Namibia Minute.
Tuesday, 28 April 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Tuesday, 28 April 2026
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Archive Minute from Tuesday, 28 April 2026

Politics

  1. Swapo president urges unity as party opens new headquarters

    Swapo president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah called on party members to remain united and reject misinformation as the ruling party officially opened its new headquarters.

    28 April 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. Police inspector general reshuffles four senior management officers

    Namibian Police inspector general Joseph Shikongo announced senior management appointments and transfers effective 1 May, moving Julia Sakua-Neo to Zambezi region, Andreas Nelumbu to Kavango West, Naftal Sakaria to presidential security, and Andreas Shilelo to Oshana region.

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Public Service Commission tackles 72 complaints amid administrative delays

    The Public Service Commission is handling 72 complaints and 37 misconduct appeals, with most cases linked to recruitment processes. Delays in resolving matters persist due to slow or incomplete information submissions from government institutions, prompting the PSC to urge accounting officers to improve transparency and submit information promptly.

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Naftal Sakaria appointed to lead presidential security detail

    Oshana regional police commander Naftal Sakaria is set to lead the unit protecting President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, replacing commissioner Andreas Nelumbu. The appointment follows a police reshuffle conducted by inspector general Joseph Shikongo.

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Analyst questions Sona's investor-first focus amid inequality

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's State of the Nation address highlighted economic growth and foreign investment in sectors like green hydrogen and mining, but critics argue the speech missed an opportunity to address austerity, inequality, and the cost-of-living crisis, with a development budget of N$12.8 billion deemed insufficient to tackle decades of inequality and persistent unemployment.

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian

  6. De Klerk contests allegations that fugitive status bars court access

    Maren de Klerk, a lawyer implicated in the "Fishrot" corruption scandal, disputes Police Inspector General Joseph Shikongo's claim that he cannot seek redress from the courts on seized assets while alleged to be a fugitive. De Klerk argues the Constitution guarantees every person the right to approach courts, and asserts his pension benefits of about N$1.3 million were accrued from legitimate legal work.

    28 April 2026 · Informanté

  7. PSC retains 16 officials over 60 amid youth joblessness row

    The Public Service Commission retained 16 officials over the age of 60 due to their specialised skills, citing legal provisions for critical expertise gaps, but the decision has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition over potential political patronage and youth unemployment.

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian

  8. Judge president tributes retiring High Court registrar Elsie Schickerling

    Judge president Petrus Damaseb praised retiring High Court and Supreme Court registrar Elsie Schickerling, who has served in the role for 17 years, for introducing judicial case management, court-connected mediation, electronic case filing, and overseeing the establishment of the High Court's northern division and building renovations. Schickerling is retiring from public service at the end of April.

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian

  9. President calls on Namibians to defend democracy at Tjitendero commemoration

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah honoured founding National Assembly Speaker Mose Tjitendero at his 20th death commemoration at Heroes Acre, calling on Namibians to defend and strengthen democracy by following Tjitendero's legacy of transparency, inclusivity, accountability and the rule of law in building Parliament after independence.

    28 April 2026 · New Era

  10. Swapo party marks 66th anniversary, inaugurates new headquarters

    Swapo Party President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged members to uphold the party's founding values and principles during the party's 66th anniversary celebrations in Katutura on Sunday, which also saw the official inauguration of the new Swapo Party headquarters.

    28 April 2026 · New Era

  11. Police chief reshuffles four regional commanders effective May 2026

    Inspector General Joseph Shikongo has announced transfers of four senior police officers effective 1 May 2026: Oshana Regional Commander Naftal Lungameni Sakaria moves to become Presidential Security Chief; Commissioner Andreas Nelumbu takes over Oshana, then moves to Kavango West; Commissioner Andreas Shipingana Shilelo moves from Zambezi to replace Nelumbu in Oshana; and Commissioner Julia Sakua-Neo transfers from Kavango West to Zambezi.

    28 April 2026 · Informanté

Business

  1. Bank Windhoek launches WhatsApp Banking for financial inclusion

    Bank Windhoek has launched a WhatsApp Banking Platform to advance payment modernisation and promote financial inclusion in Namibia. The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology's Executive Director said the platform is the first of its kind, designed to bridge communication and banking and align with the country's national digital strategy.

    28 April 2026 · Informanté

  2. TransNamib reports 48 mainline derailments over five years

    The national rail operator TransNamib recorded 48 mainline derailments, 39 fatalities, and 45 level crossing incidents between 2020 and 2025, with an 87.5% decrease in derailments from 2021/22 to 2024/25. TransNamib attributes incidents to vandalism, theft, and flash floods, and says it uses patrols, awareness campaigns, and infrastructure investment to reduce them.

    28 April 2026 · Informanté

  3. Ohlthaver & List earns Great Place to Work accreditation

    The Ohlthaver & List Group has secured Great Place to Work accreditation for 2026/27, with a trust index score of 69%, and reports that 11 of its operating companies achieved individual certifications. The company links the achievement to progress toward Vision 2029 targets, including a goal to reach earnings before interest and taxes of N$2.5 billion by June 2029.

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian

Mining & Energy

  1. US ambassador visits Halliburton operations supporting Namibian offshore oil

    US Ambassador John Giordano visited Halliburton's coastal operations in Namibia to highlight the role of onshore infrastructure in supporting offshore oil and gas exploration and production. The ambassador emphasized the importance of local workforce development and skills training alongside advanced technical capability for sustaining long-term energy production.

    28 April 2026 · Informanté

Agriculture & Land

  1. Minister orders Erongo officials to accelerate water delivery solutions

    Minister Inge Zaamwani has ordered urgent action on water shortages and land servicing challenges in Erongo, calling for accelerated development of a second desalination plant and efficient operation of the existing one. She emphasized that water must be both developed and made affordable for residents and businesses.

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian

  2. NAB pledges fruit tree seedlings to Kavango West project

    The Namibian Agronomic Board pledged fruit tree seedlings worth N$100,000 to support Kavango West's 'Tapeka, Lima, Tulye' project, which aims to provide each household in the region with at least two fruit trees to boost food security and nutrition. The initiative combines household distribution with community and school-based planting to build agricultural skills.

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Government to formalise 200m trawling ban by September

    The government will turn the 200-metre isobath trawling prohibition into law by September. Cabinet's recent decision to allow limited fishing in the zone is temporary and will end in 2027.

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian

Society

  1. Namibia Dental Association stops accepting NHP medical aid

    The Namibia Dental Association has announced that its member dental institutions will no longer accept Namibia Health Plan (NHP) medical aid, requiring patients to pay out of pocket instead. The decision follows complaints about poor communication and a complex claims process during Universal's takeover as administrator from Medscheme starting 1 April 2026.

    28 April 2026 · Informanté

  2. Ministry expands TVET access for marginalised groups

    The Director of Technical and Vocational Education and Training said the Ministry of Education is broadening TVET training opportunities for marginalised groups, including persons with disabilities, through a renewed partnership with Germany supported by EUR 3.4 million investment under the ProTVET Programme.

    28 April 2026 · Informanté

  3. Gibeon sewerage system overflows, affecting residents

    Residents of Gibeon in the Hardap region say they continue to suffer from the village's inadequate sewerage infrastructure. The sewerage system overflowed about a month ago, with faeces spilling into residents' yards and streets, making the area inaccessible and forcing residents to find alternative routes, while children walk through faeces to get to school.

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Four Windhoek schools hold sports day for young children

    Providence Christian Academy, Thornhill, Kidzplay, and V&M Little Stars held a sports day at the OPS Sports Field featuring races, tug-of-war, and water activities for children. The event was themed "Let Us Run With Perseverance," and Providence Christian Academy founder Monica Hawala expressed hope of making it an annual event.

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Man pleads not guilty to 14 charges including rape and trafficking

    Johan Morkel, 42, denied guilt on 14 charges including seven counts of rape, three counts of child trafficking, attempted rape, and abduction at the Windhoek High Court. The state alleges he abducted a 15-year-old girl in December 2018 and raped her multiple times, raped a 9-year-old girl in May 2021, and attempted to rape an underage girl.

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Youth disconnection from global events shapes Namibian futures

    Many young Namibians remain unaware or unconcerned about international events that directly or indirectly affect their lives, from global economic shifts to climate change and political conflicts. This disengagement, rooted in lack of exposure and social media's prioritization of entertainment, leaves them disconnected from issues that influence fuel prices, food costs, job opportunities, and inflation at home.

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Dentists halt NHP patient treatment over unpaid claims

    Dentists under the Namibia Dental Association have stopped treating patients covered by the Namibia Health Plan medical aid effective 25 April, citing payment delays by the fund's new administrator Universal Care. Physiotherapists have similarly raised concerns about claims processing and reimbursement delays since Universal Care took over from Medscheme in early April.

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian

  8. Four schools participate in Providence Christian Academy sport day

    Providence Christian Academy, Thornhill, Kidzplay, and V&M Little Stars held a sports day at OPS Sports Field in Okahandja featuring races, tug-of-war, and water activities. The event, themed 'Let Us Run With Perseverance', brought together children and parents, with the academy founder expressing hope to make it an annual event.

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian

  9. Erongo police seek help tracing missing 13-year-old

    Karen Xuihatama Keis, aged 13, went missing on Saturday, 25 April 2026 at about 08:30 from Okombahe Settlement. The Namibian Police in Erongo Region are asking the public for assistance in locating her.

    28 April 2026 · Informanté

Culture

  1. New romantic comedy 'You, Me & Tuscany' stars Bailey and Page

    The 2026 film follows Anna, a former aspiring chef turned housesitter, who moves to Tuscany and lies about having an Italian fiancé to build a new life, while navigating her attraction to a local man and the risk of losing her newfound family and happiness if her deception is revealed.

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian

  2. South African house trio Mi Casa to headline Windhoek Soulection concert

    South African house trio Mi Casa will headline the Soulection concert at Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium in Windhoek on 2 May, expected to draw up to 10,000 people. The event will feature Soulection-affiliated DJs and local performers alongside food, bars, a market space, and interactive installations.

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian

Sport

  1. PSG beats Bayern 5-4 in Champions League semi-final first leg

    Paris Saint-Germain defeated Bayern Munich 5-4 in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final, the highest-scoring match ever at this stage of the competition. Kvaratskhelia and Dembele each scored twice as PSG took a narrow advantage into next week's return leg at the Allianz Arena, with the final in Budapest on May 30 at stake.

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Man United beats Brentford to strengthen Champions League push

    Manchester United defeated Brentford 2-1 on Monday to move within two points of securing Champions League qualification, with goals from Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko. The win extended United's lead over sixth place to 11 points, with interim boss Michael Carrick's side needing just two points from their last four matches to ensure their return to Europe's elite competition.

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Atletico Madrid hosts Arsenal in Champions League semi-final

    Atletico Madrid faces Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday, seeking redemption after losing the Copa del Rey final to Real Madrid over a week ago. The club, which has never won Europe's premier competition, can take a first step towards a fourth final appearance under Diego Simeone.

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Declan Rice urges Arsenal to embrace history in Champions League pursuit

    Arsenal face Atletico Madrid in a Champions League semi-final first leg on Wednesday, seeking their first European title. Declan Rice has called on the team to embrace the weight of history as they pursue a potential treble, having fallen short in the Premier League and Champions League in recent seasons.

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Namibian players win Botswana Premier League with Gaborone United

    Namibian duo Aubrey Amseb and Ivan Kamberipa have won the FNB Botswana Premier League for the first time since moving to Botswana, clinching back-to-back titles with Gaborone United after Jwaneng Galaxy drew 0-0 against Sua Flamingos on 25 April. Amseb joined Gaborone United mid-season from Young African and recorded six goal contributions in his first ten matches.

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian

  6. NPPL Heineken 0.0 padel league finals conclude season

    After an 11-week season, the NPPL Heineken 0.0 weekly league finals took place at Liv Padel. Team Heineken 0.0 won the Premier Division, defeating Team Netvend 6-7, 6-1, 7-6, while Team United Padel won the Challenger Division over Team Fuego 3-6, 6-3, 3-6.

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian

  7. FC Ongos Ladies seize league lead with victories

    FC Ongos Ladies took control of the Namibia Women's Super League title race after defeating Mighty Gunners Ladies 1-0 on Saturday and Windhoek City 5-0 on Sunday, moving to the top of the standings with 38 points.

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian

  8. FC Ongos Ladies take FNB Women's Super League lead

    FC Ongos Ladies have moved to the top of the FNB Women's Super League standings with 35 points, one ahead of defending pace-setters Mighty Gunners Ladies. Head coach Shama Gure credited the team's hard work and improved mentality, while emphasising the need for consistency and respect for opponents in the competitive league.

    28 April 2026 · New Era

  9. NCS confident ahead of 2026 MTC netball season

    Defending champions Namibian Correctional Service say preparations for the 2026 MTC Netball Namibia Premier League season are progressing well. The season begins 2–4 May at Khomasdal Stadium in Windhoek, where the country's top 12 clubs will compete.

    28 April 2026 · New Era

Tourism & Environment

  1. Kunene River flow declines but remains above last year's levels

    The Kunene River's flow rate at Ruacana declined from 1,540.50 m³/s on Saturday to 1,125.50 m³/s by Monday, though still higher than the 708.10 m³/s recorded on the same date last year. The Zambezi River and other waterways have also experienced declining flows, but water levels remain significantly higher than those of last year.

    28 April 2026 · Informanté

World & Region

  1. Israeli soldiers face detention over Jesus statue vandalism

    Two Israeli soldiers—one who struck a Jesus statue with a sledgehammer in Lebanon and another who photographed the incident—will each receive 30 days of military detention.

    28 April 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. South Africa's envoy summoned over attacks on foreigners in Ghana

    Ghana has summoned South Africa's top envoy over reported acts of intimidation and harassment against South African citizens and other African migrants.

    28 April 2026 · Namibian Sun

  3. Pirates seize cargo ship off Somali coast, threat level rises

    Maritime authorities are warning of increased threat to ships off Somalia after a cargo ship was seized in a suspected piracy incident.

    28 April 2026 · Namibian Sun

  4. US naval commander visits Namibia for maritime security talks

    The Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Africa visited Namibia to strengthen maritime cooperation with Namibian officials and the U.S. Ambassador, focusing on enhancing shared maritime security interests and safeguarding trade routes across the South Atlantic.

    28 April 2026 · Informanté

  5. NFP expels KZN legislator who blocked Zuma's party takeover

    The National Freedom Party has expelled its sole representative in the KZN legislature, Mbali Shinga, after she defied party leadership to vote against a motion of no confidence in Premier Thami Ntuli in December, preventing the MK party from seizing control of the province.

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian

  6. California man charged with attempted assassination of Trump

    Cole Tomas Allen, 31, has been charged with attempting to assassinate US President Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington DC on Saturday, along with two firearms offences. He was carrying a semi-automatic handgun, pump-action shotgun and three knives when he charged past a security checkpoint; a Secret Service agent was shot but not seriously wounded.

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Russian forces withdraw from Mali's Kidal after weekend separatist attacks

    Russian forces have confirmed withdrawal from the northern Mali city of Kidal following coordinated weekend attacks by separatist and Islamist groups. The Azawad Liberation Front claimed control of the city and said the Russian troops agreed to a permanent withdrawal.

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian

  8. Gunmen kidnap 23 from Nigerian orphanage; 8 remain missing

    Gunmen raided an unregistered orphanage in Nigeria's Kogi State and kidnapped 23 children; 15 were rescued through security agency response, but 8 remain missing and the facility's owner was also taken. The orphanage was operating illegally in a remote location, and authorities have urged institutions to comply with government oversight.

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian

  9. Zimbabwean ambassador outlines SADC security framework at college

    The Zimbabwean Ambassador to Namibia outlined SADC's regional security architecture at the Namibia Command and Staff College, covering the Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, the Mutual Defence Pact, and the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. The lecture addressed conflict prevention, collective defence, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding, as well as integrating human security with traditional state security approaches.

    28 April 2026 · Informanté

  10. DNA legal process confirms British soldier paternity in Kenya cases

    A BBC World Service investigation reveals that 20 British military personnel and contractors have been identified as fathers of children born near a British Army base in Kenya; paternity has been legally confirmed in 12 cases, providing answers for children who were often unaware of their fathers' identities or had been told they were dead.

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian

  11. UAE quits Opec and Opec+ to focus on national interests

    The United Arab Emirates has announced it will leave the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) and Opec+ effective 1 May to pursue its own energy strategies and "national interests", a move the UAE says reflects its "long-term strategic and economic vision and evolving energy profile."

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian

  12. Pan-African Parliament moves toward regional rotation in leadership

    The Pan-African Parliament in South Africa this week is electing a new bureau after resolving a 15-year argument about leadership representation. In May 2017, the PAP passed a resolution to introduce regional rotation of the presidency, addressing a pattern in which only east, west, and central African leaders held the top position during the institution's first 18 years.

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian

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