Namibia Minute.
Saturday, 28 March 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Saturday, 28 March 2026
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Archive Minute from Saturday, 28 March 2026
Politics

Parliamentarians question ECN's N$1.6 million legal fees allocation

The News

Independent Patriots for Change MP Michael Mwashindange criticised the Electoral Commission of Namibia's allocation of N$1.6 million for legal fees as wasteful, arguing the commission should prioritise improving voter turnout and drafting an electoral amendment bill instead. Other MPs also questioned whether the ECN's overall N$181 million budget for 2026/27 is adequate for national coverage.

28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Politics

  1. Parliamentarians question ECN's N$1.6 million legal fees allocation

    Independent Patriots for Change MP Michael Mwashindange criticised the Electoral Commission of Namibia's allocation of N$1.6 million for legal fees as wasteful, arguing the commission should prioritise improving voter turnout and drafting an electoral amendment bill instead. Other MPs also questioned whether the ECN's overall N$181 million budget for 2026/27 is adequate for national coverage.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Venaani calls for relaxing political party funding restrictions

    PDM president McHenry Venaani told Parliament that restrictions on political parties' use of public funding for business activities are weakening their administration, and urged a revisit of the Electoral Act's limitations. Political parties received N$185.2 million in public funds for the 2026/27 financial year, allocated according to parliamentary representation.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. National Assembly budget cuts risk crippling parliamentary work

    Parliament members say the National Assembly's budget allocation of N$410.7 million for 2026/27 is inadequate, with only 1% allocated to development and 19% to core NA activities. MPs warn the underfunding threatens the institution's capacity for lawmaking and public outreach.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Business

  1. Fuel prices rise sharply in April amid Middle East supply pressures

    Petrol will increase by N$2.50 per litre and diesel by N$4 per litre on 1 April, announced by the Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, citing increased shipping and insurance costs following disruption to Middle East oil routes. The Opposition IPC criticizes the hike as an assault on struggling Namibians, while the government says it is providing relief through a 50% cut in fuel levies and N$500 million support from the National Energy Fund.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Windhoek street vendors defy evictions despite police crackdowns

    Hundreds of illegal street vendors in Windhoek's CBD face regular evictions by municipal police, but continue trading because formal markets do not generate sufficient income. The city says it is developing structured trading venues as part of a long-term strategy, while vendors and lawmakers call for legal recognition, proper infrastructure, and compensation for confiscated goods.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Swapo-linked fishing firm sends workers home unpaid

    Fishing company Gendev Fishing, partially owned by Swapo, sent approximately 80–90 permanent employees home without pay on 23 March with no clarity on when salaries would be restored, after previously announcing plans to retrench 489 workers due to operational challenges and limited fishing quotas.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Namra extends income tax returns deadline to October

    The Namibia Revenue Agency has extended the deadline for submitting income tax returns to 31 October for returns related to loss carry-forwards under Section 21 of the Income Tax Act. The extension, now the second deferral, is to allow for continued system readiness, and applies to returns due between 31 July 2025 and 30 September 2026.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. IMF: Namibia's economy stable, but growth remains weak

    The International Monetary Fund told Namibia's Ministry of Finance that the country is not in financial crisis, despite weak diamond sector sales affecting economic growth. Real GDP growth slowed to 1.7% in 2025 and is expected to remain subdued, the IMF delegation leader said, urging reforms to support diversification and job creation.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Mining & Energy

  1. Koryx increases Haib copper reserve estimate and project life

    Koryx Copper SA has released an updated mineral resource estimate for the Haib Copper Project in southern Namibia, showing a significant increase in copper-equivalent grade to 0.4% (from 0.34%), an increase in total contained copper from 2.6 to 3.5 metric tonnes, and an extension of project life-of-mine from 24 to over 35 years, partly due to the inclusion of molybdenum and gold by-products.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia's trade deficit narrows as uranium exports surge

    Namibia's trade deficit improved to N$51.9 billion in 2025 from N$64.7 billion in 2024, driven by strong export growth (up 11.8% in real terms) led by uranium mining's 27% production increase, while imports fell 3.7% in real terms due to lower global oil prices and reduced capital investment spending.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Namibia has sufficient fuel supply, minister assures public

    Industries, Mines and Energy Minister Modestus Amutse said Namibia has adequate fuel supply with no need for panic buying, though global oil prices remain sensitive to Middle East developments. The government has cut fuel levies by 50% to help stabilize prices, and the public is urged to buy responsibly.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Uis tin mine boosts output 15% as Andrada reports record performance

    Andrada Mining's Uis tin mine increased tin concentrate production by 15% in the latest financial year, processing 1.04 million tonnes of ore. The London-listed company reported record operational performance and positive free cash flows, and has expanded partnerships including a tungsten mine investment and lithium exploration operations.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. SAUMA warns uranium ISL mining threatens Stampriet aquifer

    The Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association has raised concerns that proposed In Situ Leach uranium mining in the Stampriet Artesian Basin could contaminate critical groundwater resources and threaten the basin's agricultural sector, which generates over N$1.1 billion annually and supports over 13,000 jobs. The organisation argues that ISL mining introduces toxic substances including radionuclides and heavy metals into water systems and has called for greater transparency, scientific scrutiny, and adherence to environmental regulations before any mining decisions are made.

    28 March 2026 · Informanté →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Wheat harvest drives 376% surge in grain production

    Namibia's grain production jumped 375.9% in late 2025 to 22,643 tonnes, driven primarily by a robust wheat harvest that grew 1,057.6%, while the agronomy import bill fell from N$863 million to N$488 million year-on-year.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Heavy rain disrupts services, more storms forecast for weekend

    The Namibia Meteorological Service warns of heavy thunderstorms expected in central and southern regions this weekend, with flash floods possible. This week's rainfall has already displaced residents in the Zambezi Region, damaged water infrastructure in Grootfontein, revived major rivers including the Hoarusib and Kuiseb, and affected multiple areas across the country.

    28 March 2026 · Informanté →

Society

  1. Vice president tours Windhoek crime hotspots for prevention insights

    Vice president Lucia Witbooi toured crime hotspots in Windhoek as part of a crime prevention programme focusing on road safety, drunk driving, and neighbourhood security. Witbooi expressed concern about rising alcohol abuse among young people and said the tour provided first-hand insight to help the government make informed policy decisions.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Graduates locked out of jobs by corruption, not qualifications

    Thousands of Namibian graduates, particularly in nursing and teaching, face barriers to employment not due to lack of qualifications but due to allegations of corruption in recruitment processes. Unverified claims suggest that candidates who can pay bribes to interviewers or test markers gain unfair advantage, effectively locking out graduates from poor socio-economic backgrounds.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Poor records management at Oshakati State Hospital reflects systemic failure

    Photos of disorganized medical records at Oshakati State Hospital highlight widespread administrative negligence in public institutions. The author argues that Namibia has qualified records management professionals available but institutions fail to employ them, and calls for the National Archives to conduct comprehensive inspections and publish compliance reports across all public institutions.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Year after Ingrid Maasdorp's murder, no answers for family

    A year after five-year-old Ingrid Maasdorp's body was found in a tunnel near Okahandja, her killer remains at large and her family has received no justice. The article notes that Roswinds Fabianu and Beyoncé !Kharuxas were also found murdered at Okahandja in the weeks following Ingrid's death.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. San community demands apology over 'Kumorora' song lyrics

    The San community in Bwabwata is demanding a public apology and removal of artist M-Gee's 2020 song 'Kumorora' from all platforms, saying lyrics depicting a San boy as a beggar constitute defamation and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. M-Gee has apologised for the pain caused, stating the song was intended to promote mutual respect during the Covid-19 pandemic and that the imagery was misinterpreted.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Minister assesses education sector flood damage in Zambezi Region

    Minister of Education Sanet Steenkamp visited the Zambezi Region to assess flooding impacts on schools, where several institutions including Muzii Combined School have been temporarily closed. The Ministry is coordinating with the Prime Minister's office to provide temporary shelter, nutrition, and bedding for affected learners as water levels continue to rise across the region.

    28 March 2026 · Informanté →

  7. Police seek public help locating two missing Katutura residents

    The Namibian Police Force has appealed for assistance in finding 27-year-old Taleinge Shiyukifeni Natangwe, missing since 25 December 2025 from Okahandja Park in Katutura, and 22-year-old Beata Matheus, last seen on 9 March 2026 at Okuryangava Stop-and-Shop bus stop. Family efforts to locate both individuals have been unsuccessful, and police are requesting anyone with information to contact Detective Inspector Sinvula.

    28 March 2026 · Informanté →

  8. 61-year-old man dies by suicide in Ohangwena Region

    Toivo Hamutenya Shinana, a 61-year-old resident of Engela village, shot himself with a shotgun in the early morning hours of Thursday and died on the spot. Police reported no foul play or suicide note.

    28 March 2026 · Informanté →

  9. Enhanced traffic enforcement targets accident hotspots on B1 bypass

    The Minister of Works and Transport has announced enhanced traffic law enforcement measures along the Western Bypass (B1 Road) in Khomas Region, including daily deployment of traffic officers at key points during peak hours to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety in response to rising accidents.

    28 March 2026 · Informanté →

Culture

  1. Uno Boy returns with message of unity for Namibian music

    Award-winning musician Abner Kangumbe, known as Uno Boy, has returned from a four-year sabbatical during which he studied IT and co-founded an IT business. He is releasing new music and calls for Namibian artists to unite and work together to grow the industry, citing the success of South African artists who collaborate openly.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibian communities shift from punishment to support for unwed pregnancies

    A new Oshiwambo-language book explores how Aawambo and other communities have moved away from historical harsh penalties for out-of-wedlock pregnancies toward restorative approaches shaped by Christianity, legal systems, and evolving social norms. Church leaders and traditional authority representatives now advocate for compassion, education, and practical support rather than stigma, while acknowledging that traditional practices once required harsh discipline but have evolved to consider individual circumstances.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Sport

  1. Wirtz shines as Germany edges Switzerland 4-3 friendly

    Florian Wirtz scored twice and set up two goals as Germany defeated Switzerland 4-3 in a friendly match in Basel, with the hosts twice taking the lead before Germany came from behind to win.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Morocco draw Ecuador in Ouahbi's debut amid AFCON controversy

    Morocco's new coach Mohamed Ouahbi began his tenure with a 1-1 friendly draw against Ecuador in Madrid on Friday. The result came as Morocco continues preparation for the 2026 World Cup following the controversial Confederation of African Football decision last week that awarded them the Africa Cup of Nations title over Senegal.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Burundi, Ethiopia win decisively in Afcon 2027 qualifying

    Burundi and Ethiopia secured comfortable away victories in preliminary round matches, moving toward securing places in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying phase. Burundi defeated Chad 4-0 and Ethiopia beat Sao Tome e Principe 3-0, with return matches scheduled for Tuesday.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. South Africa draws 1-1 with Panama in World Cup warm-up

    South Africa fullback Khuliso Mudau was involved in both goals—first giving away a penalty-area pass that led to Panama's opening goal, then heading in the equaliser—as South Africa drew 1-1 with Panama in a warm-up match in Durban ahead of their 2026 World Cup campaign. Coach Hugo Broos praised his team's attacking chances but criticised defensive lapses that nearly cost them the match.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Namibian Newspaper Cup marks 25 years of youth development

    The Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup, a youth football and netball tournament now in its 25th year, returns for Easter weekend in Keetmanshoop as a flagship corporate social responsibility project that boosts local economies, upgrades sports infrastructure, and has launched careers for young athletes.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Australia defeats Cameroon 1-0 in World Cup warm-up friendly

    Jordan Bos scored a late goal to give Australia a 1-0 victory over Cameroon in a friendly at Sydney's Stadium Australia, a confidence-boosting result ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Coach Tony Popovic used the match to assess new players, including two debutants, as Australia prepares for their Group D campaign.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. New Zealand and Cape Verde lose World Cup warm-up friendlies

    New Zealand were beaten 2-0 by Finland in Auckland while World Cup debutants Cape Verde lost 4-2 to Chile in a match where they were reduced to 10 men. Both teams are preparing for the World Cup in North America this summer.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Former goalkeeper Martin Haikali becomes renowned Namibian boxer

    Martin 'Black Poison' Haikali quit football to become one of Namibia's finest boxers, winning two African titles and qualifying for the Olympics before moving up weight classes. The retired champion, who now works in the Namibian Police, holds an impressive record but remains disappointed he never won a Commonwealth title.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. Mbappe scores as France beats Brazil in friendly match

    Kylian Mbappe scored in France's 2-1 victory over Brazil in a World Cup warm-up friendly in the United States, moving him one goal away from equalling France's all-time scoring record. France played much of the match with 10 men after defender Dayot Upamecano was sent off early in the second half, but held on for the win.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  10. Brave Warriors suffer 2-0 defeat to Kazakhstan in Fifa Series

    Namibia's football team lost 2-0 to Kazakhstan in their first-ever Fifa Series match, leaving them at the bottom of their group with no points. The defeat marks Namibia's fifth consecutive loss, and they face Comoros on Saturday in a match crucial for group runner-up status.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  11. Czech Republic beats Ireland in World Cup playoff shootout

    Goalkeeper Matej Kovar saved two penalties as the Czech Republic defeated Ireland in a 2026 World Cup play-off on Thursday, advancing to face Denmark in the final on March 31 for a spot in the tournament. Ireland led 2-0 at halftime but the Czechs equalized late in regular time before winning 4-3 on penalties.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  12. 24th Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup set for April

    The youth development tournament, bringing together under-20 football and netball teams from all 14 regions, is scheduled for 3–6 April in Keetmanshoop with over 1,000 players and delegates expected. Organisers say preparations are nearly complete, with infrastructure improvements including renovated facilities, new soccer fields and netball courts, and accommodation secured across local schools and town venues.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  13. Italy advances to World Cup playoff final, Wales and Ireland eliminated

    Italy beat Northern Ireland 2-0 to set up a World Cup playoff final against Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Wales and the Republic of Ireland were eliminated in penalty shootouts. The results determine four of the remaining European qualification spots for the 2026 World Cup.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  14. Namibia Eagles dominate Uganda series, prepare for World Cup League

    Namibia's cricket team wrapped up a home series against Uganda from 18–25 March, delivering dominant performances across both T20 and 50-over formats while preparing for the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series against Scotland and Oman scheduled for early April. The Eagles will play two additional warm-up matches against Scotland on 28 and 30 March before the competition begins.

    28 March 2026 · Informanté →

Tourism & Environment

  1. Ultimate Safaris invests N$400k in international guide exchange

    Ultimate Safaris, a conservation-focused luxury travel operator, has invested over N$400 000 since inception in an international guide exchange programme. The initiative gives its annual 'Ultimate Guide of the Year' a three-week immersion experience with a partner operator abroad, fostering knowledge exchange and conservation partnerships.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Lüderitz Crayfish Festival 2026 to boost marine tourism and employment

    The Minister of Agriculture emphasised at a fundraising gala that the 2026 Lüderitz Crayfish Festival (28 April–3 May) will promote sustainable marine resource management, support local businesses, and create employment in the //Karas Region. The minister stressed that Namibia's fisheries sector must ensure coastal communities benefit from the blue economy through jobs and improved livelihoods.

    28 March 2026 · Informanté →

World & Region

  1. UN declares transatlantic slave trade gravest crime against humanity

    The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly voted to declare the transatlantic slave trade "the gravest crime against humanity," backing a resolution proposed by Ghana that urges member states to apologise and contribute to reparations funds. The non-binding resolution passed 123–3 with 52 abstentions, signalling symbolic political support for reparations discussions, though major Western nations including the UK, US, and EU members either abstained or voted against it.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Netherlands defeats Norway 2-1, ends 13-match unbeaten streak

    The Netherlands beat Norway 2-1 in a friendly in Amsterdam on Friday, halting Norway's 13-match unbeaten run. Norway, who topped their World Cup qualifying group with 37 goals, rested key players including Erling Haaland for the match.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Opinion

  1. Business ethics essential for corporate reputation and stakeholder trust

    Ethics in business—distinct from morality—requires balancing self-interest with the good of others and broader stakeholders. Corporations must embed ethical standards in daily decisions on hiring, procurement, and client services, using tests like legality, alignment with company policy, fairness, and public disclosure comfort to guide conduct.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Letter urges support for families of slain civil servants

    A reader writes to the President calling for a "ward of the nation" status and lifelong support—including education and medical coverage—for children of civil servants killed in the line of duty, citing the murder of Justine Shiweda and noting that current veterans' definitions exclude modern-day frontline workers.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Public sector lacks fairness and transparency in appointments

    An opinion piece raises concerns about the lack of fairness and transparency in public sector internship placements and other hiring processes, citing cases where qualified applicants receive no feedback and alleges that opportunities appear to benefit one ethnic group while excluding others without clear justification.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Local telecom firms must improve service after Starlink rejection

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia rejected Starlink's application citing ownership, security, and sovereignty concerns. The editorial argues that local telecommunications companies must now deliver better connectivity and affordability, noting that Namibia ranks 143rd globally in internet speed and only 15% of households have fixed internet access.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Africa's "climate solution" framing masks historical responsibility

    An opinion piece argues that portraying Africa as a global climate leader shifts responsibility away from historical emitters and reinforces exploitation through renewable energy, carbon offsets, mineral extraction, and labour frameworks that benefit wealthy countries. The author urges African leaders to adopt an Afrocentric climate position rooted in justice and differentiated treatment, rather than accepting a narrative that frames climate change as a technical financing challenge.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Fishrot scandal reflects misaligned governance, not institutional failure

    An analysis argues that the Fishrot corruption scandal was not a failure of governance systems, but rather institutions operating effectively toward extraction rather than public purpose. The piece contends that removing individuals is insufficient if the underlying orientation of the system remains unchanged, and that structural alignment with stated purpose is essential to integrity.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Namibians losing touch with reality through social media obsession

    A Namibian editorial argues that excessive phone and social media use is eroding the country's communal culture, causing Namibians to neglect face-to-face relationships, rack up debt maintaining false aesthetics online, and lose basic social skills. The writer calls for a national detox to reclaim authentic human connection.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

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