Namibia Minute.
Wednesday, 3 June 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Wednesday, 3 June 2026
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Archive Minute from Wednesday, 3 June 2026

Politics

  1. Katima Mulilo renames three streets for national figures

    The Katima Mulilo Town Council has renamed three streets to honour prominent Namibian figures, including former health minister Dr Richard Kamwi.

    3 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. Parliament adjourned early after chaotic scenes disrupt assembly

    Parliament was adjourned early on Wednesday after chaotic scenes erupted in the National Assembly, with the Speaker struggling to maintain order during heated exchanges between MPs over speaking procedures and points of order. The Speaker reminded members that parliamentary rules must be followed and warned that continued disruptions could not be allowed to derail proceedings.

    3 June 2026 · Informanté →

  3. Namibia's no-fault divorce law replaces adultery-based system

    Namibia's Dissolution of Marriages Act 2024 took effect on 3 June 2026, replacing fault-based divorce grounds (adultery, cruelty, desertion) with a single ground of "irretrievable breakdown of the marriage." The reform also empowers Magistrate Courts to grant divorces for the first time, and seeks to reduce hostility and simplify procedures.

    3 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  4. ACC director-general tenure ending, calls for new leadership

    With Anti-Corruption Commission Director-General Paulus Noa's tenure ending this month after leading the agency since its 2006 inception, voices including former parliament member Hidipo Hamata are calling for new leadership and endorsing candidates like legal practitioner Norman Tjombe. Affirmative Repositioning MP Job Amupanda confirmed his party is engaging government to ensure the ACC director-general and deputy director-general positions are advertised before their June/July expiry.

    3 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  5. Government debt to local banks reaches N$52.4 billion

    The Namibian government's debt to local banks climbed to N$52.4 billion in April after a N$20.4 billion increase over the past year, with borrowing from the banking sector surging 63.6% and raising concerns about future inflationary pressures, according to economist Almandro Jansen.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Namibia's new law shifts divorce from fault to irretrievable breakdown

    The Dissolution of Marriages Act of 2024, in effect today, replaces Namibia's fault-based divorce system with a no-fault framework based on the irretrievable breakdown of marriage, eliminating adultery and other matrimonial offences as grounds for divorce. Judge President Petrus Damaseb described the reform as "one of the most significant reforms in the history of Namibia's family law system," noting that the new emphasis is on whether the marriage has disintegrated beyond realistic restoration rather than identifying moral blame.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. ECN commissioner candidates advocate legislative and logistical electoral reforms

    Four candidates for Electoral Commission of Namibia commissioner positions have called for sweeping legislative reforms and logistical improvements to boost public trust, including extended voting hours, more polling stations, and amendments to the Electoral Act.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Business

  1. Telecom Namibia CEO Shanapinda departs for CRASA role

    Telecom Namibia CEO Dr Stanley Shanapinda will step down from the state-owned telecommunications company on 1 July after accepting a senior regional appointment with CRASA (the Communications Regulators Association of Southern Africa).

    3 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. Namibia's inflation surges to 3.1%, reshaping real interest rates

    Headline inflation jumped to 3.1% in April from 2.1% in March, primarily driven by transport costs reflecting currency depreciation and higher global fuel prices. With the repo rate held at 6.50%, real interest rates have fallen, supporting credit demand but eroding household purchasing power.

    3 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Banking sector attracts investors despite earnings quality differences

    Namibia's banking sector continues to draw investors, though earnings quality differences among listed banks are now structural rather than cyclical, according to Simonis Storm's Banking Report 2026. FirstRand Namibia is identified as the preferred banking stock, while Standard Bank Namibia received an accumulate rating and Capricorn Group a reduce rating pending improvements in key indicators.

    3 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  4. Swakopmund advances housing and infrastructure expansion plans

    The Municipality of Swakopmund is pursuing multiple housing, land servicing and infrastructure projects under its 20-Year Structure Plan to accommodate growth and address informal settlement housing needs. Land parcels for low, middle and high-income residential developments have been identified and submitted for approval expected in 2026, while the municipality also progresses commercial township and precinct development projects.

    3 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  5. Inflation accelerates to 3.1% on fuel costs, straining households

    Namibia's headline inflation rose to 3.1% year-on-year in April from 2.1% in March, driven by higher transport costs following fuel price increases linked to Middle East tensions. FNB Namibia warns inflationary pressures are likely to persist, with further strain dependent on geopolitical developments that could push transport and food prices higher.

    3 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  6. Mediclinic reports 11% revenue growth despite restructuring

    Mediclinic Holdings Limited reported group adjusted revenue of US$842 million, up 11%, with EBITDA margin improving to 15.7%, as Remgro prepares to acquire full ownership of Mediclinic Southern Africa including Namibian operations for US$950 million.

    3 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  7. Momentum Africa earnings rise 60% as Namibia operations boost group

    Momentum Group reported a 15% increase in normalised headline earnings to N$5.54 billion for the nine months ended 31 March 2026, with Namibia's operations contributing strongly to growth in life insurance, new business volumes and contractual service margins across African operations. Momentum Africa, which includes Namibia, Botswana and Lesotho, recorded a 60% increase in earnings to N$304 million, driven by strong investment income, improved operating profits and positive changes in economic assumptions.

    3 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  8. TransNamib backs safety reforms following Rovos Rail derailment

    An independent investigation by South Africa's Railway Safety Regulator into a Rovos Rail passenger train derailment near Keetmanshoop on 1 March has reinforced the need for continued improvements in rail safety and operational systems. TransNamib says recommendations from the report will be reviewed and incorporated into ongoing safety enhancement programmes.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. Telecom Namibia CEO takes SADC regulatory harmonisation role

    Shanapinda, who led Telecom Namibia for six years, has been appointed to lead an organisation responsible for promoting regulatory harmonisation and cooperation among communication regulators in the Southern African Development Community. A new chief executive will be recruited once Telecom Namibia's new board starts on 3 June.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  10. Namibia implements Financial Institutions and Markets Act

    Finance minister Ericah Shafudah said the implementation of the Financial Institutions and Markets Act on 1 May marked a significant step in modernising the regulation of Namibia's non-banking financial sector. The act, passed in 2021 alongside the Namfisa Act, establishes a modern regulatory framework designed to strengthen oversight of financial institutions, improve market confidence and support sustainable growth, with over 150 regulations and standards developed through stakeholder consultations between 2021 and 2025.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  11. First Capital denies wrongdoing in property dispute

    First Capital chief executive Laina Amutenya rejected allegations that the company deducted nearly N$48 million in unlawful project management fees from a 300-house Grootfontein project, stating the company operates in accordance with contractual obligations and applicable laws. Amutenya cautioned against incomplete reporting on matters subject to judicial determination.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  12. Vitol sole fuel supply deal draws monopoly concerns in Parliament

    The Independent Patriots for Change has accused the government of monopolistic tendencies after the Minister of Mines and Energy announced Vitol Bahrain E.C. as Namibia's sole supplier of bulk petroleum products from July to September 2026. The three-month deal is expected to save the country about N$1 billion, though the Namibian Competition Commission earlier found Vitol controlled an estimated 75% to 85% of the intra-wholesale fuel market.

    3 June 2026 · Informanté →

  13. TransNamib receives independent rail accident investigation report

    TransNamib has received an independent investigation report from South Africa's Railway Safety Regulator into a March 2026 Rovos Rail derailment south of Keetmanshoop that killed two people, caused when rains washed away sections of track. The report findings were presented to TransNamib leadership and union representatives, but the operator has not yet shared the conclusions publicly.

    3 June 2026 · Informanté →

  14. Oceana says Lucky Star cannery operations temporarily consolidated

    Oceana Group has disputed reports that its Lucky Star cannery in South Africa is closing, stating that operations have only been temporarily consolidated due to fish supply shortages. The company moved operations from its Amawandle facility to Lucky Star at St Helena Bay to protect workers' jobs amid difficulties sourcing sufficient fish stock.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  15. Bank of Namibia vows gradual banking fee reduction over three years

    The central bank governor told parliament that reducing high banking fees will take time as new regulations are implemented, though he expects significant progress within three years. Banks earned N$5.0 billion from fee income last year, representing 31.3% of their total income.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Mining & Energy

  1. Osino Gold seeks environmental clearance for Khan River sand dam

    Osino Gold Exploration and Mining is applying for an Environmental Clearance Certificate to build a sand storage dam with a capacity of approximately 125,000 cubic metres on the Khan River's Spes Bona Compartment in the Erongo Region, in collaboration with Namibia Water Corporation, to supply water for its Twin Hills Gold Project near Karibib.

    3 June 2026 · Informanté →

  2. RMB: Extractive industries can build Namibia's industrial hub

    Angelique Peake, who leads RMB Namibia's oil and gas practice, said Namibia should leverage its extractive industry—oil, gas, uranium mining, and green hydrogen—to build an industrial hub and create skilled jobs over the coming decades.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Namibia pursues green hydrogen projects despite legal framework gaps

    The National Planning Commission director general said Namibia is ready to move from planning to implementation of green hydrogen projects, despite the absence of dedicated legislation. The government aims to create 30,000 green jobs by 2030 and position Namibia as a low-carbon industry platform for southern Africa.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Most SMEs unprepared for oil sector procurement opportunities

    As TotalEnergies and other companies approach final investment decisions on Orange Basin projects before 2026, the oil and gas sector will begin broad procurement across raw materials, infrastructure, and services. However, most Namibian small and medium enterprises are not yet positioned to compete for these opportunities.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Green Scheme in Kavango East records improved agricultural production

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah praised the Green Scheme in Mukwe Constituency for significant progress in output. The scheme has successfully harvested sunflower and expects a strong maize harvest, though management cited concerns over ageing and insufficient farming equipment limiting full production potential.

    3 June 2026 · Informanté →

  2. President welcomes improved output at government green schemes

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah visited the Shadikongoro and Ndonga Linena green schemes in Kavango East and noted improved agricultural production, increased crop yields, and strengthened operational performance. Farm managers reported successful sunflower harvests and strong maize production expectations, though aging farming equipment remains a constraint.

    3 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. SADC warns of region-wide hunger amid supply and climate crises

    The Southern African Development Community has called for urgent regional action to strengthen food security and agricultural resilience, citing threats from global supply chain disruptions, climate change, and livestock diseases. SADC deputy executive secretary Angèle N'Tumba warned that worsening climate shocks and geopolitical conflicts—including the Middle East conflict disrupting fertiliser and fuel supplies—are placing millions at risk of hunger.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. President Nandi-Ndaitwah concludes Green Scheme inspection tour

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah completed her follow-up visits to Government-supported Green Schemes with an inspection of the Ndonga Linena scheme in Kavango East, where she was briefed on projected maize output of about 4,754 tonnes from 574 hectares, ongoing winter crop production, and operational challenges including high transportation costs and market access issues.

    3 June 2026 · Informanté →

Society

  1. Game rangers lack danger pay despite high-risk conservation work

    Game rangers and wardens protecting Namibia's wildlife continue their dangerous work without a danger allowance.

    3 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. Only 53% of Namibian children have birth certificates

    Despite reforms to Namibia's civil registration systems, only 53% of children in the country have birth certificates, with rural communities continuing to face challenges in registration.

    3 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  3. Artisans at Nakayale Disability Centre seek facility upgrades

    Carpenters and tailors working at the Omusati 1995 Project at the Nakayale Disability Centre in Uutapi have called for urgent renovations and equipment upgrades.

    3 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  4. Ombudsman warns of poor police cell oversight in regions

    Namibia's ombudsman says poor oversight of police holding cells by senior officers is allowing alleged abuse by officers to go unchecked.

    3 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  5. Windhoek buses transition to cashless smartcard payment system

    The City of Windhoek has implemented a cashless ticketing system on municipal buses, requiring all passengers to carry valid smartcards for travel. Mobile top-up services and smartcard distribution are available at municipal offices in the CBD, Ombili, Wanaheda, Okuryangava, and Katutura.

    3 June 2026 · Informanté →

  6. NUST admin worker released on bail over N$2.6 million fraud

    Maria Hengari, an administrative worker at Namibia University of Science and Technology, was accused of fraud after allegedly receiving student payments meant to pay off debts but using them in a manner that resulted in N$2.6 million in university losses between 2021 and 2024. She was granted bail of N$10,000 with conditions not to interfere with witnesses or investigations.

    3 June 2026 · Informanté →

  7. Global inequalities in congenital heart disease care persist

    A World Heart Federation report finds widening inequalities in access to congenital heart disease care, with low-income countries experiencing four times higher age-standardised mortality rates than high-income regions. Paediatric heart programmes and trained specialists are concentrated in select cities in low- and middle-income countries, while most of Africa, Asia, and Latin America lack institutions capable of infant and newborn heart surgery.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Scheduled water supply interruption planned for Friday in Windhoek area

    NamWater has scheduled a power outage at its Von Bach Treatment Plant from 07h00 to 18h00 on Friday to extend electrical busbars, which will affect water supply to Windhoek, Okahandja, and surrounding areas including Hosea Kutako International Airport. The Windhoek municipality says it will fill reservoirs beforehand to minimise disruption.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. Desert Air crash victims formally identified, repatriated to Germany

    Police have confirmed formal identification of four victims from a Desert Air crash on 10 May, and their bodies are being released to funeral undertakers for repatriation to Germany. The victims—three German tourists and the pilot—were recovered from a crash site in a steep mountain gorge after difficult rescue operations involving specialist forces and a helicopter.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  10. Otavi man pleads not guilty to ex-girlfriend's stabbing death

    Immanuel Venonja (25) denied murdering Elisabeth Uwu-Khaes (21) by stabbing her in a bar in Otavi on 31 May 2024, read with provisions of the Combating of Domestic Violence Act, in Windhoek High Court. Venonja claimed Uwu-Khaes attacked him first and that he did not stab her, though he admitted they had previously been in a domestic relationship and shared a child.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  11. Neighbour testifies in Walvis Bay murder trial of 53-year-old man

    A neighbour testified before the High Court in the trial of two men accused of raping, murdering, and robbing 53-year-old Vernon Gavin at his Walvis Bay home on 30 December 2023. The accused, Quanito van Vuuren (27) and Moses Sem (22), are charged with rape, murder, and robbery with aggravating circumstances; both have pleaded not guilty.

    3 June 2026 · Informanté →

  12. Government suspends 15,825 unverified old-age pension grants

    The government has temporarily suspended the grants of 15,825 old-age pension beneficiaries whose names could not be verified on the National Population Registry System. Affected beneficiaries must visit regional gender ministry or constituency offices with their national identification document and birth certificate to have their grants reinstated, and will receive back payment for the suspension period.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Culture

  1. Eight Colours Blue exhibition opens at Bellhaus Atelier

    A multidisciplinary exhibition featuring eight artists opens at Bellhaus Atelier & Galerie on Thursday, using blue as a starting point to explore themes of memory, identity, nature and human experience. The exhibition spans painting, poetry, sculpture, ceramics, textiles and jewellery, curated by artistic director Marcii Magson.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Sport

  1. Czech Mensik beats Fonseca for French Open semi-final spot

    Czech youngster Jakub Mensik defeated Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 to advance to the French Open semi-finals on Tuesday, where he will face second seed Alexander Zverev.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Lukaku scores on Belgium return in friendly win over Croatia

    Belgium captain Youri Tielemans said Napoli forward Romelu Lukaku scoring in his first international appearance in more than a year in a 2-0 World Cup friendly win over Croatia was "ideal" for both player and team ahead of their June 15 tournament opener against Egypt.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Sabalenka loses French Open quarter-final to Shnaider

    World number one Aryna Sabalenka crashed out of the French Open quarter-finals to 25th seed Diana Shnaider, losing 3-6, 7-5, 6-0 after collapsing mentally in the second set. Shnaider advances to face Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska in the semi-finals, while Flavio Cobolli won to set up an all-Italian men's semi-final.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Mighty Gunners FC hungry after Standard Bank Top 8 triumph

    Mighty Gunners FC coach Leonald Nambandi says the team is focused on maintaining consistency and professionalism after winning the 2026 Standard Bank Top 8 championship in Windhoek. The club is preparing for the NFA Cup, where they will face Eleven Arrows FC in the Round of 16.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Haiti defeats New Zealand 4-0 in World Cup warm-up match

    New Zealand suffered a 4-0 defeat to Haiti in a World Cup warm-up friendly at Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Tuesday, a loss coach Darren Bazeley called "really disappointing" and New Zealand's heaviest in nine years. The match was delayed 30 minutes due to lightning, and New Zealand faces England next before the World Cup begins.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. NCS extends netball lead with unbeaten Power Week run

    Defending champions Namibia Correctional Service opened a 12-point lead atop the MTC Netball Premier League after an unbeaten run at the eight-day Power Week tournament in Swakopmund, where all 12 premier league teams played multiple back-to-back matches.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Namibian junior cyclists win eight gold medals at Africa MTB Championships

    Namibia's junior cyclists won eight gold medals at the Africa Mountain Bike Championships in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, with the Thiel siblings Marco and Rosemarie each winning two gold medals. Namibian riders swept the first four places in both the junior boys' short track and cross country races.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Namibia's volleyball teams return to international play after 15 years

    Namibia's men and women's national volleyball teams will compete at the CAVB Zone VI Senior LA28 Olympic Games Qualifiers in Harare, Zimbabwe, from 7 to 14 June, their first international competition in about 15 years and part of qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Tourism & Environment

  1. Swakopmund Municipality opens upgraded Mole facilities and welcome sign

    The Municipality of Swakopmund has officially opened four newly upgraded Mole Cubicles serving as storage and trading facilities for local SMEs, alongside a Boom Tower housing public toilets and a security services room, constructed at a cost of N$4.8 million. The municipality also inaugurated a new Welcome to Swakopmund sign and Instagram frame, one of three new welcome signs planned for the town.

    3 June 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Edelweiss launches nonstop flights from Zurich to Windhoek

    Swiss carrier Edelweiss has begun non-stop service between Zurich and Windhoek with two weekly flights on Mondays and Fridays, adding a third frequency on Wednesdays from July 2026. The inaugural flight landed at Hosea Kutako International Airport on Monday carrying 285 passengers.

    3 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

World & Region

  1. Record complaints filed with Germany's anti-discrimination agency

    Germany's federal anti-discrimination agency received 13,067 requests for support in 2025, a 15% increase from the previous year, with 43% of clients reporting racial discrimination. The commissioner warns that racist attitudes are becoming entrenched and leading to more severe experiences of discrimination.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Hawks officer claims R200m cocaine thieves linked to managers

    Warrant Officer Karl Sander testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry that the thieves who stole a R200-million cocaine consignment from Hawks offices in Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal in 2021 were connected to the unit's management. Sander, previously told he failed a polygraph test over the case, learned that the examiner made errors rendering the results invalid.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Namibians may travel to South Africa for US visas

    The US State Department is reportedly cutting visa-issuing consulates and embassies on the African continent, including Namibia's, according to the Associated Press. The closest remaining visa-processing hubs would be South Africa's consulates in Cape Town and Johannesburg, or Angola's Luanda consulate.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Namibia urges citizens in South Africa to stay vigilant

    Namibia has urged its citizens in South Africa to remain vigilant and seek consular assistance amid reports of anti-migrant unrest and xenophobic attacks, though the Ministry of International Relations and Trade has not received reports of Namibian nationals being affected.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Opinion

  1. Government remembrance programme frames traditional leaders' concerns as misinformation

    An opinion piece critiques a Namibian government remembrance programme held in Lüderitz on 27 May 2026, arguing that by framing traditional leaders' and affected communities' concerns as "misinformation," the programme treats legitimate structural and historical critiques as a communication problem rather than engaging with substantive objections to the government's development model.

    3 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

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