Namibia Minute.
Monday, 1 June 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 1 June 2026
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Archive Minute from Monday, 1 June 2026

Politics

  1. Home Affairs Minister warns border officials against illegal demands

    Minister Lucia Iipumbu has warned Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security ministry officials against demanding documents and imposing requirements not provided for in law at border posts.

    1 June 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. President appoints Shali Shindume as Economic Advisor

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has appointed Shali Shindume as her Economic Advisor, effective 1 June 2026, under the Special Advisors and Regional Governors Appointment Act.

    1 June 2026 · Informanté

  3. Analyst: Genocide Day creating divisions instead of unity

    Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah argues that the Genocide Remembrance Day commemoration is creating divisions rather than promoting unity and collective healing as intended. He says the government's approach, selection of speakers, and messages delivered are contributing more to division than unity, and warns that regional activities and speeches reflected limited knowledge of the genocide.

    1 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. Iipumbu warns border security failures eroding public trust

    Home affairs minister Lucia Iipumbu has warned that inconsistent decision-making, weak discipline and communication failures within the security cluster are eroding public trust in Namibia's frontline services. She made the remarks during a regional ministerial staff meeting in Katima Mulilo, bringing together officials from Immigration, the Namibian Police Force and the Namibian Correctional Service to inspect border posts and ministry projects in the Zambezi region.

    1 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  5. Sam Nujoma Foundation finalises new office opening in Windhoek

    The Sam Nujoma Foundation is completing final arrangements for its new office building in Windhoek to support its work of preserving and promoting the legacy of Namibia's first president. The foundation, established in 2004 and officially registered as a non-profit in 2005, aims to promote Nujoma's vision, ideals and contributions to the country's development.

    1 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  6. National Assembly resumes fourth session with MPs from oversight duties

    The National Assembly reconvenes on 2 June 2026 after a month recess during which MPs conducted oversight visits, stakeholder consultations, and regional and international parliamentary engagements. Deputy Speaker Katamelo was appointed chairperson of the Pan-African Parliament Committee on Cooperation, International Relations and Conflict Resolution, while parliamentary committees assessed poverty alleviation and service delivery, including concerns over an incomplete N$41 million Eenhana Town Council building project.

    1 June 2026 · Informanté

  7. Namibia reviewing 30-year-old immigration law to modernise border control

    The Ministry of Home Affairs is reviewing immigration legislation enacted in 1993 to address modern migration complexities, introduce pre-arrival information submission systems, and create provisions for investors, business visitors and specialised workers to support economic growth and border security.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

  8. President appoints Shali Shindume as economic advisor

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has appointed Shali Shindume as her economic advisor, effective June 1. The appointment was announced by the Presidency on Monday in accordance with the Namibian Constitution and the Special Advisors and Regional Governors Appointment Act of 1990.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

  9. President appoints Shali Shindume economic advisor

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has appointed Shali Shindume as her economic advisor, effective 1 June 2026, to provide guidance on economic matters supporting government priorities and national development objectives.

    1 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  10. Funding shortfall halts Eenhana town council office building

    Eenhana Town Council's N$119-million office building project, begun in 2018, has stalled due to delayed funding; N$9 million is urgently needed to complete the finance wing so staff and customers can use it. The council has operated from an eight-office building since 1999 despite Eenhana's population growing from 2,600 to 16,000.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

  11. President signs N$104 billion national budget for 2026/27

    The 2026/27 national budget has been signed into law by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and gazetted, allowing government ministries and agencies to access approved funding. The N$104 billion budget provides N$81.3 billion for operational expenditure, N$6.5 billion for development projects and N$16.2 billion for interest payments, with a projected N$15 billion financing gap to be covered through borrowing.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

  12. Iipumbu calls for vigilance against cross-border crime in Zambezi

    Minister of Home Affairs Lucia Iipumbu addressed regional staff in Katima Mulilo, calling for vigilance against illicit cross-border crimes while urging professionalism in facilitating lawful movement, legitimate trade, and tourism. Iipumbu is conducting a two-day working visit to the region to inspect ministerial projects and conduct border visits.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

  13. Labour Court orders NHE to reinstate fired executive with backpay

    The Labour Court found that the National Housing Enterprise's 2021 dismissal of former executive Willem Titus was unfair and ordered the company to reinstate him within 30 days and pay backpay from December 2021 to reinstatement, less any income earned in alternative employment. The court upheld findings that Titus committed misconduct but determined dismissal was disproportionately harsh a penalty.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

  14. Consumer credit bill undergoes final review before parliamentary submission

    Namibia's proposed consumer credit bill, which aims to overhaul the consumer credit industry and protect borrowers, has completed public consultation and is now undergoing final review by Namfisa before resubmission to the finance minister. The legislation introduces stricter affordability assessments, improved disclosure requirements, stronger consumer protections, and tighter regulation of credit providers, while repealing three existing laws.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

Business

  1. Goreangab Mall opens after N$270 million investment

    Goreangab Mall, a N$270 million retail development project, officially opened this week and attracted hundreds of residents on its opening day.

    1 June 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. Bank of Namibia reserves reach N$58.8 billion in April

    The Bank of Namibia's international reserves increased 13.6% in April to N$58.8 billion, supported by SACU inflows and foreign currency placements, providing an estimated import cover of 3.7 months. Private sector credit extension also accelerated, with loans to the domestic private sector reaching N$124.1 billion and growing at 4.8% annually.

    1 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  3. Vitol awarded three-month exclusive fuel supply deal

    The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has awarded Vitol an exclusive fuel supply contract for July to September, saying the company's offer to supply fuel at standard price without extra charges or public subsidy distinguished it from other bidders, whose proposals included additional conditions.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

  4. SMEs should clearly define product, service, or hybrid business model

    The Namibian explains that many businesses operate without clearly defining what they sell, which creates problems in pricing, marketing, and profitability. Businesses fall into three categories—product-based, service-based, or hybrid—and understanding which applies and what customers actually buy (convenience, trust, expertise, rather than just the item itself) materially affects marketing, pricing, customer engagement, and risk management.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Developer sues First Capital over N$48m in management fees

    Tulaing Properties, now trading as Siren Partners Realtors, has filed High Court documents claiming First Capital Property Managers deducted nearly N$48 million in alleged unlawful project management fees from clients on a 300-house project at Grootfontein. The developer contends that under their 2021 agreement, First Capital was not entitled to charge project management fees if it engaged developers other than Tulaing Properties, yet proceeded to charge and retain additional fees from purchasers' home loan accounts.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Nasan requires upfront fuel payments from 52 acquired service stations

    Nasan Energies, which acquired 52 service stations from Vivo Energy, is requiring fuel retailers to pay upfront for fuel rather than the traditional post-delivery payment model. Retailers claim Nasan lacks operational cash flow and is forcing prepaid contracts that differ from the original Vivo agreements.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

Mining & Energy

  1. Government mandates exclusive fuel sourcing from Vitol

    The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has directed all fuel companies in Namibia to source petrol and diesel exclusively from Vitol between July and September 2026, citing emergency arrangements and the supplier's willingness to waive financial guarantees. Industry sources report that Vitol fuel is often more expensive than competitors', and the appointment has drawn scrutiny over procurement transparency and Vitol's history of allegations regarding substandard fuel supply.

    1 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  2. Chamber of Mines reports 166,000 mining jobs sustained in 2025

    The Chamber of Mines of Namibia announced that the mining sector sustained more than 166,000 jobs in 2025, with continued advancement of uranium, gold, copper and critical mineral projects. The article explores the broader question of whether government or the private sector bears primary responsibility for job creation in Namibia, where unemployment remains a pressing challenge.

    1 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  3. Mining sector sustains 166,000 jobs in 2025

    Namibia's mining sector sustained more than 166,000 direct and indirect jobs in 2025, with member companies employing 8,201 people in permanent positions and 97% of those roles filled by Namibians. The sector contributed N$7.96 billion in total wages and N$1.5 billion in PAYE tax, while spending N$23.97 billion on locally sourced goods and services.

    1 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. Government absorbs N$47.2m loss to keep fuel prices unchanged

    The government is absorbing N$47.2 million in fuel losses in June to maintain current fuel prices despite global oil market volatility. The minister of industries, mines and energy said petrol will remain N$23.48 per litre, diesel 50ppm N$28.26, and diesel 10ppm N$28.36 at Walvis Bay pump prices, with prices across the country unchanged.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

Agriculture & Land

  1. Fly outbreak halts Etunda Farm grape expansion plans

    Etunda Farm is seeking to expand grape production and create jobs, but a persistent fly outbreak is impeding these plans, according to farm manager Sybrand Potgieter.

    1 June 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. President visits Ekoka Green Scheme agricultural development project

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah visited the Ekoka Brownfield Green Scheme in Ohangwena Region to assess progress on government-supported agricultural projects. The scheme has completed infrastructure including perimeter fencing, borehole drilling and irrigation systems, and has cultivated mahangu, maize, cowpeas and sorghum ready for harvest.

    1 June 2026 · Informanté

  3. LPO urges regional cooperation to protect Namibia's FMD-free status

    The Livestock Producers' Organisation says no country can fight foot-and-mouth disease in isolation, warning that Namibia's internationally recognised FMD-free status requires cooperation between governments, veterinary authorities, farmers and regional partners. Maintaining the status is critical to protecting the livestock industry and international beef export market access.

    1 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. President visits Ohangwena agricultural projects, emphasizes food security

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah toured agricultural and social projects in Ohangwena region, visiting the government-supported Ekoka Brownfield Green Scheme where mahangu, maize, cowpeas and sorghum are ready for harvesting, and the San Communities Development Centre. She reaffirmed the government's commitment to food security, youth employment and community development.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Youth group establishes over 700 backyard gardens in Windhoek

    Juvenile Tycoon Investments, an eight-member youth organisation, has set up more than 700 backyard gardens in Windhoek over four years to empower young people, create employment, and improve food security. The group conducts training sessions on gardening, composting, animal husbandry, poultry management, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

Society

  1. High Court orders NHE to reinstate former executive and pay compensation

    The High Court has ordered the National Housing Enterprise to reinstate former sales and lending executive Willem George Titus and pay him N$3.7 million, finding his 2021 dismissal was substantive.

    1 June 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. WHO warns tobacco firms exploit gaps marketing nicotine pouches

    A WHO report, prepared with Stanford University experts, warns that tobacco companies are using aggressive marketing tactics—including social media, influencers, and youth-appealing branding—to drive nicotine pouch sales, particularly among adolescents, exploiting regulatory gaps with "smoke-free" claims and candy-like flavours.

    1 June 2026 · Informanté

  3. Academic experts offer exam preparation and stress management advice

    With university exam season approaching, academic experts and mental health professionals advise students to manage time wisely, revise early rather than cram, and carefully read exam questions before answering. An IUM lecturer notes a gap between students who qualify for exams and those who pass them, attributing high failure rates to insufficient study.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Vice President urges support for Project Never Walk Alone

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi has called for increased corporate, institutional and individual support for Project Never Walk Alone, which distributes quality footwear to vulnerable children nationwide. The project has delivered more than 12,800 pairs of shoes across nine regions and aims to assist more than 31,500 barefoot children over three years at an estimated cost of N$12.9 million.

    1 June 2026 · Informanté

  5. Three murders reported across Namibia over weekend

    Police reported three separate murder incidents over the weekend: a man fatally stabbed during a gang-related altercation in Swakopmund's Mondesa area on Friday night; a 33-year-old man arrested in Windhoek's Wanaheda area in connection with the death of his 31-year-old girlfriend, allegedly stabbed with a kitchen knife following an argument; and a third incident in Gobabis (details not fully provided in source).

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Thanzi Programme expands health research to Namibia and Zambia

    The Centre for Health Economics Thanzi Programme has received a grant from The Life You Can Save to expand health systems research and capacity-building into Namibia and Zambia, working with national health ministries and universities to strengthen health financing, policy development, and progress towards Universal Health Coverage.

    1 June 2026 · Informanté

  7. 33-year-old arrested for fatally stabbing girlfriend in Windhoek

    A 33-year-old man was arrested in Windhoek over the weekend for allegedly stabbing his 31-year-old girlfriend to death with a kitchen knife at Olukanda lwa Mkwanangobe informal settlement. Police said the couple returned home after 03:00 and an argument led to the stabbing, with the victim found with two suspected stab wounds to the left side of her neck.

    1 June 2026 · Informanté

  8. Health ministry removes registrar of medicines, appoints successor

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services has removed Fransina Nambahu as registrar of medicines at the Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council and appointed Frieda Shiweda to the position effective 1 June 2026. Sources told the Windhoek Observer that Nambahu was removed after refusing to approve substandard medicines, contradicting the ministry's stated reason of structural review.

    1 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  9. Two men held over rape of nine-year-old in Kavango West

    Two Angolan nationals, aged 17 and 25, allegedly raped a nine-year-old Namibian girl on separate occasions at Mburundu village in Kavango West on Friday. In a separate incident, a 26-year-old Namibian man was arrested on suspicion of raping a 13-year-old girl at Katutura in the Shandumbala location.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

  10. Triumphant College launches free soap-making enterprise programme

    Triumphant College, partnering with Stem Power.org Ethiopia, launched a free soap-making project combining technical skill development with entrepreneurship training for students from Triumphant College and several local schools. The initiative aims to teach participants how to build small businesses and generate income while managing their studies.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

  11. Man dies in Zambezi region road crash; arrests made

    Police in the Zambezi region registered a culpable homicide case after Sanzila Nyambe died in a road accident on the B8 Ngoma road when his vehicle hit a cow and crashed into a mopane tree. Two other occupants were transported to hospital; separately, two men were arrested for driving without licences and with excessive alcohol content.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

  12. Three cyclists ride 2,000km to support amputee foundation

    Three cyclists calling themselves 'Die Drie Ou Ballies' completed a 2,000km ride from Pretoria to Windhoek to raise awareness for the Orthocross Amputee Foundation and encourage businesses to sponsor amputee patients and prosthetic care.

    1 June 2026 · Informanté

  13. Two defence force members die in suspected suicides

    Two members of the Namibian Defence Force were found dead in suspected suicides on Thursday and Friday night at military bases in Otjiwarongo and Otavi in the Otjozondjupa region. Police said no suicide notes were found and investigations continue.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

  14. Teacher convicted of murdering wife in Windhoek

    Patric Gaingob was found guilty of murdering his wife, fellow teacher Merenta Gaingos, in a fatal knife attack in April 2019. The judge rejected his claims of automatism and amnesia, noting 12 stab wounds were recorded during post-mortem examination and finding direct intent to murder.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

  15. Woman sentenced to 35 years for murdering two in Windhoek house fire

    Mecthilde Karomo was sentenced to 35 years' imprisonment after being convicted of murdering her boyfriend Leonard Haupindi and Anastasia Matende by setting Haupindi's house on fire in Okahandja Park, Windhoek on 26 December 2022. The judge noted Karomo acted with "utter indifference" after starting the deadly blaze, driven by anger and jealousy.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

Culture

  1. Homegrown T-shirt competition narrows field to five finalists

    Homegrown, a local fashion brand, has announced its top five finalists from an initial shortlist of 20 designers for its 2026 T-shirt design competition aimed at helping young Namibians aged 18–35 become design entrepreneurs. All five finalists will receive a 15% commission on retail sales of their designs, with the overall winner receiving N$50,000.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Mörda's 'Vault' electronic music event debuts in Windhoek

    South African electronic and Afro-house artist Mörda is bringing his 'Vault by Mörda' event to Namibia for the first time on 6 June at the Windhoek Show Grounds. The 11-hour full-day experience will feature Afro-house, Amapiano and electronic music, with international and local artists including DJ Zinhle, Kelvin Momo, DJ Alba and Dreas.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Radio veteran Frikkie Wallis dies at 74

    Frikkie Wallis, a broadcaster and journalist with more than four decades of radio career in Namibia and South Africa, has died at Blaauwberg Netcare Hospital in Cape Town. Known for his work as an announcer, newsman, author and storyteller, Wallis worked with the former SWAUK in Windhoek and was widely known for his popular column "Day That Was."

    1 June 2026 · Informanté

Sport

  1. Mexican goalkeeper Ochoa named for historic sixth World Cup

    Guillermo Ochoa, 40, has been selected for Mexico's squad and will become the first goalkeeper to appear in six World Cups. Ochoa joins Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as players competing in their sixth World Cup, though he is unlikely to see significant playing time.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Sabalenka defeats Osaka at French Open quarter-finals

    World number one Aryna Sabalenka defeated four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka 7-5, 6-3 in the French Open last 16, and will face Diana Shnaider next. Matteo Berrettini also advanced to his first major quarter-final in four years.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Uruguay coach Bielsa omits Suarez from World Cup squad

    Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa said Luis Suarez does not owe him an apology after the 39-year-old striker was left out of the 26-man World Cup squad, with Bielsa citing his preference for other attacking options including Darwin Nunez. The decision comes after Suarez retired from international football in September 2024 but recently indicated willingness to return if selected.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Caicedo and Pacho lead Ecuador World Cup squad

    Chelsea's Moises Caicedo and Paris Saint-Germain's Willian Pacho will lead Ecuador's World Cup campaign in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Ecuador are in Group E with matches against Ivory Coast, Curacao, and Germany; 36-year-old Enner Valencia will feature in his third World Cup finals.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Brazil defeats Panama 6-2 in World Cup warm-up match

    Brazil beat Panama 6-2 at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro in a World Cup send-off, with Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr scoring early and Brazil taking control after replacing most of their starting lineup at half-time.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Martin Mukungu wins WBO Africa junior lightweight title

    Martin 'The Alligator' Mukungu knocked out Flame Nangolo in the first round (1 minute 35 seconds) on Saturday night to win the WBO Africa junior lightweight title, delivering an upset victory over the previously unbeaten title holder.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

  7. FC Ongos win FNB Women Super League title on final day

    FC Ongos defeated Julinho Athletic 3-0 to win the FNB Women Super League title by one point (55 to 54) after rivals Mighty Gunners drew goalless against Windhoek City on the final day. Ongos claimed the league title for the third time in four seasons.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

  8. 2026 FIFA World Cup expands to 48 teams across three nations

    The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams competing in 104 matches across the United States, Mexico and Canada from 11 June to 19 July 2026. It marks the first World Cup hosted by three countries and the first with 48 teams, up from the previous 32-team format.

    1 June 2026 · Informanté

World & Region

  1. Ebola spread in DR Congo described as deeply alarming

    The rapid spread of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo has prompted MSF (Médecins Sans Frontières) to warn of a deeply alarming situation, with the country as the epicentre of the outbreak and a few cases detected in Uganda.

    1 June 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. Iran excludes veteran striker Azmoun from World Cup squad

    Sardar Azmoun, Iran's third-highest international goalscorer with 57 goals in 91 appearances, was omitted from the country's World Cup squad announced Monday. His exclusion follows criticism in Iranian media in March over a photo with the UAE premier, a US ally.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Nine AFC nations qualify for expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup

    Nine Asian Football Confederation teams have secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the first edition to feature 48 teams and be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. The qualifiers include established contenders Australia, Japan, Iran, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Iraq, as well as debutants Jordan and Uzbekistan.

    1 June 2026 · Informanté

  4. Italy cancels Kanye West and Travis Scott concerts over security

    Italian authorities have barred concerts by Kanye West and Travis Scott from taking place in Reggio Emilia in July, citing public order and security concerns following a request from the local Jewish community. The prefecture cited factors including the rapper's history of antisemitic comments, cancellations of his previous concerts in other countries, and the risk of counter-demonstrations.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Over 400 arrested in PSG title celebration unrest

    More than 200 people were injured and over 400 arrested following violent celebrations in France after Paris Saint-Germain secured its second consecutive UEFA Champions League title by defeating Arsenal in a penalty shootout in Budapest. The unrest saw widespread vandalism, arson, and clashes with police across Paris and around 15 other French cities.

    1 June 2026 · Informanté

  6. Ndara re-elected to lead SADC fisheries monitoring body

    Stanley Ndara, chief executive of Namibia's Fisheries Observer Agency, has been reappointed as chairperson of the SADC Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre for a second term. SADC ministers responsible for fisheries made the decision at a meeting in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe on 29 May.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Cruise ship cleared to sail after hantavirus outbreak

    The MV Hondius was cleared by Dutch public health officials to return to sea after cleaning and disinfection following a deadly hantavirus outbreak. The ship is scheduled to resume its cruise schedule from 13 June.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

Opinion

  1. Border posts' failures eroding public trust, minister warns

    Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Lucia Iipumbu has flagged that failures at Namibia's border posts are eroding public trust in frontline services. The opinion piece argues that border infrastructure has been treated as a peripheral issue rather than a strategic priority, despite being the country's first and last point of contact with the outside world and crucial economic gateways.

    1 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

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