Namibia Minute.
Friday, 8 May 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Friday, 8 May 2026
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Archive Minute from Friday, 8 May 2026
Politics

City of Windhoek reduces debtors book to N$869 million

The News

The City of Windhoek has cut its total debtors' book to N$869 million as of 31 March, down from N$888 million the previous year, with arrears also declining from N$650 million to N$626 million, according to mayor Sakaria Uunona.

Why it matters

City of Windhoek reduces debtors' book, showing progress in municipal financial management and service delivery.

8 May 2026 · The Namibian

Politics

  1. City of Windhoek reduces debtors book to N$869 million

    The City of Windhoek has cut its total debtors' book to N$869 million as of 31 March, down from N$888 million the previous year, with arrears also declining from N$650 million to N$626 million, according to mayor Sakaria Uunona.

    8 May 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Minister urges faster government response to media enquiries

    Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp has urged government public relations officers to improve their responsiveness to media enquiries, warning that delayed communication fuels misinformation. She made the remarks during World Press Freedom Day commemoration in Windhoek on Friday, noting that Namibia is ranked 23rd globally and second in Africa for press freedom.

    8 May 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Suspension of police inspector general leaves public confused

    The 12-month suspension of Namibia's inspector general of police, lieutenant general Joseph Shikongo, has created a vacuum of official information, allowing rumors to proliferate about alleged breaches at State House and other unverified claims. The Windhoek Observer editorial argues that the lack of clear, timely communication from top officials has bred public confusion and mistrust.

    8 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. 161-page dossier alleges fraud, corruption by police chief Shikongo

    A Windhoek resident submitted a 161-page dossier to the Security Commission in April 2025 requesting President Nandi-Ndaitwah remove inspector general Joseph Shikongo from office, alleging corruption, criminal interference, intimidation and abuse of state institutions. Nandi-Ndaitwah appointed major general Anne-Marie Nainda as acting inspector general, though the president did not publicly state reasons for the suspension.

    8 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  5. Fare increase applies only to legal operators, minister warns

    Namibia's works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi has warned that illegal taxi and bus operators will not be permitted to increase fares under a newly approved 15% public transport tariff adjustment that takes effect on 18 May, with the minimum taxi fare rising from N$13 to N$15.

    8 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  6. IPC demands transparency on Shikongo suspension procedures

    The Independent Patriots for Change says it will not take a position on whether inspector general of Police Joseph Shikongo should remain in office, but insists that due process must be followed and calls on the Executive to release all documents demonstrating compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements for suspension.

    8 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  7. Booys appeals bail denial over DNA evidence flaws

    Steve Biko Booys, a former Okahandja Constituency Councillor and National Council member facing rape charges, has appealed his bail denial in the High Court, arguing that the State's DNA and cell phone evidence has weakened due to chain-of-custody defects, unverified procedures, missing exhibits, and issues with personnel qualifications.

    8 May 2026 · Informanté

  8. Presidency warns against unauthorised promotional material

    The Namibian Presidency has distanced itself from promotional material circulating about a "Presidential Business Delegation & Leisure Tour to Namibia" and warned the public and investors against misleading claims suggesting official endorsement. The Presidency stated it is not associated with, has not endorsed, and was not consulted regarding the use of the President's name, image or office in the material.

    8 May 2026 · Informanté

Business

  1. Standard Bank appoints Deloitte & Touche as external auditor

    Standard Bank Namibia has appointed Deloitte & Touche Namibia as its independent external auditor, replacing PricewaterhouseCoopers Namibia with effect from 29 April 2026, in compliance with Bank of Namibia's BID-10 regulation requiring external auditor rotation every 10 years.

    8 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  2. FNB expects Bank of Namibia to keep repo rate unchanged

    FNB Namibia expects the central bank to keep the repo rate mostly unchanged in 2026 as inflation risks, weak economic growth, and exchange rate volatility pressure the economy, with the need to protect the currency peg and maintain import cover limiting scope for interest rate cuts despite mining inflows.

    8 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  3. Fuel stations restricted to vehicle refueling only for three months

    Industries, mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse announced a temporary ban on refueling containers, drums, and fuel cans at service stations to prevent panic buying and hoarding following a sharp fuel price increase. The restriction will remain in effect for three months, with an exception for those holding a consumer installation certificate.

    8 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. Namibia's debt manageable but fiscal pressure mounting

    Namibia's debt position remains manageable and the country has not lost access to financial markets, according to Simonis Storm, but pressure on government finances is increasing as borrowing requirements rise. Domestic debt has reached N$154.4 billion, interest now absorbs approximately 18% of revenue, and the country has become increasingly dependent on the domestic market to absorb government borrowing.

    8 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  5. FDI inflows triple but must drive job creation

    Foreign direct investment into Namibia reached N$151 billion between 2021 and 2024, more than triple the N$50 billion recorded from 2009 to 2020, but much investment has gone into capital-intensive exploration. Legal experts say the challenge now is to convert foreign investment into tangible improvements like job creation, with the Sixth National Development Plan positioning oil and gas and mining as strategic drivers of economic transformation focused on value addition and beneficiation rather than raw resource exports.

    8 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  6. Marula oil exports transform rural women's livelihoods in northern Namibia

    Marula oil from northern Namibia is reaching international skincare and cosmetic markets, with Eudafano Women Marula Manufacturing and a cooperative of 26 associations and more than 2,500 women harvesting and processing the product traditionally used at household level.

    8 May 2026 · New Era

  7. Namibia and Botswana to establish joint national airline

    Namibia and Botswana plan to launch a joint national airline by the end of this year, with Ethiopian Airlines as a strategic partner. The airline aims to create roughly 700 direct jobs and 500 indirect jobs, starting with domestic routes before expanding to regional and international markets.

    8 May 2026 · New Era

Mining & Energy

  1. Fuel prices rise sharply amid Middle East tensions

    Namibia's fuel prices increased significantly—petrol by N$1.40 per litre and diesel by N$4.63 per litre effective today—due to conflict around the Strait of Hormuz driving up international oil prices. The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy assured the public that sufficient fuel stocks are available for the next three months and prohibits panic buying to ensure stable supply.

    8 May 2026 · New Era

  2. Otjikoto Mine produces 24,529 ounces of gold in Q1 2026

    The Otjikoto Mine, in which B2Gold holds a 90% stake, produced 24,529 ounces of gold in the first quarter of 2026, exceeding expectations largely due to better-than-expected ore grades, though this was partly offset by slightly lower mill throughput caused by repairs.

    8 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  3. Namibia's offshore oil and gas sector attracts international exploration interest

    Namibia's offshore oil and gas sector continues to draw international interest, with a hydrocarbon licence map showing growing exploration activity across coastal basins and frontier areas. Multiple international oil companies hold exploration licences, with newly allocated blocks involving companies such as Baobab Energy, Elephant Oil, and others, while the offshore Orange Basin remains the main focus following recent major oil discoveries.

    8 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. Bannerman and CNOL partner on Etango uranium project funding

    Bannerman Energy and CNNC Overseas Limited have signed an agreement securing funding and long-term uranium offtake for the Etango uranium project. CNOL will receive a life-of-mine entitlement to 60% of yellowcake production and make an initial investment of US$294.5 million, while Bannerman retains 55% stake in a new joint venture company.

    8 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  5. Namibia to submit green industrial investment plan by October

    Namibia is expected to submit its sectoral transformation investment plan under the Climate Investment Funds Industry Decarbonisation Programme by October, aiming to unlock up to US$250 million in concessional climate finance for low-carbon industrial development. The plan will identify projects and policy measures to move Namibia from planning into implementation, with 78 projects and developers already shortlisted for engagement.

    8 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  6. Namibia has lowest fuel prices among CMA member states

    Minister of Industries Modestus Amutse stated that Namibia currently has the most affordable fuel pump prices among Common Monetary Area (CMA) member states as of May 2026, with petrol at N$23.38 per litre and diesel at N$29.53 per litre, compared to higher prices in South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

    8 May 2026 · Informanté

Agriculture & Land

  1. Government accelerates Neckartal Dam irrigation phase launch

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare said the Namibian Government is accelerating efforts to move the Neckartal Dam project into Phase Two, which aims to unlock the irrigation component. The dam is currently at full capacity (857.781 million cubic metres), but the irrigation phase has yet to commence.

    8 May 2026 · Informanté

Society

  1. Sixteen-year-old boy homeless after mother's death in Zimbabwe

    A 16-year-old boy in Ongwediva has been living under a tree after his mother died in a car accident in Zimbabwe in 2023, leaving him without family support or income and causing the nanny caring for him to depart.

    8 May 2026 · New Era

  2. Namibia has no Hantavirus cases, monitoring outbreak

    Namibia has not recorded any cases of Hantavirus despite a recent outbreak on a cruise ship in the South Atlantic that has resulted in eight reported cases, including three deaths. The Ministry of Health and Social Services says it is closely monitoring the global and regional situation and has put precautionary measures in place.

    8 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  3. Ovaherero chieftaincy dispute legal costs reach N$10 million

    Legal costs in the dispute over the Ovaherero Traditional Authority paramount chieftaincy have reached an estimated N$10 million. Chief Vipuira Kapuuo continues his court challenge against professor Mutjinde Katjiua's claim to the position, arguing that as chairperson of the Chief's Council he is the rightful acting paramount chief and that a council meeting held in December 2021 that endorsed Katjiua was unlawful.

    8 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. Media students warn overreliance on AI threatens journalism credibility

    On World Press Freedom Day, Namibian Media and Communication students called for responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence in journalism, arguing that AI cannot replace the human touch, code of ethics, and judgment required for credible reporting, particularly in investigative and social-impact journalism.

    8 May 2026 · Informanté

  5. Family seeks funds for stylish's life-saving bone marrow transplant

    The family of 23-year-old Martha Uupindi, a TVET student and stylist with very severe aplastic anaemia, is appealing for public financial assistance to fund a bone marrow transplant in South Africa. Although Psemas insurance will cover a significant portion, the family faces costs exceeding N$200 000.

    8 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  6. Stolen Windhoek truck recovered in Oshana region

    A white tipper truck stolen in Windhoek has been recovered in Oshana with help from community members; two suspects aged 34 and 36 have been arrested. Separately, Oshana police also recovered two stolen oxen carcasses from grazing fields, with two suspects aged 41 and 43 arrested.

    8 May 2026 · Informanté

  7. Businessman Haimbodi urges youth: education and hard work lead to success

    Prominent businessman Josua Haimbodi, who recently obtained a Specialised Diploma in Political Science from Bircham International University in Madrid, Spain, has called on young Namibians to embrace education and hard work, sharing his journey from a barefoot village boy to a university graduate as evidence that anything is possible with faith and determination.

    8 May 2026 · Informanté

  8. NSFAF confirms staggered non-tuition payments amid complaints

    The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund has confirmed that non-tuition fee payments for the current academic year are underway but warned that not all beneficiaries will receive their payments at once.

    8 May 2026 · Namibian Sun

  9. Court excludes statements in 2018 gang rape trial

    A court has ruled witness and warning statements from three of four men accused in a 2018 rape and armed robbery case inadmissible in the main trial.

    8 May 2026 · Namibian Sun

  10. Ministry warns refugees to complete verification or lose support

    The Ministry of Home Affairs is urging all asylum seekers and refugees in Namibia to participate in a verification exercise to confirm their status and maintain eligibility for support services. Failure to participate will result in deactivation from the system and loss of access to services provided by the Ministry and UNHCR.

    8 May 2026 · Informanté

  11. Female graduates outnumber males at NUST May ceremony

    At the Namibia University of Science and Technology's May 2026 graduation, 1,775 women and 1,187 men were among 2,962 graduates conferred. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted the disparity and called for greater attention to boys' education to ensure balanced development.

    8 May 2026 · Informanté

Culture

  1. R&B artist Ian Lovely releases new track Even When You Don't

    Namibian R&B singer Ian Lovely has released a new track called 'Even When You Don't', which features heartfelt emotion and smooth vocals.

    8 May 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. Namibian fashion designer Karishma Isaacs charts Karnation's future

    Karishma V Isaacs, a 30-year-old Namibian fashion designer, continues to develop her brand Karnation, which she launched in 2018.

    8 May 2026 · Namibian Sun

Sport

  1. Djokovic loses early Italian Open match ahead of Roland Garros

    Novak Djokovic was eliminated in the second round of the Italian Open by Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic, raising questions about his physical condition before the French Open. Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam winner returning from a shoulder injury, expressed uncertainty about his form for the clay-court Grand Slam.

    8 May 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Wolfsburg battles Bayern while fighting Bundesliga relegation

    Wolfsburg, in 16th place (the relegation play-off spot), hosts Bayern Munich on Saturday as they fight to avoid demotion from the Bundesliga. The Wolves have won just one of their past 15 matches and sit six points behind safety.

    8 May 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Barcelona aim for back-to-back La Liga titles against Real Madrid

    Barcelona, leading by 11 points, host Real Madrid on Sunday needing only a draw to clinch a second consecutive La Liga title. A victory could help them set records with a potential 100 points and 33 victories if they win their final four matches.

    8 May 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Matyayi wins second bronze medal at African Swimming Championships

    Roselinda Matyayi claimed bronze in the Girls' 50m backstroke (14–18 years) at the 17th African Swimming Championships in Oran, Algeria, earning her second medal for the competition. Multiple Namibian swimmers also finished in the top 8, including Luke Beukes and Lorenzo Esterhuizen in 4th place.

    8 May 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Namibian goalkeeper Kapeng overcame height disadvantage through bravery, agility

    Heribert Kapeng, former Civics and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper, was recognised as one of Namibia's best despite lacking the typical height required for the position. He compensated for his shorter stature with bravery and agility, and represented Namibia at all junior levels, though his height cost him a possible professional move to Uruguay.

    8 May 2026 · The Namibian

  6. NFA Cup proceeds despite three clubs withdrawing

    The Namibia Football Association will proceed with its cup competition despite withdrawals by Bucks Buccaneers, Life Fighters, and Tigers, who cited financial constraints and logistical difficulties. The NFA has committed N$7.2 million to the tournament, which it describes as the country's biggest football competition.

    8 May 2026 · New Era

  7. Nghitumbwa prepares to defend WBO title against Mexico's Carrillo

    Namibian boxer Fillipus Nghitumbwa says he is fully prepared to defend his WBO Global Super Bantamweight title against Mexico's Leonardo Carrillo in a 12-round main bout at a tribute boxing event to Founding President Sam Nujoma at the Windhoek Showgrounds tomorrow. The card will also feature Mateus Heita defending the WBO Africa Featherweight title against South African challenger Zolisa Batyi in a 12-round contest.

    8 May 2026 · New Era

  8. NFA launches N$7.5m cup amid club withdrawals

    The Namibia Football Association has unveiled the NFA Cup 2026, a nationwide knockout tournament involving 66 leagues, 740 clubs, and more than 21,900 players across all 14 regions, funded with N$7.5 million through FIFA support. However, several clubs have withdrawn from the competition citing financial strain and cost implications.

    8 May 2026 · The Namibian

  9. Rugby Premier League resumes after death of former Unam captain

    The Namibian Rugby Premier League continues this weekend under a shadow following the death of former FNB Unam captain Graham April in a car accident last Friday. A minute's silence will be held at all matches, and a memorial service will be held at Unam Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

    8 May 2026 · The Namibian

  10. Top 8 Cup semi-finals set in Outjo this weekend

    The Standard Bank Top 8 Cup semi-finals take place in Outjo this weekend, with Eleven Arrows facing Mighty Gunners and FC Ongos meeting Unam FC. Defending champions African Stars and Eeshoke Chula Chula were eliminated in the quarter-final round.

    8 May 2026 · The Namibian

  11. Namibia Tennis Association prioritises elite support and nationwide expansion

    The Namibia Tennis Association plans to back elite players and expand tennis development across the country to increase participation, with a goal of making Namibia a leading tennis nation on the continent through national team success and hosting tournaments. Success will be measured by the number of active and female players and national team performance in international competition.

    8 May 2026 · The Namibian

  12. Crystal Palace reaches first European final, beats Shakhtar

    Crystal Palace defeated Shakhtar Donetsk 5-2 on aggregate in the UEFA Conference League semi-final to reach their first-ever European final. Palace will face Rayo Vallecano in the final in Leipzig later this month.

    8 May 2026 · The Namibian

Tourism & Environment

  1. 295 protected Elephant's-foot plants seized near Arandis

    Authorities recovered 295 protected Elephant's-foot succulents valued at more than N$2 million and arrested two suspects near Arandis.

    8 May 2026 · Namibian Sun

World & Region

  1. Namibian President tributes former Botswana leader Mogae

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has paid tribute to former Botswana president Festus Mogae, who died on Friday at age 86, describing him as a distinguished statesman and principled leader whose contributions to regional unity and development will be remembered across Africa.

    8 May 2026 · The Namibian

  2. South Africa's Ramaphosa respects court ruling on Phala Phala matter

    South Africa's Presidency says President Cyril Ramaphosa respects the Constitutional Court's judgment declaring Parliament's decision to reject the Section 89 Independent Panel Report into the Phala Phala scandal unconstitutional, reaffirming his commitment to the Constitution and the rule of law.

    8 May 2026 · Informanté

  3. Namibian president mourns passing of former Botswana leader Mogae

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed condolences on behalf of Namibia following the death of former Botswana President Festus Mogae, aged 86, whom she described as a distinguished statesman and Pan-Africanist who strengthened bilateral ties between Namibia and Botswana.

    8 May 2026 · Informanté

  4. South African court voids Parliament's rejection of Ramaphosa impeachment report

    South Africa's Constitutional Court ruled that Parliament's December 2022 decision to reject an independent panel report on the Phala Phala scandal was unconstitutional, finding that Rule 129A, which allowed termination of impeachment proceedings at a preliminary stage, violated Section 89 of the constitution and undermined executive accountability. The matter has been referred back to Parliament's impeachment committee, reopening the possibility of impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa.

    8 May 2026 · Informanté

  5. Hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship traced to multiple countries

    Three passengers have died and four others medically evacuated from a cruise ship that sailed from Argentina a month ago carrying the Andes strain of hantavirus. Health authorities are tracing potentially exposed passengers who have travelled to countries including the UK, South Africa, the Netherlands, the US and Switzerland, but WHO stress the risk to the general public remains low.

    8 May 2026 · The Namibian

Opinion

  1. Opinion: South African xenophobia masks unaddressed economic inequality

    An analysis argues that violence against African migrants in South Africa is a symptom of deeper economic frustration, but misplaced anger that diverts from the core issue of unequal wealth ownership and economic control since the end of apartheid.

    8 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

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