Namibia Minute.
Wednesday, 22 April 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Wednesday, 22 April 2026
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Archive Minute from Wednesday, 22 April 2026
Politics

SWAPO leader says armed struggle was only option available

The News

SWAPO Party's Ohangwena regional coordinator Fillemon Joshua said the Namibian people chose armed liberation struggle in the 1960s as a last resort after South Africa refused to grant independence and intensified repression of unarmed Namibians. Joshua spoke at a foundation-laying ceremony in Okongo on Monday, a day after SWAPO's 66th anniversary, describing the 23-year armed conflict that ended with independence in March 1990.

22 April 2026 · Informanté →

Politics

  1. SWAPO leader says armed struggle was only option available

    SWAPO Party's Ohangwena regional coordinator Fillemon Joshua said the Namibian people chose armed liberation struggle in the 1960s as a last resort after South Africa refused to grant independence and intensified repression of unarmed Namibians. Joshua spoke at a foundation-laying ceremony in Okongo on Monday, a day after SWAPO's 66th anniversary, describing the 23-year armed conflict that ended with independence in March 1990.

    22 April 2026 · Informanté →

  2. RA weighbridge fraud case adjourned for Prosecutor General decision

    Richard Masule Milinga and Grant Charmon Cloete, accused of fraud and using office for gratification in connection with the alleged theft of a Roads Authority weighbridge in Walvis Bay valued over N$2 million, have had their case postponed to 20 August 2026 pending the Prosecutor General's decision on whether to proceed to trial. Both men, released on N$30,000 bail each, also face charges of fraud or theft relating to fraudulent certification of a suspicious invoice valued over N$3 million.

    22 April 2026 · Informanté →

  3. Swapo's gender quota shifts women's political attitudes in Namibia

    A study of Namibia's Swapo party quota policy, which alternated men and women on parliamentary candidate lists from 2013, found that women's representation in the National Assembly rose from 21% to 41% in the 2014 election. Women in Swapo strongholds subsequently became significantly more supportive of women's political leadership, while men showed no backlash, suggesting exposure to women leaders can reshape attitudes about gender and political capacity.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Nudo MP questions Ministry capacity amid corruption allegations

    Nudo parliamentarian Vetaruhe Kandorozu told the National Assembly that the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy lacks adequate capacity and has become a "breeding ground for corruption," citing questionable diamond valuations, improperly awarded lithium licences, and inconsistent petroleum exploration licence processing, and alleged an ongoing dispute with Red Soil Energy and Mineral Exploration exposed systemic corruption spanning multiple administrations.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Lüderitz considers renaming street and airport after Lubowski

    The Lüderitz Town Council has received a proposal to rename the town's main street and Lüderitz Airport after late anti-apartheid activist and lawyer Anton Lubowski, who was assassinated in 1989. The proposal, backed by an endorsement from his widow, must be formally tabled before council for consultation before any decision can be made.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. 14 individuals, six entities plead not guilty in Namcor fraud trial

    Fourteen individuals and six corporate entities pleaded not guilty to 75 fraud and corruption charges in the Windhoek Magistrate's Court, with allegations including a N$53.2 million filling station transaction and N$331 million in unpaid fuel supplied to three entities. The case was postponed to 28 October pending a prosecutor general decision.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. State argues murder accused poses flight risk in bail hearing

    Public prosecutor Yeukai Kangira told Ondangwa Magistrate's Court that Petrus Shikwaya, one of four accused in the murder of prosecutor Justine Shiweda, poses a serious flight risk and has not surrendered his passport as claimed. The state alleges that Shikwaya and co-accused were found with an escape plan while in police custody, and argues he should be denied bail to ensure he stands trial; the bail hearing continues on 9 June.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Business

  1. Kia Tasman double-cab bakkie arrives in local showrooms

    The Kia Tasman, available in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations with petrol or diesel engines, has reached Namibian dealerships. The vehicle features ground clearance of 252mm and wading depth of 800mm, with premium cabin features and a starting price of N$679 995.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Nedbank wins sixth Commerzbank STP award for payment services

    Nedbank Namibia has received the 2025 straight through processing award from Commerzbank for its efficient cross-border payment services, marking its sixth win of the accolade since 2012. The award recognises correspondent banking partners worldwide that demonstrate outstanding quality in processing commercial payments and financial institution transfers.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Government plans Hosea Kutako airport expansion including third terminal

    The government has confirmed plans to expand Hosea Kutako International Airport, including construction of a third terminal, as part of efforts to increase capacity and position Namibia as a regional aviation hub. The upgrades will include improving air navigation systems and expanding passenger handling capacity, with the government exploring public-private partnerships to finance the infrastructure.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Meatco ships 45% of Norway beef quota by mid-April

    The Meat Corporation of Namibia exported 45.2% of its Norway beef quota (521 017.59kg of 1.1 million kg) by 17 April, the company's strongest start to the year in recent memory. The faster uptake is attributed to strong demand in the Norwegian market and improved planning and commercial execution at Meatco.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. President meets fishing industry stakeholders in Walvis Bay

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah held discussions with fishing industry stakeholders in Walvis Bay to explore how the sector can be strengthened, emphasizing the need to address worker welfare concerns, fish stock sustainability, and identify practical solutions through collective action.

    22 April 2026 · Informanté →

Mining & Energy

  1. Petrofund workshop prepares Namibian MSMEs for oil sector participation

    Petrofund, Namibia's Petroleum Training and Education Fund, has commenced a two-day workshop to help Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises understand opportunities and global standards required by International Oil Companies in the oil and gas sector. Minister Modestus Amutse emphasised that the initiative aligns with the government's strategy to increase MSME contribution to the national economy from 16% and noted that local capacity development is critical as Namibia approaches its first Final Investment Decision.

    22 April 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Namibia faces US$15 billion climate finance shortfall by 2030

    Namibia faces a US$15 billion climate finance gap to meet its 2030 climate commitments, with only about US$1.5 billion expected from domestic sources, leaving roughly 90% dependent on external funding. Policymakers and financial institutions say the country must develop credible, investment-ready frameworks and bankable projects to attract private capital, particularly for adaptation and decarbonisation efforts in carbon-intensive sectors.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Namibia must build capacity to compete in oil value chain

    A special advisor to the President said policy alone cannot create a competitive local supplier base; Namibia must instead build skills, standards, and capability to meet international oil companies' procurement requirements. President Nandi-Ndaitwah announced Cabinet approval of an upstream local content policy designed to ensure petroleum development delivers socio-economic benefits to citizens.

    22 April 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  4. Oil sector must adapt to geopolitical shifts, Shilunga says

    Kornelia Shilunga, Head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit in the Presidency, urged Namibia's oil and gas sector to identify new trade corridors, invest in resilient infrastructure, and strengthen partnerships amid global geopolitical tension. She called on stakeholders to remain alert to commodity markets, trade dynamics, and shipping security while investing in Namibia's oil and gas development.

    22 April 2026 · Informanté →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Heavy rain and winds destroy 200 tonnes of maize at government farm

    Approximately 200 tonnes of maize at the government's Uvhungu-vhungu irrigation farm in Kavango East were destroyed by heavy rains and strong winds that left about 47 hectares waterlogged. The farm has shifted to manual labour, hiring local workers to salvage what remains, but production losses will make profit impossible this season; elephants also damaged another section of the farm.

    22 April 2026 · New Era →

  2. Walvis Bay approves relocation plan for illegal land occupants

    The Walvis Bay municipal council has approved a relocation intervention to address illegal land occupation in Kuisebmond, Build-Together, NHE land and selected backyard dwellings. Portions of Farm 37 have been set aside for temporary relocation of qualifying households, and the municipality approved 80 temporary workers to support enforcement, though it stressed the process does not replace the official housing waiting list.

    22 April 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  3. Bondelswarts Traditional Authority offices closed for years

    Bondelswarts Traditional Authority offices at Gibeon and Warmbad have been closed for over two years and more than eight years respectively, delaying communal land services and affecting residents' ability to obtain land rights certification. The closures stem from a chieftainship succession dispute and ongoing High Court case challenging the October 2025 inauguration of chief Denzyl Christians.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Society

  1. Angolan cattle herder found dead by suicide in Omusati

    A 54-year-old Angolan national employed as a cattle herder in Otamanzi, Omusati Region, died by suicide after hanging himself from a tree on Monday. Fellow herders found his body after he failed to return to the camp.

    22 April 2026 · Informanté →

  2. SanlamAllianz donates 3,900 sun hats to Namibian albinism community

    SanlamAllianz handed over 3,900 protective, waterproof sun hats to the Namibia Albino Association to reduce skin cancer risk and address critical sun-protection needs for people with albinism. The hats will be distributed nationwide during International Albinism Awareness Day events in June.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Campus nurse completes PhD in health sciences at Nust

    Kristine Siseho, a nurse at the Namibia University of Science and Technology campus clinic for over 10 years, is graduating with a PhD in health sciences. Her research developed an early detection model for anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation to help identify students in need of support.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Police seize drugs worth N$259,100 in Otjozondjupa region

    Police arrested an Outjo resident after discovering mandrax and cannabis valued at N$259,100 inside a delivery truck on the Otjiwarongo-Outjo road. The 35-year-old suspect faces charges of possession and dealing in both substances and is expected to appear in Otjiwarongo Magistrate's Court this week.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Rössing Foundation invests N$14.7m in education and communities

    The Rössing Foundation invested over N$14.7 million in 2025 on education and community projects, including scholarships, school support, solar-powered water systems, and assistive technologies. The funding targets learners from disadvantaged backgrounds and remote communities in Kunene, Omusati and Kavango West regions.

    22 April 2026 · New Era →

  6. Japan, UN fund health projects targeting emergency preparedness

    Japan, the UN, and global partners have launched major investments to strengthen Namibia's health system, including three key projects focused on emergency preparedness, disease prevention, and diagnostic capacity. The initiatives, valued at approximately N$18.4 million, will benefit more than 118,000 people across eight hospitals and vulnerable regions including Kunene, Omusati, and Otjozondjupa.

    22 April 2026 · New Era →

  7. Health ministry meets with specialists to improve care

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services held a strategic meeting with over 50 clinical specialists from Windhoek's main public hospitals, led by Minister Dr Esperance Luvindao, to discuss service delivery improvements and patient care. The engagement focused on preparations for the upcoming financial year and provided a platform for healthcare professionals to share challenges and propose solutions, with a follow-up meeting planned for June 2026.

    22 April 2026 · Informanté →

  8. Governor calls school donation investment in children's future

    Omusati Regional Governor Immanuel Shikongo praised Kuzam Investment CC for donating school uniforms worth N$40,000 and tinned fish worth N$10,000 to IK Tjimuhiva Combined School at Omakange, describing it as an investment rather than charity and calling for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector in education.

    22 April 2026 · Informanté →

  9. Health minister seeks N$18 billion over five years

    Minister of health Esperance Luvindao told the National Assembly that Namibia needs N$17 billion to N$18 billion over five years to effectively run and upgrade public healthcare. The current annual health budget stands at approximately N$13.1 billion, but the minister said the increased funding would support upgrading existing facilities and building new intermediate and district hospitals.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  10. Namibia's state GBV shelters strain under tight budget and capacity limits

    Namibia's eight state-run shelters for gender-based violence survivors operate with a N$1 million annual budget covering only food and basics, accommodating only 80 GBV clients at any time despite thousands of reported cases. Staffing shortages, no national system to track turned-away victims, and restricted access policies compound the pressure, with the ministry acknowledging the sheltering system is "not yet fully adequate to meet all demand across the country."

    22 April 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  11. 37-year-old inmate dies after collapsing at Rundu Police Station

    A 37-year-old man died this week after collapsing in custody at Rundu Police Station and was rushed unconscious to Rundu State Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. He had been detained on charges of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm under the Domestic Violence Act and was scheduled for a mental health check-up.

    22 April 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  12. Police destroy 360 illicit firearms collected since September

    The Namibian Police destroyed 360 firearms and 80 rounds of ammunition this week, from a collection that began in September 2024. The weapons, largely voluntarily surrendered during amnesty periods and undocumented, included rifles and pistols, as part of efforts to remove illegal firearms from circulation and promote public safety.

    22 April 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  13. Heavy rains flood Rundu homes and roads

    Heavy rainfall in the north-eastern town of Rundu has severely flooded several houses in Rainbow Village, Kehemu, and the Safari residential area, and left multiple roads flooded and impassable. The public is advised to exercise caution and avoid travelling through flooded areas as rainfall continues in the region.

    22 April 2026 · Informanté →

  14. Health ministry cancels N$194m medical stores construction tender

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services has requested cancellation of a N$194-million tender to build new central medical stores in Windhoek, citing that the expected outcome did not justify costs. The cancellation follows allegations of political interference and concerns raised by the Global Fund over the redirection of its N$194-million donation originally earmarked for the project.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Culture

  1. New podcast from Reggie and Frozen needs stronger direction

    A review of the first episode of 'The Black and Yellow Podcast', a new show on One Africa Television hosted by Namibian duo Reggie and Frozen with guest Michael Amushelelo, finds the conversation lacking structure and insight, circling predictably around dating and materialism rather than exploring deeper territory, though technical improvements and clearer direction could strengthen future episodes.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Sport

  1. Kavango East disputes under-19 netball squad selection process

    The Kavango East Netball Association has formally challenged Netball Namibia's preliminary under-19 national squad selection, citing poor regional representation after their team won the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup 2026 championship yet had only one player selected, compared to nine from the Khomas region. The association warns that under-representation of players from outside Windhoek risks damaging confidence in national pathways and affecting participation in future tournaments.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Gallina track passes FIM inspection for 2026 African motocross championship

    The Gallina MX Park north of Windhoek is preparing to host the 2026 Motocross of African Nations in August, with an expected 200 riders participating. A Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme inspector recently evaluated the venue and confirmed satisfactory progress on safety standards, structural upgrades, and track layout modifications required to meet FIM requirements.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. NSC board outlines strategic direction for governance and athlete development

    The Namibia Sports Commission board has outlined a new strategic direction focused on governance, performance, and athlete development following a recent leadership retreat, with the board aligning on four pillars: performance excellence, robust governance, financial sustainability, and structured athlete development.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Coetzee wins Addis Ababa Grand Prix long jump with 7.89m

    Namibian long jump champion Chenoult Lionel Coetzee won the Addis Ababa Grand Prix with a 7.89m jump. Coetzee, an Africa Championship silver medalist with a national record of 8.27m, is preparing for the upcoming Bank Windhoek Athletics Namibia Senior National Championships and has expressed ambitions for the Commonwealth Games and African Championships.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Namibian Drikus Coetzee wins inaugural Race Across South Africa

    Drikus Coetzee won the inaugural Race Across South Africa, a 1,969km mountain bike race covering gravel roads and farm tracks from Kwazulu Natal to the Western Cape, in seven days, 12 hours, 2 minutes and 47 seconds. Fellow Namibian Pierre Lambert finished third, about 280km behind Coetzee's winning time, after challenging weather conditions including rain, mud and strong headwinds throughout the event.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Namibian cyclist Drikus Coetzee wins inaugural ultra-race

    Ultra-endurance cyclist Drikus Coetzee won the inaugural Race Across South Africa, a 2,000km event, in seven days, 12 hours and 3 minutes, setting a benchmark for the event. Despite the dominant victory in challenging conditions, Coetzee said he did not race at full capacity and plans to pursue the longer Rhino Run in October rather than defend his title.

    22 April 2026 · New Era →

  7. African Stars win fourth consecutive Namibia Premier League title

    African Stars have been crowned champions of the 2025/2026 Namibia Premier League season for a fourth consecutive time, claiming N$850 000 in prize money. NFA acting secretary general Mabos Vries said the league's completion required N$10 million in government funding plus an additional N$7.5 million from the NFA to overcome logistical challenges including stadium unavailability.

    22 April 2026 · New Era →

  8. Vera Looser finishes third in Garden Route Giro women's race

    Namibian cyclist Vera Looser took third place in the elite women's category at the inaugural Garden Route Giro in the Western Cape, completing the six-stage, 684km mountain bike race in 19 hours 38 minutes. Looser described the race as brutally hard but rewarding, noting the challenging conditions including steep climbing and technical terrain.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. Leicher's century powers Namibia u23 past Zimbabwe

    Namibia u23 defeated Zimbabwe u23 by 10 runs at the High Performance Cricket Quadrangular in Pretoria, with Dylan Leicher scoring an unbeaten century to help Namibia post 195/6 before Zimbabwe was dismissed for 185.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  10. Chelsea fires manager Rosenior after five-match losing streak

    Chelsea sacked manager Liam Rosenior after less than four months in charge, following five consecutive Premier League defeats—the club's worst such run since 1912. Assistant Calum McFarlane will take over as caretaker for the remainder of the season.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Tourism & Environment

  1. CCFN secures US$63 million for community conservation efforts

    The Community Conservancy Fund of Namibia has raised US$63 million (just over N$1 billion) to support community conservation, with President Nandi-Ndaitwah reaffirming the critical importance of environmental protection for rural livelihoods and sustainability. The fund supports wildlife-based income initiatives and addresses human-wildlife conflict through measures such as ranger programs and predator-proof kraals.

    22 April 2026 · New Era →

  2. Elephants damage farms across Kamanjab Constituency

    Farms in Kunene Region's Kamanjab Constituency have sustained significant damage from wildlife, particularly elephants, which have destroyed water infrastructure, tanks, crops, and fencing. The Regional Councillor confirmed complaints from multiple farms and welcomed Ministry of Environment interventions to address elephant-related challenges in the region.

    22 April 2026 · Informanté →

  3. Kunene River flow stronger than last week despite recent dip

    The Kunene River recorded a flow rate of 1,197.80 cubic metres per second on Tuesday morning, an increase from 1,058.80 m³/s a week earlier, though down from Monday's 1,386.10 m³/s. The Kavango and Zambezi rivers have seen slight declines, and the Hydrological Services of Namibia has issued a flood alert for the eastern Zambezi floodplains, urging communities to remain vigilant and activate flood preparedness measures.

    22 April 2026 · Informanté →

World & Region

  1. Namibia launches national campaign supporting Cuba against US embargo

    Namibia has launched a national solidarity campaign backing Cuba and calling for an end to the United States' longstanding blockade, with National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila stating that parliament stands united across political parties on the issue and describing the embargo as a violation of international law and sovereignty.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Iran conflict drives global condom prices up 30%

    The world's largest condom maker, Karex, says it will raise prices by up to 30% or more if the Iran conflict continues to disrupt supplies of raw materials like ammonia and silicone-based lubricants that rely on oil. The disruption to the Strait of Hormuz has also driven up costs for air fares, fertilizers, helium, and other goods globally.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. South African apartheid-era beauty queen and actress dies at 76

    Cynthia Shange, the first black woman to represent South Africa at Miss World in 1972, has died aged 76 following an illness. A trailblazer during apartheid and later a prominent film and television actress, she was honoured with a Life Time Achiever award in 2024.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. UN votes slave trade a crime against humanity, boosting Namibia reparations calls

    The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on 25 March recognising the transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity, with 123 votes in favour and 52 abstentions. Namibian subject experts say the vote bolsters local calls for justice regarding colonial-era genocide and reparations, and could pressure countries such as Germany to reconsider responses to demands of Namibians affected by the 1904 to 1908 genocide.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. US nuclear aircraft carrier transits Namibia's exclusive economic zone

    The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs confirmed that the USS George HW Bush, a US nuclear-powered super aircraft carrier, is transiting in Namibia's exclusive economic zone under international maritime law without entering territorial waters. The vessel is sailing under provisions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which guarantees freedom of navigation, and is en route around the African continent to avoid heightened activity in the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Opinion

  1. Prevention, not just support, key to tackling gender-based violence

    A Namibian Sun editorial acknowledges government progress on shelters and survivor support but argues that long-term reduction of gender-based violence requires prevention through policy, curriculum integration of life skills and gender respect, expanded mental health services, swift law enforcement, and community and family engagement to confront harmful norms.

    22 April 2026 · Namibian Sun →

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