Namibia Minute

Sunday, 31 May 2026

Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026

Sunday, 31 May 2026

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Politics

San, Damara demand seat in Namibia-Germany genocide talks

The News

The San Chiefs Council and Damara King's Council are demanding formal inclusion in Namibia's ongoing genocide reparations negotiations with Germany, citing historical atrocities including extermination campaigns, displacement and forced labour affecting their communities. The councils are calling for seats at the negotiating table alongside Ovaherero and Nama representatives, and for reparations and restitution including compensation for ancestral lands and cultural losses to directly benefit affected descendant communities.

31 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Politics

San, Damara demand seat in Namibia-Germany genocide talks
The San Chiefs Council and Damara King's Council are demanding formal inclusion in Namibia's ongoing genocide reparations negotiations with Germany, citing historical atrocities including extermination campaigns, displacement and forced labour affecting their communities. The councils are calling for seats at the negotiating table alongside Ovaherero and Nama representatives, and for reparations and restitution including compensation for ancestral lands and cultural losses to directly benefit affected descendant communities.
31 May 2026 · The Namibian →
President absent from Genocide Remembrance Day events
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah did not attend Genocide Remembrance Day events held at Shark Island and in six regions, drawing criticism from political and community leaders, though the vice president attended events in Ohangwena. The president's absence came despite an active public schedule that included attending agricultural and cultural festivals and other state events.
31 May 2026 · The Namibian →
PM warns poor coordination impeding NDP6 implementation
Prime Minister Dr Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare has raised concern over silo management within government institutions, saying lack of alignment among ministries, agencies, local authorities and SOEs is slowing implementation of the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) and hindering efforts to address priorities such as water accessibility and food security.
31 May 2026 · Informanté →

Business

Namibia to host China trade forums ahead of presidential visit
Namibia will hold a trade mission and business forums alongside President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's State Visit to China from 6 to 10 July 2026, focusing on agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, energy, and other strategic sectors. Businesses are invited to register for a NIPDB webinar on exporting to China under its zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries.
31 May 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia promotes industrial growth through AfCFTA integration
Namibia's Ministry of International Relations and Trade, alongside the NIPDB and NTF, is participating in the 3rd Invest in Africa 2026 Trade Expo in Swakopmund (28–30 May) to advance continental economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area. The summit aims to develop practical approaches to the AfCFTA framework while promoting trade, investment, and industrial growth across the continent, with Minister Ashipala-Musavyi highlighting that intra-African trade currently stands at about 16% and calling for deeper regional integration.
31 May 2026 · Informanté →
President visits local pharmaceutical manufacturer Fabupharm
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah visited Fabupharm, Namibia's only local pharmaceutical manufacturer, amid ongoing medicine shortages in public hospitals and clinics. The visit signals recognition that Namibia should pursue local solutions to strengthen pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity rather than relying heavily on foreign sourcing.
31 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Mining & Energy

Namibian policy relaxes fishing rules despite science warnings
The Namibian Cabinet's decision to relax the isobaths rule prioritises short-term employment gains over scientific evidence on sustainability, creating a policy misalignment that risks eroding governance trust and destabilising the fishing industry long-term.
31 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia secures fuel supply without premiums via Vitol
The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy announced an emergency fuel supply arrangement with international energy company Vitol covering July to September 2026, stating it protects consumers from further price increases driven by Middle East geopolitical tensions. The government has committed more than N$1 billion to cushion consumers from rising fuel costs and maintain economic stability.
31 May 2026 · Informanté →

Agriculture & Land

Middle East conflict threatens global food through fertiliser blockade
The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is disrupting a quarter of the world's fertiliser supply, which the UN estimates could raise fertiliser prices 15–20% and push at least 45 million people into acute hunger. The article argues that dependence on fossil fuels for fertiliser production poses a greater threat to global food security than climate change.
31 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Society

Multiple housebreaking and robbery incidents reported nationwide
Police are investigating a series of housebreaking and robbery incidents across Namibia over the weekend, including a robbery at a residence in Academia, Windhoek, where five suspects allegedly broke into a house occupied by an elderly couple and stole firearms, ammunition, electronic devices and cash. Additional break-ins were reported in Onandjaba and Swakopmund, with arrests made in some cases while investigations continue into others.
31 May 2026 · Informanté →
Windhoek cashless parking system sparks confusion and exclusion
Windhoek's rollout of a cashless parking system requiring KPI-issued or bank cards has caused confusion and frustration among motorists, many of whom lack access to these payment methods. The article argues that rapid digital transitions without adequate consultation disproportionately affect those outside the formal banking system.
31 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Businessman and Ongwediva resident settle defamation case
Benjamin Hauwanga and Simeon Nghinananye have settled a defamation case in which Hauwanga sued Nghinananye for N$500 000. Under the settlement made an order of the Windhoek High Court, Nghinananye agreed to publicly apologise and retract allegations, while Hauwanga withdrew his claim and waived legal costs; Nghinananye must pay N$200 000 if he repeats the defamatory allegations within five years.
31 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Missing Tsumeb man's body recovered from ocean
The body of Nafutal Shinedima, 37, who went missing on 27 May, was recovered from the ocean near Swakopmund on Sunday after a two-day search. His brother identified the body, which was found in the area where he was suspected to have entered the sea.
31 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Police arrest three men over rape of minors on Friday
Police arrested three men in connection with the rape of two young girls in different parts of Namibia on Friday: two Angolan nationals aged 17 and 25 for allegedly raping a nine-year-old girl on separate occasions at Mburundu Village in Ncamagoro, and a 26-year-old Namibian man for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl in Katutura. All suspects remain in custody as investigations proceed.
31 May 2026 · Informanté →
Body of missing 37-year-old man recovered at Vierkantklip
The body of Goodman Shinedima, a 37-year-old resident of Tsumeb reported missing on 29 May 2026, was discovered washed up by lifeguards near Vierkantklip on Sunday morning. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
31 May 2026 · Informanté →
Female foetus discovered in Windhoek skip bin
A female foetus estimated at six to seven months development was found wrapped in a plastic bag in a municipal skip bin in Khomasdal on Saturday morning. Police are investigating, and no arrests have been made.
31 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Rössing Foundation marks 50 years investing in Namibian education
The Rössing Foundation, established in 1978, has focused on empowering Namibians through education, vocational training, and economic opportunity in response to developmental inequalities. Over nearly five decades, the foundation has expanded from urban-centred adult literacy and skills programmes to regional education hubs and mobile training initiatives.
31 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Sport

Kohli leads Bengaluru to second consecutive IPL title
Virat Kohli's unbeaten 75 helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru win their second straight Indian Premier League title with a five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans. Kohli was named player of the match after scoring his fifth half-century of the season in a final that saw Bengaluru chase down Gujarat's total of 155-8 with 12 balls to spare.
31 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Undav scores twice as Germany beats Finland 4-0
Deniz Undav scored twice and assisted another goal as Germany defeated Finland 4-0 in Mainz in their final home warm-up before the World Cup. Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz also scored, with Undav substituted after sustaining an injury.
31 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Gauff's French Open title defence ends in third round
Reigning champion Coco Gauff was eliminated from the French Open in the third round on Saturday, losing 4-6, 7-6 (7/1), 6-4 to Austrian 28th seed Anastasia Potapova. Top seeds Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka both won their matches to set up a last-16 clash.
31 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Wembanyama leads Spurs to NBA Finals after stunning Thunder
Victor Wembanyama scored 22 points as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 111–103 to win the Western Conference Finals and advance to the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks, with the Frenchman calling an NBA championship a lifelong dream.
31 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Mexico beats Australia one-nil in World Cup tune-up
Mexico defeated Australia 1-0 in a friendly at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles on Saturday, with defender Johan Vasquez scoring from a corner in the first half. Mexico will co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside the US and Canada.
31 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Jonas Vingegaard wins Giro d'Italia, completes Grand Tour set
Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard won the Giro d'Italia on Sunday, becoming the only active rider to have won all three Grand Tours—joining the Giro victory with previous Tour de France titles in 2022 and 2023 and the Vuelta a Espana from 2025. He is the eighth man overall to achieve this cycling feat.
31 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Czech striker Schick leads 26-man squad to World Cup
Bayer Leverkusen's Patrik Schick will spearhead the Czech Republic's attack at the World Cup, with coach Miroslav Koubek aiming for the play-offs as the team faces Mexico, South Africa and South Korea in Group A. Schick, who scored five goals at Euro 2020, has tallied 25 goals in 52 appearances for the national team.
31 May 2026 · The Namibian →
South Africa delay World Cup squad departure over visa delays
South Africa's national football team postponed their departure to a Mexico training camp after visa problems delayed some players and officials. The Sports Minister said all players had received visas, but the assistant coach, team doctor, head of security and one analyst were still awaiting clearance.
31 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Japan beats Iceland 1-0 in World Cup warm-up friendly
Japan defeated Iceland 1-0 in Tokyo on Sunday in their final warm-up before the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Coach Hajime Moriyasu said the win, secured by a substitute Koki Ogawa goal in the 87th minute, demonstrated that Japan can grind out victories at the tournament, despite a flat performance and Iceland's dangerous counter-attacking chances.
31 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Arsenal celebrates Premier League title with London bus parade
Arsenal fans gathered in north London for a bus parade celebrating the club's first Premier League title since 2004. The celebration came after the team won the league on 19 May, though their hopes for a Champions League double were ended by a loss to Paris St Germain.
31 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Tourism & Environment

Black Rhino Association launched to strengthen Namibian conservation
Namibia has launched the Black Rhino Association of Namibia (BRAN), a national coordination platform to strengthen collaboration, data sharing, and conservation efforts across the country's black rhino custodianship network, building on decades of conservation success through translocations, protected areas, and community-based approaches.
31 May 2026 · Informanté →
Safari vehicle overturns near Sesriem, Brazilian tourist dies
A Toyota Land Cruiser carrying six foreign-national passengers overturned on the C14 gravel road between Sesriem and Walvis Bay on Friday, killing a 46-year-old Brazilian woman and injuring several other passengers. Police said the vehicle's driveshaft became disconnected and lodged in the ground, causing the driver to lose control.
31 May 2026 · Informanté →

World & Region

PSG celebration in Paris marred by riots and arrests
Paris Saint-Germain players were welcomed home after winning their second straight Champions League title with a 4-3 penalty victory over Arsenal, but hundreds were arrested and dozens of police injured in clashes across France during the celebrations.
31 May 2026 · The Namibian →
PSG Champions League victory sparks clashes, deaths across France
French authorities arrested 780 people across the country during celebrations of Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League victory over Arsenal, with violent clashes between mobs and police, injuries to 57 security forces and 219 other people, a death in a motorbike crash, and incidents in 71 municipalities.
31 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Opinion

Editorial: State must fund housing, not market-led approach
An editorial argues that Namibia's housing crisis — affecting roughly 70% of Namibians priced out of the formal market — stems from systemic failure and that the state should provide land, regulate construction supply chains, and launch a publicly funded building programme rather than rely on commercial banks and the free market.
31 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Genocide Remembrance Day marks colonial killings acknowledgement
The Namibian editorial welcomes the formal commemoration of Genocide Remembrance Day as acknowledgement of Ovaherero and Nama people killed by German colonial forces between 1904 and 1908, but cautions against weaponizing the genocide for political gain or blaming present-day German Namibians for historical wrongs.
31 May 2026 · The Namibian →