Chairperson of the NCRST ethics and responsible use of AI committee Taljaard Uaputauka has urged local graphic designers to adapt as artificial intelligence transforms lower-end design work, warning that entry-level roles face pressure from automation but stressing that higher-level functions like strategy, originality and client engagement remain dependent on human expertise. Uaputauka cautioned designers against competing with AI on speed alone, noting that clients value judgment, clarity and risk reduction, while a local designer said that adaptation requires stronger focus on creativity and using AI as a tool rather than a replacement.
31 March 2026 · The Namibian →
A 16-year-old Angolan girl employed without pay and assaulted in Oshikoto region is recovering in hospital after a WhatsApp group raised N$8000 for her care. Her employer, Selma Daniel (62), has been arrested and charged, and community members aim to raise N$20000 to support the teenager's return to Angola.
31 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Amruh Fishing handed over scholar patrol equipment and safety gear including reflective vests, stop signs, traffic cones, and safety caps to Good Hope Primary School in Walvis Bay, as part of its community development and road safety awareness commitment.
31 March 2026 · The Namibian →
John Mutirua (24) was convicted on nine charges including the rape of a nine-year-old girl in 2018 and two murders committed in 2020 and 2023, and sentenced to two concurrent life terms in Windhoek High Court. The judge noted Mutirua's criminal escalation, lack of remorse, and volatile nature pose an ongoing danger to the community.
31 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Welwitchia University has appointed Marius Hedimbi as its first vice chancellor, effective 1 April. Hedimbi, a full professor with over 15 years of higher education experience, previously served as acting vice chancellor and brings expertise in antimicrobial resistance research and academic leadership.
31 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Heavy Saturday rains flooded Okahandja Park informal settlement in Windhoek, destroying household items and displacing families. Residents say the flooding, worsened by proximity to a riverbed, was unusually intense, with water reaching knee height inside shacks, and more rainfall is forecast for the week.
31 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Medical experts and legal analysts warn that Namibia lacks laws regulating surrogacy, creating risks of exploitation and trafficking, following a fraudulent advertisement offering N$800,000 to surrogates. While South Africa and Botswana have experience with regulated or unregulated surrogacy arrangements, Namibia's legal framework remains silent on the matter, leaving parties with no legal protection and prompting calls for amendments to the Child Care and Protection Act.
31 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Residents of Osona Village estate near Okahandja lost electricity on Saturday evening during rainfall, with the outage extending into a second day by Monday morning. The blackout has caused loss of perishable food, disrupted infant care, endangered refrigerated medication, and exposed communication gaps from management, despite an N$11-million grid upgrade in 2022 meant to prevent such recurring seasonal outages.
31 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Heavy rains in 2025 caused an estimated N$353 million in damage to Windhoek's roads, compounding a decade of deferred maintenance. The City reported that half the capital's road network requires repairs, with 16% of roads having poor surfaces and 18% in poor structural condition, though N$64.4 million has been spent repairing 67,344 potholes by mid-March 2026.
31 March 2026 · Informanté →
The City of Windhoek says it needs about N$1 billion annually to formalise informal settlements but receives only N$53 million this financial year, while the capital hosts 150 informal settlements where more than 200 000 people live undocumented. The city's CEO and housing engineer attribute the crisis to funding shortages, lack of available land, and the fact that informal residents cannot be charged rates and taxes, leaving fewer than 60 000 documented residents to fund the N$5 billion municipal budget.
31 March 2026 · Informanté →
The Government Institutions Pension Fund has approved a 5% increase in monthly pension benefits for all pensioners and qualifying beneficiaries effective 1 April 2026, citing the fund's strong financial position and the need to protect members against rising living costs including food, fuel, housing and healthcare.
31 March 2026 · Informanté →
The Ministry of Education has committed to providing tents, boats, temporary learning spaces, and other supplies to schools in the Zambezi Region affected by flooding. Following the Minister's visit to two schools impacted by the floods, the ministry is also considering temporarily relocating teachers and learners to higher ground to enable recovery of lost teaching and learning time.
31 March 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia College of Open Learning offers accredited technical and vocational training in automotive mechatronics, welding, plumbing, and other trades to equip youth and workers with industry-ready skills. The programmes, supported by NSFAF funding and mandatory job attachments, align with national development priorities and are designed to support Namibia's industrialisation goals.
31 March 2026 · Informanté →
High Court judge Makapa Simasiku sentenced John Kangumbe Matirua to 44 years' imprisonment for two murders and two rapes of a minor girl, imposing life sentences (25 years before parole eligibility) for each murder, with the judge finding that Matirua's predatory actions and lack of remorse pose a serious ongoing risk to society.
31 March 2026 · Informanté →
The Ohangwena Education Directorate is hosting a regional awards ceremony in Eenhana to recognise outstanding teachers and learners for excellent performance, with Governor Kadiva Hamutumwa delivering the keynote address.
31 March 2026 · New Era →
Data breached in a cyberattack on Namibia Airports Company has been released on the dark web by the INC Ransomware Group, including airport permits, parking databases, engineering files, and financial records. Authorities are investigating whether sensitive or personally identifiable information is among the leaked files and urge organisations to strengthen cybersecurity measures.
31 March 2026 · New Era →
Heavy rains in the //Kharas region have rendered key roads impassable, leaving residents unable to access banking, healthcare, and shopping services. The Roads Authority has temporarily closed several affected routes and advised motorists to use alternative paths while monitoring conditions for repairs.
31 March 2026 · New Era →
The National Youth Service's five-week rehabilitation programme at Henties Bay introduced 76 street-connected children aged 12–18 to structure, medical care, psychosocial support and life skills, with plans to transition them into formal schooling and vocational training. Graduates reported gaining confidence, emotional resilience and a sense of belonging after years of survival on the streets.
31 March 2026 · New Era →
The state has acquired advanced diagnostic equipment including Philips 16-slice CT scanners worth millions of dollars to strengthen public healthcare facilities. The Health Ministry plans to roll out similar machines across all 14 regions by June as part of efforts to boost confidence in public hospitals ahead of a directive requiring government officials to use public healthcare.
31 March 2026 · New Era →
A group of volunteers at Katima Mulilo State Hospital has accused officials of nepotism and corruption, claiming they were overlooked for entry-level positions despite years of service including during the Covid-19 pandemic. The volunteers have petitioned the Health and Social Services Minister and are calling for an anti-nepotism policy and formal recognition of their contributions.
31 March 2026 · New Era →
Communities in Karibib and Otjimbingwe are facing severe water access challenges, with residents relying on untreated water sources and experiencing supply interruptions lasting up to a week. The shortages are worsened by increased demand from mining operations in the region, forcing residents to raise funds for connections and abandon small-scale farming.
31 March 2026 · New Era →
The Windhoek High Court has sentenced Iuze Mukube John Kangumbe Mutirua, 24, to two life terms for murdering Meno Tjizera in 2020 and Albertus Maasdorp in 2023. Acting Judge Makapa Simasiku found that Mutirua's escalating criminal history, lack of remorse, and violent propensity pose a serious ongoing danger to society, warranting a sentence of 44 years to be served concurrently across multiple convictions including attempted murder, robbery, rape, and obstructing justice.
31 March 2026 · New Era →
Murder, attempted murder, hit-and-run incidents, housebreakings, and drug-related offenses led recorded cases nationwide over the weekend, with deaths reported in Katutura, Tsandi, Mombela, Keetmanshoop, and multiple drowning incidents across regions.
31 March 2026 · New Era →
Karibib Town Council faces mounting challenges from limited funding and manpower as rapid population growth driven by mining activity strains housing and service delivery. The council is prioritising the formalisation of two informal settlements and planning new housing extensions, but residents report slow progress on sanitation and waste management.
31 March 2026 · New Era →