The City of Windhoek has suffered inadequate road maintenance for 35 years, with recent rains exposing damage valued at N$353 million. The city says proper annual road maintenance would cost N$384 million, while proper rehabilitation requires about N$1 billion, and officials cite budget constraints and insufficient funding from the Roads Fund Administration.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The City of Windhoek has suffered inadequate road maintenance for 35 years, with recent rains exposing damage valued at N$353 million. The city says proper annual road maintenance would cost N$384 million, while proper rehabilitation requires about N$1 billion, and officials cite budget constraints and insufficient funding from the Roads Fund Administration.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Ernst Gaoab, a former HR officer at Otavi Town Council, was granted N$10 000 bail after arrest by the Anti-Corruption Commission. He is accused of abusing power by attempting to promote himself to a non-existent HR manager position and faces charges under the Anti-Corruption Act.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Vice President Lucia Witbooi has called on Swapo members to start preparing immediately for the 2029 election, warning of external threats to the party's foundations and urging unity against what she described as enemies seeking to undermine the party's roots.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa nullified the swearing in of three Right To Shelter Foundation councillors at Gobabis municipality, saying the process was unprocedural and breached the Electoral Act. The minister said candidate lists cannot be changed after an election, and the deputy mayor position will remain vacant until the matter is resolved through judicial review.
30 March 2026 · New Era →
Windhoek High Court judges found that a magistrate misdirected himself in refusing bail to six individuals accused in a purported N$400 million fraud at Namcor, citing selective assessment of evidence and failure to consider individualised circumstances and mitigating bail conditions. The six appellants—Peter and Malakia Elindi, Immanuel Mulunga, Olivia Dunaiski, Leo Nandago, and Jennifer Hamukwaya—were granted bail ranging from N$20,000 to N$50,000, subject to travel restrictions and regular reporting requirements.
30 March 2026 · New Era →
Albertina Tuvahanga Heita, a veteran of Namibia's independence struggle who went into exile at age 19 and later worked in vocational training, died on 18 March aged 70 and was buried at Ondobe Cemetery in Ohangwena. Officials and community members paid tribute to her contributions to both the liberation struggle and post-independence nation-building.
30 March 2026 · New Era →
Governor Hofni Alugodhi Iipinge, appointed eight months ago, is pursuing action-oriented leadership in Oshana focused on agriculture, education, and youth employment through grassroots engagement and consultation with communities and traditional leaders. His priorities include a 10-hectare agricultural project to employ young people, improving school infrastructure and performance, and implementing government programmes through ongoing decentralisation efforts.
30 March 2026 · New Era →
A fuel price increase of N$2.50 to N$4 per litre will have cascading effects across all sectors and households, with lower-income Namibians disproportionately affected as transport and goods costs rise faster than wages adjust. According to economist John Steytler, Namibia must implement targeted protections for vulnerable groups, phase price adjustments, and accelerate renewable energy development to weather the shock.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority has clarified that existing commutation rules for retirement benefits will remain unchanged when the Financial Institutions and Markets Act commences. The clarification confirms that pension, retirement annuity, and preservation funds retain one-third cash entitlements at retirement, while provident funds maintain 100% lump-sum entitlements under current tax law.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The outgoing president of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry called on the private sector to take greater ownership in developing the country and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, which he described as the backbone of the economy. New NCCI president Vetumbuavi Mungunda pledged to focus on strengthening the chamber's capacity for thought leadership and expanding its representation across sectors.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Namib Chilli, a Namibian condiment producer founded in 2020, is expanding internationally with growth of 267% in 2025 and new distributors in Germany while awaiting deals in South Africa, Europe, North America and the UK. The hand-made product, which reached over 1.2 million units sold in the US in 2023, is locally distributed countrywide and the founders recently hosted the second Chilli Festival in Okahandja.
30 March 2026 · New Era →
Vetumbuavi Mungunda was elected president of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the organization's Annual General Meeting on 27 March 2026, replacing Bisey /Uirab. Mungunda has outlined plans to strengthen institutional capacity, broaden sectoral and regional representation, and position the chamber as a more formidable influence in national and regional economic debates.
30 March 2026 · New Era →
Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah launched the National Payment System Vision and Strategy 2030, developed by the Bank of Namibia to modernise payment systems and make money transfers faster, safer and more affordable. The strategy aims to enable banks, mobile wallets and financial services to interoperate seamlessly, expanding digital financial inclusion for small businesses and underserved communities by 2030.
30 March 2026 · New Era →
About 90 permanent employees of Gendev Fishing Group were sent home last week, with no clarity on their status. The move follows the company's earlier notification of a contemplated retrenchment of 489 workers, attributed to sustained financial losses, reduced revenue, and an inadequate quota allocation of 3,351 metric tonnes against the company's 45,000-tonne annual capacity.
30 March 2026 · New Era →
Minister Modestus Amutse briefed the media that Namibia's fuel supply remains stable with adequate stocks to meet demand for one to two months, and that the main risk from global geopolitical tensions is price-related rather than supply-related. The government has reduced fuel levies by 50% and the National Energy Fund will absorb under-recoveries of approximately N$500 million monthly for at least three months to protect consumers from price volatility.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are pushing global oil prices higher, affecting Namibia's fuel costs. The Namibian government has temporarily reduced fuel levies by 50% through June and is using the National Energy Fund to cushion price volatility, though economists warn of potential inflationary impacts on transport, production, and household costs if prices remain elevated.
30 March 2026 · New Era →
The Mineworkers Union of Namibia met with mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse to voice concerns about sector-wide retrenchments and precarious employment conditions in the diamond cutting and polishing industry, calling for urgent policy reforms including the pending Diamond Bill and institutionalised tripartite engagement.
30 March 2026 · New Era →
The Namport Khomas Regional Debate Competition brought together 60 pupils from four circuits in Windhoek over the weekend. Albertina Nangombe from Eldorado Secondary School won female best speaker and overall best speaker, while Ravinias Silas from Windhoek High School took male best speaker honours.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The City of Windhoek requires N$1 billion annually over four years to tackle a 60,000-unit housing backlog driven by rapid urban migration and insufficient funding. Current annual funding of around N$290 million falls far short, and the city may miss its 2030 deadline to address the shortage unless more resources are allocated.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Acting judge Makapa Simasiku has sentenced 24-year-old John Mutirua to life imprisonment for two murders, two counts of rape, and five other charges committed in Gobabis. Mutirua was convicted of murdering Meno Tjizera in 2020 and Albertus Maasdorp in 2023, as well as raping a nine-year-old girl in 2018.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Dynamic South Dancing Club, founded by Brenden Bongo, has spent two years providing dance, music and creative arts to young people in Mariental to build confidence and skills, but the organisation lacks a permanent office, equipment and administrative tools needed to expand and apply for formal funding.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's National Research Excellence Awards ceremony returned after a lengthy break, with visiting South African scientist Bavesh Kana urging the country to strengthen its research systems through sustained funding, functional infrastructure, and supportive policies to match its scientific potential. The awards recognised researchers, innovators and emerging scholars across various disciplines, including student, early-career, mid-career, senior, and lifetime achievement categories.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Tobias Hainyeko constituency regional councillor Christopher Likuwa says teenage pregnancy remains a concern particularly in informal settlements, citing poor housing structures that lack boundaries. At a community awareness event in Windhoek, he called on parents to support their children while health officials urged residents to recognise signs of mental health struggles and seek professional help.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Vice President Lucia Witbooi received a donation of materials including doors, locks and security lighting from Pupkewitz Megabuild for Mokganedi Tlhabanello High School in the Omaheke Region, marking a partnership between government and private sector to support education and community development.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah visited the Zambezi region to assess flooding caused by heavy rains since January, urging residents to accept 9,097 bags of rice donated by South Korea and to relocate despite local preference for maize meal. The flooding has submerged over 75% of land in Kabbe South and Kabbe North constituencies, displaced hundreds, and closed schools and clinics.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Communication Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) has called for responsible handling of information related to the Namibia Airports Company data leak, warning that circulation of unverified data may place individuals and organisations at further risk. The NAC was attacked by the Inc Ransomware Group on 19 March; leaked data includes financial records, internal reports, and engineering documents, though NAC says operations remain unaffected.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
NAM-CSIRT has confirmed that data stolen in a cyberattack on Namibia Airports Company has been published online, with preliminary assessments indicating the leaked data may include airport permit records, parking management information, engineering documentation, financial records, and internal reports. The attack, detected on 6 March 2026, involved approximately 500GB of data and is linked to the INC Ransomware Group, marking the second known attack by this group in Namibia.
30 March 2026 · Informanté →
A 16-year-old boy is in critical condition at a Windhoek hospital after being stabbed multiple times in the back and stomach while trying to help his friend during a fight in Epako early Saturday morning. No arrests have been made and police investigations are ongoing.
30 March 2026 · Informanté →
The Namibian Police are investigating multiple housebreaking and theft incidents across several towns nationwide over the past weekend, including a hostage situation in Windhoek where suspects tied up a resident and stole electronics and personal items. No arrests or recoveries have been made so far, and authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant.
30 March 2026 · Informanté →
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has launched the National Work Integrated Learning Policy 2025–2030 to bridge the gap between education and employment by equipping young people with practical workplace experience. The policy creates a national framework integrating workplace learning into formal education and training, requiring collaboration between government, the private sector, and education institutions.
30 March 2026 · Informanté →
A seven-year-old drowned in an earth dam at Okandjengedi on Friday, and a nine-year-old drowned in a pond at Eenhana on Saturday, as the country experiences widespread showers. Police are investigating both incidents.
30 March 2026 · Informanté →
Widespread heavy showers and hailstorms this weekend caused flooded and damaged roads across Namibia, with southern regions particularly affected. Severe thunderstorms are forecast for Monday across multiple regions, with flash flooding likely.
30 March 2026 · Informanté →
The Roads Authority has warned that severe flooding has forced temporary closures of multiple routes in ||Kharas Region, including District Roads 205 and 269, Main Roads 25 and 27, and District Road 611, with sections between Ariamsvlei, Karasburg, Aroab, Koes, and Keetmanshoop rendered impassable. Motorists are advised to avoid flooded areas and use alternative routes such as Trunk Road 0301 and Main Road 26 until damage assessments can be completed.
30 March 2026 · Informanté →
A light aircraft crashed approximately 30 km from Aus this morning around 11:00, according to Kharas Police Deputy Commissioner Nicodemus Mbango. Police are tracing the next of kin of the two persons on board and establishing their nationality.
30 March 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia has recorded a steady increase in malaria cases across several regions, with Zambezi region reporting 10,330 confirmed cases from January to date and nine deaths so far this year. Health authorities attribute the rise to seasonal factors including floodwater and community resistance to indoor residual spraying, while some communities cite a lack of mosquito nets and pregnant women at one maternity facility report inadequate protection from mosquito infestation.
30 March 2026 · New Era →
The education ministry announced plans to relocate hundreds of learners affected by severe flooding in Zambezi, with water levels at Katima Mulilo surging past 6.9 metres. Two schools—Muzii Combined and Mpakano Primary—will be relocated to higher ground immediately, though infrastructure challenges including fencing, sanitation, and food supply remain urgent needs.
30 March 2026 · New Era →
The National Commission on Research Science and Technology held its 2026 National Research Excellence Awards ceremony in Windhoek to recognise and celebrate contributions of researchers to Namibia's socio-economic development. Award winners across twelve categories—including lifetime achievement, student researchers, mid-career and senior researchers—received certificates, trophies, and prize money of N$10,000–N$20,000.
30 March 2026 · New Era →
The Omake Charity organisation held its second annual volleyball tournament in Otjiwarongo, bringing together 28 teams to raise funds for a planned soup kitchen and counselling office to assist vulnerable community members. The event featured sports and entertainment activities and aims to grow annual participation in the region.
30 March 2026 · New Era →
The Namibian Theatre and Film Awards held their first ceremony since 2019 at the National Theatre of Namibia, honouring excellence in film and theatre. Top awards went to Rodney Gariseb's 'Naked Spaces' for best staged production and Errol Geingob's 'Speel Aan' for best feature film, with keynote speaker Hakeem Kae-Kazim celebrating artists' resilience through the pandemic.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Ndeshipewa Angula, Miss Earth Namibia 2025, began her modelling career nearly eight years ago after a chance encounter at Maerua Mall and has been with Ace Models for five and a half years. She emphasises the importance of character and servant leadership in pageantry, while focusing on causes including the Tree of Resilience project and her Voices for Wellness initiative.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibian Theatre and Film Awards (NTFAs) 2026 returned on Saturday after a six-year hiatus, celebrating excellence across 36 categories in film and theatre. International actor Hakeem Kae-Kazim attended as guest of honour and emphasized the importance of telling authentic African stories from pan-African perspectives.
30 March 2026 · New Era →
A donkey meat festival competition held in Gobabis highlighted the health benefits and cultural significance of the meat, which organiser Gerson Ore-aob described as underexplored and misrepresented in Namibia. The festival has expanded from Windhoek to multiple towns and features cooking competitions judged by national council members, with the winner receiving N$10,000 and a three-legged black pot.
30 March 2026 · New Era →
A survey by the Football Supporters' Association found 76 percent of nearly 8,000 Premier League supporters do not support VAR, with 97 percent saying it has made football less enjoyable. The Premier League disputed the findings, stating their own research shows fans largely favour keeping VAR but want improvements to how it is used.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Desire Doue scored twice as France beat Colombia 3-1 in a friendly in the United States on Sunday, with captain Kylian Mbappe limited to a late substitute appearance. The victory gave France a second win over South American opposition in four days as preparation for the World Cup.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Mercedes teenager Kimi Antonelli won the Japanese Grand Prix from pole position, becoming the youngest title race leader in Formula One history, while Red Bull's Max Verstappen finished eighth and openly questioned his future in the sport, calling the new cars and regulations "anti-driving." A crash by Oliver Bearman prompted drivers to call for regulation changes to address dangerous closing speeds between cars.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Amnesty International released a report calling on FIFA and the US, Canada and Mexico to protect fans and communities during the 2026 World Cup, warning that conditions in the host nations—particularly the US under the Trump administration—contrast sharply with FIFA's promise of safety and freedom, with concerns about ICE operations, travel bans for fans from certain nations, and risks to LGBTQ+ supporters.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
World number two Jannik Sinner defeated Jiri Lehecka 6-4, 6-4 to win the ATP Miami Masters 1000, completing the "Sunshine Double" by winning both Indian Wells and Miami without dropping a set. Sinner's victory, combined with Aryna Sabalenka's win on the women's side, marks the first time both the men's and women's draws were swept since Novak Djokovic and Victoria Azarenka in 2016.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard won the Tour of Catalonia on Sunday, finishing one minute 22 seconds ahead of second-place Lenny Martinez, as he continued a strong start to the racing season with six victories in two weeks.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The International Olympic Committee reinstated genetic sex testing for female athletes at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, banning transgender and many intersex athletes from women's sports. South African distance runner Caster Semenya criticized the policy as "a disrespect for women," expressing disappointment that it was implemented under Zimbabwean IOC president Kirsty Coventry, noting that African and Global South women are disproportionately affected by such measures.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli won the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, his second consecutive victory, becoming the youngest driver to lead the F1 world championship standings at 19 years old with 72 points. The Italian benefited from a mid-race safety car to move ahead of McLaren's Oscar Piastri, who finished second, with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc in third.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Angeline Haihambo, an eight-year-old from Oshakati, won the girls' under-nine national chess championship in Swakopmund with six wins out of seven matches. She has been selected to represent Namibia at an upcoming chess tournament in Kenya and began playing the sport in October last year.
30 March 2026 · New Era →
World number one Aryna Sabalenka defeated Coco Gauff 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 to successfully defend her Miami Open title and complete the Sunshine Double, becoming the first player since Iga Swiatek four years ago to win the WTA 1000 titles in Indian Wells and Miami back-to-back.
30 March 2026 · New Era →
Namibian netball legends say the sport has made progress over 36 years but needs more investment in grassroots development, infrastructure, coaching, and funding to sustain growth. They note that while players now receive some payment and professional opportunities, better pathways from schools to the national level and stronger support systems are essential.
30 March 2026 · New Era →
The president of Namibia Horse Racing Association says the future of horse racing is bleak without increased sponsorship, with only MTC currently backing the sport after FNB Namibia, Standard Bank Namibia, and Debmarine withdrew. The association faces challenges including high costs of maintaining racehorses, insufficient competition prize money, lack of technical equipment like drones for photo finishes, and limited geographic expansion beyond Omaheke, Khomas, Otjozondjupa, and Hardap regions.
30 March 2026 · New Era →
Rare footage from Skeleton Coast Safaris shows a desert-adapted elephant sliding down a sand dune along Namibia's Skeleton Coast. The video highlights the unique behaviors and physical adaptations—including larger feet, leaner bodies, and exceptional water-finding abilities—that enable African bush elephants to survive in one of the world's harshest environments.
30 March 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia's Ministry of Environment and Tourism, supported by German development funding, inaugurated renovated and newly constructed infrastructure at Etosha, Hardap, and Bwabwata National Parks. The upgrades included staff housing, wildlife protection facilities, and improved water and power systems designed to enhance both visitor experience and anti-poaching operations.
30 March 2026 · New Era →
New Zealand thrashed 10-man Chile 4-1 in Auckland on Monday, securing their first-ever win against South American opposition ahead of the World Cup this summer. In a separate World Cup qualifier, Cape Verde beat Finland on penalties after drawing 1-1.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Australia's prime minister Anthony Albanese announced the government will halve its 52-cent fuel sales tax for three months to help motorists cope with soaring petrol prices stemming from the Middle East war, at a cost of US$1.75 billion. The measure accompanies fuel conservation appeals and legislation to allow the government to underwrite shiploads of fuel, as some states and rural areas face shortages amid rising prices.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Four European play-off finals will determine the last four qualifiers for this summer's World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Italy seek to end a 12-year absence, Kosovo dream of a first major tournament appearance, while Sweden and Poland compete for a spot alongside Denmark and the Czech Republic.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
South Africa's Auditor-General has found that the Department of Defence cannot locate portions of its R68.95-billion military asset base, raising concerns about resource management as the country deploys 2,200 troops to crime-affected areas at an estimated cost of R823 million. The department has received recurring qualified audit opinions for nine years and overspent its budget by R2.51 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
CAF president Patrice Motsepe said he will "respect and implement" the Court of Arbitration for Sport's decision on Senegal's appeal against Morocco's overturned 3-0 victory in the disputed January Cup of Nations final. Motsepe stressed the appeal board comprises independent judges and lawyers, and announced CAF is implementing changes to strengthen confidence in referees, VAR operators and judicial bodies.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
US President Trump has suggested the possibility of seizing or blockading Iran's Kharg Island, which processes 90% of Iran's crude oil exports, as leverage to pressure Iran over the Strait of Hormuz. The US struck military targets on the island in March while deliberately preserving oil infrastructure, though Pentagon preparations for a potential ground operation remain under consideration.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Myanmar's military chief Min Aung Hlaing has been nominated for the presidency as parliament convened following January elections from which major opposition parties were excluded. Though widely viewed as a sham, the vote was touted by the junta as a path to peace; Min Aung Hlaing's nomination is certain to succeed given that around 90% of parliament members owe him loyalty.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Iran's parliament speaker warned that Iranian forces were "waiting for American soldiers" as 3,500 additional US troops arrived in the Middle East, threatening to "rain fire" on any forces attempting to enter Iranian territory. The deployment comes amid reports that the Pentagon is preparing for potential ground operations in Iran, though US officials have not confirmed whether troops will be deployed.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Angola's Supreme Court has set 22 April as the trial date for former fisheries minister Vitória de Barros Neto and three co-defendants, who are accused of embezzling funds from Angola and Namibia resulting from fish sales in a joint coastal zone. Namibian authorities are conducting a parallel investigation into the same matter.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
A small aircraft flying at low altitude struck electrical cable lines near Aus on Sunday, March 29. One of the two occupants, German national Carmen Spetzinger, died from her injuries; the pilot sustained serious injuries and is recovering in Windhoek.
30 March 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia has placed food security at the centre of global trade talks at the WTO Ministerial Conference in Cameroon, calling for urgent reforms to agricultural trade rules and the ability to regulate imports of staple grains to protect farmers and secure food supply. The minister also advocated for fairer global rules on subsidies, stronger protection from export bans, and restoration of the WTO dispute settlement system to protect smaller economies from unfair trade practices.
30 March 2026 · New Era →
Ethiopians are sleeping in overnight queues for petrol as shortages worsen, caused by Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz disrupting global oil supplies. Ethiopia, which imports all its petrol primarily from the Gulf and relies on the port of Djibouti, is particularly vulnerable to the supply disruption affecting businesses and drivers.
30 March 2026 · New Era →
Former prime minister KP Sharma Oli appeared by video-link from hospital after arrest for alleged involvement in a deadly 2025 crackdown on anti-government protests that killed at least 76 people. An inquiry commission has recommended prosecution of Oli and other officials for failing to stop security forces from firing on demonstrators, citing "criminal negligence."
30 March 2026 · New Era →
France's foreign minister said it would be "extremely serious" and a violation of international law if Israel deliberately targeted three journalists killed in a strike on south Lebanon, including correspondents from Hezbollah-linked media outlets. The Israeli military confirmed the killing and accused one correspondent of operating within Hezbollah, while Lebanese authorities have condemned the deaths as war crimes.
30 March 2026 · New Era →
Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused the United States of plotting a ground attack despite diplomatic rhetoric, following the arrival of a US amphibious assault ship carrying 3,500 military personnel in the Middle East. The escalating regional conflict has involved aerial bombardment, Iranian retaliatory strikes on Gulf states, attacks on aluminium plants, and involvement by Houthi forces and Iraq, threatening global energy markets and shipping routes.
30 March 2026 · New Era →
Nigeria's All Progressives Congress held its first major convention ahead of 2027 elections, endorsing party chairman and office-holders as the country faces rising jihadist violence. President Bola Tinubu, 73, is expected to seek a second term in January 2027 elections.
30 March 2026 · New Era →
On Palm Sunday, Pope Leo XIV reflected on Jesus as "the King of Peace," stating that Christ does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war and remains steadfast in meekness while others stir up violence.
30 March 2026 · Informanté →