Namibia Minute.
Monday, 11 May 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 11 May 2026
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Archive Minute from Monday, 11 May 2026

Politics

  1. Rundu mayor confirms CEO contract dispute resolved

    Rundu mayor Andreas Jikerwa has confirmed that the long-running dispute over chief executive officer Olavi Nathanael's contract extension has been resolved.

    11 May 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. City of Windhoek reports debt reduction amid service criticism

    The City of Windhoek announced a reduction in debt from N$888 million to N$869 million, but residents criticized the municipality for spending heavily on salaries while service delivery remains poor, citing issues with waste collection and road repairs.

    11 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  3. Ramaphosa likely to survive impeachment despite Constitutional Court ruling

    A Constitutional Court ruling has forced Parliament to consider impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa over allegations concerning US dollars stolen from his home. However, analysis suggests it is unlikely he will be removed from office, as a two-thirds majority of MPs would be required and the ANC's interests appear to align with his remaining in power.

    11 May 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Education ministry seeks to cancel costly empty building lease

    The Ministry of Education has sought legal advice to cancel a lease agreement for an unoccupied Independence Avenue building that has cost the state N$1.1 million monthly since 2024. The building, leased from northern businessman Erastus 'Chicco' Shapumba since December 2023, was found unsuitable for office use and remains empty.

    11 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  5. Vice President leads Namibia delegation to Africa Forward Summit

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi arrived in Nairobi to lead Namibia's delegation to the Africa Forward Summit, where African leaders and investors will discuss investment, innovation, and economic cooperation. Namibia is focusing on securing partnerships that support industrialisation and value addition rather than dependence on raw material exports.

    11 May 2026 · New Era

  6. Oshana governor urges Swapo unity over tribalism and faction

    Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge has warned Swapo members against tribalism and factionalism during an internal party conference, urging delegates to prioritise unity above personal ambitions and to avoid divisive political competition driven by insults and character assassination.

    11 May 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Journalist calls for urgent Access to Information Act implementation

    Former Namibian editor Gwen Lister has urged the government to urgently operationalise Namibia's Access to Information Act, signed in 2022 but not yet in effect, warning that delays are exposing journalists to growing legal and digital harassment amid increasing global threats against the media.

    11 May 2026 · The Namibian

Business

  1. Horse mackerel sector aims for job growth, local skills development

    The Wet Landed Small Pelagic Association says Namibia's wet-landed horse mackerel sector has demonstrated its ability to create jobs and economic value through land-based processing.

    11 May 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. Meatco scales down Katima Mulilo abattoir operations in Zambezi

    Meatco is winding down operations at its Katima Mulilo abattoir following the expiry of its operational agreement with the Zambezi Meat Corporation, a decision that has triggered concern among communal farmers who relied on the facility for market access and employment.

    11 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  3. Namibia's March vehicle imports valued at N$979 million

    Namibia imported commercial vehicles worth N$979 million in March, predominantly from South Africa, India and China, while re-exporting N$48 million worth mainly to Zambia, according to NSA trade statistics. The country recorded a trade deficit of N$2.3 billion in March, an improvement from the previous month's N$5.2 billion deficit.

    11 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. NAM forecasts 20–30% earnings growth for six months to March

    Namibia Asset Management Ltd expects earnings per share and headline earnings per share for the six-month period ended 31 March 2026 to increase by between 20% and 30% compared to the same period last year, with fund management earnings per share projected to grow between 40% and 50%.

    11 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  5. NSX overall index gains 5.74% since January 2026

    The Namibian Securities Exchange overall index has gained 5.74% since the start of 2026, closing at 2,329.01 points in the trading week of 4–8 May. Basic materials recorded the strongest sector growth at 13.17% year-to-date, while real estate and consumer discretionary sectors declined 6.43% each.

    11 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  6. Andersen Global launches in Namibia via merger

    American business advisory company Andersen Global has launched in Namibia following a merger with Windhoek Taxation and Advisory to form Andersen Namibia. The firm, one of the world's largest independent tax and advisory organisations with over 16,000 professionals across 170 countries, will provide integrated tax, advisory, accounting, and consulting services to businesses and institutions in Namibia and the Southern African Development Community region.

    11 May 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Nascam CEO fired after disciplinary process finds misconduct

    The Namibian Society of Composers and Authors of Music's board has fired chief executive Albert Nicanor following a disciplinary process that found him guilty of gross insubordination, fraud, dishonesty, and negligent and unauthorised use of a company vehicle. Acting chief executive Ferdinand Gertze will remain in the position until a substantive appointment is made.

    11 May 2026 · The Namibian

  8. Ministry clarifies fuel drum purchases by farmers, tourism operators

    The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy said farmers, tourism operators and other businesses buying fuel in drums and jerry cans for operational use should not be viewed as engaging in fuel hoarding or panic buying. The ministry instructed fuel retailers to use discretion and ask for reasonable explanations to distinguish legitimate bulk buyers from those stockpiling, with temporary measures remaining in place for three months.

    11 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Mining & Energy

  1. B2Gold reduces diesel use at Otjikoto with grid power shift

    B2Gold Corporation's Otjikoto Mine has cut diesel consumption following its transition to underground mining in Q4 2025, with the mine now drawing power from Namibia's national electricity grid. The company reported consolidated gold production of 237,763 ounces in Q1 2026 and expects total production for 2026 to range between 820,000 and 970,000 ounces.

    11 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  2. Businessman calls for Parliament backing of oil sector reforms

    Knowledge Katti has urged Parliament and national leaders to support the creation of the Upstream Petroleum Unit (UPU) and the Petroleum Amendment Bill, arguing these reforms are necessary to help Namibia transition from oil exploration to production and address long-standing governance challenges in the sector.

    11 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  3. B2Gold's Otjikoto Mine exceeds first-quarter production targets

    B2Gold's Otjikoto Mine in central Namibia produced 24 529 ounces of gold in the first quarter, higher than expected, contributing to total group production of 237 763 ounces. The mine is expected to produce between 70 000 and 90 000 ounces in 2026.

    11 May 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Illegal pilchard bycatch surges despite fishing moratorium

    Pilchard bycatch has risen sharply from 608 tonnes in 2020 to more than 11,000 tonnes in both 2024 and 2025, with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform warning that increasing bycatch could threaten marine biodiversity and fish stocks if not properly managed.

    11 May 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Cabinet establishes Green Industries Council to replace hydrogen-focused body

    The Cabinet has approved a new Green Industries Council, replacing the Green Hydrogen Council after it ended in February 2025. The council will oversee Namibia's broader green industrialisation agenda, focusing on policy coordination, institutional alignment and investment priorities to accelerate industrialisation, economic diversification and job creation.

    11 May 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Australian explorer raises N$78m for Namibian copper projects

    Kaoko Metals, an Australian explorer, has raised N$78 million through an oversubscribed initial public offering on the Australian Securities Exchange to accelerate drilling at its copper, silver, and gold projects in Namibia's Kaoko Copper Belt and Damara Belt.

    11 May 2026 · The Namibian

Agriculture & Land

  1. Katima abattoir scale-down worries Zambezi farmers

    The Meat Corporation of Namibia is scaling down operations at the Katima Mulilo abattoir following the expiry of its agreement with Zambezi Meat Corporation, creating uncertainty among farmers in the region about cattle sales and livestock sector stability. Farmers express concern about market continuity and warn that legal disputes during the handover could disrupt operations.

    11 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  2. Rundu Technology Centre to reopen within three months

    The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform is reviving the N$36 million Rundu Technology Centre, which has underperformed since its 2015 establishment. The facility, created to support agricultural mechanisation for green scheme projects and subsistence farmers, will reopen after the ministry reassesses its strategy and plans to expand services to private farmers to improve financial sustainability.

    11 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  3. Namibian Agronomic Board launches banana trial harvest in Omusati

    The Namibian Agronomic Board has held its first harvest demonstration for an Etunda banana research project in the Omusati region, which began plantations in January last year. The project aims to assess whether the region is suitable for large-scale banana production, as Namibia currently imports around 7,000 metric tonnes of bananas annually.

    11 May 2026 · New Era

Society

  1. NIPAM hosts AI seminar for government and private sector leaders

    The Namibia Institute of Public Administration and Management will hold an Artificial Intelligence Seminar for Executive Leadership on 12 May 2026 to equip public sector leaders with skills to embrace AI and improve government efficiency. The seminar will cover AI governance and practical use of AI tools, though private sector participants are also welcome to attend.

    11 May 2026 · Informanté

  2. Future Leaders Holiday Camp builds leadership and environmental awareness

    More than 50 learners from over seven schools attended the first Future Leaders Holiday Camp in Omungwelume from 6 to 8 May, organised by EcoFusion Namibia in partnership with local colleges. The three-day programme focused on confidence-building, leadership, communication skills, and environmental awareness, culminating in the establishment of an Environmental Club that will undertake a clean-up campaign in the area.

    11 May 2026 · Informanté

  3. President urges focus on boy child education at NUST graduation

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah called for greater attention to the boy child at NUST's May 2026 graduation, noting that of 2,962 graduates conferred, 1,187 were male and 1,775 were female—a ratio that does not reflect the country's 48.8% male and 51.2% female population. She emphasized that both men and women must be seen as equal partners in social and economic development.

    11 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. Two boys injured in explosion near Rundu military base

    Two boys from Mavanze village in Kavango East were injured on Sunday afternoon after an explosive device they were playing with detonated near a military base. Josef Ndumba (14) sustained arm injuries and Tende Rayne (13) suffered multiple injuries to his stomach and legs; both are receiving treatment at Rundu State Hospital in serious but stable condition.

    11 May 2026 · The Namibian

  5. First family graduate overcomes poverty and grief at Nust

    Alexander Mungendje, a public management student at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, has become the first person in his family of 16 siblings to earn a degree. Despite losing both parents during his studies, facing mockery in his village, and struggling to afford registration fees, he persisted and is now set to graduate.

    11 May 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Kavango West school dropout and teen pregnancy rates surge sharply

    Kavango West's education director reports that 1,460 learners dropped out of school and 332 girls became pregnant in 2025, nearly double the 2024 figures. He calls for coordinated action among schools, families, communities, and health services to address poverty, weak parental involvement, and gaps in reproductive health knowledge.

    11 May 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Namibia monitoring hantavirus threat as WHO alerts countries

    The Namibian government has assured the nation that the country remains vigilant and prepared amid global hantavirus concerns, with the Ministry of Health and Social Services stating that Namibia has not recorded any confirmed cases but is actively monitoring developments at global and regional levels through coordination with local and international partners.

    11 May 2026 · New Era

  8. Four passengers, pilot die in Sossusvlei plane crash

    A Cessna 210 crashed and burned near Sossusvlei in the Hardap Region on 10 May, killing a German pilot working for Desert Air and three German tourists. The aircraft took off from Helena farm near Hosea Kutako International Airport headed to Keerweder; the operator lost radar contact about five minutes before the scheduled landing, when the crash is believed to have occurred.

    11 May 2026 · Informanté

  9. Business burgled in Goreagab Dam; items worth N$295,000 stolen

    Unknown suspects broke into a business in Goreagab Dam and stole cash, two Jackpot machines, alcohol, and a cellphone, with the police estimating the total value of stolen items at N$295,000. No arrests have been made and none of the items have been recovered.

    11 May 2026 · Informanté

  10. Police officer shot during arrest in Oshakati

    A 41-year-old police officer was shot by a 61-year-old suspect during an arrest in Oshakati on 8 May 2026. The officer was admitted to hospital in stable condition, and the suspect is in police custody as investigations continue.

    11 May 2026 · Informanté

  11. Armed robberies investigated across Windhoek, Oshikango and Kamanjab

    Namibian Police are investigating a series of armed robberies and violent break-ins reported over the weekend, with six armed suspects attacking a couple in Klein Windhoek and two suspects robbing lodge guests at gunpoint in Kamanjab, targeting residents, businesses and tourists.

    11 May 2026 · Informanté

  12. Theodore Shipanga murder trial begins amid courtroom disruptions

    Theodore Shipanga, arrested in November 2011 for the murder of security colleague Shain van Wyk, appeared in Windhoek High Court as his trial commenced, with Judge Eileen Rakow warning him against disrupting proceedings or facing trial in his absence. Shipanga is accused of shooting van Wyk in the head during a cash-in-transit operation between Otjiwarongo and Okahandja, then absconding with N$2.5 million.

    11 May 2026 · Informanté

  13. Four dead in Desert Air aircraft crash near Sossusvlei

    Desert Air confirmed all four people aboard its aircraft died after it crashed in the Sossusvlei area. The wreckage was discovered on Monday morning, with the directorate of aircraft accident investigation now conducting an official inquiry into the cause.

    11 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  14. Windhoek council approves 1 400 new housing units

    The City of Windhoek has approved four township development projects aimed at formalising informal settlements and delivering more than 1 400 housing units to accommodate an estimated 4 866 people in Otjomuise and Hadino Hishongwa.

    11 May 2026 · The Namibian

  15. Lawmakers warn of safety risk from mobile network gap on Rosh Pinah road

    National Council member Nestor Sheimi raised concerns that the lack of mobile network coverage along the road between Rosh Pinah and Oranjemund leaves motorists vulnerable, warning that lives could be lost if accidents occur. He called on the ministry and MTC to urgently install network towers capable of covering long distances and provide 5G services in the area.

    11 May 2026 · The Namibian

  16. Childhood trauma, mental health fuel gender-based violence in Namibia

    Monica Geingos of One Economy Foundation says unresolved childhood trauma and mental health challenges continue to fuel gender-based violence and other social problems in Namibia, and that intervention and timely support for young people is important because it is easier to fix broken children than broken adults. Research conducted by the foundation in nine correctional facilities found that lack of love and unresolved mental health issues in homes are drivers of gender-based violence.

    11 May 2026 · The Namibian

  17. Rural Uis school receives N$347 000 computer lab

    Petrus !Ganeb Secondary School at Uis in the Erongo region has received 20 computers, a printer and networking equipment valued at N$347 000 from the Swakop Uranium Foundation to bridge technological gaps in rural education.

    11 May 2026 · The Namibian

Culture

  1. Witbooi highlights Omagongo Festival as cultural and national pride symbol

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi has praised the upcoming Omagongo Festival, scheduled for 23 May 2026 at Onamega, as a celebration of Namibian culture, community, and hospitality that extends beyond the traditional fermented beverage itself. The festival will be hosted by the Uukwambi Traditional Authority, and Witbooi emphasized that the government remains committed to supporting cultural preservation initiatives.

    11 May 2026 · Informanté

  2. Top 10 Miss Namibia finalists selected in Windhoek

    The 2026 Miss Namibia preliminary competition narrowed the field from 18 contestants to 10 finalists over the weekend in Windhoek. The crowning ceremonies will be held in Gobabis as part of an effort to decentralise the event, with Miss Teen Namibia scheduled for 31 July and the main Miss Namibia event on 1 August.

    11 May 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Namibian film 'Wrong Generation' explores activism and gender-based violence

    'Wrong Generation,' directed by Shili Munyama and inspired by activist Ndiilokelwa Nthengwe's book, premieres at Ster-Kinekor in Windhoek on 11 June with a cast and crew of over 50 Namibian and regional creatives. The film follows estranged friends reunited by a childhood companion's murder, whose grief sparks the largest protest in post-apartheid Namibian history, while examining the pain and cost of activism in confronting patriarchy, violent misogyny, and toxic masculinity.

    11 May 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Namibian film Wrong Generation to debut at Ster-Kinekor

    Wrong Generation, a Namibian independent feature film inspired by the #ShutItAllDown protest movement of October 2020, will make its theatrical debut at Ster-Kinekor Windhoek on 11 June 2026. The film follows estranged friends who reconnect after a series of murders to stage a major protest, drawing on a book by executive producer Ndiilokelwa Nthengwe.

    11 May 2026 · Informanté

Sport

  1. Grootfontein leads Rugby Premier League after fourth win

    FNB Grootfontein maintained their unbeaten run with a 66-25 victory over Rehoboth in Round 4 of the Rugby Premier League, securing top position on 21 points. Wanderers and Kudus also won their weekend matches.

    11 May 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Namibian boxer Nghitumbwa retains title, eyes Inoue challenge

    Filippus Nghitumbwa defeated Colombia's Leonard Carrillo by unanimous decision to retain his WBO Global super bantamweight title on Saturday night. Promoter Nestor Tobias says Nghitumbwa has now proven himself and should get a shot at world champion Naoya Inoue, indicating they will pursue the fight through WBO structures.

    11 May 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Unam and Mighty Gunners reach 2026 Top 8 Cup final

    Unam FC and Mighty Gunners FC advanced to the 2026 Standard Bank Top 8 Cup final after securing narrow semi-final victories on Saturday at Outjo Sport Stadium. Unam defeated FC Ongos 1-0 with a goal from Shaun Rugam, with Ronaldo Kauvi named man of the match.

    11 May 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Bush Bucks hold league lead after Bright Stars draw

    Bush Bucks FC defeated Namib Chiefs 2-0 on Saturday but drew 1-1 with Bright Stars FC on Sunday in the Namport Zambezi Regional Second Division League, extending their lead to 40 points atop the standings.

    11 May 2026 · New Era

  5. Boxing academy hosts tribute event with 12 bouts

    The MTC Nestor Sunshine Tobias Boxing and Fitness Academy hosted a boxing bonanza tribute to Sam Nujoma, featuring 12 bouts. Notable victories included Joy Nangolo's unanimous decision over South Africa's Rofhiwa Nemushungwa, Harry Simon Jr's sixth-round win against Zimbabwe's Freeman Mabongwe for the international welterweight title, and Mateus Heita's successful WBO Africa featherweight title defence against South Africa's Zolisa Batyi.

    11 May 2026 · New Era

Tourism & Environment

  1. Classic car rally traverses seven African countries, includes Namibia

    The Trans-Africa Rally 2026, limited to 22 vehicles and running from May 3–31, is crossing Namibia as part of a 7,800-kilometre journey through seven African countries featuring pre-1980 classic cars and select 4×4 vehicles. The route takes participants through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, with stops at Sossusvlei, Etosha National Park, Victoria Falls and other landmarks.

    11 May 2026 · Informanté

World & Region

  1. South African President Ramaphosa refuses to resign after court ruling

    South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced he will not resign following a Constitutional Court judgment on the Section 89 impeachment process linked to the Phala Phala matter, stating the ruling does not compel his resignation and that he intends to challenge the independent panel's report through judicial review.

    11 May 2026 · Informanté

  2. Trump rejects Iran's proposal to end war

    President Trump dismissed Iran's response to US proposals to end the war as "totally unacceptable." Iran's proposal, sent via Pakistan as mediator, included an immediate end to the war on all fronts, a halt to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports, guarantees against further attacks on Iran, compensation for war damage, and emphasis on Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

    11 May 2026 · The Namibian

  3. South African police generals arrested over precious metals dealing

    Two high-ranking South African Police Service generals, Feroz Khan and Ebrahim Kadwa, have been arrested for alleged illegal dealing and unlawful possession of precious metals. They are among 15 senior police officers scheduled to appear in Gauteng courts this week.

    11 May 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Former Botswana president Festus Mogae dies at eighty-six

    Former Botswana president Festus Gontebanye Mogae, aged 86, died in Gaborone over the weekend. Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and current Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko paid tribute to Mogae as a distinguished statesman and principled leader whose presidency strengthened regional cooperation through SADC.

    11 May 2026 · New Era

  5. Constitutional Court overturns ANC's Phala Phala vote block

    South Africa's Constitutional Court has ruled that the National Assembly's December 2022 vote declining to refer an independent panel's report on President Cyril Ramaphosa to an impeachment committee was unconstitutional and invalid, and has now referred the report directly to the impeachment committee. An analyst says the ANC's use of majoritarian tactics to shield Ramaphosa has left the party in crisis ahead of 2026 local elections.

    11 May 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Angola ex-fisheries minister denies misappropriation in separate trial

    Former Angolan fisheries minister Vitória de Barros Neto has denied responsibility for alleged misappropriation of around 300 million kwanzas in public funds from fish commercialisation in the common marine zone between Namibia and Angola during her 2012–2019 tenure. The trial, which began in December 2019, is not connected to Namibia's Fishrot scandal, though both involve fisheries-sector corruption around the same period.

    11 May 2026 · The Namibian

Opinion

  1. Namibia's crisis: ambitious plans without execution

    An opinion piece argues that Namibia's core problem is not a lack of plans but failure to implement them, citing the Neckartal Dam as an example of infrastructure built without realizing its full economic promise. The piece contends the nation has numerous strategies for agriculture, housing, industrialisation, and other sectors but chronically struggles to turn these plans into functioning economic systems.

    11 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

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