Namibia Minute.
Thursday, 11 June 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Thursday, 11 June 2026
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Archive Minute from Thursday, 11 June 2026

Politics

  1. Rundu council and surveyor settle defamation suit

    The Rundu Town Council and private quantity surveyor Fernandu Santu Simon have reached a settlement agreement resolving a defamation suit and clarifying their respective roles.

    11 June 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. Government considers declaring housing sanitation state of emergency

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare announced in parliament on Tuesday that government is considering declaring housing and sanitation a state of emergency, acting on a directive from the President.

    11 June 2026 · Namibian Sun

  3. Prosecutor-General appointment must proceed openly and promptly

    An editorial argues that the recruitment of Namibia's next Prosecutor-General following Advocate Martha Imalwa's departure at year-end is a test of the country's commitment to transparency and the rule of law, and that the Judicial Service Commission must complete the process in a timely and professional manner.

    11 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. Erongo Governor rejects petition from ten residents

    Erongo Governor Nathalia /Goagoses condemned a petition signed by 10 people led by Stanislaus Napuka, calling her the "root of all evil" and demanding her removal, characterizing the effort as defamatory personal attack rather than legitimate governance complaint. The petitioners claimed to represent the Daure Daman traditional community and accused her of disrespecting the Council of Elders by creating a position not found in customary law.

    11 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  5. Namibia restarts search after eight PG candidates fail test

    The Judicial Service Commission has abandoned its shortlisted candidates for Prosecutor-General after all eight failed a written assessment designed to test legal knowledge and analytical ability; the highest score was 49%, below the required 50% pass mark.

    11 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  6. High Court awards damages to activists arrested during 2023 protest

    The High Court ordered suspended Inspector-General Joseph Shikongo and the ministry of home affairs to compensate activists Michael Amushelelo and Dimbulukeni Nauyoma for arrests and detention following an anti-unemployment protest in March 2023, awarding Amushelelo N$300,000 and Nauyoma N$80,000, plus legal costs.

    11 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  7. PDM MP questions SORA project delivery monitoring mechanisms

    PDM MP Rosa Mbinge-Tjeundo has submitted parliamentary questions to the minister in the Presidency regarding how State of the Region Address commitments are monitored and delivered. She argues that these addresses have become platforms for announcing ambitious projects without proper mechanisms to measure delivery or hold authorities accountable, and that many communities continue to face the same developmental challenges despite repeated promises of roads, schools, clinics, water infrastructure, and jobs.

    11 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  8. Deputy minister holds infrastructure summit in Walvis Bay

    The Deputy Minister of Works and Transport convened an urgent meeting with local government officials, engineers, and contractors in Walvis Bay to assess road infrastructure challenges and devise solutions. Engineers identified geotechnical conditions, high groundwater levels, aging underground services, and heavy port traffic as obstacles to road construction and maintenance.

    11 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  9. New board of directors appointed for Namibia Water Corporation

    Agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform minister Inge Zaamwani inaugurated a new NamWater board chaired by Matty Hauuanga with six other members. The government expects the board to focus on water security, financial sustainability, infrastructure projects and innovative water supply solutions.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

  10. LPM members question party after Keetmanshoop mayor removed

    The Landless People's Movement withdrew Keetmanshoop mayor Melody Swartbooi from her position without disclosing a reason, prompting supporters to question their party loyalty and claim the removal violated legal procedures under the Local Authorities Act.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

  11. Activists awarded damages for unlawful 2023 arrest, detention

    Michael Amushelelo and Dimbulukeni Nauyoma won a case against the minister of safety and security, inspector general of police and prosecutor general, receiving N$300,000 and N$80,000 respectively after being acquitted in October 2023 on charges related to their March 2023 arrest while attempting to stage a protest about unemployment.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

  12. Minister refuses to reconsider speedbumps on Western Bypass

    Public outrage over speedbumps installed on the Western Bypass in Windhoek has grown, with Transport Minister Veiko Nekundi refusing to reconsider the decision. Traffic officers and senior executives of Windhoek and the transport industry were not consulted, and various traffic engineering studies have warned of economic impacts from speedbreakers on highways designed for faster traffic flow.

    11 June 2026 · Informanté

  13. Acting prosecutor general plans to exit by year-end

    Martha Imalwa, the acting prosecutor general, says she is looking forward to leaving office at the end of the year. The Judicial Service Commission has restarted recruitment for a substantive prosecutor general after none of the eight shortlisted candidates met the required standard in a written assessment.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

  14. Presidential adviser faces scrutiny over N$15m Agribank debt

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's newly appointed economic adviser Shali Shindume reportedly owes Agribank over N$15 million from a loan obtained while he was the bank's credit manager. Agribank sought High Court action in 2021 over breach of contract, with a settlement agreement requiring Shindume to subdivide his mortgaged farm property and make specified monthly payments.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

Business

  1. MTC revenue grows 7.1%, but costs cut profit gains

    Mobile Telecommunications Limited reported first-half 2026 revenue of N$1.95 billion, up 7.1%, driven by prepaid services and roaming; however, operating costs rose faster than revenue, causing EBITDA margin to decline from 49.4% to 47.4% and earnings to grow only 1.6%. Simonis Storm Securities downgraded MTC's stock from "buy" to "hold" and reduced its full-year earnings forecast and target share price to 1,035 cents.

    11 June 2026 · Informanté

  2. Namibia identified with N$14.5 billion manufacturing opportunity

    Simonis Storm analysis shows Namibia could unlock approximately N$14.5 billion in new manufacturing and value-addition activities, citing a trade deficit of N$4.4 billion and identifying 353 products across 23 sectors that the country could potentially manufacture using existing capabilities.

    11 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  3. Swiss startup converts human urine into certified fertiliser

    VunaNexus, a Swiss startup, has developed a process to recycle human urine into a certified mineral fertiliser called Aurin. The technology, installed at the European Space Agency's Paris headquarters, uses special toilets to divert urine into a treatment system that removes micropollutants and concentrates nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus before pasteurisation.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Ninety One-Sanlam Allianz seek to merge asset management businesses

    Ninety One Namibia and Sanlam Allianz Namibia plan to combine their active asset management businesses, operating under the Ninety One Namibia brand with a 15-year term, though the deal awaits shareholder and regulatory approvals including from the Namibia Competition Commission.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Bank of Namibia convenes Internal Audit Awareness Day gathering

    The Bank of Namibia hosted an Internal Audit Awareness Day bringing together policymakers, auditors, and public sector leaders to discuss the evolving role of internal audit in strengthening governance and accountability. Deputy Governor Nicholas Mukasa highlighted internal audit as an independent assurance function supporting risk management and organisational resilience.

    11 June 2026 · Informanté

  6. Meatco raises fraud allegation against former CEO to N$7.5 million

    Meatco has revised its claim that former Chief Executive Officer Patrick Liebenberg misappropriated funds, increasing the alleged amount from N$6.1 million to N$7.5 million after uncovering additional irregular transactions. The revised claim details approximately 11 irregular transactions including cattle sales recorded as imaginary transactions and inflated transactions where the surplus allegedly went to Liebenberg's pockets.

    11 June 2026 · Informanté

  7. Police arrest man in N$2.1 million Sanlam fraud case

    A 35-year-old man was arrested in Ondangwa for allegedly receiving N$385 000 linked to a fraud case involving N$2.1 million stolen from Sanlam Namibia. The suspect was charged with fraud, acting with a common purpose, and corruption-related offences, and remanded in custody pending a bail application on 15 June.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

Mining & Energy

  1. Namibia considers up to N$3bn stake in diamond firm De Beers

    The government is considering spending up to N$3 billion to buy a stake in De Beers, reportedly partnering with Angola and Botswana, which already hold 15% of the diamond company. The deal follows Anglo American's decision to exit De Beers and sell its 85% stake, with De Beers' valuation dropping significantly from N$65.7 billion to N$6.9 billion.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

Agriculture & Land

  1. NYS farm project creates over 300 jobs for youth

    Gemsbok Farm trainees under the National Youth Service have benefited from the NILALEG project, which has generated more than 300 jobs through investments in fodder and charcoal production, along with practical training in sustainable agricultural practices. More than N$800,000 has been invested to support the initiative, which aims to empower young people and create sustainable economic opportunities in rural areas.

    11 June 2026 · Informanté

  2. Minister seeks response from German farm owner over worker evictions

    The Minister of Agriculture has expressed concern over non-response from Joachim Rust, owner of Okamuru Farm in Waterberg, who is allegedly harassing and threatening to evict fifth-generation farm workers. The farm workers, whose history on the land predates the colonial period, report facing pressure including livestock confiscation and restricted movement since the farm's sale from the previous Schneider family.

    11 June 2026 · Informanté

Society

  1. Angolan child beggars return to Namibia despite repatriation efforts

    Young Angolan children from the Mwila tribe continue to beg and sell goods on Namibian streets despite repatriation by Namibia and Angola in 2024 and 2025, with officials warning the phenomenon may be driven by parental exploitation rather than poverty alone. The Windhoek City Council has called for urgent national intervention, citing safety risks from children as young as five soliciting money and goods at busy intersections.

    11 June 2026 · Informanté

  2. N$30.5 million neonatal unit opens at Swakopmund Hospital

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services inaugurated a new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Swakopmund District Hospital, expanding the facility's neonatal capacity from four incubators to 28 beds. The facility is expected to reduce neonatal referrals to Windhoek and improve access to critical care for premature and seriously ill newborns in the Erongo Region.

    11 June 2026 · Informanté

  3. Geingos tells young journalists journalism creates change long-term

    Former first lady Monica Geingos told fellows in the 2026 One Economy Foundation Media Fellowship Programme that journalism should be understood as a gradual process of shaping perspectives through consistent and accurate reporting rather than expecting instant change, and that storytelling must account for lived experiences, trauma and social context.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

  4. First gentleman calls for action on boys' education lag

    Epaphras Ndaitwah, the first gentleman, launched a community engagement in Katima Mulilo aimed at fostering positive masculinity and encouraging boys to take education seriously. He highlighted that female graduates outnumber males at Namibian universities—64.6% female versus 35.4% male at UNAM in 2025/26, and about 60% female versus 40% male at NUST—and noted that 8,720 boys dropped out of school in 2023.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Emergency care technician finds purpose in canyon rescue work

    Priscilla Shongola, a 23-year-old emergency care technician, works responding to emergencies involving hikers in Fish River Canyon. She chose healthcare work for its fast-paced, adventurous nature and draws motivation from the gratitude of patients she rescues.

    11 June 2026 · New Era

  6. Government advances N$247m to NSFAF for student refunds

    Government has advanced N$247 million to the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund to accelerate the processing of student refunds under the Subsidised Tertiary Education Funding model, with disbursements expected to commence this week. Student Union of Namibia confirmed that refunds started reflecting in student accounts on Monday.

    11 June 2026 · New Era

  7. Health ministry unveils new complaints system for public healthcare

    Health Minister Esperance Luvindao acknowledged public frustration over conditions in Namibia's public health system, citing reports of resource shortages, poor communication, discrimination, and unauthorized sharing of patient information. The ministry launched a new Standard Operating Procedure for the Management of Complaints aimed at improving accountability and addressing concerns.

    11 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  8. WHO warns of teen vaping surge in Namibian schools

    A 2024 national survey found that 23% of Namibian students aged 13 to 17 currently use vaping products, with boys reporting nearly 30% e-cigarette use. The WHO Country Representative warned that nicotine addiction among teenagers is deliberately engineered by the tobacco and vape industry through targeted marketing tactics.

    11 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  9. Local businessman donates 1,500 sanitary pads to Erongo governor

    Gideon Tshomokuti of Benguela Petroleum Supplies donated 1,500 sanitary pads, valued at nearly N$30,000, to the Office of the Erongo Governor in collaboration with JaDa Pads. The donation followed a courtesy visit during which Tshomokuti discussed the company's operations and future plans with Governor Nathalia /Goagoses, with focus on regional development and youth unemployment.

    11 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  10. Female police reservist shot at home in Oshakati

    A 35-year-old female police reservist was shot at her home in Oshakati on Tuesday morning by an unknown person. The victim remains in critical condition at Oshakati Intermediate Hospital, and the suspect has not yet been arrested.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

  11. Murder accused allegedly used grandmother's account to launder money

    Petrus Shikwaya (22), accused of orchestrating an October attack on prosecutor Justine Shiweda that led to her death in February, allegedly laundered money through his grandmother's bank account, the Ondangwa Magistrate's Court heard. Shikwaya denied the allegation, claiming his grandmother transferred funds to him to purchase stock for her business.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

  12. Health ministry introduces online complaints management system

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services has launched a new online complaints management system to improve accountability, responsiveness, and service delivery at public health facilities. The initiative aims to address long-standing concerns including resource shortages, infrastructure deterioration, poor communication, and alleged unprofessional conduct by healthcare workers.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

  13. Gobabis man claims stabbing by girlfriend in May

    A 42-year-old man says his girlfriend of five years stabbed him in the abdomen at his Gobabis home in May after he ended their relationship. He was treated at Gobabis State Hospital and later Katutura Intermediate Hospital for injuries that led to complications including infection and fever.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

  14. People with disabilities face employment, education, healthcare barriers

    The Namibian Organisation of Youth with Disability says people with disabilities remain among the most marginalised groups, facing high unemployment rates and barriers to employment, education, healthcare, and public services. According to labour statistics cited by the organisation's spokesperson, people with disabilities account for only 2.3% of the active labour force — 12,508 employed individuals out of a national pool of over 546,000 employed citizens.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

  15. Police warns public against AI-generated police uniform content

    Namibian Police acting inspector general Anne-Marie Nainda says the force has noted circulation of AI-generated images on social media depicting officers in replica police uniforms, and warns that such content contradicting the police mandate could tarnish the force's image and may have serious legal repercussions.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

  16. Murder-accused Shikwaya denies conspiracy in prosecutor killing case

    Petrus Shikwaya, one of six men accused of murdering Ondangwa control prosecutor Justine Shiweda, told Ondangwa Magistrate's Court that he did not conspire to commit the murder. Cellphone records showed communication between Shikwaya and his uncle Abner Matheus, whom the State alleges masterminded the killing, and bank transfers allegedly linked to the purchase of corrosive substance used in the attack.

    11 June 2026 · Namibian Sun

  17. Walvis Bay pastor and biker leader Pietie Fox dies at 70

    Pieter "Pietie" Fox Sr., a well-known Walvis Bay pastor and community figure who was deeply involved in Namibia's biking community, has passed away at age 70. He was remembered by family, church leaders, and fellow bikers as a devoted man of faith and mentor who touched many lives.

    11 June 2026 · Informanté

  18. Eight minors remanded in custody for gang-rape charge

    Eight of nine minor boys accused of gang-raping a 25-year-old woman in Okahandja on 7 June were remanded in custody after appearing in the Okahandja Magistrate's Court; the matter was postponed to 25 June 2026 for a formal bail application. An uncensored image of one of the accused has circulated on social media, sparking national outrage.

    11 June 2026 · Informanté

Culture

  1. Ovambanderu commemorate 130th anniversary of chief's execution

    The Ovambanderu community will gather at Okahandja this weekend to mark 130 years since chief Kahimemua Nguvauva and Nikodemus Kavikunua were executed by German colonial forces on 11 June 1896 for opposing land dispossession.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

Sport

  1. BBC Somali referee denied US entry for World Cup

    BBC Somali referee Omar Artan says he was subjected to an 11-hour immigration interview before being denied entry to the United States for the World Cup despite holding what he claims were the correct papers and visa.

    11 June 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. Namibian CAF clubs seek home advantage in continental competitions

    Namibia's representatives in CAF interclub competitions—African Stars in the CAF Champions League and Chula Chula FC in the CAF Confederation Cup—are hopeful of hosting their continental matches at Unam Main Campus Stadium, citing cost savings and home-crowd support as key benefits.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Capricorn Group extends women's cricket sponsorship to 2028

    Capricorn Group renewed its partnership with Cricket Namibia, extending sponsorship of women's cricket by N$1.2 million over the next two years. The company will continue as naming partner to the national women's team (Capricorn Eagles), the u19 team, girls cricket festivals, and girls schools league until May 2028.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Cricket Namibia appoints Justin Kemp as director

    Cricket Namibia announced Justin Kemp as its new director of cricket, a newly created position. Kemp will oversee strategic direction of cricket operations including national teams, high performance programmes, and talent identification, with a focus on consistently qualifying for U19 and World Cup events.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Namibian para-sprinter Shikongo, 40, targets Glasgow Commonwealth Games

    Ananias Shikongo, a decorated Paralympic sprinter, will compete in the T11 100 metres at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow (23 July to 2 August) as Namibia's sole para-athlete. The 40-year-old believes discipline and mindset matter more than age, and says he has been training since February with guide Even Tjiviju.

    11 June 2026 · New Era

  6. Capricorn Group invests N$1.2 million in women's cricket partnership

    Capricorn Group has renewed its partnership with Cricket Namibia, committing N$1.2 million over two years (June 2026 to May 2028) to support the national women's team, Under-19 women's squad, girls' cricket festivals, and girls' schools league.

    11 June 2026 · New Era

  7. Mexico defeats nine-man South Africa in World Cup opener

    Mexico won 2-0 over South Africa in the opening match of the World Cup at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca, with goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez. South Africa finished with nine men after two players were sent off.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

  8. Lutkenhaus wins Oslo Diamond League 800m; Tebogo takes 200m

    American 17-year-old Cooper Lutkenhaus won the Diamond League 800m in Oslo in 1:42.08, beating Olympic and world champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi in a narrow finish, while Letsile Tebogo won the 200m field that included Australian Gout Gout.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

  9. South Africa faces Mexico in World Cup opener at Azteca

    South Africa coach Hugo Broos has challenged his players to block out the noise of Mexican supporters when they take on Mexico in their World Cup Group A opener at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday. Broos regards the match as pivotal to South Africa's chances of advancing from the group stage and believes Mexico are the team to beat in Group A.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

  10. Safety and comfort tips for World Cup opening match viewing

    With watch parties planned across the region for the Fifa World Cup opening match between Bafana Bafana and Mexico, venues are encouraging attendees to dress warmly, plan transport in advance, share their location with trusted contacts, arrive early, and keep valuables secure to ensure an enjoyable and safer experience.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

  11. Nangolo fights Zamba for national bantamweight title

    Bantamweight boxer Joy Nangolo will face experienced opponent Gabriel Zamba for the national bantamweight title at the Multipurpose Centre in Swakopmund on 24 July. Boxing Academy founder Nestor Tobias believes Nangolo has the talent to win and will gain valuable experience from the bout.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

  12. Futsal clubs welcome inaugural NFA Cup competition

    Futsal Namibia has introduced the NFA Cup, a knockout competition featuring eight first-division clubs and the bottom eight teams from the Futsal Premier League, designed to provide competitive preparation ahead of the league season opening next month.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

  13. Portugal beats Nigeria 2-1 in World Cup warm-up match

    Portugal defeated Nigeria 2-1 in a World Cup warm-up fixture, with goals from Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceicao securing the victory despite Cristiano Ronaldo wasting several chances. Portugal will face the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia in Group K of the World Cup, opening their campaign on June 17 in Houston.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

World & Region

  1. Man shot at Kenyan protest against US Ebola centre

    A demonstrator was shot during a protest in Nanyuki, Kenya, against the construction of an Ebola quarantine centre for US citizens, according to witnesses.

    11 June 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. South Africa faces Mexico in FIFA World Cup 2026 opener

    South Africa played Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on co-host Mexico's home soil in Mexico City, with the fixture serving as a symbolic rematch of the 2010 World Cup's opening game. South Africa qualified as Group A winners in CAF qualifying for their fourth World Cup appearance.

    11 June 2026 · Informanté

  3. FIFA World Cup 2026 opens with Mexico City ceremony

    The FIFA World Cup 2026 begins with Mexico City hosting the first of three opening ceremonies featuring global music acts and cultural performances ahead of the opening match between Mexico and South Africa. The tournament is the first FIFA World Cup to be hosted across three countries.

    11 June 2026 · Informanté

  4. Climate experts warn extreme heat could disrupt 2026 World Cup matches

    Scientists caution that one in four World Cup games could be played in very hot conditions, affecting fans and players. Approximately 26 of the 104 matches could reach at least 26°C in Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, with venues in Dallas, Houston, Miami and Mexican cities expected to experience extreme heat.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Cape Town becomes first African World Marathon Major

    Cape Town has been added to the World Marathon Majors series, becoming the first African race in the circuit, which joins London, New York, Boston, Chicago, Berlin, Sydney and Tokyo. Major status is expected to deliver about $49 million in spending on travel, accommodation and meals to Cape Town.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

  6. South American parents name children after football stars

    Across South America, football-inspired baby names are booming, with Neymar and Kylian Mbappe among the most popular in Ecuador and Colombia. In Ecuador, 3,847 children are named Neymar and over 2,800 are named Kylian, according to the country's civil registry.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Namibia-Portugal trade and investment ties have room to grow

    Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi said Namibia's relationship with Portugal still has significant potential for expansion, particularly in trade and investment, though the countries have developed cultural and trading ties. She noted that while trade volumes are improving, they have not yet matched the scale of ambition or depth of friendship between the two nations.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

Opinion

  1. Andimba Ya Toivo's legacy warns against tribalism in Namibia

    An opinion piece reflects on Andimba Herman Toivo ya Toivo's warnings against tribalism, arguing that while Namibia's public discourse focuses on economic growth and investment, the country must also confront growing tribalism, poverty, and inequality that are neglected from national discourse.

    11 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  2. Housing loans need long terms to remain affordable, economist argues

    An opinion piece argues that Prime Minister Ngurare is right to worry about housing repossessions but mistaken in criticizing banks for offering 20-year home loans; the author contends that longer loan terms are necessary to keep monthly payments affordable for ordinary workers, and that shorter terms would exclude all but the wealthy from homeownership.

    11 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

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