Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa has halted government funds to the Kunene Regional Council, demanding removal of acting chief regional officer George Kamseb, whose appointment is being challenged in court. The council's chairperson Western Muharukua describes the fund freeze as unlawful pressure and says it threatens to disrupt salaries, services, and capital projects; the council plans to seek judicial review.
Why it matters
A government minister has blocked funds to Kunene Regional Council, threatening to halt staff salaries, utility payments, and development projects across the region in a dispute over a chief regional officer whose appointment is under legal appeal.
Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa has halted government funds to the Kunene Regional Council, demanding removal of acting chief regional officer George Kamseb, whose appointment is being challenged in court. The council's chairperson Western Muharukua describes the fund freeze as unlawful pressure and says it threatens to disrupt salaries, services, and capital projects; the council plans to seek judicial review.
James Unomasa Uerikua, former governor of Otjozondjupa and Swapo MP, died in a car accident on 3 April along with his son Venturo Uaamakuje Uerikua. Vice President Lucia Witbooi led mourners at the burial ceremony in Otjiserandu, where Uerikua was remembered as a farmer, businessman, philanthropist and prominent voice on Namibia-Germany genocide discussions.
Former Otjozondjupa regional governor and parliamentarian James Uerikua and his son Ventro were buried at their family homestead in Gam following a road accident on 3 April. Hundreds of mourners attended the burial, and Vice President Lucia Witbooi described Uerikua as a dedicated public servant who served with humility and distinction.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has officially inaugurated the Third National Governing Council of the African Peer Review Mechanism in Namibia, reaffirming the country's commitment to strengthening governance systems and aligning with national development priorities. The council will oversee key governance areas and lead Namibia's second-generation country review process.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah appointed former ambassador Wilfried Emvula as chairperson of the National Governing Council of the African Peer Review Mechanism in Namibia, with ten members inaugurated for a term to January 2030. The council, established under the APRM Statute, will provide strategic oversight and ensure transparency in governance reforms aligned with Namibia's development plan and Africa's Agenda 2063.
Swapo's application to evict former freedom fighters camping at its headquarters since October was struck off the High Court roll. The move has triggered internal party divisions, with former secretary general Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana questioning whether the legal action was authorised by the central committee, while deputy secretary general Uahekua Herunga says the politburo made the decision.
Parliamentarians criticised a N$600 000 budgetary allocation for board sitting allowances within the mines ministry, which became contentious during budget debates due to its label as 'liquor'. The ministry clarified the funds are not for beverages but for allowances tied to liquor licensing work and board operations across regions, with potential increases to N$2 million over two years.
Transport minister Veikko Nekundi has ruled out any extension to the end-of-April 2026 deadline for e-hailing operators to obtain regularisation permits and comply with legal requirements. The minister said operators had more than a year to comply and that those who have applied have already received permits, while temporary permits remain underutilised.
Telecom Namibia CEO Dr Stanley Shanapinda apologized for extended fixed and mobile internet service outages on 15–16 April 2026, caused by failure of two high-capacity international links to South Africa. He attributed the extended recovery time to structural vulnerabilities where legacy and modern network systems intersect, and announced plans to accelerate modernization programmes and upgrade border routing infrastructure.
Namibia will access 100% duty-free entry into the Chinese market from 1 May 2026 under a "Pre-Early Harvest" arrangement. The government says the zero-tariff measure will boost industrialisation, strengthen export growth, and enhance Walvis Bay's role as a regional trade hub.
Telecom Namibia is rolling out infrastructure upgrades to strengthen network resilience and modernize systems, including core routing improvements, fixed-mobile convergence, and billing platform modernisation, with projects continuing through early 2027. The company plans to invest more than N$2.3 billion over coming years for fibre-to-the-home expansion, mobile network upgrades to 4.5G and 5G preparation, and improved international connectivity, supported by a N$405 million social loan from RMB Namibia.
The Namibia Civil Aviation Authority board has denied sabotaging or delaying approval of an application by Eagle Aviation Academy director Norman Pule to establish an aerodrome firefighting and aviation training institution. Pule alleges NCAA executive director Toska Sem is orchestrating delays as revenge for his past role as a whistleblower at Namibia Airports Company, where Sem was previously found guilty of serious misconduct; Sem denies the allegations and says the certification process involves five phases normally taking 180 days.
The Namibian and Angolan governments have finalised a N$4-billion agreement to build the Angola-Namibia Interconnector, a 160km transmission line linking Angola to the Southern African Power Pool for the first time. Namibia is solely financing the project through its National Energy Fund and expects to receive 300MW of firm power.
Nedbank Namibia and Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking have partnered with NamPower to develop a Sustainable Finance Fundraising Framework designed to align future funding with Namibia's energy security, sustainability and socioeconomic development goals. The framework has been independently reviewed by S&P Global and provides a structure for raising green, social and sustainable funding for projects including new generation capacity, transmission infrastructure upgrades and energy storage solutions.
Hyphen Hydrogen Energy, partnering with Enertrag and GIZ, will sign a cooperation agreement under the International Hydrogen Ramp-up Programme to strengthen Namibian supplier capacity in the green hydrogen sector. The initiative, funded by EUR 300,000 from H2UPPP and EUR 300,000 from Hyphen, will implement an Enterprise and Supplier Development Programme to build capability and competitiveness of Namibian enterprises.
A delegation of 20 French companies and energy firms completed a business mission across Namibia, signalling France's intent to centre energy at the core of its economic partnership with the country. The mission, organised by Evolen (a French professional association representing 250 energy companies), was accompanied by French ambassador statements emphasizing French interest in Namibia's energy sector.
Namibia's emerging Orange Basin oil and gas discoveries require strong regulatory and policy frameworks before commercial development momentum becomes difficult to redirect. The country must develop technical regulatory strength, clarify its fiscal regime, and build credible local content systems before major projects are sanctioned, drawing lessons from Guyana, Trinidad, Mozambique and other petroleum states.
Flooding along the Kunene River has destroyed crops in 17 Epupa villages and cut off clean water supply to Otjimuhaka Primary School, which serves about 300 pupils now forced to fetch water from the river. The constituency councillor said assessment is ongoing and a report will be sent to the Office of the Prime Minister.
Police are seeking information on an unknown suspect who allegedly stabbed a 26-year-old in the neck at DRC location in Swakopmund on Friday at 21h00; no arrests have been made and the motive is unknown.
B360 Namibia, a non-profit incorporated in February, operates a five-day Career Starter Week programme to prepare unemployed young people for the workplace through mock interviews, feedback on applications, and professional coaching. The organisation plans to expand its workshops beyond Windhoek to rural regions including Ongwediva, Oshakati, Katima Mulilo, coastal and southern areas.
The Namibian health ministry has launched an investigation into alleged fraud and theft within its pharmaceutical supply chain, including stock data manipulation and diversion of medicines. Executive director Penda Ithindi said implicated Central Medical Stores staff have been reassigned pending investigation, with criminal proceedings possible if guilt is established.
Police are investigating six housebreaking cases recorded across Namibia over the weekend, with stolen items valued at approximately N$218 000 across incidents in Windhoek, Khomasdal, Outapi, Outjo, and Katima Mulilo. No arrests have been made in most cases, and few items have been recovered, prompting police to urge homeowners to increase vigilance and security measures.
Nine police officers allegedly assaulted 31 boys from Karundu Secondary School in Otjiwarongo on 16 February while searching for a missing cellphone. Three boys were seriously injured, including one with a fractured skull; the case has been sent to the prosecutor general's office to determine whether charges should be filed.
Namibia has vaccinated over 124,000 dogs in 2025 and more than 157,000 in 2024, achieving approximately 61% coverage nationally, according to the Chief Veterinary Officer. While the country has not yet reached its 70% vaccination target, national rabies positivity rates have dropped below 10%, with awareness campaigns reaching about 82% of schools in the Northern Communal Areas.
Germany has funded the "Speak Up" project addressing gender-based violence in Hardap, Erongo and Omusati regions with 84,432.35 euros (N$1.59 million). The project, running from April to December 2026, will use music, dance, play, and intergenerational dialogues to promote positive masculinity and mental health awareness, particularly among young people.
High Court Judge Claudia Claasen has found Mecthilde Karomo (33) guilty on two counts of murder with direct intent for killing her late boyfriend Leonard Haupindi (36) and his new lover Annastasia Matende (31) by setting the shack in which they were sleeping on fire on 26 December 2022 in Okahandja Park. Karomo was also found guilty on a charge of arson.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has dismissed allegations that it plans to recruit 39 truck drivers from Zimbabwe as "entirely false, unfounded, and without any official basis," stating it has no intention to recruit foreign nationals for such positions. The Executive Director warned the public against spreading unverified information and reiterated that Namibian citizens receive priority for employment under the Immigration Control Act.
Police recorded multiple housebreaking incidents across Windhoek, Katutura, Outjo, Katima Mulilo and Outapi over the weekend, resulting in significant financial losses with no arrests made so far. Police urged residents and business owners to secure their properties and remain vigilant.
NamPost clerks handling social grant disbursements claim inconsistent remuneration ranging from N$4,000 to N$7,000 monthly, unclear employment terms, long hours including weekends, and high-risk conditions with little oversight. NamPost's acting CEO says employees were engaged on 4 February and disputes disclosure of confidential employment matters, but affirms commitment to good labour relations.
Jaco Kennedy, a 39-year-old former lawyer and magistrate held at Windkoek Correctional Facility since 2016 on rape, kidnapping, and attempted murder charges, has published a book titled 'Jailed Thoughts' while awaiting trial. Kennedy says the book explores the effects of imprisonment on those incarcerated and their families, and was written as a productive use of his limited free time rather than a public relations exercise.
The Namibia Institute for Public Administration and Management (Nipam) trained fourteen participants from the National Heritage Council in a five-day cleaning and housekeeping course this week at a cost of N$4,500 per trainee in Windhoek and N$5,400 outside Windhoek, aiming to address gaps in professional cleaning standards and hygiene practices. The course, open to government employees and the public, is offered throughout the year and provides hands-on training in real-life cleaning scenarios across offices and accommodation facilities on campus.
The NBC Drama School is preparing its fifth season, aimed at equipping young creatives aged 18–35 with practical skills and real production experience to build sustainable careers in Namibia's film industry. Around 30 participants will work on a 52-minute film project over approximately six to eight months, with applications closing on 24 April.
Hundreds of music fans attended Big Ben's annual live concert in Windhoek on Saturday, featuring more than 30 songs from his discography and support from The Ells. Big Ben cited strong turnout, improved planning and positive crowd behaviour as indicators of growth, while highlighting the event as evidence of substantial local audience support.
Karishma Isaacs, an Okahandja-based designer and musician, says music and fashion share the same heartbeat and does not require sacrificing one passion for another. Through her brand Karnation, she translates urban culture through a Namibian lens, blending her dual creative identities while encouraging local designers to compete on continental and international levels rather than against each other.
Deputy sport minister Dino Ballotti expressed displeasure that the Nkurenkuru Youth Sport Complex remains a gravel field rather than grass, despite sustained engagement. The condition threatens local football progress, including KK United's potential promotion in the First Division, and affects youth development and regional entrepreneurs who must travel to Rundu for games.
The Oklahoma City Thunder routed the Phoenix Suns 119-84 and the Boston Celtics dominated the Philadelphia 76ers 123-91 in their playoff openers on Sunday, while the Orlando Magic upset the Detroit Pistons 112-101 after having little rest.
The FNB Women's Super League showcased competitive football this weekend in Windhoek, with NDF Mighty Gunners FC defeating Desert Foxes FC 7-1. Despite the victory, coach Salome Iyambo expressed disappointment with execution, stating the team did not follow game plan and must improve positional discipline and purposeful movement.
Jaythen Orange, a Namibian-born rugby player in the lock position, has been selected for the South African Under-20 Springbok squad for the SANZAAR U/20 Rugby Championship starting 27 April 2026. Orange, who plays for the University of Johannesburg, has earned congratulations from his former schools in Windhoek for his rapid progression in the sport.
The 6th edition of Oshakati's Mayoral Cup will take place at Independence Stadium from 1 to 4 May, with N$100,000 in prize money across Youth and Legends Soccer categories. Registration closes on 30 April.