Namibia Minute.
Friday, 24 April 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Friday, 24 April 2026
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Archive Minute from Friday, 24 April 2026
Politics

PDM says it's financially sound despite 2024 election spending

The News

The Popular Democratic Movement's secretary general says the party remains in sound financial state after spending between N$6 and N$8 million on 2024 election campaigns, and is recovering through parliamentary allocations and property assets. The PDM is preparing for McHenry Venaani's term-limited leadership transition in 2028–2029 through a system of broad capacity-building across party structures rather than grooming a single successor.

Why it matters

PDM's financial stability and leadership succession planning offer insight into Namibia's political party structures and democratic health.

24 April 2026 · New Era →

Politics

  1. PDM says it's financially sound despite 2024 election spending

    The Popular Democratic Movement's secretary general says the party remains in sound financial state after spending between N$6 and N$8 million on 2024 election campaigns, and is recovering through parliamentary allocations and property assets. The PDM is preparing for McHenry Venaani's term-limited leadership transition in 2028–2029 through a system of broad capacity-building across party structures rather than grooming a single successor.

    24 April 2026 · New Era →

  2. Swapo politician Mushelenga sworn into National Assembly

    Peya Mushelenga, a Swapo politician, has been sworn in as a member of parliament, replacing James Uerikua who died on 3 April. Speaking after taking the oath in Windhoek, Mushelenga said lawmakers must serve the country beyond party interests and pledged to prioritise advancing the Swapo Party manifesto while working across political lines.

    24 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Esau's lawyer argues pre-trial detention is oppressive and unfair

    Lawyer Florian Beukes argued in High Court that his client Bernard Esau, 69, has experienced oppressive pre-trial incarceration after seven years in custody since his arrest in November 2019, citing exhausted defence funds and violation of constitutional rights to a speedy trial. Esau and nine co-accused, including former Justice Minister Sacky Shanghala, face 42 counts including corruption and racketeering over allegedly receiving N$300 million in payments to favour the Icelandic fishing company Samherji.

    24 April 2026 · Informanté →

  4. ACC arrests NDF member for alleged vehicle repair fraud scheme

    The Anti-Corruption Commission announced the arrest of Heita Vilho, a suspended NDF member, for a corruption scheme involving fraudulent payments to a civilian company for vehicle repairs that were never carried out between November 2019 and February 2020, resulting in a financial loss of approximately N$179,508.91 to the NDF. Vilho appeared in court and was granted N$10,000 bail, with his matter remanded to June 2026 for plea.

    24 April 2026 · Informanté →

Business

  1. Second Namibia–EU Business Forum planned for May 2026

    The Second Namibia–European Union Business Forum will take place in Windhoek from 11 to 13 May 2026, bringing together approximately 400 high-level participants to discuss trade and investment opportunities. The forum will focus on five priority sectors—green hydrogen and renewable energy, critical raw materials, agribusiness, cultural and creative industries, and the automotive industry—and will feature presentations of 30 bankable Namibian projects to prospective investors.

    24 April 2026 · Informanté →

  2. President calls for fishing sector reforms, sustainable marine resource use

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah opened the second day of fishing industry consultations in Walvis Bay, emphasising the need to protect and sustainably utilise Namibia's marine resources through collective action. She stressed that the engagement process aims to resolve systemic challenges in the sector through accountability, compliance, and strengthened governance rather than targeting individuals.

    24 April 2026 · Informanté →

  3. Namibia Airports plans N$4–5 billion Hosea Kutako terminal expansion

    The Namibia Airports Company is advancing plans to expand Hosea Kutako International Airport with preliminary cost estimates ranging from N$4 billion to N$5 billion, targeting completion by 2030 to accommodate rising passenger volumes. The new passenger terminal is intended to reinforce the airport's role as Namibia's primary international gateway, with projections indicating capacity constraints by 2029 or 2030.

    24 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Meatco workers threaten strike over delayed salary increases

    Meatco employees presented a petition demanding salary increases, citing delayed wage proposals and company profitability, and threatening indefinite industrial action if demands are ignored. The petition also raises concerns about board leadership, executive spending, and alleged conflicts of interest.

    24 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Cabinet relaxes 200m fishing depth rule for horse mackerel

    The Cabinet has approved a temporary 12-month relaxation allowing wet-landed horse mackerel vessels to trawl within 150m depth in the 200m isobath zone, a conservation area typically protected to preserve juvenile fish and marine ecosystems. The decision comes as the sector faces reduced quotas, with the 2026 total allowable catch set at 197,000 tonnes, down from 208,000 tonnes in 2025.

    24 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. President warns fishing sector faces instability, calls for urgent reforms

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah warned that Namibia's fishing sector is facing instability and transition due to governance gaps, structural inefficiencies and declining fish stocks, calling for urgent reforms, stronger governance and collective action. She announced the redress programme will conclude in April 2027, raised concerns about the labour hire system, and introduced the National Fisheries Indaba to address governance challenges and restore trust among government, employers, workers and unions.

    24 April 2026 · Informanté →

Mining & Energy

  1. Energy sector report identifies 17 main actors in Namibia

    A 2025 'Energy Sector in Namibia' report identified 17 main actors in the energy sector, with companies facing challenges in minimising disruption to the environment.

    24 April 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Namibia launches national food safety coordination committee

    The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has officially inaugurated the National Sanitary and Phytosanitary Committee to regulate Namibia's food safety, animal and plant health measures and ensure compliance with international standards. The three-year committee will coordinate science-based measures, facilitate safe trade in agricultural and food products, and strengthen Namibia's participation in regional and multilateral trade systems.

    24 April 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Okahandja and region struck by severe hailstorm

    Heavy rainfall and intense hail blanketed Okahandja and surrounding areas in Otjozondjupa Region on Thursday, also causing flooding. Similar hailstorms occurred the same day near Koës in //Kharas Region and Gobabis in Omaheke Region.

    24 April 2026 · Informanté →

  3. Hailstorm and heavy rain strike Okatjeru and Rundu

    Okatjeru, near Grootfontein, experienced notable showers accompanied by a severe hailstorm, while Rundu in Kavango East Region saw severe weather causing widespread flooding affecting homes and roads. The Namibia Meteorological Services forecasts more scattered showers on Friday in some interior areas.

    24 April 2026 · Informanté →

  4. Heavy rain and hail hit central, northern Namibia this week

    Otjozondjupa and Omaheke regions experienced intense thunderstorms, heavy rain, hail, and strong winds mid-week, with Okahandja recording over 100 mm of rain and hail accumulation on Thursday. More rainfall is forecast for the weekend in central and northern regions, with authorities warning residents and motorists to avoid flooded areas.

    24 April 2026 · Informanté →

Society

  1. Windhoek marathon celebrates athletes with intellectual disabilities

    Namibia Special Olympics president Charles Nyambe praised a recent Windhoek marathon that featured 533 athletes with intellectual disabilities competing in 2-kilometre, 5-kilometre, and 10-kilometre races and walks, alongside 1,300 public participants in a 21-kilometre race to raise awareness and funds. Nyambe said the event aimed to break barriers, foster understanding, and dispel myths about intellectual disabilities while highlighting the achievements of participants.

    24 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. University of Namibia northern campuses graduate 901 students

    The University of Namibia's northern campuses awarded 901 degrees on Wednesday, a 4% increase from last year's 864, with the cohort spanning engineering, nursing, education, law and management sciences, and including 65% female graduates and seven international students.

    24 April 2026 · New Era →

  3. San communities in Ohangwena report poverty despite government support

    San families in Eenhana and surrounding settlements live in makeshift structures and face unemployment, lack of identity documents, and inadequate housing, despite government efforts including food assistance, school transport, and housing projects. Officials acknowledge living conditions remain difficult and uneven across communities, with plans to relocate some settlements and continue support programmes.

    24 April 2026 · New Era →

  4. Okongo teachers move from shacks to proper housing

    Teachers at Helao Nafidi Combined School in Okongo have moved into a newly constructed house with eight bedrooms, a kitchen, showers and a sitting room, ending years of living in makeshift shacks. The project was sponsored by AffluentGen Group and implemented by local workers, with Ohangwena governor Kadiva Hamutumwa saying it reflects listening to ground concerns and partnerships to restore educator dignity and improve working conditions.

    24 April 2026 · New Era →

  5. Government commits N$137 million to build 3,106 low-income houses

    The government has committed N$137 million to building 3,106 low-income houses through the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, implemented by the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia, to address the country's housing backlog. The project is part of broader efforts to formalise informal settlements and prioritise completing stalled units under the Mass Housing Development Programme, though the ministry's 2026/27 budget has been reduced from N$2.67 billion to N$1.95 billion.

    24 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Man arrested for rape of teenager in Omusati region

    An Angolan national has been arrested in connection with the rape of a 14-year-old girl at Outundungu village in the Omusati region. The suspect, the victim's neighbour, allegedly lured the girl to his house under false pretences and assaulted her; he is due to appear before the Outapi Magistrate's Court on Monday.

    24 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Culture

  1. Chuckle Factory Comedy Club returns to Ster-Kinekor Grove Mall

    Chuckle Factory Comedy Club will bring a night of stand-up comedy to Ster-Kinekor at Grove Mall next Wednesday, as it continues to expand its presence in Windhoek's entertainment scene.

    24 April 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. Black Coffee performs sold-out show for 20,000 in Mexico

    South African Afro-house DJ Black Coffee delivered a sold-out performance in Mexico, drawing an estimated 20,000 fans.

    24 April 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  3. Lordkez's "Aweh (Remix)" achieves double platinum certification

    "Aweh (Remix)" by lordkez featuring Cassper Nyovest has gone double platinum, securing a triple RiSA certification.

    24 April 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Sport

  1. Stuttgart beats Freiburg to reach German Cup final

    Tiago Tomas scored in the 119th minute with a back-heel to send Stuttgart into the German Cup final with a 2-1 extra-time home win over Freiburg on Thursday. Stuttgart will face Bayern Munich in the final on May 23.

    24 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Spanish tennis champion Alcaraz withdraws from French Open due to wrist injury

    Reigning two-time French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz announced he will miss this year's tournament to recover from a right wrist injury sustained at the Barcelona Open, also ruling himself out of the Italian Open. The 22-year-old, ranked second in the world, said his team would monitor his recovery before deciding when to return.

    24 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Namibia Senior Track & Field Championships features qualifying places at stake

    The Namibia Senior Track & Field Championships take place this weekend at Windhoek Independence Stadium with qualifying places available for upcoming continental events including the Africa Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana, the SACA u18 and u20 Championships in Mauritius, and the Commonwealth Games. Top performers expected include Ryan Williams, Frieda Iithete, and Charley Matundu, though several Namibian athletes will compete abroad.

    24 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Namibia sends eight wrestlers to African Championships in Egypt

    Eight Namibian wrestlers will compete at the African Continental Championships in Alexandria from 27 April to 4 May, fully funded and prepared by the Sports Commission. The delegation, led by national coach Luis Paz, includes 2023 African champion Calvin Dreyer and senior woman wrestler Ester Abraham, who is training in Ivory Coast under an Olympic Solidarity Scholarship.

    24 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Namibia rugby premier league title race intensifies this weekend

    The top teams in the Namibia Rugby Premier League will face each other this weekend as the title race takes shape, with log leaders FNB Wanderers visiting second-placed FNB Grootfontein while defending champions FNB Kudus travel to third-placed Trustco United.

    24 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Namibia Senior Track & Field Championships headline weekend sports

    Athletics, rugby, football and tennis feature in weekend sporting action, with the Namibia Senior Track & Field Championships taking place at Windhoek's Independence Stadium on Friday and Saturday, the Namibia Rugby Premier League continuing with matches throughout Namibia, and the finals of the ITF J30 u18 tennis championships at the Central Tennis Courts.

    24 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Inter Milan close to Serie A title with five matches remaining

    Inter Milan lead Napoli and second-placed AC Milan by 12 points with five matches remaining and could seal their 21st league crown this weekend. The champions could win the Scudetto with four matches to spare if they beat Torino and Napoli fail to win against Cremonese on Friday.

    24 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Bundesliga: Leipzig and Union show football's changing leadership face

    RB Leipzig face Union Berlin on Friday, with Leipzig chasing Champions League qualification and Union fighting relegation. The match highlights a shift in football's leadership: Union is coached by Marie-Louise Eta, the first woman to coach a men's side in a major European league, while Leipzig's CEO is Tatjana Haenni, the first female club boss in German football history.

    24 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. Arsenal and Manchester City lock on points with five games left

    Arsenal and Manchester City are tied on 70 points with identical goal differences as they battle for the Premier League title with five games remaining, while Tottenham fight to avoid relegation for the first time in nearly 50 years.

    24 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  10. Ondangwa hosts Round 2 MTC Volleyball National League

    Round 2 of the MTC Volleyball National League moves to Ondangwa this weekend, with matches in both men's and women's divisions. Defending champions Revivals seek to recover from an opening-round defeat, while newly promoted sides test their competitiveness against established teams.

    24 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  11. FNB Women's Super League returns with rounds 14 and 15

    The FNB Women's Super League returns this weekend with Round 14 and 15 fixtures. FC Ongos Ladies head coach Shama Gure said his side is preparing with focus and discipline for important matches against Mighty Gunners Ladies and Windhoek City SC, while Unam Bokkies head coach Thuba Sibanda is preparing for competitive fixtures against Nust and V-Power Angels.

    24 April 2026 · New Era →

  12. ITF Junior J30 tournament underway at Windhoek tennis courts

    The International Tennis Federation World U/18 Junior J30 tournament is being held at Central Tennis Courts in Windhoek with 57 players, including five Namibian competitors. The event gives local players wildcards into the main draw to earn international ranking points, with tournament director Larushka Kruger emphasising the importance of exposure to international competition for developing young talent.

    24 April 2026 · New Era →

Tourism & Environment

  1. Kunene River flow surges 192.5 m³/s in one day

    The Kunene River's flow rate at Ruacana increased from 1,351.4 m³/s on Wednesday to 1,543.9 m³/s on Thursday, with the Hydrological Services warning communities of sustained upstream inflows and elevated levels. The Zambezi River at Katima Mulilo also rose slightly, prompting flood alerts for the eastern Zambezi floodplains.

    24 April 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Kunene River flow increases; flood alert issued for eastern areas

    The Kunene River's flow rate rose from 1,543.9 m³/s on Thursday to 1,545.9 m³/s on Friday, according to Namibia's Hydrological Services, which advised communities downstream of Ruacana to remain on high alert as localised flooding remains a likely risk. The Zambezi River at Katima Mulilo has declined but remains significantly higher than last year's corresponding level, prompting a flood alert for the eastern Zambezi floodplains.

    24 April 2026 · Informanté →

World & Region

  1. US naval delegation visits Namibia for maritime talks

    A delegation from US Naval Forces Africa visited Windhoek and Walvis Bay to meet with Namibian government and defence officials, focusing on shared maritime security interests in the South Atlantic.

    24 April 2026 · The Namibian →

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