Namibia Minute.
Tuesday, 9 June 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Tuesday, 9 June 2026
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Archive Minute from Tuesday, 9 June 2026

Politics

  1. Government ministries owe Windhoek over N$20 million

    Government ministries owe the Windhoek municipality more than N$20 million in municipal arrears, the City has confirmed.

    9 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. Finance ministry launches outcome-based budget reform workshop

    Namibia's Ministry of Finance officially launched a budget reform rollout workshop as the government seeks to create outcome-based budget programmes amid growing public debt and narrowing fiscal space. Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare stated that the 2026/27 National Budget of N$87.9 billion was tabled against recovering global conditions, but the global environment has since changed due to the ongoing Middle East war; he added that public debt stands at N$174.6 billion (65.2% of GDP) and the government has committed to reducing the fiscal deficit from 5.5% of GDP in 2026/27 to 3.3% by 2028/29.

    9 June 2026 · Informanté →

  3. President declares housing and sanitation national emergency

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare announced in Parliament that President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has declared the housing and sanitation crisis a national emergency, invoking the Disaster Risk Management Act. Government ministries and agencies have indicated a need for N$34 million for sanitation, though Ngurare said this amount may be insufficient but would serve as a start toward ensuring all citizens have access to sanitation.

    9 June 2026 · Informanté →

  4. Kalangula criticises speed humps on B1 bypass as reactive

    IPC Member of Parliament Nelson Kalangula has criticised the installation of speed humps along the B1 Western Bypass, calling the move reactive and short-sighted. He argues the Ministry of Works and Transport and Roads Authority are treating a national highway like a suburban residential street and that the humps create traffic bottlenecks and rear-end collision risks rather than improving driver alertness.

    9 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  5. Sesfontein councillor calls for delayed Opuwo road completion

    Sesfontein Constituency Councillor Bernadus //Hoeb is pushing for the tarred road from Sesfontein to Opuwo to be completed during his term, noting the project was supposed to begin in 2016–2018 but was halted by budget cuts. The design is complete and awaiting approval, according to the former Roads Authority CEO.

    9 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  6. AI should serve workers, not replace them – Immanuel

    Justice Minister Fillemon Wise Immanuel told the International Labour Conference in Geneva that artificial intelligence can support decent work without job losses if governments prioritize retraining over retrenchment. He cited Namibia's Social Security Commission, which introduced digital tools affecting 65 positions but retrained rather than laid off workers.

    9 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  7. Geopolitical tensions complicate Namibia's 2026/27 fiscal targets

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare warns that geopolitical tensions, particularly the Middle East conflict, are exerting pressure on Namibia's economy through higher imported inflation, rising shipping costs, and weaker external demand. Achieving the proposed N$87.9 billion budget outcome will require significant improvements in operational efficiency across government offices, ministries, and agencies.

    9 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  8. Okahandja begins computerised learner licence testing system pilot

    The Ministry of Works and Transport launched a computerised learner licence testing system and online booking platform at the Okahandja Natis centre, with plans to expand to other centres and have all Natis centres operating the system by March 2027. The system aims to improve efficiency, transparency, and road safety while allowing electronic appointment booking and payments.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. National Council plans oversight role in budgeting session

    Members of the National Council are meeting in Otjiwarongo for a week-long planning and budgeting session focused on strengthening parliamentary oversight, improving accountability and enhancing public participation in governance for the 2026/2027 financial year.

    9 June 2026 · Informanté →

  10. Ex-mayor defends president's appointment of relative as adviser

    Former Ongwediva mayor Taarah Shalyefu has defended President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's appointment of her retired relative Chris Nghaamwa as adviser to attorney general Festus Mbandeka, saying there is nothing wrong with appointing a qualified individual regardless of family ties. The appointment has drawn criticism from opposition leader McHenry Venaani, who said it undermines confidence in governance.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  11. Namibia's 2024 divorce law replaces fault-based system with irretrievable breakdown

    The Dissolution of Marriage Act 10 of 2024, which came into operation on 3 June, repealed eight previous pieces of marriage legislation. The new law replaces the fault-based divorce system—which required spouses to prove grounds such as adultery, cruelty, or desertion—with a single ground: that the marriage is irretrievably broken down with no prospect of restoration, and requires mediation proceedings rather than adversarial litigation.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  12. National Assembly criticized for slow progress on major bills

    The National Assembly faces criticism over legislative effectiveness as the annual budget remains the only bill to make significant progress in 2024; major legislation including the land bill and regional councils bill failed to pass and remain under discussion. Political analysts and former lawmakers attribute the slow pace to institutional, procedural and political challenges including poorly prepared draft legislation, extensive public consultations, limited sitting days, and capacity constraints within sponsoring ministries.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  13. Deregistered Tsoaxudaman chief sues minister over removal

    Joshua Seibeb, deregistered Chief of the Tsoaxudaman clan, has challenged his removal by Minister James Sankwasa in court, arguing it was unlawful. Seibeb was removed in September 2025 after failing to implement a 2022 agreement on the appointment of senior and traditional councillors, stemming from a long-standing leadership dispute within the clan.

    9 June 2026 · Informanté →

  14. National Assembly adopts new mental health amendment bill

    The National Assembly has finalised and adopted the mental health amendment bill of 2025, introducing a modern, rights-based framework to strengthen mental healthcare services and protect patients. The legislation repeals the 1973 Mental Health Act and includes measures to criminalise abuse of mental health patients, expand community-based care, tighten regulations on restraint and seclusion, and emphasise suicide prevention.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  15. Eigub questions speed humps on Windhoek Western Bypass

    Landless People's Movement chief whip Dawid Eigub questioned whether engineering expertise was sidelined in favour of political directives regarding speed humps installed on Windhoek's Western Bypass highway, citing concerns from road users and professionals about longer travel times, congestion, and increased costs, and asking whether traffic engineering studies were conducted before installation.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  16. Road experts criticise Windhoek speed humps on major highways

    Road transport experts have criticised the installation of speed humps on major highways around Windhoek by the Roads Authority and Ministry of Works and Transport, warning the measure could increase accidents and congestion rather than improve road safety. Experts and officials have called for pedestrian bridges instead, with the transport minister describing the speed humps as a temporary measure.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Business

  1. Bank Windhoek opens digital banking hub at Goreangab Mall

    Bank Windhoek officially opened a Digital Banking Hub at Goreangab Mall, extending banking access to residents of Goreangab, Katutura and surrounding areas. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, and Khomas Governor Sam Nujoma attended the mall's inauguration on 5 June 2026, where the hub was described as part of economic transformation and increased investment in historically underserved communities.

    9 June 2026 · Informanté →

  2. CRAN receives 624 reconsideration requests on Starlink ruling

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia has received 624 applications for reconsideration following its decision on Starlink Internet Services Namibia's licence application. The authority said the reconsideration process will follow established legal and regulatory procedures under the Communications Act.

    9 June 2026 · Informanté →

  3. GIPF receives N$134.4m in MTC dividend payments

    Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) increased total dividend payments to shareholders to N$467.1 million in the period ended 31 March, up 26% from N$369.5 million a year earlier. The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) received N$134.4 million in dividends, up from N$106.4 million previously.

    9 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  4. CRAN receives 624 Starlink licence reconsideration applications

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia has received 624 applications for reconsideration of its decision on Starlink Internet Services Namibia's licence application. The applications were submitted by members of the public and interested stakeholders, not by Starlink itself, and will be processed according to the Communications Act and relevant regulatory procedures.

    9 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  5. MTC revenue hits N$1.95 billion in first half of 2026

    Mobile Telecommunications Limited reported revenue of almost N$2 billion and increased its subscriber base to 2.37 million for the six months ending 31 March 2026. The company announced an interim dividend of N$358.35 million, with total revenue rising 7.1% and profit after tax increasing 1.6% compared to the same period last year.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. MTC discontinues free SMS benefit on airtime recharges

    Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) will discontinue free SMS messages previously offered to customers upon airtime recharge, effective 10 September.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Hartlief Shop & Bistro to close permanently in July

    The Ohlthaver & List Group announced that Hartlief Shop & Bistro in Windhoek's Northern Industrial Area will permanently close on 15 July. The closure follows a review of operations and will allow the company to focus on its core meat processing and distribution activities.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Fima restricts employer deductions from employee pension benefits

    Under Namibia's new Financial Institutions and Markets Act, employers can no longer easily deduct losses from employee pension benefits in cases of alleged theft, dishonesty, fraud or misconduct. The law has shifted from the previous Pension Funds Act, which permitted such deductions if the employee admitted liability or the employer obtained a court judgment.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. Prime minister calls for review of housing finance models

    Prime minister Elijah Ngurare has questioned Namibia's housing finance model, arguing that lengthy repayment periods of up to 20 years make homeownership unaffordable for young people, and has urged the Bank of Namibia to engage commercial banks to review and reform existing housing finance models. Finance minister Ericah Shafudah welcomed the directive and called for the central bank, her ministry, and the office of the prime minister to work with commercial banks to implement the proposal.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  10. Central bank warns public debt could reach 70% of GDP

    Bank of Namibia governor Ebson Uanguta warned that Namibia's public debt could rise to 70% of GDP by the end of the current financial year without spending reforms, noting that debt has already exceeded the 60% benchmark and currently stands at 65.2% of GDP. The central bank says the government can no longer rely on borrowing to fund expenditure and cautioned against borrowing against future oil revenues.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Mining & Energy

  1. Osino and NamWater seek Khan River dam approval

    Osino Gold Exploration and Mining and NamWater are seeking environmental clearance for a proposed sand storage dam on the Khan River.

    9 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. Namibia positioned as key global critical minerals supplier

    At the Critical Minerals Forum's US-Africa Investment Summit, the US Ambassador to Namibia highlighted Namibia's growing importance in securing critical minerals and energy resources, noting that economic power increasingly depends on countries' ability to build integrated systems connecting resources, infrastructure, energy, capital and technology into functioning value chains.

    9 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. US ambassador praises Namibia's natural resources strategy

    The US Ambassador to Namibia said the country's approach to natural resources—including mineral extraction, processing, value addition, and infrastructure development—positions it to attract serious capital. He told attendees at a US-Africa investment summit that Namibia is one of the countries successfully connecting resources, infrastructure, energy, capital and technology into functioning systems.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Former Namcor chief criticises N$7.2bn Vitol fuel deal

    Former Namcor acting managing director Maureen Hinda-Mbuende has criticised the government's award of a N$7.2 billion three-month fuel supply contract to Vitol, saying the deal is "counter-productive and monopolistic" and will damage the downstream fuel sector's long-term competitiveness. Hinda-Mbuende claims Namcor offered a cheaper deal and that Vitol's ownership of Shell and Engen service stations creates conflicts of interest that could harm competitors.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Hardap invests in agriculture and tourism for economic growth

    Hardap governor Riaan McNab said the region is investing in farmer support programmes, climate resilience initiatives and tourism development to strengthen the agricultural economy and create jobs. Recent allocations include N$1.1 million for 76 horticulture farmers and N$360 000 for 49 poultry farmers, plus a Japan-funded resilience project to support 1 200 drought-affected farmers.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Society

  1. Hardap Region records 4,374 criminal cases, up 5.09 percent

    The Hardap Region recorded 4,374 criminal cases over the past year, an increase of 5.09%, according to Governor Riaan Charles McNab. The rise is attributed to intensified police operations, while alcohol and drug abuse and unemployment-related poverty are identified as key contributing factors; drug-related offences declined 24.4% but female involvement increased 77%, and 26 murders and 34 major vehicle accidents were reported.

    9 June 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Gobabis seeks information on sewer pipeline vandalism

    Gobabis municipality is investigating vandalism of a sewer pipeline that caused significant damage and sewage spillages, and is asking residents to report information about those responsible. The municipality warns that such vandalism is costly and diverts funds from essential services.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. ACC summons health ministry official over procurement fraud probe

    The Anti-Corruption Commission has issued a formal summons to a member of the ministry of health and social services' Bid Evaluation Committee to appear for questioning over allegations of procurement manipulation, supply chain fraud, and theft of pharmaceutical medicines from state warehouses. The official is to appear before an ACC investigator on 18 August 2026.

    9 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  4. Namibia warns of 84% cancer case surge by 2045

    Health Minister Dr Esperance Luvindao warned that Namibia could face an 84% increase in cancer cases by 2045, with projections showing more than 6,300 new cases annually by that year compared to approximately 2,200 in 2018. Experts cited delayed diagnoses, limited rural screening services and barriers to treatment as key challenges, with breast cancer and cervical cancer among the most prevalent forms.

    9 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  5. Informal apprenticeships dominate African skills development system

    Informal apprenticeships remain Africa's largest skills development system, providing training to millions who lack access to formal training. The Ministry of Education participated in a regional conference in Nigeria that adopted an action statement calling for increased investment in apprenticeships to support employment and economic transformation.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Education directors call for optional school admission fee

    Education directors have called for the N$10 school admission application fee to be made optional, warning that some parents may struggle to afford it despite the Ministry of Education permitting schools to charge up to N$10 to cover administrative costs.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Namibia projected to face 6 300 cancer cases annually by 2045

    Health and Social Services Minister Esperance Luvindao warned that Namibia could record more than 6 300 new cancer cases annually by 2045, an 84% increase over two decades, if urgent action is not taken to strengthen prevention, early detection and treatment services. The country recorded approximately 2 200 new cases in 2018 and 3 453 cases by 2022, with 1 940 cancer-related deaths.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Guard accused of B1 murder disrupts own trial in Windhoek High Court

    A former security guard accused of robbing and murdering a colleague while transporting cash was removed from a Windhoek High Court trial after repeatedly disrupting proceedings by claiming he was not charged and that his rights were violated. The judge recorded pleas of not guilty on his behalf in his absence.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. Government allocates N$34m for nationwide sanitation rollout

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare announced that the government has allocated N$34 million from the disaster management budget for sanitation interventions and plans to fast-track implementation across all 121 constituencies. About 40% of Namibian households lack access to basic toilet facilities according to the 2023 Population and Housing Census, with open defecation still practiced in many areas.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  10. Rehoboth restores water to schools after bill dispute

    Rehoboth Town Council restored water to all schools on Tuesday after shutting it off due to non-payment of water bills, following a ministerial directive requiring local authorities to cut off government institutions with outstanding utility payments.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  11. NSFAF rejects funding for medical students' overseas study

    More than 200 Namibian students accepted into medical and health-related programmes abroad had their NSFAF funding applications rejected on grounds that these fields do not appear on the agency's priority list. An affected student said the policy shift was not formally communicated beforehand and contradicts the historical treatment of medical fields as priority.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Culture

  1. Arts council chief targets doubling creative sector GDP share

    Newly appointed National Arts Council of Namibia chairperson Lot Ndamanomhata aims to increase the creative sector's contribution to GDP from 1.5% to 3% under the sixth National Development Plan, citing improvements in the industry's coordination and citing 327 local film productions between 2022 and 2024 that generated an average of N$122.5 million in spending and created over 2,400 jobs. He acknowledged that policy, infrastructure, and financial deficits continue to constrain the sector, with funding remaining the most pressing challenge as most creative projects are self-financed.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Drag ball launches Windhoek's LGBTQI+ Pride Month celebrations

    Drag Night Namibia's 'Pride Kiki Ball' brought together LGBTQI+ community members and allies for competitions in categories including corporate realness, face, runway, body and performance at Le Roof. The event, held under the theme 'Show us Your Pride', was the first in Windhoek's Pride Month celebrations.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Sport

  1. Serena Williams returns to tennis with doubles victory at Queen's Club

    American tennis legend Serena Williams made her triumphant return to competition four years after retiring, pairing with Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko to win 7-6, 6-2 against third seeds Erin Routliffe and Nicole Melichar-Martinez in the first round of the Queen's Club grass-court tournament on Tuesday.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Wembanyama leads Spurs past Knicks in NBA Finals game

    Victor Wembanyama scored 32 points to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 115-111 victory over the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals on Monday, cutting the Knicks' lead to 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Desert Foxes FC relegated from women's super league

    Desert Foxes FC was relegated from the FNB Women Super League after recording one draw, zero wins and 21 losses. Chairperson Paulo Shipanga attributed the poor performance to lack of squad depth, inexperienced players, and physical strength compared to competitors.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Namibian wrestling needs global exposure for LA 28 campaign

    The Namibia Wrestling Federation secretary general says elite wrestlers need increased international competition, training camps, and logistical support including flights, accommodation, and registration fees for the Road to LA 28. Recent success at the South Africa Greco-Roman Nationals demonstrates the value of regional competition for building athlete capacity and commitment.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Outjo councillor resigns from NFA executive committee

    Outjo councillor Laurence Kandundu has resigned from the Namibia Football Association executive committee following a Namibia Sports Commission directive about Sport Act compliance, which prohibits local authority councillors from serving on sport federation executive committees.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. South Africa to play Mexico in 2026 World Cup opener

    South Africa will face hosts Mexico in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on 11 June at Mexico City Stadium, marking Bafana Bafana's return to the tournament after a 16-year absence. The fixture will launch the largest World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams, 104 matches and 16 host cities across Canada, Mexico and the United States.

    9 June 2026 · Informanté →

Tourism & Environment

  1. Only 1.69% of Namibia's marine areas under conservation protection

    The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has noted that less than 2% of Namibia's marine areas are currently under conservation protection, while terrestrial areas stand at 39.92%. The ministry is identifying Ecologically and Biologically Sensitive Areas toward declaring them as protected areas to meet the CBD 30 by 30 target, which commits countries to conserve at least 30% of their land, inland water, coastal and marine areas by 2030.

    9 June 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Edelweiss launches Zurich–Windhoek flights to tap tourism demand

    Swiss leisure airline Edelweiss has introduced direct flights between Zurich and Windhoek in response to growing demand for nature-based tourism and Namibia's positioning as a premium safari destination. The airline increased the route from two to three weekly flights during its inaugural season due to strong early demand, with Switzerland ranked as the fifth most important European source market for Namibia in 2025.

    9 June 2026 · Informanté →

World & Region

  1. At least 49 die of thirst after truck breaks down in Sahara

    At least 49 people died of thirst in a remote part of the Sahara Desert in northern Niger after the truck carrying them broke down, according to authorities.

    9 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. Mexican teachers block road to World Cup stadium

    Thousands of demonstrators led by a breakaway CNTE teachers union group blocked an avenue to Mexico City's Azteca Stadium on Tuesday, protesting for higher salaries days before the 2026 World Cup opening match. President Claudia Sheinbaum said the opening game was "guaranteed" but ruled out using police to suppress the demonstrations, favouring dialogue instead.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. South Africa president announces illegal migration crackdown

    South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced new measures to crack down on illegal migration amid rising tensions over an anti-foreigner march.

    9 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  4. Obasanjo, Nandi-Ndaitwah discuss trade, investment cooperation

    Former Nigerian President Obasanjo held talks with President Nandi-Ndaitwah to strengthen trade and investment cooperation between Namibia and Nigeria, and to discuss Africa's response to global uncertainties and conflicts. The leaders emphasised the importance of African engagement and peaceful solutions to international developments.

    9 June 2026 · Informanté →

  5. Somali referee denied US entry, dropped from World Cup 2026

    Omar Artan, set to be the first match official from Somalia to referee at a World Cup finals, was turned back at Miami International Airport on Saturday due to "vetting concerns" from US Customs and Border Protection. FIFA confirmed he would play no part in the tournament, citing the decision as the sole preserve of the United States as tournament co-host.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Somalia backs referee denied US entry for World Cup

    Somalia's Ministry of Sports expressed deep regret after award-winning referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States on Saturday, preventing him from becoming the first Somali official to officiate at a World Cup finals. Artan, named CAF men's referee of the year in 2025 and selected among 52 referees by FIFA, was barred following a routine inspection at Miami International Airport.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Opinion

  1. Anthropic co-founder calls for slowing AI development pace

    Jack Clark, co-founder of Anthropic, has called for the ability to slow artificial intelligence progression, warning that the technology is approaching a point at which it could develop without human oversight.

    9 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. Speed humps on highways create congestion and collisions, critic warns

    The installation of speed humps on Windhoek's B1 Western Bypass and A1 highway by the Ministry of Works and Transport has prompted criticism that the measure, while well-intentioned, amounts to a knee-jerk response to pedestrian fatalities that has instead introduced new hazards including traffic congestion and rear-end collisions.

    9 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Namibia must recognize Damara and San genocide victims

    An opinion piece argues that Damara and San people, who also suffered under German colonial forces between 1904 and 1908, remain largely invisible in Namibia's genocide remembrance and discussions of reparations, despite historical evidence that they were caught up in military campaigns, forced removals, imprisonment, and concentration camps alongside Nama and Ovaherero communities.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

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