Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa has warned local authorities against duplicating debt collection functions, saying councils risk wasting scarce resources.
6 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →
Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa has warned local authorities against duplicating debt collection functions, saying councils risk wasting scarce resources.
6 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →
The Namibian government and City of Windhoek have agreed to convert N$357.8 million of government debt into 423 hectares of land in Khomas for housing development, expected to enable construction of more than 6,000 homes. The Windhoek Observer describes this swap as a significant housing intervention that demonstrates how political will and practical governance can address Windhoek's housing crisis.
6 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Namibia Statistics Agency has appointed Israel Tjizake as deputy statistician general effective 1 May 2026, replacing Ottilie Mwazi. Tjizake brings more than 25 years of experience in development practice, statistics, data management and institutional leadership from work in government, the United Nations and academia.
6 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Opposition leaders say Cassinga Day and Workers' Day have become political mobilisation events for Swapo rather than state occasions reflecting national unity, citing concerns about the presence of the Ndilimani Cultural Troupe and the absence of national institutions at these public holidays.
6 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Israel Tjizake has been appointed as the new deputy statistician general of the Namibia Statistics Agency from 1 May, bringing over 25 years' experience in official statistics, data management, and institutional leadership. He will oversee the agency's core statistical operations and drive initiatives including modernisation of statistical systems and evidence-based decision-making.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Major General Anne-Marie Nainda has been appointed Acting Inspector General of the Namibian Police Force for one year, effective immediately, replacing Joseph Shikongo. She brings decades of experience in national and international policing, including roles as Deputy Inspector-General, INTERPOL Executive Committee member representing Africa, and previous assignments in regional command and INTERPOL specialized positions.
6 May 2026 · Informanté →
The Public Service Commission audited 796 files out of 10,410 staff members at 10 government offices, ministries, agencies and regional councils during the 2024/25 financial year to assess compliance with recruitment procedures and public service regulations. PSC chairperson Patrick Nandago cited delays in resolving matters and slow institutional responses as ongoing concerns hampering the commission's oversight effectiveness.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Finance has rejected the Social Security Commission's request for a procurement exemption to fast-track a N$43.8-million fund management system project. Finance minister Ericah Shafudah said the SSC did not sufficiently justify why the entire Public Procurement Act should be set aside, and noted that the law already provides procurement options such as restricted bidding for specialized services.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
An appeal filed by Fishrot accused Otneel Shuudifonya against a postponement ruling was struck off the High Court roll at Windhoek Correctional Facility after the acting judge found his notice for leave to appeal did not comply with Criminal Procedure Act requirements.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Parliament's Standing Committee on International Relations, Defence and Security, visiting Germany, has called for a more inclusive and transparent process in ongoing negotiations over Herero and Namaqua Genocide reparations, arguing that Parliament must be a central participant rather than an observer. While acknowledging Germany's 2021 recognition of the genocide and €1.1 billion development support pledge, the committee shares affected communities' view that the offer is inadequate and not genuine reparations.
6 May 2026 · Informanté →
Meatco has announced a structured exit from Katima Mulilo Abattoir operations following the contractual expiry of its Memorandum of Agreement with Zambezi Meat Corporation on 15 April 2026. The company will implement a transitional plan from mid-April to 30 June 2026, during which it will progressively scale down operations including inventory verification and gradual reduction of stock levels.
6 May 2026 · Informanté →
Pension and retirement funds must now pay interest to members if benefits are not transferred within 60 days of request, under regulations from the Financial Institutions and Markets Act 2021 that came into effect on 1 May. Employers must also pay retirement contributions on time or face interest charges, with both employers and their directors liable for unpaid contributions.
6 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Meatco will progressively reduce operations at the Katima Mulilo abattoir following the expiry of its agreement with Zambezi Meat Corporation, with a transitional exit plan running from 16 April to 30 June 2026. The transition includes inventory verification, halting cattle procurement, and reducing stock levels as part of Meatco's broader turnaround strategy.
6 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Bellatrix Investment Managers has launched the Ndjaba Seed Fund, targeting early-stage businesses across southern Africa to address limited access to early-stage funding in the region. The fund, based in Namibia but investing regionally, supports startups that have moved beyond the idea stage but need capital to validate and scale their operations.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Household debt in Namibia stood at 30.7% of GDP in 2024, the second-lowest in the Common Monetary Area after Lesotho's 17.2%, according to the Bank of Namibia's financial stability report. Despite N$130 billion owed overall, the central bank notes the low ratio suggests contained indebtedness, though continued monitoring is important given subdued income growth.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Farm Eendrag, discovered to host a N$52-million cannabis plantation last May, has been auctioned for N$44.5 million in a 10-day bidding process. The farm, which was also linked to the disappearance of N$7 million in cattle owned by the Meat Corporation of Namibia, is under liquidation with its final bid subject to liquidator approval within 72 hours.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Namfisa CEO Kenneth Matomola announced that the Financial Institutions and Markets Act (FIMA) and the Namfisa Act came into operation on 1 May 2026 to modernise regulation of the non-banking financial sector. Matomola stated that existing pension commutation rules remain unchanged and that pension preservation regulations are on hold pending further review.
6 May 2026 · New Era →
The Bank of Namibia's March 2026 financial statement shows the government's cash position at the central bank reached -N$3.2 billion, the largest deficit in recorded history. The deficit reflects a combination of year-end spending pressures, Eurobond redemption, local bond redemptions, and lower-than-expected domestic revenue growth during the 2025/26 financial year.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia has about one million registered taxpayers funding social and development expenditure for three million people, according to Namra's latest annual report. Namra collected N$98.9 billion in gross revenue, with a net amount of N$88.555 billion, with international tax contribution (N$30 billion) as the largest tax contributor, followed by value-added tax and personal income tax (both N$20 billion).
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
MTC Namibia and Rössing Uranium Limited inaugurated a private LTE network at the Rössing mine with four dedicated sites, aimed at improving mobile voice and data connectivity for operational zones. The partnership supports digital transformation in Namibia's mining sector, enhancing safety, coordination, and decision-making.
6 May 2026 · Informanté →
The Chamber of Mines of Namibia has appointed Fabian Shaanika, formerly managing director of kelp farming company Kelp Blue, as its new chief executive effective 1 May. Shaanika, a registered geologist with MBA and experience at Rand Merchant Bank, Standard Bank, Namdeb, Skorpion Zinc Mine and Debmarine Namibia, replaces Veston Malango, who retires after 20 years leading the chamber.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Aldoro Resources has announced large deposits of niobium and strontium at its Kameelburg project in central Namibia, securing N$39 million in funding to continue drilling until September as it tests the economic viability of full-scale mining.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Fabian Shaanika, former managing director of Kelp Blue, has been appointed chief executive officer of the Chamber of Mines of Namibia, effective 1 May 2026. He brings experience from mining and resources roles at Namdeb, Vedanta's Skorpion Zinc Mine, Debmarine Namibia, and Rand Merchant Bank Namibia.
6 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Namibia Genetics Auction recorded an 84% clearance rate, with 58 of 69 lots sold at a recent Windhoek auction, delivering an overall average price of N$53 655. Heifers-in-calf achieved 100% clearance with all 16 on offer sold, averaging N$35 188.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Weather data predicts more rainfall across Namibia over the next seven days. Residents are advised to take measures to protect crops, livestock, and domesticated animals from potential damage, and sharp temperature drops with very cold mornings are expected, particularly over central and southern areas.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia is rolling out a new Fruit Value Chain Development Scheme to reduce reliance on imported fruit by providing subsidies, training, and market access to local farmers. The Namibian Agronomic Board identified barriers including poor planting materials, limited skills, and high production costs, and the scheme aims to address these through certified planting materials, farmer training, mentorship, and structured market linkages.
6 May 2026 · Informanté →
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has clarified that a temporary relaxation of trawling restrictions for wet-landed horse mackerel applies only between latitudes 22° South and 24° South, allowing trawling in waters shallower than 200 meters down to 150 meters from May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027. The ministry said exclusive offshore areas for the subsector south of latitude 22° South have not yet been finalised and will be identified after consultations with the fishing industry.
6 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The City of Windhoek and government approved a debt swap converting N$357.8 million of the city's historical debt into 423 hectares of land, unlocking more than 6000 residential erven in the Khomas region. Phase one will release about 4856 housing erven in Havana and Groot Aub, alongside land for national projects including offices for the Namibia Revenue Agency and a high-performance sports centre.
6 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge has called on young people in the region to take the lead in agriculture and reduce dependence on food imports, citing rising food prices and unemployment. Deputy minister of agriculture Ruthy Masake urged youth to move beyond subsistence farming, adopt modern methods, and explore opportunities in fish farming and improved mahangu and legume production.
6 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Namibian Agronomic Board has launched the Fruit Value Chain Development Scheme to reduce reliance on imported fruit, offering a 30% subsidy on planting materials and inputs alongside training and mentorship to farmers. The scheme aims to address poor genetics and limited technical knowledge, with Namibia currently importing more than 97% of its fruit.
6 May 2026 · New Era →
Oshikoto governor Sacky Kathindi has announced an initiative to desalinate the region's saline underground water for drinking and irrigation, while using the brine by-product for fish farming. The region has secured N$6.4 million from the Environmental Investment Fund, with plans to diversify livelihoods in water-stressed constituencies through aquaculture training and development.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani has questioned a N$179 million quotation from August 26 Construction for a 400-kilometre border fence project along the Namibia-South Africa border aimed at containing foot-and-mouth disease, citing cost concerns and procurement issues.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
More than 600 ovaHimba and ovaTjimba community members gathered in April 2026 to voice concerns about the planned 840 MW Baynes Hydropower Dam, citing inadequate consultation on a project that could affect their land, livelihoods, and access to water from the Kunene River. The site visit, led by Namibia's Ombudsman and facilitated by International Rivers, followed a formal complaint filed in April 2024 by traditional leaders about their exclusion from the project's consultation process.
6 May 2026 · Informanté →
Joseph Katjiri, owner of Joseph Pest Control, fumigated the kitchen at Katjinakatji Senior Secondary School hostel as part of his company's outreach.
6 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has ordered all government institutions to budget for internship and apprenticeship programmes, as 4,342 graduates enter Namibia's job market this month.
6 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →
An undefended divorce in Namibia now costs N$15,000, even when both parties agree to the split.
6 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →
A 33-year-old man was stabbed in Otjiwarongo after allegedly stepping on another man's girlfriend's foot during a social gathering.
6 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →
The Education Minister inaugurated a computer laboratory at Petrus !Ganeb Secondary School in Uis, donated by Swakop Uranium Foundation with 20 computers and networking infrastructure. The minister reaffirmed government commitment to digital education through partnerships while acknowledging persistent technology access gaps in rural areas.
6 May 2026 · Informanté →
A R200-million cocaine consignment seized in June 2021 was stolen from a Hawks building in KwaZulu-Natal months later; Major General Hendrik Flynn testified to the Madlanga Commission that the sequence of events—including the building's lack of alarm system and security—was "by design" rather than coincidence.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
A major pipe break on the Oshakati–Omakango main supply pipeline has caused water supply interruptions across central areas of Ohangwena Region. NamWater technical teams are working to restore supply.
6 May 2026 · Informanté →
A 71-year-old woman died after being struck by a vehicle while crossing the road near Onankali Village on the B1 between Omuthiya and Ondangwa on Thursday evening. Police are investigating the accident.
6 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
A 29-year-old man accused of trespassing and housebreaking at State House must undergo mental evaluation to determine fitness to stand trial, though a legal expert notes mental illness does not automatically remove criminal responsibility. The accused was diagnosed with schizophrenia and had left a mental health facility without formal discharge.
6 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Ministry of Education says the Basic Education Act allows individual schools to set their own rules, backing Leevi Hakusembe Secondary School's ban on pupils bringing food to hostels. The school cited low dining hall turnout and food waste, though parents have complained their children report hunger and say hostel meals are insufficient.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
A 29-year-old Windhoek resident charged with trespassing, indecent exposure, and housebreaking after being found naked in a State House guest house has been ordered to undergo psychiatric observation to determine if he can understand court proceedings. He has a history of schizophrenia and escaped from a mental ward at Windhoek Central Hospital before the incident.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Ohangwena region aims to install desalination plants at least 10 boreholes to treat saline water that has made many government-drilled boreholes unusable. Governor Kadiva Hamutumwa said a contractor was appointed in April by NamPower, with implementation expected within four months, as part of broader interventions to improve water security across the region.
6 May 2026 · New Era →
Namibia has been ranked Africa's most gender-equal country and the only African nation in the global top 10, with an overall gender gap closed by over 81.1%. The country's achievement is attributed to progressive policies and institutional reforms, including being the first globally where women hold the top three government positions: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Vice President Lucia Witbooi, and National Assembly Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila.
6 May 2026 · New Era →
The mother of Giano Seibeb, who is accused of trespassing and breaking into the Presidential residence at State House on 30 April 2026, said she had admitted her son to mental health facilities on about four occasions, from which he escaped. According to his medical passport, Seibeb has a history of schizophrenia; the prosecutor has ordered a psychological evaluation to determine whether he is fit to stand trial.
6 May 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia's Constitution, particularly Article 15, guarantees children's rights to name, nationality, and parental care, while also protecting them from harmful work and exploitation. The Child Care and Protection Act 3 of 2015 replaced the apartheid-era Children's Act 33 of 1960, providing a modern child-centred legal framework.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Radial Truss Industries, dismissed from the N$77 million Oe !Gab Primary School project at Tubusis village in February, disputes poor workmanship accusations and says the project was 90% complete at dismissal. The contractor blames subcontractor withdrawals linked to rising costs from Covid-19, the Ukraine war, and procurement delays for project delays, while the Ministry of Education cited poor workmanship as grounds for dismissal.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The Progressive Men Empowerment Organisation of Namibia plans to launch Tashikuli Nashikweethe, a podcast and digital platform addressing social, economic and developmental issues, on 8 May in partnership with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Namibia. The platform will host discussions on topics including women's parliament, men's assembly, financial literacy, marriage, education and counselling for people aged 16 to 75, and will expand national dialogue through TikTok, Facebook and YouTube.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund has announced the start of non-tuition fee disbursements for the 2026 academic year, continuing until October 2026. Payments will be processed progressively based on invoices from tertiary institutions, with continuing students prioritised and new awardees to follow once contracting and card issuance are complete.
6 May 2026 · Informanté →
Namibian choreographers and film-makers are invited to submit productions to the 2026 JOMBA! Digital Open Horizons platform, a screen-dance showcase held during South Africa's annual JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience in Durban from 27 August to 8 September, which seeks experimental choreography across Africa.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Preliminary competitions for Miss Teen Namibia and Miss Namibia are scheduled for Friday and Saturday in Windhoek, with organisers working toward regional standards by bringing in a Botswana pageant director to join the judging panel as part of a move toward SADC regional integration.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Arsenal defeated Atletico Madrid 1-0 in the Champions League semi-final second leg, with Bukayo Saka scoring late in the first half to send the team to the final in Budapest on May 30 for the first time since 2006.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Paris Saint-Germain defeated Bayern Munich 6-5 on aggregate with a 1-1 second-leg draw to advance to the Champions League final, where they will face Arsenal on May 30 in Budapest.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's young swimming team secured four finalists and its first medal at the 17th African Swimming Championships in Oran, Algeria, with Luke Beukes winning bronze in the boys' 100m freestyle (14–18 years) and setting a new long course age group 17–18 record.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Defending champions Namibia Correctional Service remain unbeaten with three victories and hold the top position in the MTC Namibia Netball Premier League, including a 61-21 win over Okamwandi United. NDF Mighty Gunners and Extreme Eagles follow closely behind.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibian wrestlers won two silver and one bronze medal at the Africa Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, Egypt. Ester Abraham and Lisias Shipopyeni secured silver medals, while Petrus Haimbodi won bronze, with several other wrestlers coming close to podium places.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
A national swim team supported by the Namibia Podium Performance Programme has been sent to the 17th African Swimming Championships in Oran, Algeria, from 5 to 10 May, featuring eleven swimmers alongside a coach and team manager. The championships are expected to attract over 400 swimmers from 41 countries, and will introduce a new inter-zonal event where selected athletes represent Africa's four aquatic zones.
6 May 2026 · New Era →
The Under-19 netball team selected during the 2026 Newspaper Cup will remain unchanged following a meeting between the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture and Netball Namibia, which resolved concerns about the selection process for the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games. The selected players will now compete alongside regional teams of seven players each, with additional eligible athletes from the Netball Namibia database introduced into the trials.
6 May 2026 · New Era →
About 30 4×4 enthusiasts participated in the annual Outdoor 4×4 Festival hosted by Land Rover Owners Namibia at Canyon Roadhouse near Fish River Canyon over the long weekend, encountering challenging wet and muddy conditions after Naute Dam sluices opened and closed nearby roads.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Police have reported eight rhinos killed on the Omusati side of Etosha National Park since January, with 14 suspects arrested. Intelligence suggests the rhino horn market is in Angola, and some poachers reportedly consult traditional healers for protection during illegal hunting activities.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
President Trump announced "Project Freedom" to assist ships stranded by Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, but paused it two days later to pursue a potential agreement with Iran. The waterway has been blocked since US and Israeli airstrikes on 28 February, with Iran's military firing at US warships and the US sinking small boats, threatening an ongoing ceasefire.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
South Africa's Constitutional Court will deliver judgment on 8 May on an application by the EFF and ATM challenging Parliament's blocking of an impeachment inquiry against President Cyril Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala scandal, involving the concealment of a farm theft of nearly $4 million in cash.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Three people have died after a suspected hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship sailing in the Atlantic Ocean, with two cases confirmed so far and two crew members presenting with respiratory symptoms. Hantavirus is a virus strain carried by rodents, primarily transmitted to humans through inhalation of airborne particles from dried rodent droppings, with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome having an approximate 38% mortality rate when respiratory symptoms develop.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Two people have been arrested following a BBC undercover investigation into immigration advisers helping asylum seekers pretend to be gay to remain in the UK. The investigation revealed migrants were being instructed to obtain fake evidence to support asylum claims, prompting the home office to launch enforcement action.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
An opinion piece argues that Namibia's banks function as capitalist institutions designed to allocate credit upward to the middle class and elites while excluding young people, informal workers, and the poor through credit criteria that reproduce social inequality.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Money choices are driven by emotion and early experiences rather than rational planning alone. Financial confidence develops through trusted decision-making support and empathy, not solely through information or responsibility-focused messages.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →