Namibia Minute.
Monday, 11 May 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 11 May 2026
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Home All stories from today — updates as new items land

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.

    17 hours ago · 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.

    14 hours ago · 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.

    9 hours ago · 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 hours ago · 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.

    6 hours ago · New Era

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.

    17 hours ago · 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.

    14 hours ago · 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 hours ago · 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 hours ago · 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 hours ago · 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.

    6 hours ago · 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.

    7 hours ago · The Namibian

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 hours ago · 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 hours ago · 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.

    7 hours ago · 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.

    12 hours ago · 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.

    14 hours ago · 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.

    6 hours ago · New Era

Society

  1. 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.

    16 hours ago · Informanté

  2. 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.

    14 hours ago · Windhoek Observer

  3. 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.

    4 hours ago · The Namibian

  4. 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.

    5 hours ago · The Namibian

  5. 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.

    6 hours ago · The Namibian

  6. 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.

    6 hours ago · New Era

  7. 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.

    4 hours ago · Informanté

  8. 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.

    7 hours ago · Informanté

  9. 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.

    9 hours ago · Informanté

  10. 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.

    12 hours ago · Informanté

Culture

  1. 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.

    6 hours ago · The Namibian

  2. 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.

    7 hours ago · The Namibian

  3. 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.

    14 hours ago · 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.

    8 hours ago · 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.

    9 hours ago · 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.

    9 hours ago · 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.

    6 hours ago · 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.

    6 hours ago · New Era

World & Region

  1. 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.

    9 hours ago · The Namibian

  2. 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.

    9 hours ago · The Namibian

  3. 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.

    6 hours ago · New Era

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.

    7 hours ago · Windhoek Observer

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