Namibia Minute.
Sunday, 26 April 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Sunday, 26 April 2026
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Archive Minute from Sunday, 26 April 2026
Politics

Fishrot scandal reveals governance failures in fishing sector

The News

Six years after the Fishrot scandal, Namibia's fisheries sector remains governed by excessive secrecy with no publicly accessible register of fishing rights holders, quota allocations, or beneficial owners. The same structural weaknesses that enabled the fraud—concentrated discretionary powers, opaque allocation processes, and 'paper quota holders' profiting without investment—remain largely intact, requiring political will to implement transparency reforms.

Why it matters

Six years after Fishrot, the scandal's underlying governance weaknesses—opacity, discretionary power, lack of beneficial ownership transparency—remain unaddressed.

26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Politics

  1. Fishrot scandal reveals governance failures in fishing sector

    Six years after the Fishrot scandal, Namibia's fisheries sector remains governed by excessive secrecy with no publicly accessible register of fishing rights holders, quota allocations, or beneficial owners. The same structural weaknesses that enabled the fraud—concentrated discretionary powers, opaque allocation processes, and 'paper quota holders' profiting without investment—remain largely intact, requiring political will to implement transparency reforms.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Minister orders inquiry into tribal bias at Roads Authority

    Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi ordered an investigation into alleged tribal bias in recruitment at the Roads Authority, finding it employs about 74 people from the Zambezi region compared to more than 300 from northern Namibia. The probe has revived broader allegations of tribalism in hiring practices across Namibian state-owned enterprises and government offices.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. President honors late first National Assembly speaker Tjitendero

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah commemorated the 20th anniversary of Mosé Tjitendero's death on Sunday, describing Namibia's first National Assembly speaker as a humble patriot, educator, and freedom fighter who earned respect across political divides through dialogue, restraint, and grace during the country's formative parliamentary years.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. National Assembly speaker honours Tjitendero's impartial leadership legacy

    National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila paid tribute to founding speaker Mosé Tjitendero during the marking of his 20th death anniversary, describing him as a principled leader who presided over parliamentary debates without fear or favour and established impartiality of the chair as a democratic norm.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Swapo president defends party headquarters built near hospital

    Swapo president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah defended the ruling party's construction of a multimillion-dollar headquarters near Katutura Intermediate Hospital, saying party member contributions for the project cannot be redirected to government facilities, and that members' taxes already support such state purposes.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. President honours founding Speaker Tjitendero's democratic legacy

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah paid tribute to Dr. Mosé Penaani Tjitendero, Namibia's founding Speaker of the National Assembly, at a Heroes' Acre commemoration in Windhoek, describing him as a visionary leader and nation builder whose work in the liberation struggle, SWAPO Party, and 14 years as Speaker shaped the country's democratic institutions.

    26 April 2026 · Informanté →

  7. Former President Mbumba honours late Dr Tjitendero's lasting legacy

    Former President Nangolo Mbumba has paid tribute to the late Dr. Mose Penaani Tjitendero, describing him as a visionary leader whose legacy continues to shape Namibia's governance, education and national identity 20 years after his passing. Mbumba honoured Tjitendero's role in the country's liberation struggle, post-independence development, and work through the United Nations Institute for Namibia.

    26 April 2026 · Informanté →

Business

  1. Namibia seeks deeper trade and investment ties with Malaysia

    Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi called for economic cooperation and strategic partnerships with Malaysia, urging Malaysian investors to explore opportunities in green energy, manufacturing, agro-processing, and mineral beneficiation as Namibia transitions to a value-added industrial hub.

    26 April 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Government struggles to enforce vehicle branding rules for e-hailing operators

    Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi told parliament that compliance with mandatory vehicle branding requirements for e-hailing operators remains low, with drivers resisting rules requiring permanent identification marks on vehicles often used for private purposes. The ministry also cited broader non-compliance issues, including applicants' failure to meet basic permit requirements such as submitting certificates of good conduct.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Namibia's FMD-free status secures access to premium livestock markets

    Namibia is among a small group of countries globally recognized as free of Foot-and-Mouth Disease without vaccination, a status that provides access to high-value export markets for beef and livestock products. Maintaining this position requires strict disease control measures, regulatory compliance, and coordination between authorities and farmers.

    26 April 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Movement calls for two-year fish stocks investigation

    The Landless People's Movement has proposed a two-year investigation into Namibia's ocean fish stocks to enable informed government decisions and job creation in the fishing sector, amid tensions between workers' organisations and the government over reduced allowable catch limits.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Indigenous Namibian chicken breed gains popularity in South Africa

    South African farmers have become interested in the Herero chicken, an indigenous breed brought from Namibia's Gobabis region in 2001, which sells for up to N$1,000 each. The breed is valued for its meat quality and dual-purpose utility, including egg-laying and tick removal from livestock.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Society

  1. Health ministry rolls out third polio vaccination round nationwide

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services will conduct the third round of its national polio vaccination campaign from 27 to 30 April, aimed at boosting immunity among children. The campaign follows previous rounds that achieved high coverage in Omusati Region and comes after polio virus detection through environmental surveillance in Rundu, Windhoek, and Opuwo.

    26 April 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Namibia to host inaugural African Young Women Knowledge Festival

    Namibia will host the first-ever African Young Women Knowledge Festival in Windhoek on 24–25 April 2026, bringing together young women leaders and innovators from across Africa for panel discussions, workshops, and networking on leadership, entrepreneurship, gender equality, and social transformation.

    26 April 2026 · Informanté →

  3. UNAM northern campuses graduate 901 students across multiple fields

    The University of Namibia's northern campuses graduated 901 students on Wednesday, representing a 4% increase from the previous year. The graduates span fields including engineering, nursing science, education, law and management sciences, with 65% women and qualifications aimed at contributing to Namibia's social and economic development.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Health Ministry uncovers fraud in pharmaceutical supply chain

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services has uncovered suspected fraud within Namibia's pharmaceutical supply chain, including alleged manipulation of stock records and diversion of medicines at the Central Medical Stores, contributing to shortages of critical medicines and suspension of elective surgeries at some hospitals. The editorial argues that while the ministry's investigation and reassignment of implicated staff are necessary first steps, thorough investigation, accountability and structural reform are essential to address systemic weaknesses and restore public confidence.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Police report suicides, rape, violent attacks over weekend

    Namibian Police reported multiple serious incidents over the past weekend, including suspected suicides, attempted murders, rape, and stock theft across the country. Specific incidents included suspected suicides in Walvis Bay, Ohangwena, and Windhoek, stabbing attacks in Otavi and Lüderitz, and a death from a lightning strike in Keetmanshoop.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Gondwana hospitality staff earn formal qualifications through skills assessment

    The Namibia Training Authority conducted recognition of prior learning assessments for experienced waiters and other hospitality workers at Gondwana Collection Namibia across multiple regions in March, evaluating their practical and theoretical competencies against national benchmarks and awarding nationally recognised qualifications in tourism and hospitality disciplines under the Namibia Qualifications Framework.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Windhoek Gymnasium confirms hand, foot and mouth disease outbreak

    Windhoek Gymnasium High School has reported a suspected outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease within the school community. Affected classes have been closed as a precaution, and the school clarified that this viral illness affecting young children is distinct from livestock foot-and-mouth disease reported in South Africa.

    26 April 2026 · Informanté →

  8. Man killed by lightning strike in Keetmanshoop

    A 57-year-old man was fatally struck by lightning on 24 April 2026 while walking with his daughter and three dogs behind P.K. School in Keetmanshoop. He was taken to hospital but pronounced dead on arrival.

    26 April 2026 · Informanté →

Sport

  1. NBA playoffs: Thunder sweep Phoenix, Magic stun top-seeded Pistons

    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 42 points to lead Oklahoma City to a 121-109 victory over Phoenix and a 3-0 playoff series lead. In the Eastern Conference, the eighth-seeded Orlando Magic defeated the top-seeded Detroit Pistons 113-105 to take a 2-1 series lead.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Barcelona moves 11 points clear in La Liga title race

    Fermin Lopez and Marcus Rashford scored as Barcelona defeated Getafe 2-0 on Saturday, moving 11 points ahead of Real Madrid in the La Liga standings. Barcelona can secure their second consecutive Spanish title if they beat Osasuna next weekend and Real Madrid fail to beat Espanyol.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Government maintains sport bar hours during World Cup

    Namibia's government will not extend sport bar trading hours during the Fifa World Cup in June, despite calls from football fans. Most sport bars operate until 02h00 under current licences, but World Cup matches are scheduled to begin at 03h00 and 04h00, forcing viewers to leave before games end.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Volschenk claims gold in sub junior girls XCO race

    Qara Volschenk won the gold medal in the sub junior girls category at the SA XCO XCC Cup 2 at Thaba Trails in Gauteng, finishing 41 seconds ahead of South Africa's Lena Theron. Namibian competitors also secured a silver medal for Micah Chase in the XCC youth men's category and a bronze for Roger Suren in the XCC elite men's category.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Namibian rugby player Jaythen Orange selected for South African under-20 squad

    Jaythen Orange, a lock forward from Windhoek who recently played for the University of Johannesburg, has been selected for the South African under-20 Springbok squad ahead of the Sanzaar Under-20 Rugby Championship starting 27 April. The article notes that rugby players can change allegiances after playing at senior level for another country, and suggests Namibian rugby should expose young talent to competitions across the Orange River while rebuilding.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Kenyan runner Sawe breaks sub-two-hour marathon record

    Sebastian Sawe of Kenya became the first athlete to run a sub-two-hour marathon in an officially ratified race, crossing the line in 1hr 59min 30sec at the London Marathon. Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha finished second in 1:59:41, the fastest marathon debut ever, with all three top finishers beating the previous men's world record of 2:00:35.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Fernandez goal sends Chelsea to FA Cup final after Rosenior sacked

    Enzo Fernandez scored in Chelsea's 1-0 FA Cup semi-final win over Leeds, Chelsea's first match after manager Liam Rosenior was sacked following five successive defeats without scoring. Fernandez had been dropped by Rosenior for two games after hinting he might leave the club.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Namibian cyclists win gold at SA XCO Cup 2 MTB

    Roger Suren won gold in the u23 men's category at the SA XCO Cup 2 MTB series in Gauteng, beating South Africa's Massimiliano Ambrosini by one second. Qara Volschenk won gold in the sub junior girls category, finishing more than two minutes ahead of Leona Theron of South Africa in what was her second gold medal of the event.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. Pogacar wins third straight Liege-Bastogne-Liege race

    World champion Tadej Pogacar won Liege-Bastogne-Liege on Sunday, defeating teenage French rider Paul Seixas by 45 seconds with 14km remaining of the 260km race. The victory was Pogacar's fourth at La Doyenne and his third straight win in the classic.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  10. Alex Marquez wins Spanish MotoGP, ends Bezzecchi's five-race streak

    Alex Marquez won the Spanish MotoGP on Sunday, finishing 1.903 seconds ahead of Marco Bezzecchi and ending Bezzecchi's streak of five consecutive victories. Despite the loss, Bezzecchi stretched his overall championship lead to 11 points over Jorge Martin.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  11. Sinner extends winning streak at Madrid Open tennis

    World number one Jannik Sinner defeated Elmer Moller 6-2, 6-3 at the Madrid Open, extending his winning streak to 19 matches and his Masters 1000 winning run to 24 consecutive victories. Coco Gauff overcame a stomach virus to beat Sorana Cirstea 4-6, 7-5, 6-1.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Tourism & Environment

  1. Luna Namib Collection desert lodge opens south of Sesriem

    Luna Namib Collection is a new luxury resort in the Namib Desert south of Sesriem, featuring private standalone retreats designed to blend with the desert landscape and guided by natural rhythms.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Recent rains transform Namib Desert landscape

    Following recent rainfall across Namibia, the typically dry Namib Desert has visibly changed, with subtle green growth appearing in previously barren areas and altered conditions affecting access routes to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Avis Dam project advances through Greenspace, Gondwana, PSG partnership

    A partnership between Greenspace Namibia, Gondwana Collection Namibia and PSG Wealth Namibia is developing Avis Dam as an urban green space, with a new dam warden appointed, information panels installed, and plans for further infrastructure and community engagement.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Gondwana's Etosha King Nehale hosts senior citizens from northern Namibia

    The Etosha King Nehale lodge welcomed seven elders from Ongwediva and surrounding areas for a two-night stay, during which they shared their life stories and were taken on a game drive through Etosha National Park.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Luxury hotel development breaks ground at Walvis Bay

    The Admiral, a luxury hotel designed by Namibian architect Conrad Scheffer, broke ground on 10 April at Walvis Bay's Esplanade and is expected to open in December 2027. The development will feature 24 suites with ocean views and is part of Gondwana Collection Namibia's portfolio.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Opinion

  1. Namibia's job creation ambitions require rethinking national conversation

    The Namibian publishes an opinion piece questioning whether Namibia's national conversation on jobs is aligned with its goal to create 500,000 jobs, given youth unemployment around 44% in 2023 and policies like expanded free tertiary education that will increase labour market entrants.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. ACC delays in health ministry corruption probe draw scrutiny

    An editorial in The Namibian questions the pace of the Anti-Corruption Commission's investigation into corruption allegations at the Ministry of Health and Social Services, citing files provided by former health minister Bernard Haufiku in 2020 and warning that prolonged delays undermine accountability and discourage witnesses.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Namibia faces choice between Singapore or SA development model

    Namibia's upcoming offshore oil, gas, and mineral wealth presents an opportunity or trap depending on management. An opinion piece contrasts Singapore's model of meritocracy and clean governance with South Africa's race-based empowerment and state patronage, positioning them as competing templates for Namibia's development path.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Swapo's authoritarian populism rooted in liberation struggle mentality

    An opinion piece argues that Swapo, like other former liberation movements in government, has failed to deliver on promises and uses patriotic narratives of its struggle history to justify remaining in state control, drawing parallels to critiques of post-colonial African governments by Frantz Fanon and Angolan author Pepetela.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

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