Namibia Minute.
Sunday, 17 May 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Sunday, 17 May 2026
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Archive Minute from Sunday, 17 May 2026
Politics

President tributes late SWAPO regional coordinator Joplin !Gontes

The News

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah paid tribute to late SWAPO Party Hardap Regional Coordinator Joplin Pagley !Gontes during her funeral service, describing her as a committed leader whose life was defined by service, compassion, and dedication to the party and Namibian people. !Gontes passed away on 4 May 2026, the same day Namibia commemorated the 48th anniversary of the Cassinga Massacre, and had served in education and health sectors before becoming a SWAPO Party Regional Coordinator in 2022.

17 May 2026 · Informanté →

Politics

  1. President tributes late SWAPO regional coordinator Joplin !Gontes

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah paid tribute to late SWAPO Party Hardap Regional Coordinator Joplin Pagley !Gontes during her funeral service, describing her as a committed leader whose life was defined by service, compassion, and dedication to the party and Namibian people. !Gontes passed away on 4 May 2026, the same day Namibia commemorated the 48th anniversary of the Cassinga Massacre, and had served in education and health sectors before becoming a SWAPO Party Regional Coordinator in 2022.

    17 May 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Cabinet approves MoUs with Tanzania, Angola, South Africa

    Namibia's Cabinet has approved Memoranda of Understanding with Tanzania on correctional and prison services, with Angola on satellite communications to improve network coverage, and with South Africa on labour relations. The agreements provide for joint projects, training exchanges, and collaborative initiatives across these fields.

    17 May 2026 · Informanté →

  3. CDF stresses defence diplomacy role in global peace efforts

    Namibian Defence Force Chief Air Marshal Martin Kambulu Pinehas told newly accredited Defence Attachés from Zambia, Botswana, Türkiye, and Zimbabwe that collaborative efforts among nations and international organisations are essential for maintaining peace and preventing conflict, reaffirming the NDF's commitment to international military cooperation.

    17 May 2026 · Informanté →

Business

  1. Afripharm seeks to halt N$1.3 billion state medicine tender

    Sara Katiti's Afripharm Investments is seeking to stop government contract negotiations on a N$1.3 billion tender for mental health, cancer, and chronic-disease medicines to state hospitals, arguing the tender expired in March 2025. The procurement has been mired in court disputes since April 2023, including a challenge over a N$1.3 billion award to a company owned by a five-year-old child.

    17 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Windhoek investment firm WMS collapses amid forex trading losses

    Wealth Management Solutions, a Windhoek financial advisory firm, has applied for voluntary liquidation after losing money in foreign exchange trading, with clients fearing millions in losses. The firm collected funds from Namibian investors and pensioners for forex investments and had placed N$17 million with IJG Securities, which says those funds are safe.

    17 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Swapo-linked fishing firm faces US$3m dispute with DRC entity

    Hodago Fishing, a joint venture partly linked to Swapo, faces a US$3 million legal dispute after allegedly breaching a horse mackerel quota agreement with a Democratic Republic of Congo entity. The DRC-linked party claims the company failed to meet agreed delivery volumes and has demanded either the release of 500 tonnes of fish or repayment of US$1.4 million.

    17 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Standard Bank faces fraud crisis across South Africa and Namibia

    An investigation by IOL has uncovered a pattern of fraud affecting customers in South Africa and Namibia, with combined losses exceeding R3 million. The bank has been accused of blaming clients for unauthorized crimes, conducting opaque investigations, and offering settlements that require victims to accept silence.

    17 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Mining & Energy

  1. Cabinet approves Green Industries Council for sector development

    Cabinet has officially approved the establishment of the Green Industries Council to guide development of the green industries sector, with a focus on industrialisation, economic diversification and job creation. The Council will be chaired by the Director-General of the National Planning Commission and include ministers from finance, industries, agriculture, environment, trade, urban development, the Attorney-General, and the Bank of Namibia Governor.

    17 May 2026 · Informanté →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Namibian hunting farm near Windhoek to be auctioned

    Farm Neu Progress Number 506, an almost 7,000-hectare property 51 kilometres east of Windhoek with game farming infrastructure and a private landing strip, is being auctioned on 21 May by South African firm In2Assets in Durban. The listing appeals to international buyers and states the farm is open to foreign purchase with no special government approval required.

    17 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Society

  1. Student loses tertiary subsidy after being told she qualified

    A University of Namibia student was informed at registration that she qualified for the new subsidised tertiary education scheme announced in early 2026, but months later the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund said she did not meet required academic points and did not qualify for funding.

    17 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Hardap school pupils sent home without report cards

    Pupils at J&W Mouton Primary School near Rehoboth were sent home for the semester holiday without report cards due to an ink shortage and other administrative challenges. The situation has disadvantaged Grade 7 pupils who need reports to apply for placement at other schools for Grade 8.

    17 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Ministry and WHO urge regular blood pressure screening on World Hypertension Day

    Namibia's Ministry of Health and Social Services and the WHO marked World Hypertension Day on 17 May, calling on the public to prioritise regular blood pressure checks and healthy lifestyles. The ministry urged monitoring blood pressure, reducing salt intake, exercising, and taking prescribed medication, warning that uncontrolled hypertension can lead to stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure.

    17 May 2026 · Informanté →

  4. Elderly Outjo couple tied up, robbed in home invasion

    Four unknown suspects broke into the home of a couple aged 68 and 70 in Outjo at around 02:30 on Friday morning, restrained them, and stole firearms, jewellery, mobile phones, cash and other belongings before fleeing. Police have confirmed no arrests have been made and no stolen items recovered, with investigations ongoing.

    17 May 2026 · Informanté →

  5. Namibia launches Work Integrated Learning policy for workplaces

    Namibia has launched a National Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Policy designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical workplace experience by integrating theoretical training with real-world industry exposure. The framework guides employers, training institutions, and students on implementing workplace learning programmes such as internships, apprenticeships, and attachments, with implementation coordinated through a structure outlined in the policy's implementation plan.

    17 May 2026 · Informanté →

  6. Cattle herder rescues abandoned twin babies from water pond

    Nine-month-old twin babies were rescued from a water pond in Omusati Region after a teenage cattle herder intervened to pull them out. A 24-year-old woman from Omutundungu village has been arrested on attempted murder charges in connection with the incident.

    17 May 2026 · Informanté →

  7. Woman arrested after attempting to drown twin babies in pond

    A 24-year-old woman in Omusati's Etayi constituency was arrested after allegedly throwing her 9-month-old twins into a pond on Saturday; a 16-year-old boy rescued the babies, who were briefly hospitalized and discharged into the care of their father and aunt. Police have opened an attempted murder case and the suspect is expected to appear in court on Monday.

    17 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. IUM to build 120-bed private hospital near Ondangwa

    The International University of Management is constructing a 120-bed private hospital near Ondangwa, expected to open by mid-2027, which will also serve as a training facility in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Services.

    17 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Sport

  1. USM Alger wins CAF Confederation Cup on penalties

    Algerian club USM Alger defeated Egyptian Zamalek 8-7 on penalties in Cairo on Saturday to win the CAF Confederation Cup for a second time, with the aggregate score level at 1-1 after Zamalek won the second leg 1-0.

    17 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. West Ham faces relegation after Newcastle loss, Man Utd seals third

    West Ham's 3-1 defeat to Newcastle leaves them needing to beat Leeds on the final day and have Tottenham lose both remaining fixtures to avoid relegation from the Premier League. Bruno Fernandes equalled the Premier League record of 20 assists in a season as Manchester United secured third place with a 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest.

    17 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Real Madrid beats Sevilla; Mallorca faces relegation danger

    Vinicius Junior scored as Real Madrid won 1-0 at Sevilla on Sunday, but Sevilla secured safety from relegation through other results. Mallorca, 19th after losing 2-0 to Levante, and Girona, 18th after a 1-0 defeat at Atletico Madrid, are in danger of relegation.

    17 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Al Nassr lose AFC Champions League Two final to Gamba Osaka

    Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr were defeated 1-0 at home by Japan's Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final on Saturday, with Deniz Hummet scoring in the 29th minute. The loss extends Ronaldo's wait for major silverware since joining Al Nassr in 2023 and comes days after an injury-time own goal prevented Al Nassr from clinching the Saudi Pro League title.

    17 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Modiba's free-kick gives Sundowns 1-0 CAF Champions League lead

    Aubrey Modiba's 37th-minute free-kick gave South African club Mamelodi Sundowns a 1-0 victory over Moroccan side FAR Rabat in the CAF Champions League final first leg in Pretoria. Sundowns missed several scoring chances and were delayed by a VAR malfunction in the second half, with the return match scheduled for Rabat next Sunday.

    17 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Smalley seizes two-stroke PGA Championship lead before final round

    Alex Smalley, a 29-year-old American seeking his first PGA Tour title, shot a two-under 68 to lead the PGA Championship after 54 holes at Aronimink, two strokes ahead of a crowded field that includes multiple major champions heading into Sunday's final round.

    17 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Deon Hotto's rise offers lesson in consistency and community giving

    Deon Hotto has progressed from playing first-division football in Swakopmund to becoming part of a team competing in South Africa's top-flight league, and his non-profit organisation plans to return benefits to the community, including a sports stadium in Swakopmund, offering a model of the kind of role model Namibia needs.

    17 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Sinner wins Italian Open, extends Masters streak to six

    Jannik Sinner defeated Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-4 at the Italian Open on Sunday to extend his consecutive Masters 1000 tournament victories to six and complete the 'Golden Masters' by winning all nine ATP top-ranked events. The world number one heads into Roland Garros on a 29-match winning streak.

    17 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. Vingegaard wins stage nine as Eulalio leads Giro d'Italia

    Jonas Vingegaard won the ninth stage of the Giro d'Italia on Sunday, cutting 40 seconds from leader Afonso Eulalio's advantage, though Eulalio retains nearly a 2 minute 30 second lead heading toward a decisive time trial on Tuesday.

    17 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  10. Di Giannantonio wins crash-marred Catalan MotoGP; Marquez hospitalised

    Ducati rider Fabio Di Giannantonio won the Catalunya MotoGP on Sunday after the race was red-flagged twice due to crashes. Alex Marquez was hospitalised with fractures to a cervical vertebra and right clavicle after a collision with Pedro Acosta.

    17 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  11. Elversberg secures first Bundesliga promotion via second place finish

    Elversberg beat Muenster 3-0 on the final day of the Bundesliga Two season to secure second place and gain their first promotion to the Bundesliga. The club from Spiesen-Elversberg, with a population of 12,800, will become the smallest community in Bundesliga history.

    17 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  12. Xabi Alonso appointed Chelsea manager on four-year deal

    Chelsea appointed Xabi Alonso as manager on a four-year contract starting July 1, 2026. Alonso, who guided Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten double in 2023/24, left Real Madrid after seven months and takes over a club that has spent over one billion pounds on players since 2022 but won no domestic trophy in eight seasons.

    17 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  13. Fernandes equals Premier League assist record in United win

    Bruno Fernandes equalled the Premier League single-season assist record of 20 when Manchester United defeated Nottingham Forest 3-2 to secure third place. West Ham prepare for a crucial relegation battle against Newcastle.

    17 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Tourism & Environment

  1. Namibia and WWF sign over N$1 billion conservation funding agreement

    Namibia's government and the World Wildlife Fund will sign a funding agreement worth over N$1 billion to support long-term conservation efforts under the Namibia for Life initiative, using the Project Finance for Permanence model. The agreement will be signed on 20 May 2026 at Droombos, with attendance from the Prime Minister, Environment Minister, community conservancy leaders, civil society, donors, and the private sector.

    17 May 2026 · Informanté →

World & Region

  1. WHO declares DR Congo Ebola outbreak public health emergency

    The World Health Organisation has declared an Ebola outbreak in DR Congo's Ituri province—caused by the Bundibugyo virus, with 246 suspected cases and 80 reported deaths—a public health emergency of international concern. The outbreak has spread to Uganda, with two confirmed cases reported there, and the WHO warns of potential for larger spread despite no approved drugs or vaccines for this strain.

    17 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Opinion

  1. Mental health crisis demands urgent action beyond legislation

    The Namibian editorial argues that Namibia's mental health system is in crisis, citing a security breach at State House, a fatal police shooting of a man with mental illness, and nurse safety fears as symptoms of deeper problems. While a new mental health bill promises modernisation and human rights alignment, the editorial warns that laws alone cannot treat patients and calls for immediate systemic action alongside legislative reform.

    17 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Pension funds must define 'best interest of members' carefully

    An opinion piece examines how the phrase "in the best interest of members" has become a standard justification in pension fund governance but is rarely rigorously examined, risking use as a convenient conclusion rather than a guiding principle rooted in fiduciary duty and legal obligation.

    17 May 2026 · The Namibian →

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