Namibia Minute.
Tuesday, 19 May 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Tuesday, 19 May 2026
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Archive Minute from Tuesday, 19 May 2026
Politics

Otavi residents demand better basic services from council

The News

Otavi residents accused the town council of failing to provide sanitation, water access, and street lighting, citing poor infrastructure and insufficient high mast lights that create safety and health risks. The municipality's acting chief executive said some projects depend on partnerships with stakeholders, including a planned open market by B2Gold pending a memorandum of understanding.

19 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Politics

  1. Otavi residents demand better basic services from council

    Otavi residents accused the town council of failing to provide sanitation, water access, and street lighting, citing poor infrastructure and insufficient high mast lights that create safety and health risks. The municipality's acting chief executive said some projects depend on partnerships with stakeholders, including a planned open market by B2Gold pending a memorandum of understanding.

    19 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. Windhoek halts Havana house demolition after owner agreement

    The City of Windhoek has resolved a dispute over a house built without municipal approval in Havana Informal Settlement by revising compliance conditions after the homeowner's request. The owner committed by sworn affidavit to use the structure primarily for residential purposes with limited charitable activities, and may complete specified works including corrugated iron sheets, window glass, and floor and wall smoothing.

    19 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Africa must process minerals locally, assert resource ownership—PM Ngurare

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare called on African countries to stop exporting raw minerals and instead process them locally to create jobs and achieve economic independence. He said Africa must assert ownership of its resources without fear and develop its own technology infrastructure.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Uukolonkadhi chieftainship succession dispute escalates to High Court

    Johannes Asino has filed an urgent application in the High Court of Namibia to challenge the minister of urban and rural development's January decision recognising Malakia Shoombe as the new chief of the Uukolonkadhi Traditional Authority, following the death of chief Daniel Shooya in October 2024. Asino claims he is the rightful successor, nominated by the late chief in 1996 and endorsed by the royal family, and alleges the minister's decision was unlawful and procedurally unfair.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Former PDM MP Hamata denies plans to join Swapo

    Hidipo Hamata, who recently quit the Popular Democratic Movement, has clarified he is not joining the ruling Swapo party and may take time to reflect and pursue other work instead.

    19 May 2026 · New Era →

  6. Govt attorney denies role in Chicco Shapumba lease deal

    The newly appointed government attorney Ndateelela Nelao Shilongo–Alexander has denied drafting a lease between the state and businessman Erastus 'Chicco' Shapumba for education ministry office space, saying she headed only the labour law department at Sisa Namandje & Co when the deal was signed in December 2023. The contract with City Place and Property Management (Pty) Ltd, which requires N$1.1 million monthly payments until March 2027, has already incurred N$13 million in payments despite the ministry claiming the building is unsuitable for office use.

    19 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  7. Parliamentary committee visits Command and Staff College

    Namibia's Parliamentary Standing Committee on International Relations, Defence and Security conducted an oversight visit to the Namibia Command and Staff College to assess operational, academic and infrastructural developments. The committee toured facilities, received briefings on the college's mandate and programmes, and commended its efforts in professional military education.

    19 May 2026 · Informanté →

Business

  1. Nasan Energies appeals NaCC fuel sourcing ban through legal review

    Renthia Kaimbi Nasan Energies has appealed the Namibian Competition Commission's decision blocking the company from sourcing fuel from Vitol and related companies following its acquisition of 52 fuel stations. The company, represented by Ndaitwah Legal Practitioners, argues the conditions are too restrictive and has requested a five-year transitional period to build independent supply arrangements.

    19 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. High Court places Linden Beef under final liquidation order

    The High Court has placed Linden Beef Close Corporation under final liquidation after the company failed to appear at a winding-up hearing. The company owes Bank Windhoek approximately N$28.4 million in debts from loan and credit facility agreements entered into between 2022 and 2024.

    19 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Businessman Andreas sues Facebook users for defamation over posts

    Businessman Joseph Andreas has launched legal action against two Facebook users over posts published on 15 May, demanding public apologies, removal of the posts, and N$250 000 each in damages. The posts allegedly described Andreas as a "thug" and criminal, and claimed he had no legitimate business track record.

    19 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  4. New N$15 taxi fare provides limited relief outside Windhoek

    Taxi drivers in smaller towns like Katima Mulilo say the new N$15 nationwide fare increase, which took effect yesterday, offers little benefit to them as commuters refuse to pay full fares and negotiate lower prices. Drivers in smaller towns report being forced to accept below-approved payments to avoid conflict with passengers.

    19 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  5. NamRA upgrades customs system, resolves border delays

    The Namibia Revenue Agency rolled out version 4.4.1 of the ASYCUDAWorld customs system on 5 May, replacing a system that was operating 11 versions behind. Initial delays at border posts including Katima Mulilo and Ariamsvlei have been resolved, and the system has already processed goods worth N$18 billion.

    19 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  6. Vehicle sales drop 20.6% in April after March surge

    Namibia's vehicle market slowed in April with total sales falling to 1,320 units from 1,662 units in March, though April sales remained 5.7% higher than April 2025. Analysts at Simonis Storm Securities attributed the decline to a natural unwinding of March's record-breaking performance, which was driven by fleet deliveries and rental sector demand, while noting the year-to-date performance remains strong at 10.6% growth.

    19 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  7. Namibia's largest banks' loan impairments peak then recover post-pandemic

    Namibia's four largest commercial banks saw loan impairments surge from N$230 million in June 2015 to a peak of N$1.5 billion in December 2020 before gradually stabilising. Impairments have since eased, declining to N$640 million by 2022 and settling at N$760 million by year-end 2024.

    19 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  8. Famous Brands SADC profit drops amid weak regional spending

    Famous Brands reported declining profits from SADC operations, with revenue from the region falling 6% to R423 million and operating profit dropping from R51 million to R29 million, driven by weakening consumer spending in Botswana, Zambia and other regional markets. In Namibia, the company operates Debonairs Pizza, Steers, Wimpy, Mugg & Bean, Fishaways and Milky Lane.

    19 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  9. Standard Bank responds to fraud allegations and settlement terms

    Standard Bank says fraud affecting its clients is a widespread global issue and that each incident is evaluated individually. The bank states it offers discretionary goodwill payments to support affected customers but says these are not admissions of liability, and that confidentiality clauses in settlements are standard practice to protect privacy and ongoing investigations.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  10. Namibian vehicle sales drop 20.6% in April despite year-to-date growth

    Namibian vehicle sales fell 20.6% month-on-month to 1,320 units in April, though cumulative four-month sales of 5,155 units remain 10.6% ahead of the same 2025 period and the strongest year-to-date showing since 2018. Simonis Storm Securities attributed the monthly pullback to the natural unwinding of March's surge driven by commercial fleet deliveries and rental activity, not a broader softening of demand.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  11. Fraud case against August 26 finance manager withdrawn

    August 26 Textile and Garment Factory has withdrawn a fraud and embezzlement case against former finance manager Paulus Moshana, who was accused of misappropriating around N$28 million, with each party to bear its own costs.

    19 May 2026 · Informanté →

Mining & Energy

  1. Russian farmers report no disruption from in-situ uranium mining

    Farmers operating near Dalur in-situ leaching uranium mine in Russia's Kurgan region say agricultural activities have continued without disruption since the mine was established, with no decline in product quality. The remarks were made during a meeting with mine management and Headspring Investments, a Russian subsidiary of Rosatom that is exploring for uranium in Namibia's Omaheke region using the same method.

    19 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Agriculture & Land

  1. NCA animal auction draws four buyers despite 24 registrations

    An animal auction at Oshaambelo Production Development Centre in Omusati sold 65 of 118 animals for N$373,150, with an auctioneer attributing low buyer participation to preference for informal trade. The ministry and livestock board support monthly auctions in the Northern Communal Areas to help farmers obtain fair prices through competition.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Women operators of large-scale farming equipment in Namibia

    A Swiss woman operates a combine harvester in Grootfontein as part of this year's expected bumper harvest of 110,000 tonnes. Farmers note that women are well-suited to operating large farming equipment and that employing women in the Kavango Region is often more profitable.

    19 May 2026 · Informanté →

  3. Windhoek and multiple regions receive rainfall; more expected Wednesday

    Windhoek and several areas across Namibia received notable rainfall Monday into Tuesday, with measurements ranging from 7 mm to 21 mm in different locations. The Namibia Meteorological Services expects more rainfall on Wednesday in northern, central, and eastern parts of Hardap Region.

    19 May 2026 · Informanté →

Society

  1. CBPVS graduation highlights shift toward inclusive vocational training

    The Ministry of Education will host a graduation ceremony for the Certificate in Basic Pre-Vocational Skills (CBPVS), a two-year programme designed to strengthen inclusive education and equip learners with special educational needs and disabilities with foundational vocational and life skills while bridging skills gaps and responding to labour market demands.

    23 hours ago · Informanté →

  2. Kamanjab ATM closure limits residents' access to cash

    Residents of Kamanjab say the closure of the last ATM in the settlement has left them struggling to access salaries, pensions and cash for daily transactions.

    19 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  3. Capricorn Foundation selects twenty TVET graduates for mentorship

    The Capricorn Foundation and Unmatched Potential – Business Box Namibia have selected 20 vocational graduates from 82 applications for a three-month entrepreneurship mentorship programme aimed at equipping TVET graduates with business and entrepreneurial skills.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. NSFAF delays non-tuition payments, leaving students in hardship

    University students report severe financial hardship due to delayed Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) non-tuition payments, which they need for accommodation, food, transport and academic expenses. NSFAF spokesperson Percy Tjahere attributed delays to late invoice submissions by institutions, saying students whose invoices were submitted on time have been paid and the next payments are due in May.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Legal aid lawyer held on shop theft and obstruction charges

    Eva Maria Nangolo, a lawyer employed by the Directorate of Legal Aid, was remanded in custody after appearing in Windhoek Magistrate's Court on charges of theft and defeating or obstructing the course of justice. She is accused of stealing items valued at N$3,920 from a Dis-Chem store and refusing to open her car during a police investigation.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Windhoek Municipality assures public water is safe after body discovery

    The Windhoek Municipality said municipal water remains safe for drinking after a body was found in a machine at the Gammams Water Care Works facility on Sunday. A city spokesperson stated the machines where the body was found are only used to separate waste from water, and water undergoes proper treatment.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Youth event promotes constructive masculinity and emotional wellbeing

    The #BeFree Youth Campus hosted the #BeFreeBallers: Next Gen Men event in Windhoek to mark International Day of the Boy Child, providing discussions and engagement stations on mental health, sexual and reproductive health, communication, and personal growth for young men.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Body found at Windhoek water facility identified as murder victim

    A decomposed body found in a machine at Gammas Water Care Works in Windhoek on Sunday has been identified as 47-year-old Euhudt Timbo, who is suspected to have been murdered and washed through the drainage system. Police say no suspects have been arrested and the investigation is ongoing.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. Legal-aid lawyer appears in court on theft charges

    Eva Maria Nangolo, a prominent legal-aid lawyer, appeared in Windhoek Magistrate's Court on charges of theft and defeating the course of justice after allegedly stealing items valued at around N$3,900–N$4,000 from Dis-Chem at Wernhil Shopping Mall and refusing to open her vehicle when instructed by police.

    19 May 2026 · New Era →

  10. Ministry: Angolan street children ineligible for refugee status

    The Ministry of Home Affairs says Angolan nationals, including children on Namibian streets, do not qualify for refugee status under Namibian law and international conventions, as they left Angola seeking socio-economic opportunities rather than fleeing persecution.

    19 May 2026 · New Era →

  11. Ministry reports essential medicines delivered, stock below target

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services has intensified efforts to stabilise Namibia's pharmaceutical supply chain, with essential medicines and clinical supplies delivered to the Central Medical Stores over the past two weeks. The country's pharmaceutical stock service level currently stands at about 60%, below the targeted minimum of 80%, though urgent procurement interventions are showing progress.

    19 May 2026 · New Era →

  12. Body identified as Euhudt Timbo at Windhoek water facility

    The body of Euhudt Timbo (47) was discovered on 17 May 2026 at the City of Windhoek's Gammams Water Care Works in one of the water treatment machines. According to NamPol, the decomposed body showed visible injuries and was suspected to have been washed through the drainage system; no suspects have been arrested and the investigation is ongoing.

    19 May 2026 · Informanté →

  13. Rising fuel prices deepen hardship for Namibian students and poor households

    Namibia's rising fuel prices, driven by dependence on imported petroleum, are straining students and low-income families already struggling with unemployment and poverty. Transport and food costs consume large portions of their budgets, forcing some students to miss classes or abandon studies.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  14. Middle-income graduates spend N$5,000 to N$15,000 on celebrations

    During the recent graduation season, The Namibian spoke to graduates about spending on their celebrations. One graduate from a middle-income family in Windhoek spent N$15,000 on her graduation party after obtaining a bachelor's degree, with costs including decor, music, photography, groceries, and regalia.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  15. Grootfontein mourns longtime educator Magda Theron

    Magda Theron, a teacher at Wilhelm Nortier Primary School, died on 10 May. The Grootfontein Municipality described her as a devoted educator and mentor whose passion for teaching and caring spirit earned her respect within the community.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  16. Former nurse denies knowing alleged Sanlam fraud kingpin

    Festus Amwaalwa, a former Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital nurse applying for bail, has denied knowing alleged Sanlam fraud kingpin Abner Mateus or involvement in fraudulent insurance claims. State prosecutors allege Mateus recruited Amwaalwa to process fraudulent Sanlam claims amounting to about N$1.9m, but Amwaalwa testified he only met Mateus after their arrests in the investigation.

    19 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  17. Ex-nurse accused of swapping lab results in insurance fraud

    A former Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital nurse is accused of exchanging laboratory results to facilitate a fraudulent insurance claim of N$1.2 million submitted to Sanlam Namibia in December 2024, allegedly in cohort with two doctors and an intern doctor. The state alleges that N$1.8 million in fraudulent claims were submitted, with portions of funds distributed to the accused and other alleged conspirators.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  18. One Economy Foundation hosts men's dialogue on accountability and support

    The One Economy Foundation hosted a 'BeFreeBallers: Next Gen Men' event in Windhoek bringing together young men to discuss constructive masculinity and personal accountability. Speakers including a formerly incarcerated man and a trauma therapist emphasized the importance of seeking help, breaking silence, and accessing mentorship to prevent destructive choices.

    19 May 2026 · Informanté →

  19. Oranjemund restricts Orange River access due to rising water

    The Oranjemund Town Council has prohibited access to the Orange River and nearby flooded areas due to rising water levels and strong currents. The council cited hazardous conditions including unstable ground and debris, and advised residents and visitors to avoid the river, river mouth, and beach to prevent drowning incidents.

    19 May 2026 · Informanté →

  20. Former Ondonga traditional councillor Boas Mweendeleli dies

    Boas Mweendeleli, a former senior traditional councillor of the Ondonga Traditional Authority who served as OTA spokesperson and head of the Oniimwandi District, died in hospital in Ongwediva on Sunday at age 84. Before independence, he was a postmaster at Ondangwa and was detained following a bomb blast at the post office in December 1984.

    19 May 2026 · Informanté →

Culture

  1. Pandeni's YouTube music video nets N$900 from 1M views

    Namibian artist Pandeni revealed that his music video 'Okay' earned N$900 from YouTube despite accumulating over a million views, sparking debate about the country's digital economy.

    19 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. Oshakati Totem Expo returns for 14th edition in May

    The Oshakati Totem Expo, a cultural and commercial exhibition held annually since 2012, will run from 29 May to 6 June at Independence Stadium under the theme 'Building Relationships Through Culture'. Town Council officials say the event attracts thousands of visitors and provides entrepreneurs and creatives a platform to showcase talents while celebrating Namibian heritage.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Nama Cultural Festival returns to Keetmanshoop in May 2026

    The 7th edition of the Nama Cultural Festival will take place at Westdene Stadium in Keetmanshoop from 28 to 31 May 2026, bringing together communities, traditional leaders, and visitors to celebrate Nama heritage, identity and unity. The event aims to preserve and promote Nama culture while strengthening social cohesion and encouraging intergenerational cultural exchange.

    19 May 2026 · Informanté →

Sport

  1. Pep Guardiola set to leave Manchester City this season

    Pep Guardiola is reported to step down as Manchester City manager after the club's final match against Aston Villa, ending a decade in charge during which he won 20 trophies including six Premier League titles and the club's first Champions League. Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is reportedly lined up to replace him.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Croatia announces 26-player World Cup squad led by Modric

    Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic named a preliminary 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup, headlined by 40-year-old Luka Modric, who recently recovered from a cheekbone fracture. The squad preparation is complicated by injuries to key players including Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol, though both are expected to be available for the tournament beginning June 11.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Namibia Sports Commission plans inaugural Creative Sport Tourism Expo

    The Namibia Sports Commission and Emeraldsand Platforms are organizing the country's first Creative Sport Tourism Expo, scheduled for September 2–4 at Dr Hage Geingob Stadium, aimed at leveraging sport, creativity and tourism to drive economic growth and showcase Namibian talent. The event is expected to attract over 18,000 visitors and 3,000 competing athletes.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Namibian footballer Sisqo files FIFA complaint against Iraqi club

    Namibian international centre-back Sisqo Haraseb has reported Iraqi club Al-Qasim FC to FIFA over unpaid wages and breach of contract, joining several players taking similar action. Haraseb is currently back in Namibia training with local teams ahead of Cosafa 2026.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Todd Parker wins Namibian Open golf championship

    Todd Parker won the men's Namibian Open Golf Championship with a total of 216, nine strokes ahead of second-place Edwin Kutara. Wilna Bredenhann won the women's championship with a gross score of 174, two strokes ahead of Sesilia Nkosi.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. FNB Women's Super League title race goes to final weekend

    Defending champions NDF Mighty Gunners Ladies retained top spot in the FNB Women's Super League with two victories, reaching 53 points, while FC Ongos Ladies sits second on 52 points with one round of fixtures remaining.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Shimooshili elected to Cosafa executive committee

    Robert Shimooshili, president of the Namibia Football Association, was elected to the Executive Committee of the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations during Cosafa's 2026 Elective General Assembly in Harare. Shimooshili said the election represents a major achievement for Namibia and an opportunity to advance football development and economic growth in the region.

    19 May 2026 · New Era →

  8. Namibia joins 2028 AFCON co-hosting bid with regional partners

    Namibia is part of a regional campaign to co-host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations with South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, according to the interim secretary general of the Namibia Football Association. The NFA has expressed its intention to host, though discussions are still in early stages and the association is seeking government support.

    19 May 2026 · New Era →

  9. Namibia drawn against Cameroon, Comoros, Congo for AFCON 2027

    Namibia's senior men's football team has been placed in Group G of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers alongside five-time African champions Cameroon, Comoros, and Congo. The Brave Warriors previously defeated Cameroon during 2023 AFCON qualifying and recently faced Comoros in a friendly match.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  10. Namibia drawn with Cameroon, Comoros, Congo for Afcon 2027 qualifiers

    Namibia was placed in Group G of the 2027 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers alongside Cameroon, Comoros and Congo Brazzaville. The top two teams from each group will qualify automatically for the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in June 2027.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  11. Sabalenka seeks first Roland Garros title after recent form dip

    World number one Aryna Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, arrives in Paris for Roland Garros aiming to win the tournament after finishing as runner-up last year to Coco Gauff. Her dominance has shown signs of weakness following recent losses, including a quarter-final exit at Madrid to 30th seed Hailey Baptiste during the European clay swing.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  12. Sinner eyes career Grand Slam at French Open

    World number one Jannik Sinner arrives at the French Open as the overwhelming favourite to win the men's title, with a career Grand Slam within reach after claiming the Italian Open and becoming the second player to win all nine Masters 1000 tournaments. Alcaraz, the defending champion who beat him in last year's final, is ruled out through injury.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  13. Freiburg seeks first trophy in Europa League final debut

    SC Freiburg will face Aston Villa in the Europa League final in Istanbul on Wednesday, aiming for both their first European trophy and first major title. The German club's success marks their most successful period in history, built on community connection and coaching loyalty.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  14. Top coaches pursue 2026 World Cup glory in new posts

    The 2026 World Cup has attracted leading coaches to international positions, including Thomas Tuchel to England and Carlo Ancelotti to Brazil, reversing international football's typical struggles to compete with club football for top talent.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  15. World Cup football differs fundamentally from elite club competition

    The article examines how international football differs from club football, citing the absence of a transfer market and the pragmatic constraints on national team coaches who must work with available players and fewer high-profile matches.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  16. Pep Guardiola reportedly leaving Manchester City after decade

    Pep Guardiola is reportedly in his final days as Manchester City manager after a decade in charge, during which he won 20 trophies including six Premier League titles and the club's first Champions League. The 55-year-old Catalan has reshaped English football with City's unprecedented run of success, though the club has made no official announcement.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  17. Emery pursues fifth Europa League title with Aston Villa

    Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, despite his three Europa League wins with Sevilla and one with Villarreal, insists he is not the "king" of the competition ahead of Wednesday's final against Freiburg in Istanbul. Emery has revived Villa's fortunes since 2022, and the club seeks its first major trophy in 30 years.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  18. Ghana, Ivory Coast drawn in same 2027 Afcon qualifying group

    Ghana and Ivory Coast were drawn together in Group C of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying alongside Gambia and Somalia. Winners and runners-up from six matchdays between September and March qualify for the tournament.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  19. Ganna wins Giro d'Italia stage 10 time trial

    Italy's Filippo Ganna won the stage 10 time trial at the Giro d'Italia on Tuesday. Overnight leader Afonso Eulalio retained the pink jersey but his lead over favourite Jonas Vingegaard narrowed to 27 seconds from around five minutes.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  20. Alcaraz withdraws from Wimbledon with wrist injury

    Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz, the two-time Wimbledon champion, has withdrawn from both Queen's and Wimbledon as he recovers from a wrist injury sustained at the Barcelona Open. The world number two, who is the reigning two-time Roland Garros champion, says his recovery is progressing but he is not yet ready to compete.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  21. Scotland names World Cup squad for first time in 28 years

    Scotland manager Steve Clarke named a 26-man squad for the World Cup finals in North America, the country's first World Cup squad since 1998. The squad includes Liverpool defender Andy Robertson and Aston Villa captain John McGinn, with Scotland aiming to become the first Scotland side to progress beyond the group stage.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Tourism & Environment

  1. Benguela Current ministers approve five-year ocean management plan

    Fisheries, environment and oceans ministers from Angola, Namibia and South Africa approved a five-year Strategic Action Plan for 2023–2028 to strengthen sustainable management of the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem, with key commitments including regional cooperation, scientific research, data sharing and combating illegal fishing.

    19 May 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Trans-Africa Rally 2026 completes Namibian leg, enters Botswana

    The Trans-Africa Rally 2026, an 8,135-kilometre cross-continental expedition, completed its Namibian leg after traversing Damaraland, Etosha National Park, and Divundu over 14 days, with participants now crossing into Botswana towards Chobe Game Lodge.

    19 May 2026 · Informanté →

World & Region

  1. Gunmen kidnap more than 50 schoolchildren in northeastern Nigeria

    Gunmen have kidnapped more than 50 children from three schools in the same town in north-eastern Nigeria, according to teachers and parents who spoke to the BBC.

    19 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Opinion

  1. Medicine shortages are structural crisis, not mere optics

    An opinion piece argues that Namibia's medicine shortages represent a systemic crisis affecting ordinary citizens, despite the Ministry reporting national pharmaceutical stock levels at around 60%. The author contends that officials must acknowledge the full extent of the problem rather than minimize it for political reasons.

    19 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. Africa's crisis rooted in weak institutions, not foreign interests alone

    An opinion piece argues that while foreign powers do pursue their interests in Africa, the deeper problem is Africa's lack of disciplined structures, weak institutions, and fragmented leadership that allow resources to be negotiated away, and that Africa must stop waiting for rescue and instead build order.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Leaders should adopt supporting roles, not centre themselves

    Research shows that leaders who treat their perspective as the entire story damage team trust and performance while risking their own depression and loneliness. Stronger leaders stay close to teams through genuine curiosity and helping employees connect their work to what matters most to them.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

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