Namibia Minute.
Wednesday, 13 May 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Wednesday, 13 May 2026
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Archive Minute from Wednesday, 13 May 2026
Politics

Former workshop owner arrested for N$179,508 NDF fraud scheme

The News

The Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested a 46-year-old former owner of Lifeline Body Workshop in connection with an alleged scheme between November 2019 and February 2020 in which fraudulent payments totaling approximately N$179,508.91 were made to his company for vehicle repairs never rendered and inflated quotations, allegedly in collusion with NDF members.

Why it matters

Anti-Corruption Commission arrests former workshop owner for N$179,508 NDF fraud scheme, demonstrating accountability for institutional graft.

13 May 2026 · Informanté →

Politics

  1. Former workshop owner arrested for N$179,508 NDF fraud scheme

    The Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested a 46-year-old former owner of Lifeline Body Workshop in connection with an alleged scheme between November 2019 and February 2020 in which fraudulent payments totaling approximately N$179,508.91 were made to his company for vehicle repairs never rendered and inflated quotations, allegedly in collusion with NDF members.

    13 May 2026 · Informanté →

  2. High commissioner sues IPC member over defamatory WhatsApp audio

    Namibian high commissioner to Ghana Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata has filed a N$250 000 defamation lawsuit against former Outapi constituency councillor and IPC member Fillemon Shikwambi over an alleged WhatsApp audio recording made on 22 September 2025 containing false statements about her appointment and family connections. Nghituwamata alleges the audio suggests she was appointed through nepotism rather than merit and falsely links her to corruption and apartheid-era figures.

    13 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Vice President urges Africa to increase intra-continental trade

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi called for stronger economic cooperation between African countries, saying African economies have traded more with the rest of the world than with one another. She urged businesses and governments to work together to drive industrialisation, innovation and intra-Africa trade, citing the African Continental Free Trade Area as a major opportunity to transform Africa into an integrated market.

    13 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Business

  1. Vice President invites French firms to invest in Namibia

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi has invited French businesses to collaborate with Namibia, particularly in beneficiation and value addition of mineral resources. Witbooi said Namibia has diversified its economy beyond mining and agriculture into oil and gas, tourism, manufacturing, digital services, and technology, offering investment opportunities.

    13 May 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Namibia house price index grew 7.1% in Q1 2026

    Namibia's residential property market grew during the first quarter of 2026, with the national house price index increasing 7.1% on a 12-month average basis, though this represents slower growth than the 7.6% recorded at the end of 2025. Luxury housing recorded the strongest growth at 10.8% year-on-year, while transaction volume growth slowed to 10.4% from 17% in the previous quarter.

    13 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Swakopmund approves N$704m budget, proposes 5% tariff increase

    The Swakopmund Municipality has tabled a combined operational and capital budget of about N$704 million for the 2026/2027 financial year, proposing a 5% increase in municipal service tariffs including water, wastewater, refuse removal and other services, citing rising service delivery costs and inflation.

    13 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  4. Old Mutual, Eureka Psychology host 2026 Employee Wellness Indaba

    Old Mutual Namibia and Eureka Psychology are partnering on an Employee Wellness Indaba scheduled for 20–21 May 2026 in Windhoek, themed "Well-being by Design: Building the Future Workplace," with Vice President Lucia Witbooi expected to attend. The event aims to encourage companies to integrate employee well-being into workplace systems and organisational culture rather than treating it as a standalone programme.

    13 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  5. Fuel policy confusion enables organised theft and smuggling networks

    Policy uncertainty around fuel drum restrictions has created conditions for organised fuel theft and smuggling, the Windhoek Observer reports. The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy clarified that legitimate bulk purchases by farmers and businesses do not constitute hoarding, but the confusion exposed vulnerability to an informal market around the commodity.

    13 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  6. Namibia targets local marine processing, aims end raw exports by 2030

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi announced that Namibia will end the export of raw marine products by 2030, aiming instead to process, package and brand marine products locally. Under the sixth National Development Plan, the government wants 60% of marine products to undergo secondary and tertiary processing inside the country by 2030, supported by investments in infrastructure and skills development including a proposed Franco-Namibian Marine Institute.

    13 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  7. MTC and NHE sign five-year connectivity partnership

    Mobile Telecommunications Limited and National Housing Enterprise have signed a memorandum of understanding to expand telecommunications infrastructure in NHE housing developments across Namibia. The partnership will include co-trenching opportunities for fibre installation and other telecommunications services, aiming to reduce costs and accelerate internet access for residents.

    13 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  8. Food prices vary widely across Namibia as April inflation reaches 3.1%

    Namibia's annual inflation rate stood at 3.1% in April, down from 3.6% in the same month last year, while monthly inflation rose to 1.1%. Consumers across the country's three zones experienced significant price differences for basic food items including flour, meat, and other staples.

    13 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  9. Customs and excise offices relocate to Southern Industrial

    Namibia Revenue Agency (Namra) has begun moving customs and excise offices to a newly established One-Stop centre on Reger Street in the Southern Industrial area. Currently, only limited services including motor vehicle clearance certificates and booking of physical inspections are available, while payments and other services remain at the Eros Airport office during the transition.

    13 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  10. Mitsubishi Destinator seven-seater arrives in Namibia

    The Mitsubishi Destinator, a seven-seater compact crossover SUV, has arrived at Mitsubishi Namibia's showroom. The vehicle combines MPV and SUV features, offering interior space, luxury features including 18-inch alloy wheels and a Yamaha sound system, multiple drive modes for different road conditions, and advanced safety technology including Active Yaw Control.

    13 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  11. Yango spends N$1.3m on permit fees amid compliance row

    Ride-hailing company Yango Namibia has submitted about 1,500 permit applications and spent N$1.3 million on temporary operating permit fees while navigating administrative delays. The Ministry of Works and Transport has threatened action if Yango and its drivers do not comply with regulations.

    13 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  12. Finance minister launches FIMA, postpones mandatory pension fund freezing

    The Namibian Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, Ericah Shafudah, launched the Financial Institutions and Markets Act (FIMA) on 1 May 2026, consolidating regulations for Namibia's non-bank financial sector. The minister announced that the mandatory freezing or preservation of 75% of pension funds upon resignation has been put on hold following public concerns.

    13 May 2026 · Informanté →

  13. Huawei says Africa demand for AI-ready data storage rising

    Huawei said that rapid growth in artificial intelligence, digital healthcare and hybrid education are driving increased demand for faster, larger and more secure data storage systems across Africa. The company, speaking at the Huawei ICT Congress 2026 in Windhoek, said it has expanded into AI-compatible and cloud-based systems and is now the leading storage provider in Southern Africa.

    13 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  14. Finance minister defends new Financial Institutions Act

    Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah says the Financial Institutions and Markets Act (Fima), which came into force on 1 May, will benefit citizens, businesses and investors while strengthening government oversight and modernizing the legal framework for financial institutions. Shafudah stated the act aims to ensure financial stability, financial inclusion and consumer protection.

    13 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  15. Erongo Red plans power outages on 21 May and 1 June

    Erongo Red has announced planned power outages on 21 May (08H30–17H30) and 1 June (08H00–17H00) affecting the Ruby 11kV network in areas including Namwater, the airport, Rooibank, NDF Military Base, Dune 7, and Clean Energy to allow NamPower to conduct infrastructure maintenance.

    13 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Mining & Energy

  1. Ongwe Minerals reports larger gold zone at Manga prospect

    Canadian exploration company Ongwe Minerals says new drilling results at its Manga prospect in Erongo region show a 2-kilometre-long underground gold zone larger than initially expected, with gold values ranging from low levels to 470 parts per billion. The company plans to extend drilling and sampling to track mineralisation further east beneath soil and calcrete cover.

    13 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. Ongwe Minerals strikes higher gold grades at Manga prospect

    Bedrock drilling at Canadian explorer Ongwe Minerals' Manga gold prospect at the Omatjete Gold Project has confirmed well-defined on-site gold deposits, with mineralisation continuing eastward under thick calcrete cover. The company's chief executive says the latest results show significant expansion of mineralisation, with higher-grade deposits found further east than initial scout drilling had indicated.

    13 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Lüderitz residents demand immediate development benefits from hydrogen projects

    As Lüderitz positions itself as a hub for Namibia's green hydrogen ambitions, residents argue that the promised development has not improved their daily living conditions, citing struggles with sanitation, housing, electricity access, and lack of opportunities for ordinary people.

    13 May 2026 · New Era →

  4. Namibia seeks value addition in critical minerals, EU partnership

    Minister of mines and energy Modestus Amutse told an EU-Namibia business forum that critical raw materials such as uranium, lithium and graphite should be the foundation for industrialisation and integration into global supply chains, not just extraction for export. He said the government aims to attract long-term investors, skills, and technology transfer while developing local value addition in batteries, renewable energy, and nuclear fuel markets.

    13 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Welder invents marula nut-crushing machine for rural communities

    Wilhelm Wilbard, a welder from northern Namibia who researches innovations for rural communities, has invented a marula nut-crushing machine and supplied it this year.

    13 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. NAB and partners mark first commercial banana harvest

    The Namibian Agronomic Board, Avagro, and the Ministry of Agriculture have achieved a first commercial banana harvest at Etunda as Namibia aims to reduce reliance on imported bananas, which the country consumes around 7,000 tonnes of annually.

    13 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  3. Kunene, Kavango, Orange rivers rise; Zambezi declines

    The Kunene River's discharge rose by more than 300 cubic metres per second over the past week to 894.10 m³/s, and the Kavango and Orange rivers also recorded rising water levels, according to the Hydrological Services of Namibia. In contrast, the Zambezi River at Katima Mulilo declined over the same period.

    13 May 2026 · Informanté →

  4. Windhoek approves 1,108 plots for township development

    The City of Windhoek has approved allocation of 1,108 erven for township development projects, including formalisation of informal settlements in Otjomuise Extension 8 and major developments on Farms 1007 and 1008 in Hadino Hishongwa. The approved projects will provide residential erven, higher-density housing, business sites, public spaces, and land for schools, healthcare facilities, and other services.

    13 May 2026 · New Era →

  5. Namibian bull sells for record N$800,000 at Windhoek auction

    A White Brahman bull named Okabra Xaver 22-0751 sold for N$800,000 at the Agra Okabra Signature Sale in Windhoek on 12 May, setting a new Namibian cattle record. The auction, featuring Simmentaler and White Brahman cattle, demonstrated strong demand for quality breeding stock across multiple categories.

    13 May 2026 · Informanté →

Society

  1. Man dies after police shooting at Otjiwarongo taxi rank

    A 39-year-old man was fatally shot by a police officer on Monday during an incident at the Outjo Taxi Rank near the Engen Service Station in Otjiwarongo.

    13 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. Father accused of murder-for-insurance plot to stand trial

    A 53-year-old man accused of orchestrating a failed murder-for-insurance plot targeting his son is set to resume his criminal case in the Katutura Regional Court in June.

    13 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  3. NamWater announces planned water supply interruptions for Walvis Bay

    The Namibia Water Corporation has announced planned power outages on 21 May 2026 (08:30–17:30) and 1 June 2026 (08:00–17:00) due to NamPower maintenance work on the Ruby 11kV network and Sekelduin 2 line, which will suspend water supply operations at the Ruby Intake Station for approximately eight hours each day. NamWater and Walvis Bay Municipality are working to keep reservoirs at full supply to mitigate the impact, and residents are urged to use water sparingly.

    13 May 2026 · Informanté →

  4. Purpose coaching helps individuals find meaning and fulfilment

    Purpose coaching is gaining traction as individuals and organisations seek deeper meaning and alignment between their values and work. A 2022 survey of working women aged 25–45 found that many felt unfulfilled despite having their dream jobs, prompting interest in coaching that helps people discover and live out their unique purpose.

    13 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  5. NamWater threatens water disconnection to Ruacana over N$14m debt

    NamWater has warned it will disconnect water supply to Ruacana Town Council on 18 May over an outstanding debt of more than N$14 million, unless the council pays 30% of the balance and agrees to a repayment arrangement.

    13 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. More than 40 learners annually leave Windhoek International School

    A confidential whistleblower complaint alleges that more than 40 Namibian learners leave Windhoek International School each year, claiming Namibian children and staff are treated as less important than foreign counterparts and that school leaders handle problems internally. The school's educational director rejected the allegations as anonymous and unsubstantiated.

    13 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  7. Analyst questions whether boy child concerns lead to reforms

    Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah has questioned whether President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's recent remarks about the boy child—prompted by lower male graduation numbers at Nust—will produce actual policy changes, cautioning that past public discussions on the issue have not yielded major reforms and that conclusions should not be drawn from graduation statistics alone without broader evidence-based research.

    13 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  8. Nurses must be supported and protected—Nanu statement

    The Namibia Nurses Union says nurses remain the backbone of the healthcare system despite facing staff shortages, burnout, unsafe working conditions and limited professional development opportunities, and called on government, healthcare institutions and policymakers to prioritize nurses' welfare and protection. A PDM MP also called on government to prioritize the mental well-being of psychiatric nurses, proposing dedicated psychological support and a special mental wellness allowance for those working in psychiatric departments.

    13 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  9. Cleaning campaign supports 30 San learners in Tsumkwe

    Allexer Namundjembo Palms Life Fund is supporting 30 San learners in Tsumkwe Constituency through a cleaning campaign project aimed at reducing school dropouts. The initiative provides monthly food parcels, stationery and toiletries valued at N$600 each, while engaging learners in cleaning school grounds and residential areas and sports activities to encourage them to remain in school.

    13 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  10. Fired Nascam CEO considers legal action over dismissal

    Nascam's former chief executive Albert Nicanor says he is considering legal action after being dismissed following disciplinary and appeal findings against him. Nicanor rejects the disciplinary process, claiming it violated his rights and did not meet the standards of fairness required under Namibian labour law.

    13 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  11. Windhoek woman appeals for bone marrow transplant funds

    Martha Uupindi, 23, from Windhoek has been diagnosed with severe aplastic anaemia and is appealing to the public for assistance to fund a bone marrow transplant in South Africa. The family needs around N$200 000 for additional expenses such as travel, accommodation, medication and daily support, as Psemas is expected to cover most major medical costs.

    13 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  12. Murder suspect Shiimi granted N$15,000 bail in Windhoek

    Gabriel Shiimi, 31, accused of killing Nande Simon Mulokoshi in a shooting at Chicago's Lounge on 14 June 2025, was granted bail of N$15,000 by Magistrate Immanuel Udjombala and ordered to report monthly to police. Shiimi has been detained for ten months and cited a chronic medical condition requiring hip replacement surgery as grounds for bail.

    13 May 2026 · Informanté →

Culture

  1. Omagongo Cultural Festival set for May at Chief Iipumbu's homestead

    The Omagongo Cultural Festival, themed "Roots of Our Unity, Seeds for Our Future," will be held on 23 May at the traditional homestead of Chief Herman Iipumbu in the Omusati Region. The festival celebrates marula wine and culture, and has been held annually since 2001, rotating among eight Ovawambo traditional authorities.

    13 May 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Namibia preserves liberation history through book donation

    Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp called for the preservation and documentation of Namibia's liberation history during a handover of about 400 coffee table books on founding president Sam Nujoma's life to schools and public libraries. The books were donated by New Era Publication Corporation Board chairperson John Sifani and Chinese ambassador Zhao Weiping.

    13 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Weekly events calendar: wine tasting, workshops, theatre training

    The Namibian lists upcoming local events including a wine tasting at Atlantic Villa in Swakopmund (N$300), a Women's Weekend Away getaway, a cake decorating workshop at Droombos (N$2,500), and advanced stage actors training at the National Theatre of Namibia.

    13 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Rod Temperton: British songwriter behind Michael Jackson's hits

    A new documentary explores the life of Rod Temperton, a British songwriter from Cleethorpes who wrote crucial tracks on Michael Jackson's breakthrough albums 'Off the Wall' and 'Thriller', the biggest-selling album of all time. Despite his major contributions to pop music, Temperton remained largely unknown and was called music's 'invisible man' because of his low profile.

    13 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Chinese embassy, New Era donate 400 Nujoma books

    The Chinese Embassy in Namibia and New Era Publication Corporation donated 400 pictorial coffee table books valued at N$200,000 to the Ministry of Education to honour the legacy of Founding President Sam Nujoma and promote literacy and historical preservation.

    13 May 2026 · New Era →

Sport

  1. TS Galaxy stun Sundowns; Pirates favour title contenders

    TS Galaxy defeated leaders Mamelodi Sundowns 3-2 on Tuesday, a result that makes Orlando Pirates favourites to win the South African Premiership for the first time since 2012. Pirates have 65 points with two matches remaining and a superior goal difference over Sundowns, who finished with 68 points from 30 matches.

    13 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. FC Ongos Ladies' title lead trimmed to one point

    FC Ongos Ladies' advantage at the top of the FNB Women Super League was cut from three points to one after drawing goalless with African Stars Queens on Sunday, while NDF Mighty Gunners Ladies closed the gap by winning both their weekend fixtures to reach 47 points.

    13 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Namibian swimmers win seven medals at African junior championships

    Namibia's junior swimmers finished fifth out of 43 nations at the 17th Africa Junior and Senior Swimming Championships in Oran, Algeria, winning two silver and five bronze medals while setting one Namibian open record and two age group records.

    13 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Africa's first electric go-karts debut at Tony Rust track

    Three electric-powered go-karts made their African debut at the Tony Rust race track outside Windhoek, featured in a show race during the National Karting Championships. Young racers noted the karts' quietness and different handling compared to traditional internal combustion engines, while highlighting advantages such as minimal maintenance and computer-based tuning.

    13 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Three Namibian athletes advance at African Athletics Championships

    Elvis Gaseb and Tuuliki Angala advanced to the 400m semifinals while Lionel Coetzee advanced to the long jump final at the African Athletics Championships in Accra. However, Namibia's 100m sprinters were eliminated in the first round.

    13 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Namibia secures four finalists in RASA awards

    Namibia has four finalists announced for the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Regional Annual Sports Awards, a prestigious ceremony scheduled for 23 May in Luanda, Angola, honouring athletes, journalists and sports personalities across Southern Africa.

    13 May 2026 · New Era →

  7. Former jockey Olivier now breeds horses in Rehoboth

    Willow Olivier, a 30-year-old former jockey, has transitioned to horse breeding on a farm in the Rehoboth area after an injury forced him to stop riding. His horses are with the Angermund Racing Club, and he owns between 20 and 30 horses, including thoroughbreds from South Africa.

    13 May 2026 · New Era →

  8. National Youth Games trials phase two cancelled

    The Namibia Sport Commission has cancelled phase two of the National Youth Games trials, which were scheduled for 14 to 17 May, affecting football, boxing, and netball. The cancellation was due to unforeseen circumstances.

    13 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. Wembanyama's 27 points lead Spurs past Timberwolves in playoff

    Victor Wembanyama scored 27 points as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 126-97 to move within one win of the NBA Western Conference finals, with the series now 3-2 in San Antonio's favor.

    13 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Tourism & Environment

  1. Namibia promotes tourism and airport development at Africa's Travel Indaba

    Namibia is showcasing its tourism potential and airport infrastructure development at Africa's Travel Indaba 2026 in Durban, South Africa, with the Namibia Airports Company Limited and tourism operators participating to strengthen the country's position as a key tourism and trade destination on the continent.

    13 May 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Ultimate Safaris rebrands to ultimate.earth with conservation focus

    Ultimate Safaris has rebranded to ultimate.earth to reflect a shift beyond traditional safari tourism toward protecting natural ecosystems while supporting local communities and sustainable development. The company said the rebrand reflects growing international demand for tourism linked to environmental and social responsibility, and it plans to strengthen conservation work and community partnerships across Africa.

    13 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

World & Region

  1. EU extends strategic partnership with Namibia to 2030

    The European Union has extended its strategic partnership roadmap with Namibia to 2030, with new investments focused on renewable energy, critical raw materials and industrial development. Bilateral trade between Namibia and the EU reached N$17.6 billion in 2025, with Namibian exports to European markets supporting more than 46 000 jobs across the country.

    13 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. Iceland minister blames Namibia for Fishrot scandal

    Iceland's finance minister attributed the Fishrot scandal to corruption in Namibia rather than Iceland, a comment an Icelandic journalist and former Transparency International Iceland director calls emotional escapism rooted in "Icelandic exceptionalism"—a delusional belief that Iceland is inherently uncorrupt and that corruption is merely a "foreign infection."

    13 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Namibia pushes for permanent UN Security Council seats for Africa

    Namibia's trade and international relations minister, attending a ministerial meeting in Nairobi, reaffirmed Africa's demand for two permanent seats on the UN Security Council, together with additional non-permanent seats, as part of the Committee of Ten's push for UN system reform.

    13 May 2026 · New Era →

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