Namibia Minute.
Saturday, 9 May 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Saturday, 9 May 2026
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Archive Minute from Saturday, 9 May 2026
Politics

Vaalgras councillor denies interest in chieftainship succession

The News

Senior councillor Martin Biwa of Vaalgras Traditional Authority has denied personal interest in the chieftainship and rejected community accusations that councillors are deliberately delaying succession since chief Joel Stephanus's death. The traditional authority is facilitating meetings between families to forward candidates in line with customary law and the Traditional Authorities Act.

9 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Politics

  1. Vaalgras councillor denies interest in chieftainship succession

    Senior councillor Martin Biwa of Vaalgras Traditional Authority has denied personal interest in the chieftainship and rejected community accusations that councillors are deliberately delaying succession since chief Joel Stephanus's death. The traditional authority is facilitating meetings between families to forward candidates in line with customary law and the Traditional Authorities Act.

    9 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Business

  1. UN coordinator calls for coordinated action on job creation

    The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Namibia has called for stronger coordination and expanded support for small businesses to help Namibia achieve its target of creating 500,000 jobs. According to the Namibia Statistics Agency, youth unemployment stood at around 44% in 2023.

    9 May 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Trustco intern Paulinus Mazai graduates from NUST

    Trustco Group Holdings congratulated intern Paulinus Mazai on graduating from the Namibia University of Science and Technology with a Bachelor of Natural Resource Management Honours degree. Mazai joined Trustco's Employees' and Directors' Children Internship Programme in 2025 and is continuing his internship while gaining hands-on industry experience.

    9 May 2026 · Informanté →

  3. Private sector borrowing rises to N$123.34 billion in March

    Private sector credit rose marginally in March 2024 by N$158.4 million or 0.1% month-on-month and 4.3% year-on-year, with individuals borrowing N$2.85 billion and corporate entities N$2.18 billion over the past 12 months. The growth was driven by robust mortgage lending and a rebound in overdraft facilities, though corporate borrowing growth slowed to its weakest expansion since November 2024.

    9 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Mining recovery expected to boost Namibia's 2026 growth

    According to the African Development Bank, Namibia's economy slowed to 2.6% in 2025 due to weaker mining exports, subdued consumer spending and softer investment, but is projected to rebound to 3.7% in 2026 supported by recovery in mining, manufacturing and electricity production. The bank cautioned that fiscal and external pressures will remain, with the fiscal deficit widening to 3.4% in 2025 from 2.6% in 2024.

    9 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. NCC recalls Bridgestone Duravis tyres over accident risk

    The National Consumer Commission has issued a product safety recall for certain Bridgestone Duravis R660 Eco tyres fitted to Ford and Volkswagen vehicles sold in South Africa. The tyres are susceptible to cuts and moisture intrusion that can lead to tread delamination and increase the risk of accidents, particularly in rugged and wet conditions.

    9 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Mining & Energy

  1. Fabian Shaanika appointed Chamber of Mines CEO from May 2026

    The Chamber of Mines of Namibia has appointed geologist and investment banking professional Fabian Shaanika as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 May 2026, succeeding retired CEO Veston Malango who led the organization for two decades. Shaanika brings nearly 20 years of mining sector experience across exploration, project development, financing, and production, including recent roles at Kelp Blue and senior positions at Rand Merchant Bank and Standard Bank Namibia.

    9 May 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Midas reports record copper-silver grades at Otavi deposit

    Midas Minerals has achieved its highest-grade drilling intercept at the T-13 copper-silver deposit in Namibia, with infill drilling returning 50 metres grading more than 7.9% copper equivalent, demonstrating strong continuity of mineralisation within the high-grade main zone.

    9 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Oil price spike raises concerns about inflation waves

    Following the Israel–US joint attack on Iran in February, oil prices rose above US$100 per barrel, with Namibia's government raising fuel prices in April by N$2.50 for petrol and N$4 for diesel. While temporary levy cuts and National Energy Fund subsidies have cushioned consumer impact—absorbing approximately N$500 million in April alone—further food and logistics inflation is expected as second-wave effects reach Namibia.

    9 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Langer Heinrich uranium sales reach N$3.5 billion in nine months

    Paladin Energy sold 1.4 million kilograms of uranium oxide during the first nine months of the 2025/26 financial year, generating about N$3.5 billion in revenue at an average realised price of N$1 174.73 per pound. The company has now shifted into high-volume production following commissioning of a full mining fleet and extraction of 17 million metric tonnes of material.

    9 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. African Green Industries Summit planned for Swakopmund in September 2026

    The African Green Industries Summit (AGIS) 2026 will be held 9–10 September in Swakopmund under the theme "Powering African Industries for Sustainable Development," bringing together investors, policymakers, and technology providers to discuss renewable energy, green hydrogen, critical minerals, and sustainable manufacturing.

    9 May 2026 · Informanté →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Namibia Genetics auction records 84% clearance, firm prices

    The Namibia Genetics Stud Livestock Auction in Windhoek sold 58 of 69 lots at an average price of N$53,655, with bulls averaging N$60,690 and heifers-in-calf achieving 100% clearance at an average of N$35,188, signalling strong demand for beef breeding stock.

    9 May 2026 · Informanté →

Society

  1. Goreangab resident Sakaria endures hardship in freezing informal settlement

    Sakaria Sakaria, who lives in a shack in Goreangab with his wife, three children, and two orphaned nieces, wakes before dawn in the cold to make hot water and walk to work in Okapare. The article depicts the daily struggles of informal settlement residents facing fuel price increases and economic uncertainty.

    9 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. Car guard with physical disability reflects on daily survival

    Natangwe Benhard, a 47-year-old born without forearms, has been guarding vehicles on Independence Avenue in Windhoek for the past ten years. Working late into the evening and earning approximately N$100–N$200 daily, he says his condition does not discourage him and survival is enough.

    9 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Joint committee drafts revival strategy for Congo vocational institute

    A joint committee is drafting a strategy to revive the Loudima Institute for Technical and Vocational Training in the Republic of the Congo by July. The institute, which trained exiled Namibians during the liberation struggle and provided technical training in the 1980s, was suspended in 2021 due to poor living conditions and infrastructure challenges.

    9 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Namibia has not recorded any Hantavirus cases, ministry confirms

    The Ministry of Health's Executive Director confirmed that Namibia has not reported any Hantavirus cases, though the ministry is monitoring the global and regional situation. The statement follows reports of a Hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship that travelled from Argentina to Cabo Verde, with five confirmed cases and three suspected as of 6 May 2026.

    9 May 2026 · Informanté →

  5. Wheelchair-bound woman dies in Ondjungulume house fire

    A 38-year-old wheelchair-bound woman burned to death in her sleeping room in Ondjungulume village on Thursday afternoon. Police in Omusati Region are investigating a murder case under the Combating of Domestic Violence Act and suspect the fire was caused by a four-year-old child playing with matches.

    9 May 2026 · Informanté →

  6. Man dies in car-truck collision outside Gobabis

    A 35-year-old man died after his car collided with a truck on the Gobabis-Trans Kalahari Highway on Saturday morning. Police are investigating the incident as culpable homicide and reckless or negligent driving.

    9 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Swakop Uranium Foundation donates computer lab to rural school

    Petrus !Ganeb Secondary School at Uis in the Erongo region received 20 computers, a printer, and networking equipment valued at N$347,000 from the Swakop Uranium Foundation. Education minister Sanet Steenkamp said the donation supports the foundation's ten-year commitment to bridging the digital divide in Namibian schools, particularly in rural areas.

    9 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. One Economy Foundation hosts media summit on ethical reporting

    The One Economy Foundation held a media summit on Friday to educate journalists on ethical reporting on gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health, and mental health. Speakers emphasised that responsible journalism can humanise stories and strengthen empathy, while cautioning that insensitive reporting may expose survivors to further trauma and stigma.

    9 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. Police officer shot during arrest attempt at Oshakati

    A police investigator attached to the Anti-Corruption Commission was shot in the abdomen on Friday during an attempted arrest of a 61-year-old suspect in a 2024 corruption case at Oshakati. The suspect allegedly drew a firearm during arrest and a struggle ensued; the officer was hospitalised and the suspect was arrested and faces charges including attempted murder and firearm offences.

    9 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Culture

  1. Columnist reflects on fourth Comic Con Cape Town experience

    The Movie Guy attended Comic Con Cape Town for the fourth consecutive year and describes it as one of his best experiences. He focused on connecting with attendees about pop culture and cinema, aiming to excite people about upcoming films.

    9 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. Namibian DJ Siya collaborates with Malawi's Driemo on romantic track

    Namibian musician DJ Siya has teamed up with Malawian artist Driemo to produce a romantic track titled 'Duwa', released on Sunday. The collaboration blends Namibian and Malawian culture, with DJ Siya describing it as a departure from his usual upbeat style into something more mellow.

    9 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Devil Wears Prada sequel explores print media's decline

    The new film shows how print magazines and newspapers face crisis two decades after the original, with characters confronting layoffs and algorithmic pressure. The story reflects real upheaval in the media industry, including recent mass dismissals at major outlets.

    9 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. 111th Sam !Khubis commemoration honours Baster resistance

    The Rehoboth Baster community held the 111th Sam !Khubis commemoration beginning Thursday to honour ancestors who resisted German colonial forces during the 1915 Battle of Sam !Khubis. The day included a Gelofte Diens, church service, flag ceremonies and a gathering at the battle site, approximately 80 kilometres south-west of Rehoboth.

    9 May 2026 · Informanté →

Sport

  1. Wembanyama leads Spurs past Timberwolves in NBA playoffs

    Victor Wembanyama scored 39 points with 15 rebounds and five blocks to power the San Antonio Spurs to a 115-108 playoff victory over Minnesota, giving them a 2-1 series lead. The New York Knicks also defeated Philadelphia 3-0 in their series.

    9 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Vingegaard shows strength on Giro stage as Silva takes lead

    Race favourite Jonas Vingegaard finished stage 2 of the Giro d'Italia in the same time as stage winner Guillermo Silva of Astana, who took over the race lead. The 221km hilly stage from Burgas was marred by a mass fall that injured several riders.

    9 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. World number one Sabalenka loses Italian Open third round

    Aryna Sabalenka, the top seed and favourite for the women's title in Rome, was defeated by Sorana Cirstea 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 in the Italian Open third round on Saturday. It was Sabalenka's first elimination from a tournament in the round of 32 since February last year.

    9 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Liverpool draw with Chelsea, Man Utd held by Sunderland

    Liverpool drew 1-1 with Chelsea at Anfield after Ryan Gravenberch's early goal was cancelled by Enzo Fernandez's free-kick, missing a chance to secure Champions League qualification. Manchester United were held to a goalless draw at Sunderland on Saturday.

    9 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. De Sousa wins bronze at African Swimming Championships

    Victoria De Sousa won bronze in the Girls' 400m medley (14–18 years) with a time of 5:10.76 on Day 4 of the African Swimming Championships. Namibian swimmers secured multiple finals performances, with Roselinda Matyayi and Lorenzo Esterhuizen finishing fourth in their respective races.

    9 May 2026 · The Namibian →

World & Region

  1. Constitutional Court rules parliament violated constitution blocking Ramaphosa impeachment

    South Africa's Constitutional Court ruled that parliament violated the constitution by blocking moves to impeach president Cyril Ramaphosa in 2022, following a legal challenge by Julius Malema's Economic Freedom Fighters and others. The ruling could result in fresh impeachment proceedings; Ramaphosa's office says he respects the judgement and reaffirms his commitment to the constitution and rule of law.

    9 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Opinion

  1. Mampara of the Week: VIP Protection Unit lapses

    A satirical opinion column criticizes Namibia's VIP protection officers for alleged failures in security at State House, including an incident on 21 April where a mentally ill man allegedly bypassed checkpoints and entered the presidential compound unclothed.

    9 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →

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