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Saturday, 2 May 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Saturday, 2 May 2026
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Archive Minute from Saturday, 2 May 2026
Politics

Police officer in Outapi probed for alleged corruption

The News

The Namibian Police in Omusati Region are investigating a police officer stationed at Outapi for allegedly soliciting N$7,000 from a victim in contravention of the Anti-Corruption Act. According to the regional commander, the money has not been recovered and the suspect has not yet been arrested.

Why it matters

Police officer under investigation for corruption and soliciting bribes in Omusati Region raises accountability questions within law enforcement itself.

2 May 2026 · Informanté →

Politics

  1. Police officer in Outapi probed for alleged corruption

    The Namibian Police in Omusati Region are investigating a police officer stationed at Outapi for allegedly soliciting N$7,000 from a victim in contravention of the Anti-Corruption Act. According to the regional commander, the money has not been recovered and the suspect has not yet been arrested.

    2 May 2026 · Informanté →

Business

  1. Namibia completes repayment of N$3.9 billion IMF emergency loan

    Namibia has fully repaid its N$3.9-billion emergency loan from the International Monetary Fund, with the final payment made on 15 April, closing the Rapid Financing Instrument facility approved in April 2021. The loan was used during the Covid-19 pandemic to stabilise the economy, support vaccine procurement and rollout, and address fiscal pressures from declining export revenues and external account strain.

    2 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia, Zambia, DRC introduce 90-cent cargo levy

    Namibia, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo have jointly launched a user-pays principle levy of 90 cents per tonne on all cross-border cargo along the Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi corridor, effective 1 April. The levy is intended to address infrastructure gaps, border inefficiencies and procedural bottlenecks while funding sustainable maintenance and operations.

    2 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Minister commits to enabling Namibian trade expansion globally

    The Minister of International Relations and Trade opened the Ondangwa Trade and Industrial Exhibition, committing to strengthen economic diplomacy and market access for Namibian producers and service providers on the continental and global stages.

    2 May 2026 · Informanté →

Mining & Energy

  1. Gold and uranium surge offset Namibia's mining contraction

    Namibia's mining sector generated N$64.18 billion in revenue in 2025 despite contracting by 9.4%, with strong gold and uranium performances offsetting declines in diamonds and base metals. Gold prices surged about 44% while diamond prices fell 10–12%, and government contributions rose to approximately N$7.8 billion.

    2 May 2026 · Informanté →

Society

  1. NAMFISA probes NHP claims backlog after healthcare providers suspend cover

    NAMFISA has initiated engagement with the Namibia Health Plan to understand a claims backlog affecting members, following suspensions by healthcare providers including the Namibia Dental Association and Psychological Association of Namibia. NHP attributed the disruption to its administrative transition to Universal, which caused delays in claims processing and payments.

    2 May 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Minister warns correctional officers against inmate abuse

    Minister of Home Affairs Lucia Iipumbu told correctional officers at Oluno Correctional Facility that allegations of inmate mistreatment will trigger swift action, including transfers and disciplinary processes, stressing that correctional work requires discipline and firmness but must never involve cruelty or abuse.

    2 May 2026 · Informanté →

  3. Namibia graduates thousands while job opportunities remain scarce

    The University of Namibia conferred qualifications on 4,342 graduands and NUST graduated 2,804 students in 2025, totalling at least 7,146 in the most recent cycle. The graduates enter a labour market defined by high youth unemployment and limited graduate absorption, while leaders remain in office well past retirement age.

    2 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  4. NHP aims to resolve claims backlog by May 7, 2026

    The Namibia Health Plan confirmed it is working through a backlog of claims expected to be resolved by 7 May 2026, following an administrative transition to Universal that has caused delays in processing and payments. Healthcare providers including the Namibia Dental Association and Psychological Association of Namibia have suspended acceptance of NHP cover, requiring patients to pay upfront due to cash-flow pressures.

    2 May 2026 · Informanté →

  5. Public aid scheme patients shift to private healthcare due to waiting times

    A Ministry of Health and Social Services survey of 2,949 Public Service Medical Aid Scheme beneficiaries found that nearly 60% choose private providers for shorter waiting times and specialist availability. Infrastructure and medical equipment emerged as the biggest barriers to improving confidence in public hospitals.

    2 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. NHP payment delays prompt PAN to require upfront fees

    The Psychological Association of Namibia is requiring clients to pay upfront for psychological consultations due to ongoing payment delays by the Namibian Health Plan and its administrator, Universal. This follows a similar move by the Namibia Dental Association, citing complex claims processes and delayed payments affecting practice operations.

    2 May 2026 · Informanté →

Culture

  1. Ena Venter's choral legacy honoured posthumously in Namibia

    Ena Venter, founder of the Mascato Youth Choir, received a posthumous award recognizing her lifelong contribution to choral music in Namibia. Venter taught at multiple institutions including Suiderhof Primary School, the College of the Arts, and Windhoek High School, and led choirs that achieved international recognition through tours to countries including Israel, Germany, and Canada.

    2 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. Film tribute to Michael Jackson praised for music and emotional depth

    A review of the biographical film Michael praises it as a love letter to the pop star's music and stories, highlighting strong performances from Jaafar Jackson as adult Michael and the cast, though noting the film sidesteps uncomfortable aspects of his life.

    2 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  3. Shikololo warns against abandoning traditional values

    Shikololo, regarded as the first artist to popularise Oshiwambo rap, reflects on his childhood in exile during Namibia's liberation war and his introduction to rap music in Germany, warning people not to sell their traditional values.

    2 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Sport

  1. Durban City wins South African FA Cup final with Lubumba's dramatic redemption

    Congolese striker Jean Lubumba scored an own goal for Durban City in the 43rd minute but redeemed himself by scoring the winning goal in the 71st minute as Durban beat TS Galaxy 2-1 in the South African FA Cup final on Saturday. The victory earned Durban seven million rand and a place in the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup.

    2 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Bayern held 3-3 by Heidenheim before PSG Champions League semi-final

    Bayern Munich fielded a heavily-rotated side and drew 3-3 at home with last-placed Heidenheim on Saturday, with the Bundesliga champions resting key players including Harry Kane ahead of their Champions League semi-final return leg against defending champions PSG on Wednesday.

    2 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Norris wins Miami sprint as McLaren confirms return to form

    World champion Lando Norris won Saturday's sprint race at the Miami Grand Prix, leading team-mate Oscar Piastri in a 1-2 triumph that confirmed McLaren were back in top form, with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc finishing third.

    2 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Arsenal extends Premier League lead with dominant Fulham win

    Arsenal defeated Fulham 3-0 to move six points clear at the top of the Premier League, with Bukayo Saka and Viktor Gyokeres scoring as the Gunners delivered a dominant performance. West Ham's loss to Brentford simultaneously offered Tottenham hope in the battle for survival.

    2 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Former Namibia U20 rugby player dies in Erongo car accident

    Graham April, a 30-year-old former Namibia U20 rugby player and Unam Rugby Club member, died in a head-on car collision between Karibib and Usakos in Erongo region on Friday. The accident involved three vehicles; the driver of the vehicle that was overtaking was killed on the spot, and four passengers and a driver in another vehicle sustained multiple injuries.

    2 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Kostyuk wins Madrid Open for first WTA 1000 title

    Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk defeated Mirra Andreeva 6-3, 7-5 to claim her first Madrid Open title and first trophy at WTA 1000 level, becoming only the second player outside the top 20 to win the tournament.

    2 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Pogacar wins third stage in four days at Tour of Romandie

    Tadej Pogacar won the mountainous 'queen stage' of the Tour of Romandie on Saturday, attacking twice on the final 8.3km climb to drop his rivals and claim his third victory in four days of the week-long race.

    2 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Inoue beats Nakatani in Tokyo Dome boxing superfight

    Japan's Naoya Inoue defeated countryman Junto Nakatani by unanimous decision at a sold-out Tokyo Dome on Saturday, retaining his undisputed super bantamweight titles and handing Nakatani his first career loss. The bout brought together two previously unbeaten fighters with identical 32-0 records, with Inoue improving to 33-0 and successfully defending his world titles for the seventh time.

    2 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Tourism & Environment

  1. Ministry clarifies Deadvlei access rules after Sossusvlei confusion

    The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism confirmed that Deadvlei is open to self-driving visitors in 4×4 vehicles and those using a designated shuttle service, while buses and trucks are prohibited. The new regulations, which take immediate effect, were introduced to manage visitor numbers and protect the environment, though tour operators reported delays and unclear instructions during implementation.

    2 May 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Edelweiss Air boosts Zürich-Windhoek flights to three weekly

    Edelweiss Air will increase its non-stop service from Zürich to Windhoek from two to three weekly flights from 15 July. This expansion is part of Namibia's broader growth in international connectivity, with the country's airports expected to serve 17 international destinations by mid-2026, nearly doubling from 10 destinations in 2023.

    2 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. NWR postpones Fish River hiking trips to second week of May

    Namibia Wildlife Resorts has postponed all Fish River Canyon hiking activities scheduled to commence on 1 May to the second week of May due to significantly increased water levels and strong river flows caused by recent rainfall. The Naute Dam sluices were opened by NamWater after the dam level exceeded 111% capacity.

    2 May 2026 · The Namibian →

World & Region

  1. Barcelona defeats Osasuna, moves toward La Liga title

    Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres scored late goals to give Barcelona a 2-1 win at Osasuna, moving them 14 points clear of Real Madrid. Barcelona will be crowned champions if Real Madrid drop points against Espanyol on Sunday.

    2 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Opinion

  1. Workers' Day should prompt reflection on workplace standards

    The Namibian editorial argues that International Workers' Day, celebrated tomorrow in Namibia, should move beyond ritual to examine the mutual responsibilities between employers and employees: employers owe fairness, safety and skill investment; employees owe professionalism and effort. The piece warns that when either side breaks this bargain, competitiveness suffers and jobs are lost.

    2 May 2026 · The Namibian →

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