Namibia Minute.
Saturday, 11 April 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Saturday, 11 April 2026
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Archive Minute from Saturday, 11 April 2026
Politics

Itula condemns government retreat from free tertiary education pledge

The News

IPC president Panduleni Itula has accused the government of backtracking on its "fees must fall" promise, saying the revised approach only covers tuition and registration for eligible undergraduate students and excludes many families through reduced income thresholds and the replacement of grants with loans. Itula also raised concerns about continued suspension of postgraduate funding and infrastructure challenges at tertiary institutions.

11 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Politics

  1. Itula condemns government retreat from free tertiary education pledge

    IPC president Panduleni Itula has accused the government of backtracking on its "fees must fall" promise, saying the revised approach only covers tuition and registration for eligible undergraduate students and excludes many families through reduced income thresholds and the replacement of grants with loans. Itula also raised concerns about continued suspension of postgraduate funding and infrastructure challenges at tertiary institutions.

    11 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Business

  1. Private sector borrowing edges up after months of slower growth

    Private sector borrowers grew to 4.7% in February from 4.2% in January, ending four consecutive months of slower borrowing. Household credit growth eased to 2.9%, though instalment sale and leasing credit accelerated to 20% y/y, driven by stronger vehicle demand.

    11 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. State-owned enterprises carry N$9.3 billion external debt

    Namibian state-owned enterprises owe N$9.3 billion in external debt, most of it guaranteed by the government and owed to regional and global development banks. The Bank of Namibia's 2025 annual report notes a significant portion relates to intercompany lending in mining and quarrying, with the government aiming to keep debt guarantees below 10% of GDP.

    11 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Mining & Energy

  1. NamWater seeks environmental approval for Haib mining dam

    NamWater is pursuing environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism to build water infrastructure, including a large-scale off-channel storage dam, to supply Koryx Copper's proposed Haib copper mining project in the ||Kharas region with around 20 million cubic metres of water annually from the Orange River. The project is expected to create up to 3,500 jobs during construction and around 1,350 during operations.

    11 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibian offshore firm wins global oil certification

    Breakwater Offshore Services and Investments, a Namibian-owned company, has secured international standards certifications valid until March 2029, positioning it to support oil and gas exploration in Namibian waters alongside international operators. The company provides marine support services including towing, subsea engineering, offshore supply, and refuelling.

    11 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Poultry board launches market share scheme to boost local production

    The Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia is introducing a market share promotion scheme requiring importers to purchase from local producers before receiving import quotas, aimed at boosting domestic poultry production, food security, and job creation as Namibia currently produces about 85% of its poultry needs.

    11 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Society

  1. Namibia opens largest maternity unit at Onandjokwe Hospital

    Health Minister Esperance Luvindao officially opened Namibia's largest maternity unit at Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital in Oshikoto region, featuring a 120-bed capacity with 12 private rooms, two operating theatres, and comprehensive services for antenatal care, labour, delivery, and post-natal support. The facility, built at a cost of N$57 million, is expected to reduce pressure on existing facilities and improve maternal and child health outcomes in the region.

    11 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia declares polio outbreak after virus detected in multiple cities

    Health minister Esperance Luvindao declared a polio outbreak after the same poliovirus type 2 first detected in sewage at Rundu was found in Windhoek and Gobabis, though no actual cases or paralysis have been recorded in Namibia. A third round of national polio vaccination is scheduled for 20–23 April, targeting children aged 10 and younger.

    11 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Oshakati residents face ongoing power outage as repairs continue

    Residents of Oshakati have been without electricity since yesterday morning due to a fault on an Oshakati Premier Electric feeder affecting transformers at the substation. Technicians are working on repairs but no exact restoration time has been provided.

    11 April 2026 · New Era →

Culture

  1. Kwaito musician Kaboy Kamakili plans comeback after prison release

    After nine months in custody on cellphone robbery charges, kwaito artist Kaboy Kamakili has been released on bail and says he is committed to rebuilding his music career and life, having abandoned drug use and embraced Christianity. He is working on new music including his single 'Unmatched' and plans to relocate to Angola.

    11 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. New cocktail bar opens in central Swakopmund

    The Neighbourhood Club, a new restobar in Swakopmund, opened in early December and emphasises craft cocktails made with fresh produce, including house-squeezed limes and homemade syrups. The venue features a cosmopolitan aesthetic with eclectic decor and serves light food offerings like dipping plates alongside its signature cocktails.

    11 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Marvtown on financial support, cultural pride in Namibian music

    Award-winning ma /gaisa artist Marvtown discusses his path to success after winning Next Ma /Gaisa Star in 2021 and advocates for corporate support and financial sustainability for Namibian musicians, arguing that artists need financial growth to advance musically and that Namibians must build pride in local culture and support their own artists.

    11 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Big Ben hosts outdoor live concert at Zoo Park

    Big Ben will perform an outdoor live concert in Windhoek's Zoo Park on 18 April, emphasizing a shared experience with the crowd rather than backing tracks. The show will feature The Ells and DJs Kiki and Ambizzy, with tickets currently selling for N$200 and N$300 at the gate.

    11 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Sport

  1. McIlroy sets Masters 36-hole lead record with six-shot advantage

    Rory McIlroy fired a seven-under 65 in the second round to establish a record six-stroke lead at the Masters after 36 holes, capping his round with six birdies in the last seven holes, including a spectacular 29-yard pitch-in at the 17th. McIlroy stands at 12-under 132, two shots clear of second place, as he bids to become only the fourth player to win consecutive green jackets.

    11 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Brazilian Bezerra's goal secures Zamalek CAF Cup semi-final win

    Brazilian Juan Alvina Bezerra scored in the 28th minute to give Egyptian club Zamalek a 1-0 victory over Algeria's Chabab Belouizdad in a CAF Confederation Cup semi-final first leg on Friday. The clubs will meet again next Friday in Egypt, with Zamalek favoured to advance.

    11 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Dutch forward Malen hat-trick lifts Roma past Pisa

    Donyell Malen scored three goals as Roma defeated bottom-placed Pisa 3-0 in Serie A, reviving the team's bid for a top-four Champions League finish after their previous loss to Inter Milan.

    11 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Real Madrid draws with Girona, falls further behind Barcelona

    Real Madrid drew 1-1 at home against Girona in La Liga, with Fede Valverde's goal cancelled out by Thomas Lemar's strike, leaving Madrid six points behind Barcelona with seven matches remaining. Coach Arbeloa disputed a late penalty appeal involving Kylian Mbappe and complained about VAR's consistency, while Madrid prepare for a Champions League quarter-final second leg against Bayern Munich on Wednesday with the title race appearing secondary to their European ambitions.

    11 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. West Ham beats Wolves 4-0 as Tottenham enters relegation zone

    West Ham climbed out of the Premier League relegation zone with a dominant 4-0 victory over Wolves, with goals from Konstantinos Mavropanos and Valentin Castellanos. The result pushed Tottenham into the bottom three for the first time since August 2015.

    11 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. South African Pirates draw with Richards Bay in title chase

    Orlando Pirates drew 2-2 with Richards Bay on Friday, missing an opportunity to reclaim first place in the South African Premiership. Mamelodi Sundowns remain top with 56 points, one ahead of Pirates who have 55 from one more match.

    11 April 2026 · The Namibian →

World & Region

  1. Artemis II crew safely returns to Earth after moon mission

    The four-member Artemis crew has splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off California after travelling farther from Earth than any previous human mission and becoming the first to observe the far side of the moon. NASA officials said the crew is healthy and described the mission as the beginning of many future moon missions.

    11 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Opinion

  1. Male grooming and personal hygiene practices matter

    An opinion piece argues that being a clean gentleman requires daily consistency across body hygiene, clothing care, grooming, and subtle fragrance use, and that men should invest in self-care routines—including facials and manicures—as an expression of self-respect rather than vanity.

    11 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibian social media activists face legal consequences for defamation claims

    A satirical opinion piece describes how Namibian social media personalities who make unsubstantiated accusations against public figures often face defamation lawsuits, forcing them to apologize and undermining legitimate activism in the country.

    11 April 2026 · The Namibian →

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