cybersecurity training and psychological support services. The corporation faces financial challenges after a three-percent cut to government subsidy, but the Information and Communication Technology minister encouraged revenue-building efforts.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

  8. Namibia launches digital payments strategy for 2026–2030

    Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah unveiled the National Payment System Vision and Strategy 2030, developed by the Bank of Namibia and Payment Association of Namibia, to modernise Namibia's payment systems and make transactions faster, safer and more affordable. The strategy aims to enable seamless transactions across banks, mobile wallets and other financial services, improving financial inclusion for small businesses and underserved communities.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

  9. Namibia's fuel storage facility prepares for local business access

    The National Oil Storage Facility handles all petroleum products entering Namibia and is considering opening storage capacity to local entrepreneurs, currently hosting only one private company. The facility, which requires strict international safety and quality standards, is reviewing its fees to provide competitive rates and attract applications from Namibian businesses seeking storage for diesel, ULP, and jet fuel.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

Mining & Energy

  1. Namibian fuel prices rise sharply from April due to global oil surge

    Energy minister Modestus Amutse announced that petrol prices will increase by N$2.50 per litre and diesel by N$4 per litre from 1 April, driven by surging international oil prices, Middle East tensions, and currency weakness. The government will cut fuel levies by 50% for three months and allocate N$500 million from the National Energy Fund to cushion the impact on consumers.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. NamPower seeks 8.4% electricity tariff increase for 2027

    The Namibia Power Corporation has applied to the Electricity Control Board to increase electricity tariffs by 8.4%, driven by the need to align fixed operational costs with a new cost-reflective tariff methodology and increased imported electricity and fuel prices. If approved, the average bulk tariff will rise from 206.11 c/kWh to 223.40 c/kWh.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Toyota joins rare earth metals project in Namibia

    Toyota Tsusho Corporation has been selected to join the Lofdal Heavy Rare Earths Project in Namibia as a strategic partner alongside Japan's state-backed Jogmec, which will invest up to C$25 million to earn up to 51% interest in the project and secure supply of critical rare earth elements like dysprosium and terbium for the automotive and energy sectors.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Petrol price rises N$2.50, diesel N$4.00 from April 1

    The Minister of Mines and Energy announced fuel price increases effective April 1, 2026, citing sharp rises in international crude oil prices driven by Middle East geopolitical tensions and the weakening Namibian dollar. The Cabinet has temporarily reduced fuel levies by 50% for three months to April–June 2026, with the National Energy Fund absorbing an under-recovery of approximately N$500 million.

    27 March 2026 · Informanté →

  5. NAMCOR welcomes production testing start at Kavango West

    NAMCOR's upstream subsidiary has welcomed the commencement of production testing at the Kavango West-1X discovery well in PEL 73, onshore Namibia, a joint venture operated by ReconAfrica (70%) alongside partners BW Kudu (20%) and NAMCOR E&P (10%). Testing will span six targeted zones across the Huttenberg and Elandshoek formations through the second quarter of 2026.

    27 March 2026 · Informanté →

  6. Bank of Namibia enters gold purchase deal with Navachab Mine

    The Bank of Namibia has signed a gold purchase agreement with QKR Namibia Navachab to acquire locally produced gold, part of a broader programme to strengthen reserve assets, enhance financial resilience, and support the country's ability to respond to external shocks. The phased gold acquisition programme aligns with international reserve management standards and aims to support macroeconomic stability and national economic interests.

    27 March 2026 · Informanté →

  7. NOSF enters new phase with market-based fees, wider access

    Namibia's National Oil Storage Facility, a N$6.5 billion investment in Walvis Bay designed to hold 75 million litres of fuel, is undergoing policy reforms to establish market-related tariffs and attract local entrepreneurs to its storage capacity. The facility aims to balance its role as a strategic energy buffer against global supply disruptions with expanded commercial participation and improved operational sustainability.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

  8. Zimbabwe tightens raw lithium export ban to prevent smuggling

    Zimbabwe has strengthened enforcement of its ban on raw mineral exports, particularly lithium—of which it is Africa's largest producer—following suspicions of a rush to export stockpiles before the policy took effect. The crackdown aims to force local processing and boost government revenue, but concerns persist about the ban's enforceability without formal legislation and potential job losses for miners.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Windstorm and hail destroy crops across Okongo villages

    A violent windstorm followed by heavy rain and hailstones destroyed crops across villages in Okongo constituency, leaving families with nothing to harvest and 40 houses damaged in at least one village. The affected communities are appealing to the government for drought relief assistance.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. Hope Farm livestock project shows growth after first year

    The Hope Farm project, launched by Swakop Uranium a year ago, has successfully grown its herds despite challenging conditions in Erongo; 48 beneficiaries (22 women and 26 men) who received 630 goats and sheep have increased their stock to 1,248 animals through the revolving model that requires beneficiaries to return livestock to support new participants.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

Society

  1. President urges timely birth registration to establish legal identity

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged parents to register newborns without delay, citing late registration as a persistent challenge that undermines legal identity and national planning. She noted that the national birth registration rate stands at 86.8%, and announced government measures including hospital-based registration offices and provisions allowing mothers to register children under their own surnames when fathers are absent.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Windhoek repairs 67 000 potholes since February 2025

    The City of Windhoek has fixed 67 344 potholes and repaired over 54 000 square metres of damaged road since February 2025, following damage from heavy rains and flooding in the 2024/25 rainy season. Mayor Sakaria Uunona said the city has invested N$64.36 million in these repairs, though he acknowledged ageing infrastructure and limited maintenance funding remain challenges.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Namra confiscates N$28m khat shipment at Windhoek airport

    The Namibia Revenue Agency seized over 56kg of khat (a stimulant plant classified as illegal in Namibia) worth about N$28 million from a cargo consignment at Hosea Kutako International Airport. One suspect was apprehended and is expected to appear in court as investigations continue.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Family learns of daughter's death from social media accident video

    The family of Diina Hamwaama (32), one of five people killed in a head-on motor accident between Okahandja and Otjiwarongo, discovered her death through a graphic video of the crash circulating on social media, six hours before police formally notified them. The family says they are traumatised by seeing her body in the video and are calling for respect for the dead and accountability from those who filmed and shared it.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. 20,000 Namibian children suffer online sexual abuse annually

    Research by Unicef shows that approximately 9% of internet-using Namibian children aged 12–17 — an estimated 20,000 children annually — experience online sexual exploitation or abuse. Police and justice sector officials are undergoing training to strengthen victim identification and enforcement efforts as digital exploitation increasingly involves sophisticated cross-border methods.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. HIV infections rising after USAID funding withdrawal

    Namibian NGOs report three new HIV cases daily following the withdrawal of USAID funding over a year ago, and warn that the government has not filled the gap. NGOs say the funding cuts have forced scaling back of HIV prevention programmes, condom distribution, and treatment support, particularly affecting sex workers, youth, and the LGBTQI+ community.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Psychiatrists to testify in rape-robbery conviction sentencing

    Two psychiatrists will testify in May in the High Court about their psychiatric evaluation of Richard Haoseb (29), who was convicted of five counts of rape, housebreaking, robbery and kidnapping at Gobabis. The defence raised questions about Haoseb's mental state at the time of the crimes, noting he was diagnosed with schizophrenia and reported hearing voices since age seven.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Minister orders old TB hospital tenants to vacate by April 1

    Minister of Works and Transport Veikko Nekundi has ordered all occupants of the old tuberculosis hospital building in Windhoek to leave by 1 April, citing the building's unsuitability for occupation and illegal tenancy. The 25-room building houses both government and non-government employees, with tenants complaining that non-government occupants have damaged property, stolen materials, and sold illegal substances.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. Water supply restored to Central Katutura after pipe burst

    Central Katutura experienced a water outage this morning due to a pipe burst that forced the City of Windhoek to temporarily isolate supply for repairs. Water supply is being restored and expected to normalise within three hours.

    27 March 2026 · Informanté →

  10. Neighbour testifies to abuse before girl's murder

    A former neighbour testified in the murder trial of three accused—couple Caroline and Edward Nkata and Rachel Kureva—that she heard a nine-year-old girl screaming in distress days before the child was found burned in a skip bin in January 2020. The witness said she had reported abuse to social workers on multiple occasions after hearing beatings at the Nkatas' home.

    27 March 2026 · Informanté →

  11. Namibia commits to digitising health and civil registration systems

    Health Minister Esperance Luvindao said the government is committed to digitalising civil registration and health services across sectors to improve accessibility and address fragmentation. The new National Digital Health Policy (2026–2036) aims to embed digital solutions throughout the healthcare system to ensure equitable, efficient, and quality services for all Namibians.

    27 March 2026 · Informanté →

  12. Namibian women's foundational role in nation-building and liberation

    An article reflects on women's contributions to Namibia's independence struggle, post-independence development, and cultural preservation, noting that women have shaped feminist ideas to reflect local realities and remain central to the nation's ongoing progress.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

  13. TVET sector in Namibia faces disparities, skills gaps

    Technical and Vocational Education and Training plays a central role in Namibia's human capital and economic development, with 126 VTCs enrolling 26,442 trainees in 2025, but the sector faces challenges including uneven regional distribution of training centres, persistent skills mismatches in emerging fields, and insufficient funding for infrastructure modernisation.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

  14. Labour laws must protect informal and domestic workers

    Domestic workers, farm labourers, and construction crews operate in legal grey zones without basic protections like minimum wage enforcement, health insurance, or access to bank loans for housing. Experts and labour unions call for universal legal coverage, mandatory written contracts, social protection floors, and land reform to ensure dignity of work for Namibia's informal sector.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

  15. President assesses Zambezi floods; schools, health services disrupted

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has toured the Zambezi region, where water levels have surged to 6.88 metres, inundating up to 75% of land in affected constituencies and forcing the temporary closure and relocation of schools. Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp has warned that at least 587 learners in the region are already affected, with the flooding disrupting access to healthcare and critical public infrastructure as authorities distribute relief supplies and facilitate relocations.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

  16. Oshikoto school closed since 2018 due to low enrolment

    Oshanamutango Primary School in Olukonda constituency has remained closed since 2018 after enrolment fell below the Ministry of Education's minimum requirement of 50 learners. Community leaders have proposed repurposing the school infrastructure for a vocational training centre or police station, pending approval from regional authorities.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

  17. Oshikoto begins distributing South Korean rice donation

    Oshikoto Regional Council has started distributing 9,203 bags of rice (40kg each) donated by South Korea to vulnerable households through the Office of the Prime Minister. The rice, valued at N$61 million, is expected to reach more than 46,000 households across all 11 constituencies, with distribution beginning in Guinas and Oniipa.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

  18. Man accused of killing domestic partner faces May trial

    Iuze Mukube Piet Ritief Gamaseb (48) is set to stand trial from May 2026 for the alleged murder of his common-law wife Davie Bokkie Hannes in Outjo on 12 March 2022. He faces charges of murder and defeating the course of justice; the state alleges he struck her with an iron bar following an argument and then transported her body to her mother's house.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

  19. Witness describes alleged abuse at Nkata residence where child died

    A neighbour testified in the trial of three accused of killing nine-year-old Akundaishe Natalie Chipomho that she witnessed aggressive beatings of children at the Nkata residence in Windhoek. The witness said she observed one child being hit with a belt and heard screaming that sounded like fear coming from the house, supporting State allegations that the accused kicked and beat the girl with objects, leaving her dead in a garage before her body was disposed of.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

  20. Man's trial for rape and child trafficking set for April

    Johan Paru Morkel's trial is scheduled for April–June 2026 on charges including seven counts of rape and three counts of trafficking in children. Morkel is accused of luring young girls to his house under the pretext of applying gold to their teeth and then sexually assaulting them.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

  21. Keetmanshoop VTC inaugurated with call for student discipline

    The Keetmanshoop Vocational Training Centre was officially inaugurated in the //Kharas region. Mayor Melody Swartbooi urged trainees to adopt a culture of discipline and take responsibility for their studies, emphasizing that the centre's success depends on the students' commitment to their education.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

Culture

  1. Coming weeks offer markets, runs, music and creative workshops

    Namibia's event calendar features live music, rooftop jazz in Windhoek, community markets, marathon runs, acting workshops in Swakopmund, puppet-making sessions, and the start of Windhoek Karneval season, with activities ranging from free to N$600.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Documentary on Omusati premieres, exploring northern region's heritage

    A Namibian documentary film titled "Echoes of Omusati," directed by Oshoveli Shipoh and conceived by Morna Ikosa, premieres tonight at Ster-Kinekor cinema in Windhoek. The film tells stories of the Omusati region in northern Namibia, focusing on its people, culture, history, and tribal identities, including a family's 37-year separation and reunion during exile.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

  3. Ander Donkey makes comeback at Gobabis Donkey Meat Festival

    Award-winning musician Robert Oitsile, known as Ander Donkey, is returning to performance after a period away from music during which he struggled with alcohol addiction and later found faith as an evangelist in 2014. He will perform at the Donkey Meat Festival in Gobabis and other towns, balancing his music career with his work as a missionary.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

Sport

  1. Germany emphasise team unity ahead of World Cup campaign

    Germany's coach Julian Nagelsmann says the team's collective strength rather than individual talent will be key to their World Cup prospects, with a squad built on form and cohesion rather than reputation. Captain Joshua Kimmich and midfielder Kai Havertz highlighted how Bayern Munich's seven representatives bring "automatisms" and team spirit crucial to tournament success.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Senegal appeals CAF decision stripping 2025 AFCON title

    Senegal's football federation has filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport against the Confederation of African Football's decision to overturn Senegal's 1-0 victory in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, after several Senegal players walked off the pitch in protest during the match against Morocco. The federation's legal team argues that stripping them of the title violates match regulations and the referee's authority, and has called for an expedited procedure expected to take two months.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. IOC reintroduces gender testing despite scientific and ethical concerns

    The International Olympic Committee has announced the reintroduction of gender testing through SRY gene screening, last used in 1996, to protect female competition categories. The move raises practical, legal, ethical and scientific questions, with critics including the scientist who discovered the SRY gene arguing the approach is overly simplistic and lacks scientific consensus linking the test to sporting performance, while affected athletes report severe personal and financial consequences.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Turkey beats Romania, advances toward World Cup qualification

    Turkey defeated Romania 1-0 in a World Cup play-off semi-final, with Ferdi Kadioglu scoring in the 53rd minute, to keep alive their hopes of reaching the finals for the first time since 2002. They will face either Slovakia or Kosovo in a play-off final on Tuesday for a place in the expanded 48-team tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Bank Windhoek Doc Tournament returns to Swakopmund Saturday

    Namibia's premier volleyball event is set for The Dome in Swakopmund, featuring top local teams and international participation from Zambian side Green Buffaloes. Tournament director Elia Muremi said the event motivates young players and elevates local play through international competition, though organisers face logistical and financial constraints.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Windhoek High School netball teams compete at South African festival

    Windhoek High School's netball programme is competing in the annual Waterkloof Netball Festival in Pretoria, South Africa, with four age-group teams travelling to play 11 games over four days against top South African schools. Coach Sune Verdoes emphasises that the team's culture is built on defensive discipline, accountability, and mental resilience, with preparation including fitness work, skills development, and psychological sessions.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Kavango East targets trophy and under-20 player calls-ups

    Kavango East Football Association aims to win the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup for the first time and see more of their players selected for the shadow under-20 national team. The region faces financial constraints that have hampered preparations, though they have retained experienced players from last year's runner-up squad.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Omaheke Top 20 sports competition returns to Gobabis

    The fifth edition of the Omaheke Top 20 football and netball competition will be held at Legare Sports Stadium in Gobabis on Saturday and Sunday, featuring teams from rural areas across the region. Prize pools include N$38,000 for football and N$5,000 for netball, with the football winner receiving N$13,000 in cash.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

  9. Namibian archers compete at South African nationals

    A nine-member Namibian archery team, including returning medal-winners and newcomers, will compete at the 76th South African Outdoor Target Archery nationals in Johannesburg from 27 to 29 March, aiming to build on six medals won at last year's event.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

  10. Remembering John Awarab, Orlando Pirates' legendary fullback

    New Era profiles John Awarab, a long-serving fullback for Orlando Pirates who is remembered as a defensive cornerstone and Pirates legend. The article chronicles his nearly decade-long career, including a notable performance in the Yoko Tea Cup final, and his later years as squad depth before retirement in his late 30s.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

  11. Brave Warriors lose 2-0 to Kazakhstan in friendly

    Namibia's national football team suffered a 2-0 defeat to Kazakhstan in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA Series friendly fixtures in Astana. Head coach Collin Benjamin said his team had good chances to score and performed well overall, but the difference came down to taking opportunities and the opponent's physical approach.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

  12. Unam Stadium hosts crucial Women's Super League matches

    Unam Stadium will stage two FNB Women's Super League fixtures this weekend, with Unam Bokkies facing Desert Foxes FC on Saturday and Arrows Ladies playing Desert Foxes on Sunday. Both Unam and Desert Foxes coaches say their teams are prepared despite recent breaks and injury challenges.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

Tourism & Environment

  1. Zambezi River rises to record level in Katima Mulilo

    The Zambezi River at Katima Mulilo reached 6.93 meters on 25 March 2026, significantly higher than levels recorded on the same date in previous years, with water overflowing into eastern floodplains. Namibia's Hydrological Services has issued a flood alert and advised communities in the eastern Zambezi floodplains to activate flood preparedness measures.

    27 March 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Heavy thunderstorms and flash floods forecast for Friday

    The Namibia Meteorological Services predicts heavy thunderstorms over the interior on Friday with potential for flash floods, following significant rainfall across the country this week including 70mm near Outjo. Authorities recommend activating flood contingency plans in identified flood-prone areas including the Cuvelai–Etosha Basin, Okavango, Zambezi, and other vulnerable regions.

    27 March 2026 · Informanté →

  3. Heavy rains create rare waterfall near Twyfelfontein

    Recent rainfall has transformed Hidden Valley near Twyfelfontein in north-western Namibia into a flowing river and temporary waterfall, an unusual sight in the typically arid desert region.

    27 March 2026 · Informanté →

World & Region

  1. Trump becomes first sitting president with signature on US currency

    Donald Trump will be the first sitting US president to have his signature appear on banknotes, a break from tradition dating to 1861. Treasury secretary Scott Bessent announced the move to commemorate America's 250th anniversary, with the first $100 bills featuring both their signatures to be printed in June.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Apartheid killer Eugene de Kock testifies at Cradock Four inquest

    Eugene de Kock, the former commander of apartheid police counterinsurgency unit C10, appeared at an inquest into the 1985 murder of the Cradock Four activists, testifying that he played no role in their killing. De Kock's testimony is expected to support arguments that political interference stalled prosecutions in apartheid-era cases, as documented through an ongoing Khampepe Commission inquiry.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Guinea military officer convicted of stadium massacre dies in prison

    Aboubacar Sidiki Diakité, convicted of crimes against humanity for his role in Guinea's 2009 stadium massacre that killed more than 150 people and resulted in at least 109 rapes, has died in custody while serving a 10-year sentence. His death has prompted concerns in Guinea about unresolved justice and accountability for past abuses.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Zimbabwe reports 15 nationals killed recruiting to fight Russia

    Zimbabwe's government has confirmed that 15 of its citizens were killed after being recruited through deceptive schemes on social media to fight for Russia in Ukraine, with more than 60 still trapped on the frontlines. The government is negotiating with Russian authorities for body repatriation and safe return of survivors, warning citizens about fraudulent overseas job offers that exploit vulnerable job-seekers across Africa.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. African nations ration power, fuel as Iran conflict disrupts supply

    South Sudan and Mauritius have announced electricity rationing measures due to fuel shortages triggered by the US and Israel's conflict with Iran, which is disrupting energy supplies across Africa. Several other African countries including Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda are implementing fuel conservation measures and facing supply shortages or price increases.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Namibia votes to criminalise slavery, calls for reparations

    Namibia was among 123 countries that voted at the UN General Assembly to declare the transatlantic slave trade a "gravest crime against humanity" and call for reparations to address historical wrongs. The United States, Israel and Argentina voted against the resolution, while 52 EU countries abstained.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

  7. DRC journalists face rising violence, detention under M23

    Reporters Without Borders reports that journalists in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have experienced increasing violence and pressure since M23's capture of Goma in January 2025, including detention, forced ideological training, and censorship of local media. The government and M23 both target journalists, and around 90 reporters fled the conflict zones between 2023 and early 2025.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

  8. Bus disaster kills 24 in Bangladesh river crossing

    Rescue teams in Bangladesh recovered 24 bodies, including five children, after a bus with around 50 passengers sank into the Padma River at a ferry crossing near Dhaka on Wednesday. The incident highlights ongoing road safety challenges in South Asia, where deadly crashes are common due to poor infrastructure and vehicle maintenance.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

  9. China opposes US-led plan for Philippines ammunition facility

    China's foreign ministry warned that a US-led defence group's proposal to build an ammunition assembly and production facility in the Philippines would destabilize the Asia-Pacific region, saying it would "backfire." The Partnership for Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience, which includes the US, Britain, Australia, Japan, and South Korea, agreed last week to assess funding for the facility.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

Opinion

  1. Groupthink poses greater risk than corruption in boards

    An opinion piece warns that groupthink—when groups make irrational decisions to maintain harmony rather than challenge consensus—poses a greater risk to board effectiveness than corruption or fraud, as it is harder to identify and mistakenly regarded as a sign of unity.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia's latest budget prioritises stability over immediate relief

    According to the New Era opinion piece, Namibia's budget is disciplined and forward-looking, balancing fiscal discipline, growth, and social priorities amid constrained revenue. However, it prioritises long-term stability over immediate relief, meaning life will remain expensive for households while the country waits for emerging sectors like oil and gas to deliver future benefits.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

  3. School principals lack pay and support for their leadership load

    An opinion piece argues that Namibian school principals shoulder huge operational and leadership responsibilities—overseeing instruction, managing staff, finances, and safety—yet receive minimal allowances (N$27,936 annually) compared to medical officers and dentists on the same salary grade, who get over N$316,000 in additional benefits. The piece contends that principals are forced to fundraise and use personal resources to keep schools functional, lack meaningful representation in salary negotiations, and must be given adequate compensation and funding to function as true leaders rather than survival-focused administrators.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

  4. Youth unemployment in Namibia is systemic, not a moral failure

    An opinion piece argues that Namibia's educated youth face alarmingly high unemployment despite qualifications, suffering emotional and financial strain due to a mismatch between education and labour market needs. The author calls for coordinated investment in skills, mentorship, and accessible entrepreneurship funding to unlock the nation's greatest resource.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

  5. Editorial: Middle East tensions threaten Namibian household budgets

    A New Era editorial warns that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and surging global oil prices—which have risen from US$68 to over US$105 per barrel—are poised to sharply increase Namibia's fuel costs, which will ripple through food prices, transport fares, and the broader economy. The editorial calls for long-term investment in renewable energy and public transport to reduce the country's vulnerability to global fuel price shocks.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

  6. Opinion: Historical Evolution and Role of Universities

    An academic commentary tracing the development of universities from medieval Europe and early African institutions like Timbuktu, which thrived as centres of learning before colonialism disrupted African higher education. The author argues that post-independence African universities have become crucial think tanks and sources of resistance to oppression, and urges current students to advance knowledge for humanity's benefit.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

Namibia Minute