Namibia Minute.
Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Wednesday, 27 May 2026
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Archive Minute from Wednesday, 27 May 2026

Politics

  1. Defence Minister warns 1,703 new NDF recruits on indiscipline

    Defence Minister Frans Kapofi told 1,703 new Namibian Defence Force graduates that indiscipline, drug abuse, and irresponsible social media use would not be tolerated.

    27 May 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. ||Kharas and Hardap regions host unity and development programme

    The ||Kharas and Hardap regions are holding a two-day programme in Lüderitz led by regional governors, bringing together government, traditional authorities, youth, and development partners to promote unity, remembrance, and development ahead of the annual Genocide Remembrance Day commemoration on 28 May. The programme includes a Heritage Meets Development Stakeholder Conference themed "From Genocide to Renaissance," focusing on youth participation, cultural preservation, sustainable development, and inclusive economic growth.

    27 May 2026 · Informanté

  3. Okandjoze Chiefs call for action on genocide reparations

    The Okandjoze Chiefs' Assembly on Genocide has called on the Namibian government to adopt a "business unusual" approach to genocide apology and reparations, saying years of discussions have produced little action. The group urged the government to move away from symbolic discussions and engage descendants of Ovaherero, Ovambanderu and Nama communities differently on restorative justice.

    27 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. Swapo party endorses One-China policy, recognises Taiwan as Chinese territory

    Swapo's secretary general Sophia Shaningwa issued a statement affirming the party's support for the One-China policy and recognition of Taiwan as an inalienable part of China's territory. The party framed the position as important for international stability and cited Namibia's historical relationship with China dating back to the liberation struggle.

    27 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  5. Petroleum Amendment Bill raises questions about governance and presidential power

    An opinion article argues that Namibia should not rush to formalize a more centralized petroleum governance structure that would shift authority to the Office of the President and the Upstream Petroleum Unit before parliament and the public fully consider the constitutional and accountability consequences.

    27 May 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Poor coordination between government bodies delays national projects

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare told councillors and officials that poor coordination between ministries, agencies, regional councils and local authorities is slowing implementation of projects under the sixth National Development Plan. He called for better communication and cooperation among government institutions, and cited the procurement system as another major challenge delaying project execution.

    27 May 2026 · The Namibian

Business

  1. TransNamib executives suspended for misconduct return to work

    Two senior TransNamib Holdings executives suspended in February over allegations of property mismanagement and statutory breaches returned to work on Tuesday following a directive from the works and transport minister. Their disciplinary hearing is continuing.

    27 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  2. Africa Bitcoin plans Namibia expansion for credit fund

    South Africa-based Africa Bitcoin Corporation, listed on the NSX, plans to expand its Altvest Credit Opportunities Fund into Namibia in 2026, with investor roadshows already underway in Namibia and Botswana. The expansion reflects growing interest in alternative investments and digital assets across southern Africa, though Namibian regulators have maintained a cautious approach toward cryptocurrency investments.

    27 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  3. Supreme Court orders Namfisa to pay N$35 million to fraud liquidators

    The Supreme Court has ordered the Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (Namfisa) to pay N$35 million to the liquidator of Prowealth Asset Management, which collapsed after its director stole about N$75 million from more than 70 investors. The ruling follows a November 2025 finding that Namfisa could be held liable for breaching its duty of care in failing to properly supervise the fraudulent asset manager.

    27 May 2026 · Informanté

  4. Vivo Energy completes sale of 52 fuel stations to Nasan Energies

    Vivo Energy Namibia has completed the sale of 52 Engen and Shell-branded service stations to Nasan Energies, fulfilling a regulatory commitment to the Namibian Competition Commission made as a condition of Vivo's May 2024 purchase of Engen Limited from Petronas.

    27 May 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Walvis Bay airport acquires N$16m firefighting vehicle

    The Namibia Airports Company has purchased a N$16-million Rosenbauer Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicle for Walvis Bay International Airport, bringing its firefighting fleet to three vehicles and maintaining its airport rescue and firefighting category at level six. The investment aims to enhance aviation safety standards, enable larger aircraft to land, and position Namibia as a competitive aviation and logistics hub in southern Africa.

    27 May 2026 · The Namibian

Mining & Energy

  1. Namibia balances local mineral ownership with investment needs

    The government's proposed 51% local ownership requirement for future mining licences has strained relations with the Chamber of Mines, which raised concerns about investor confidence and capital flight. The article argues that while foreign investment is important to the mining sector, Namibia's minerals belong first to Namibians and the country must balance competing interests.

    27 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  2. Chamber of Mines clashes with government over ownership policy

    The Chamber of Mines of Namibia says its relationship with government came under pressure in 2025 over disagreements on proposed local ownership requirements for mining, with engagement with the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy becoming difficult.

    27 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  3. Mining sector must integrate with agriculture, energy, water

    Chamber of Mines chief executive Fabian Shaanika says Namibia's mining industry cannot operate in isolation and must be integrated with agriculture, energy and water planning, citing a "mining-energy-agriculture nexus" and the need to balance competing demands for land, water, energy and infrastructure.

    27 May 2026 · The Namibian

Agriculture & Land

  1. Namibia's GLOBALG.A.P. certification plan faces cost and structural hurdles

    Namibia's plan to require GLOBALG.A.P. certification for all horticultural exports by 2027 faces financial, operational, and structural challenges, including the Namibian Agronomic Board's dual role as trainer and regulator, high costs of training and farm assessments, and expensive laboratory testing due to low volumes.

    27 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  2. Agricultural wage survey participation reaches only 20.3%

    The Agricultural Employers' Association received 421 completed questionnaires in its 2026 Wage Survey, representing 20.3% of the Namibia Agricultural Union's 2,075 main members. Regional participation rates varied widely, from 31.8% in the South-Western region to as low as 11.3% in Karasburg, with some farmers' associations recording no submissions.

    27 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  3. Kavango West Cattle Ranch invests N$5.8m in herd improvements

    Kavango West Cattle Ranch has planned farm development projects worth about N$5.8 million for the 2026/27 financial year, with spending focused on breeding stock, fodder production, water infrastructure and fire protection. The ranch aims to strengthen its herd and increase throughput from 1 500 to 3 000 head of cattle per annum, while raising the herd size from 6 300 to at least 8 000 head.

    27 May 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Omaludi Festival cattle show suspended over stray buffalo

    The cattle show segment of the Omaludi Agricultural Festival was suspended after a stray buffalo with unknown health status was spotted in the Okongo area. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the risk of Foot and Mouth Disease was too high, with the animal having moved through several villages in Okongo and Oshikunde constituencies since it was first spotted on 2 May.

    27 May 2026 · Informanté

  5. Omaludi Agricultural Festival opening ceremony begins in Okongo

    The official opening ceremony of the Omaludi Agricultural Festival in Okongo Village is underway, with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the festival's patron, in attendance alongside dignitaries, exhibitors, and community members.

    27 May 2026 · Informanté

Society

  1. Otjozondjupa's N$31.7m debt to NamWater blamed for water cuts

    The Otjozondjupa Regional Council owes NamWater N$31.7 million, a debt officials attribute to recurring water interruptions affecting Kalkfeld residents.

    27 May 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. 25-year-old completes master's degree, transitions from volunteering

    Bishop Joab Willeinge has completed a master's degree at age 25 and is preparing for his next steps, having previously worked as a volunteer lecturer.

    27 May 2026 · Namibian Sun

  3. Three arrested for cannabis smuggling attempt in police cells

    Three people were arrested in Katima Mulilo on Sunday after allegedly attempting to smuggle cannabis hidden beneath buckets of food into police holding cells during visiting hours.

    27 May 2026 · Namibian Sun

  4. Youth exclusion threatens Namibia's stability, minister warns

    Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture Sanet Steenkamp warned that Namibia risks future instability if young people are excluded from governance, economic opportunities and decision-making. She noted that 37% of Namibia's population is under age 15 and that youth should be treated as partners in governance and development rather than as a problem to manage.

    27 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  5. Govt and church leaders warn of rising youth hopelessness crisis

    Government and church leaders have warned that growing hopelessness, mental health pressures, substance abuse and unemployment are placing many young Namibians at risk. Vice President Lucia Witbooi called for stronger cooperation between churches, traditional leaders, communities and civil society to address these social challenges.

    27 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  6. Fashion braces fitted by unlicensed practitioners risk oral health

    A growing fashion trend of cosmetic braces fitted by unqualified individuals in non-clinical settings such as salons and homes is putting people's oral health at serious risk, according to dentist Luusa Eliakim. Unlike professionally fitted orthodontic braces based on proper examination and treatment plans, fashion braces often use unsafe materials and incorrect techniques, causing potential permanent damage to teeth, gums and jaw structures.

    27 May 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Katima Mulilo proposes renaming four streets after local leaders

    Katima Mulilo Town Council has proposed renaming four streets after Richard Kamwi, justice Sylvester Mainga, liberation hero Judea Lyamboloma, and former Miss Namibia Happy Ntelamo, a move praised by Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda as reflecting heritage preservation and decolonisation.

    27 May 2026 · The Namibian

  8. Otjozondjupa region holds first regional Genocide Day commemoration

    Residents of Otjozondjupa will visit sacred gravesites of those who died in the 1904-1908 Ohamakari battle—a war of resistance by the Ovaherero against German imperial forces—with commemoration events hosted at the Okakarara Cultural Centre. The regional governor calls on residents, particularly youth, to attend and preserve the memory of the Ovaherero sacrifices.

    27 May 2026 · The Namibian

  9. Criminals rob tourists at Spitzkoppe campsite in early morning

    Thieves broke into a vehicle and attempted to enter tents at a Spitzkoppe campsite in the early morning hours, looting cash and electronics. The Namibian Police from Usakos attended the scene, and travel commentator Tony Hart called for swift action and improved security measures at the destination.

    27 May 2026 · Informanté

  10. Kunene launches N$28 million secondary school construction at Opuwo

    The Kunene Regional Council launched construction of Otjirongondo Secondary School at Opuwo as part of the education ministry's decongestion plan. The N$28.2-million project will include 20 classrooms, vocational workshops, laboratories, and a library, with plans for it to become the first phase of a boarding school.

    27 May 2026 · The Namibian

  11. Kunene genocide descendants seek truth and healing ahead of commemoration

    Descendants of genocide victims in the Kunene region have called for stronger historical truth-telling, intergenerational dialogue and meaningful healing ahead of the inaugural national Genocide Remembrance Day on 28 May, arguing that remembrance must lead to lasting national reconciliation. They emphasised that the impact of the 1904-1908 genocide continues to affect affected communities through displacement from ancestral land, cultural disruption and psychological trauma.

    27 May 2026 · The Namibian

  12. Namibian food prices show mixed trend despite Iran conflict

    Namibians have yet to experience a significant impact on basic food prices from the war involving Iran, the United States and Israel, despite predictions of rapid food-price rises. Retail data from January to April shows maize meal prices decreased, sunflower cooking oil rose notably, and other staple items recorded mixed results.

    27 May 2026 · The Namibian

  13. Housing seminar confirms most Namibians cannot afford formal homes

    A housing research seminar at the Bank of Namibia found that 70% of Namibians are priced out of formal housing. According to the article, this is not a market failure but a structural outcome of colonial land policies, bank financialisation, low wages, and treating housing as a commodity rather than a social right.

    27 May 2026 · The Namibian

Culture

  1. President urges development that preserves Namibia's cultural identity

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said at the 2026 Omaludi Agricultural Festival that Namibia must pursue development without abandoning its cultural identity, noting that festivals promote agriculture, tourism and local economic growth while preserving traditions. She urged farmers in northern communal areas to transition from subsistence to commercial agriculture through improved infrastructure, financing and market access.

    27 May 2026 · The Namibian

Sport

  1. Sinner, Sabalenka advance to French Open second round

    World number one Jannik Sinner defeated French wildcard Clement Tabur 6-1, 6-3, 6-4 to extend his winning streak to 30 matches and advance at Roland Garros. Fellow world number one Aryna Sabalenka also progressed with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.

    27 May 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Djokovic advances to French Open third round

    Novak Djokovic defeated Valentin Royer 6-3, 6-2, 6-7 (7/9), 6-3 in the French Open second round on Wednesday, extending his bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title. Women's second seed Elena Rybakina was knocked out of the tournament.

    27 May 2026 · The Namibian

  3. South Africa names World Cup squad led by Sundowns and Pirates

    Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates each dominated South Africa's 2026 World Cup squad with eight players apiece, after recent trophy wins by both clubs. Belgium coach Hugo Broos included 19 local players in his 26-man squad, with South Africa set to face Mexico, the Czech Republic, and South Korea in Group C.

    27 May 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Thunder beat Spurs 127–114, lead series 3–2

    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the San Antonio Spurs 127–114 in game five of the Western Conference finals, moving within one win of a return to the NBA Finals. The Thunder now lead the series 3–2 with two games remaining.

    27 May 2026 · The Namibian

  5. PSG eye back-to-back Champions League titles against Arsenal

    Paris Saint-Germain, after winning their maiden Champions League title last year by defeating Inter Milan 5-0, face Arsenal in Budapest aiming to retain the trophy. Manager Luis Enrique's side are favourites and have proven difficult to stop, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia describing the team as capable of beating any opponent when they play their way.

    27 May 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Eeshoke Chula Chula meets KK Palace in NFA Cup

    Eeshoke Chula Chula will face cross-town rivals KK Palace in the pick of this weekend's NFA Cup Round of 32 matches at Oshakati's Severin Kambonde Gabriel Ashivudhi Sports Stadium on Sunday. The Namibia Football Association revealed the Round of 32 draw, which includes high-profile Premier League encounters, though some teams have withdrawn due to financial constraints or been excluded due to NFA rule infringements.

    27 May 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Green Mambas and Gobabis Bulls lead Nedbank Desert Ice T20

    The Green Mambas and Gobabis Bulls remain unbeaten after three rounds of the Nedbank Desert Ice T20 Challenge and lead the log on six points each, with the Mambas on top by run rate. Both teams posted decisive victories last weekend, with the Mambas defeating Etungu Kudus by 168 runs and the Bulls beating Spur Warriors by 69 runs.

    27 May 2026 · The Namibian

  8. Shalulile becomes first Namibian to win CAF Champions League

    Namibian striker Peter Shalulile won his 14th career title after Mamelodi Sundowns defeated AS FAR 2-1 on aggregate in the 2026 CAF Champions League final, making him the first Namibian player to claim the continental trophy and reinforcing his status as the most decorated Namibian footballer of all time.

    27 May 2026 · The Namibian

  9. Mighty Gunners and FC Ongos fight for FNB Women Super League title

    The FNB Women Super League title race between defending champions Mighty Gunners and FC Ongos comes down to the final round, with Gunners holding a one-point lead. Gunners can clinch the title with a win against Windhoek City on Saturday, while FC Ongos must win their match against Julinho Athletic Ladies and hope Gunners slip up.

    27 May 2026 · The Namibian

  10. Netherlands seek first World Cup title with unbeaten run

    Three-time runners-up the Netherlands enter the World Cup on a 14-match unbeaten run but are not considered among the leading contenders alongside Spain, France, Argentina and England. Coach Ronald Koeman returns to the United States with a well-balanced squad despite injury worries, while the Dutch face Japan, Sweden and Tunisia in Group F.

    27 May 2026 · The Namibian

  11. Sweden enters World Cup through playoffs despite poor qualifying

    Sweden qualified for the World Cup through UEFA Nations League playoffs after a disastrous qualifying campaign that saw them finish bottom of their group with just two points from six matches. Under new coach Graham Potter, Sweden will face the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia in Group F, aiming to extend their run of reaching the knockout phase at each of the past four World Cups they qualified for.

    27 May 2026 · The Namibian

  12. Germany face Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Curacao in World Cup Group E

    Four-time champions Germany will compete in Group E at the 2026 World Cup alongside 2023 Africa Cup of Nations champions Ivory Coast, Ecuador, and World Cup debutants Curacao, seeking to escape group-stage elimination after failing to advance in the last two tournaments.

    27 May 2026 · The Namibian

  13. Netherlands coach includes Depay, excludes Frimpong from World Cup squad

    Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman named Memphis Depay, the national team's all-time top goalscorer with 55 goals, in his World Cup squad despite recent injury, while Liverpool wing-back Jeremie Frimpong misses out after an indifferent first season in the Premier League.

    27 May 2026 · The Namibian

Tourism & Environment

  1. Namibia secures N$1.1 billion for conservation and rural livelihoods

    Namibia has secured more than N$1.1 billion to protect over 20 million hectares of land and strengthen rural livelihoods through the Namibia For Life initiative.

    27 May 2026 · Namibian Sun

Opinion

  1. Namibia reflects on 1904 genocide and colonial resistance legacy

    An opinion piece reflects on the 1904 colonial war and Germany's genocidal order against the OvaHerero people, arguing that Namibian resistance and sacrifice, despite immense suffering, was necessary to achieve independence and freedom.

    27 May 2026 · Informanté

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