Namibia Minute.
Friday, 12 June 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Friday, 12 June 2026
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Archive Minute from Friday, 12 June 2026

Politics

  1. Daure Daman group petitions for Erongo governor's removal

    A group representing the Daure Daman Traditional Elders Council petitioned for the removal of Erongo governor Nathalia /Goagoses, accusing her of interference.

    12 June 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. Activist challenges B1 speed humps as unlawful public hazard

    Social justice activist Michael Amushelelo filed an urgent High Court application to remove speed humps installed on the B1 Western Bypass near the Northern Industrial Area, arguing they are unlawful, violate the Road Traffic and Transport Act of 1999, and pose a public safety danger. He is seeking immediate removal and a prohibition on future physical speed humps on national highways and designated freeways in Namibia.

    12 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  3. Government says delimitation report will be released publicly soon

    The government says a long-awaited delimitation and demarcation report on proposed constituency boundary adjustments will be made public at an appropriate time, denying claims it is being withheld. The Delimitation and Demarcation Commission, chaired by judge Petrus Unengu, submitted its final report to former president Nangolo Mbumba in 2025 following consultations in 2024 ahead of the presidential, National Assembly, regional council, and local authority elections.

    12 June 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Minister argues highway concept lacks legal definition in speedbump case

    Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi has told the court that the concept of a "highway" does not exist in law in response to an urgent application by social activist Michael Amushelelo challenging the installation of speed bumps on the B1 Western Bypass. Amushelelo argues the bumps on the freeway designated for high-speed traffic create safety hazards and violate traffic regulations.

    12 June 2026 · Informanté

  5. Monica Geingos appointed Club de Madrid advisor

    Former First Lady Monica Geingos has been appointed as an Advisor to Club de Madrid, a global forum of more than 130 democratic former Presidents and Prime Ministers from over 70 countries. Geingos brings experience in law, finance, public health, and youth development, and founded the One Economy Foundation and chairs the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development.

    12 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  6. PM suspends revised remoteness and hardship allowance

    Prime Minister Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare has ordered suspension of the revised categorisation of duty stations for the Remoteness and Hardship Allowance with effect from 1 July 2026, pending further consultation. During the suspension period, duty station categorisations and allowance levels applicable on 31 March 2026 will continue to apply.

    12 June 2026 · Informanté

  7. Court ruling on Western Bypass speed humps due end-June

    Activist Michael Amushelelo sought an urgent court order to have speed humps removed from Windhoek's Western Bypass, arguing they are unlawful and dangerous on high-speed roads; Judge Gabriel Komboni will deliver a ruling on 30 June after hearing arguments on Friday.

    12 June 2026 · The Namibian

Business

  1. Namibia's digital fraud rate stays below global average at 1.2%

    Namibia recorded a 1.2% suspected digital fraud rate among transaction attempts in 2025, significantly below the global average of 3.8%, with third-party seller scams on e-commerce platforms driving most reported financial losses among affected consumers.

    12 June 2026 · Informanté

  2. Vice President commends Old Mutual's new wellness centre

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi visited Old Mutual Namibia's newly established Wellness Centre in Windhoek and commended the company for investing in preventative healthcare and employee wellbeing. Old Mutual CEO Tassius Chigariro said the centre was established to support employee wellbeing and create a healthy working environment.

    12 June 2026 · Informanté

  3. Bank of Namibia hosts Internal Audit Awareness Day

    The Bank of Namibia held an Internal Audit Awareness Day bringing together policymakers, governance practitioners, auditors, and public sector leaders to discuss internal audit's role in strengthening governance and accountability. Deputy Governor Nicholas Mukasa highlighted internal audit as an independent assurance function that supports risk management and promotes accountability across institutions.

    12 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. SME Fund launched to support Namibian micro and small businesses

    Namibia has introduced the SME Fund through a partnership between the National Planning Commission, the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, and GIZ, to strengthen sustainability and growth of Namibian micro, small and medium enterprises. The fund provides targeted financial support to registered Namibian businesses with annual turnover up to N$10 million and at least 51% Namibian ownership.

    12 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  5. Walvis Bay Municipality cancels sale of 67 residential plots

    Walvis Bay Municipality has cancelled the sale of 67 erven, of which 66 were single residential plots for first-time buyers, following a ministerial directive. Non-residential plots will proceed with sale as planned.

    12 June 2026 · New Era

  6. SA xenophobia threatens Namibian 'order with me' traders

    Namibian entrepreneurs using the "order with me" business model say xenophobic attacks in South Africa are disrupting their livelihoods and forcing some to stop travelling there for supplies. Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare will meet with informal traders tomorrow to discuss customs duties, taxation and regulatory challenges.

    12 June 2026 · New Era

  7. Agribank partners with German group on financial inclusion

    The Agricultural Bank of Namibia and the German Sparkassenstiftung for International Cooperation signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen financial inclusion and enterprise development, with focus on improving access to financial services for SMEs and agri-businesses through training, technical assistance, and knowledge transfer.

    12 June 2026 · The Namibian

  8. NamWater clarifies water flow is routine operations, not dam leak

    NamWater has clarified that water observed flowing in the Swakop River near Von Bach Dam is the result of routine filter backwashing at the water treatment plant, not a structural failure. The utility said the dam remains sound and excess water is safely released into the river during periods of increased treatment activity to prevent overflow.

    12 June 2026 · Informanté

  9. Namibia's annual inflation accelerates to 4.1% in May

    Namibia's headline inflation rate reached 4.1% in the 12 months ending May 2026, up from 3.5% a year earlier, according to the Namibia Statistics Agency. Regional analysis showed Khomas Region had the highest inflation at 5.4%, while the northern regions recorded the lowest at 3.2%.

    12 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  10. Telecom Namibia tests Angola satellite for remote connectivity

    Telecom Namibia has signed an agreement with Angola's GGPEN to pilot the Angosat-2 satellite to assess its technical performance, service capabilities, and commercial viability for reaching remote communities, lodges, farms, schools, mining operations, and businesses.

    12 June 2026 · The Namibian

  11. Adrian & Meyer jewellery closes after over 120 years

    Adrian & Meyer Jewellery Creation, located in Carl List Mall on Independence Avenue, will close its doors after more than 120 years in business. The shop has launched a final clearance sale across its entire collection but did not state a reason for the closure.

    12 June 2026 · The Namibian

  12. Ongwe Minerals closes capital raise early amid strong investor demand

    Ongwe Minerals Inc closed its capital raise to Namibian investors before the Friday deadline after demand exceeded available shares. The company was seeking to raise up to CAD10 million for exploration work on its Namibian properties and general corporate purposes.

    12 June 2026 · The Namibian

  13. Roads Authority spent N$704,000 on speed humps project

    The Roads Authority says it spent about N$704,000 on installing speed humps, road signs and transport costs along sections of the B1 Western Bypass and A1 road south of Windhoek, refuting claims the project cost N$12 million. The humps were introduced as an immediate road safety measure following a directive by works and transport minister after an increase in pedestrian-related crashes in high-risk zones.

    12 June 2026 · The Namibian

Mining & Energy

  1. //Kharas governor seeks community input on green hydrogen plans

    The Governor of //Kharas Region called on local communities to share ideas on how the green hydrogen industry should develop in the region, including priorities on employment, land use, and environmental safeguards. He emphasized that stakeholder engagement ensures communities have a voice in development plans, particularly for the anticipated Hyphen Hydrogen Energy project.

    12 June 2026 · Informanté

  2. Rising fuel prices strain operating costs in Namibian mining sector

    The Chamber of Mines of Namibia reports that rising fuel prices are increasing cost pressures for the mining sector, with diesel prices up N$4.63 per litre and transport inflation reaching 11.5% year-on-year as of May 2026. The sector remains cautiously optimistic due to strong uranium and gold prices, but faces a more challenging operating environment as higher fuel and transport costs weigh on competitiveness.

    12 June 2026 · Informanté

  3. Alrosa launches diamond promotion program through 2030

    Alrosa's supervisory board has approved a programme to promote natural diamonds through 2030, aimed at generating sustainable long-term demand in key global markets. The initiative will include generic marketing to highlight natural diamonds' authenticity, uniqueness, and sustainability benefits, alongside retail education and regulatory protection efforts.

    12 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. Global oil prices surge, pushing Namibia inflation higher temporarily

    The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and resulting rise in global oil prices are expected to push inflation higher in Namibia and South Africa over coming months, though analysts say the impact will be temporary and unlikely to trigger a prolonged inflation cycle. Namibia's inflation rose from 2.1% in March to 3.1% in April as fuel prices increased, and is expected to climb further.

    12 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  5. High fuel prices strain Namibian mining sector costs

    High fuel prices since March have increased production costs for Namibian mining, with transport inflation up 11.5% year-on-year, putting particular pressure on diamond mining and smaller operations, though some mines like Husab have switched to alternative energy solutions.

    12 June 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Namcor backs minister on three-month Vitol fuel supply deal

    Namcor says awarding Vitol a three-month fuel supply contract is "commercially beneficial" and aligned with national objectives, following concerns from parliamentarians and a former managing director that the deal sidelined the state oil company. Namcor cited working capital limitations and previous financial weaknesses requiring N$1.2 billion in government support in April 2024, and additional N$401 million in July and August 2025.

    12 June 2026 · The Namibian

Agriculture & Land

  1. Zambezi farmers call for military deployment against cattle rustlers

    Farmers in Zambezi's Liselo-Kamenga border region report daily cattle theft by heavily armed rustlers who drive livestock into Zambia, and are calling for government intervention and deployment of the Namibian Defence Force to address the escalating crisis.

    12 June 2026 · New Era

  2. Neckartal Dam irrigation phase advances to environmental assessment

    The Ministry of Agriculture has announced that an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment will be undertaken to advance the Neckartal Dam project into Phase Two, which aims to develop the irrigation component. The project covers approximately 19,000 hectares of government farms in the //Kharas Region.

    12 June 2026 · Informanté

  3. Meatco urged to join animal auctions in northern communal areas

    George Haufiku of Harambee Communal Auctioneers has called for Meatco to participate as a buyer in animal auctions in northern communal areas, arguing that the state-owned entity's absence limits competition and keeps farmers' prices non-competitive. Haufiku notes that Meatco currently buys directly from individual farmers rather than at auctions, and that it operates abattoirs in Rundu, Eenhana, Katima Mulilo and Outapi.

    12 June 2026 · The Namibian

Society

  1. 21-year-old creates opportunities for Namibian youth

    Jaden van Rensburg, 21, is positioning himself as a young changemaker focused on creating opportunities for Namibia's youth through work spanning IT services and tutoring.

    12 June 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. Namibia underestimates trauma lasting beyond rape survivors' healing

    Society often expects rape survivors to move on after the crime, but experts warn Namibia underestimates the long-term psychological impact of sexual violence. Police recorded 1,345 rape cases between April 2024 and February 2025 as part of 4,405 gender-based violence cases reported nationally, though many assaults go unreported.

    12 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  3. VP Witbooi backs support for young entrepreneurs with disabilities

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi called for greater support for young entrepreneurs living with disabilities at the closing of National Disability Week in Lüderitz, noting that young people with disabilities are making meaningful economic contributions through business ownership despite facing barriers to funding, training, and opportunities. Witbooi directed the Division of Disability Affairs to revive and operationalise income-generating projects for persons with disabilities through capacity building and additional resources.

    12 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. Namibia's boys falling behind in education, warns First Gentleman

    The Windhoek Observer reports that Namibian boys are increasingly falling behind in education, with women accounting for 64.6% of graduates at the University of Namibia in 2025/26 compared to 35.4% men, and 8,720 boys dropping out of school in 2023. First Gentleman Epaphras Ndaitwah has sounded a national alert on what the publication calls a "boy-child crisis" threatening the country's social and economic stability.

    12 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  5. Khomas stray animals to receive reflective gear project

    Stray animals along the B1 road in Khomas will receive reflective collars and ear tags as part of the Animal Visibility Project, launched in December 2025 to reduce nighttime collisions between motorists and free-roaming livestock. The project prioritizes the high-risk stretch near Mix informal settlement and follows a pilot in Omusati and Oshana regions.

    12 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  6. Cabinet approves health agreements with Egypt and Africa CDC

    Cabinet has endorsed an agreement between Namibia and Egypt on pharmaceutical products and medical devices, and approved another agreement with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention for procurement services. The approvals come as the country faces shortages of essential medicines in public health facilities.

    12 June 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Katima Mulilo flood victims face eviction from relocation camps

    Flood-affected residents relocated to Ngweze Community Hall in March after heavy rains damaged their homes are being evicted by the Katima Mulilo Town Council by Friday, despite having nowhere to return to and lacking funds to rebuild.

    12 June 2026 · The Namibian

  8. Police warn public against AI-generated content with police uniforms

    The Namibian Police Force has cautioned the public against creating and sharing AI-generated social media content depicting individuals in police uniforms or using replicas of its insignia, warning such material can mislead the public, damage the institution's reputation, and has potential legal consequences.

    12 June 2026 · Informanté

  9. Four killed in head-on collision near Kalkfeld

    A delivery truck and 15-seater Quantum minibus collided head-on on the C33 outside Kalkfeld on Thursday evening, killing four people—three passengers in the minibus and one in the truck—with multiple others injured. Police say the truck's rear left tyre burst, causing the driver to lose control and swerve into the oncoming minibus.

    12 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  10. 71-year-old arrested for rape of biological daughter

    A 71-year-old man in Omusati has been arrested on charges of rape and assault by threat after allegedly raping his 19-year-old biological daughter in April 2026 and threatening to kill her if she reported it. He is expected to appear in court on Friday.

    12 June 2026 · Informanté

  11. Emotions flare at Ondangwa Court in murder bail hearing

    Emotions erupted at the Ondangwa Magistrate's Court during a bail hearing for murder accused Petrus Shikwaya when one of prosecutor Justine Shiweda's sisters attempted to confront alleged mastermind Abner Mateus. According to the state, Mateus instructed Shikwaya to send N$1 200 to Petrus Uusiku to buy acid allegedly used in the attack that led to Shiweda's death.

    12 June 2026 · The Namibian

Culture

  1. Masters of the Universe film review praises nostalgic balance

    A reviewer found Masters of the Universe to be highly enjoyable, striking a balance between modern storytelling and 1980s nostalgia.

    12 June 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. Five Namibian creatives nominated for Africa Content Creators Awards

    Five Namibian creatives have earned nominations at the Africa Content Creators Awards, with public voting now under way.

    12 June 2026 · Namibian Sun

  3. Ovambanderu to commemorate Chief Nguvauva's 130th death anniversary

    The Ovambanderu community will gather at Okahandja to mark 130 years since Chief Kahimemua Nguvauva's execution. Described as an early anti-colonial resistance leader who opposed German colonial expansion in the late 19th century, Nguvauva is recognised as one of Namibia's national heroes.

    12 June 2026 · The Namibian

Sport

  1. Thomas Partey denied Canada visa for Ghana's World Cup match

    Thomas Partey, a Villarreal midfielder facing trial in Britain on rape charges, will miss Ghana's World Cup opener against Panama after Canadian authorities refused his visa application. Fifa confirmed the player cannot travel from Ghana's team base in Boston to Toronto for the match on Wednesday, 17 June.

    12 June 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Canada earns first World Cup point with draw versus Bosnia

    Canada drew 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday in the first World Cup finals game played on Canadian soil, with Cyle Larin scoring Canada's equalizer in the 78th minute after Jovo Lukic put Bosnia ahead in the first half. The result gave Canada its first point in World Cup history after losing all six matches in previous tournament appearances in 1986 and 2022.

    12 June 2026 · The Namibian

  3. US faces Paraguay in World Cup opener Friday

    The United States, co-hosting the 2026 World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada, faces Paraguay on Friday in Los Angeles. Christian Pulisic said the US squad is "ready to battle" and "able to compete with anyone," while coach Mauricio Pochettino cautioned that Paraguay, the lowest-ranked team in Group D, are competitive and aggressive opposition.

    12 June 2026 · The Namibian

  4. NCS defend unbeaten netball record in two weekend fixtures

    Defending champions Namibia Correctional Service, unbeaten after 13 matches, face bottom-placed Namibian Navy in the MTC Netball Namibia Premier League this weekend; separately, sixth-placed Afrocat Lions play seventh-placed Tigers in a mid-table clash.

    12 June 2026 · New Era

  5. South Korea beats Czech Republic 2-1 in World Cup opener

    South Korea defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 in their World Cup campaign opener, with substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu scoring the decisive goal in the 80th minute after Hwang In-beom equalized for the Koreans following an early Czech goal.

    12 June 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Former Olympic athlete urges youth not to limit ambitions

    Former national sprinter Tjipekapora Herunga, who competed at the Olympic Games, is encouraging young Namibians not to allow their backgrounds or geographical location to define their ambitions, and is mentoring young athletes through her athletics academy.

    12 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  7. Chiefs beat Crusaders 49-12 to reach Super Rugby final

    The Waikato Chiefs defeated defending champions Canterbury Crusaders 49-12 in Hamilton on Friday to book their place in the Super Rugby final, leading 42-5 at half-time.

    12 June 2026 · The Namibian

  8. AC Boxing reaffirms commitment despite Nangolo's defeat

    AC Promotions and AC Boxing Academy reaffirmed their commitment to boxing following Flame 'Special One' Nangolo's first round loss to Martin Mukungu on 30 May, with owner Imms Moses thanking sponsors and supporters and confirming Nangolo is medically fit to return to the ring.

    12 June 2026 · The Namibian

  9. Morning Star Boxing Academy wins multiple awards at Grootfontein tournament

    More than 200 boxing enthusiasts attended a tournament at Grootfontein Soccer Stadium hosted by Morning Star Boxing Academy. Junior Shikondhi, Olivia Ambrosius, and Petrus Ndeity were named Best Youth, Junior, and Senior Boxers respectively.

    12 June 2026 · The Namibian

  10. Namibian netball star Kaspar steps back from court

    Namibian Navy and Desert Jewels netball star Anna Kaspar has been away from competitive play since last year, nursing her newborn baby. The Walvis Bay-based shooting star has won multiple awards and built a reputation as one of the most clinical shooters for club and country.

    12 June 2026 · The Namibian

  11. Grootfontein lead rugby premiership after winning five matches

    FNB Grootfontein face Trustco United in a key rugby premier league match, with Grootfontein unbeaten after five wins and leading the log by two points ahead of Wanderers. Grootfontein captain Wicus Jacobs says the team's success is surprising given they lack regular training and face long travelling distances.

    12 June 2026 · The Namibian

  12. Book celebrates achievements of Namibia's Paralympic athletes

    A book titled 'No Obstacle is Too Great to Overcome,' written by Frank Gschwender, was launched in Windhoek documenting the stories of Namibian Paralympians and their support staff. The launch coincided with the 10th anniversary of the Sport on the Move Foundation, which has supported Namibia's para-athletes, who have won 12 medals over the past 18 years.

    12 June 2026 · The Namibian

  13. FC Ongos Ladies face Mighty Gunners in NFA Cup quarterfinals

    Eight women's football teams contest NFA Cup quarterfinals this weekend at Independence Stadium in Windhoek, with league champions FC Ongos Ladies meeting NDF Mighty Gunners Ladies in the main fixture.

    12 June 2026 · The Namibian

World & Region

  1. Six ambassadors present credentials, outline Namibia cooperation plans

    Six newly accredited ambassadors and high commissioners from Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Denmark and Chad presented their credentials to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and outlined plans for cooperation in sectors including offshore oil and gas, green hydrogen, tourism, education, technology and trade. Minister of International Relations Selma Ashipala-Musavyi said the government aims to ensure diplomatic relations bring direct economic benefits.

    12 June 2026 · New Era

  2. World Cup opens in Mexico amid stadium celebration and city chaos

    Shakira and Burna Boy performed the official tournament song at the Estadio Azteca opening ceremony as Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0, but outside the stadium fans clashed with police and overcrowding disrupted a fan zone in Mexico City.

    12 June 2026 · The Namibian

  3. SADC prisoner transfer protocol updated for Namibian inmates

    Namibia has amended its ratification of the SADC Protocol on Inter-State Transfer of Sentenced Offenders, allowing convicted Namibians serving prison sentences in other Southern African countries to be transferred home to complete their jail terms. The protocol, adopted by SADC leaders in 2019 and now gazetted by the home affairs minister, aims to support the social reintegration of offenders by allowing them to serve sentences in their home countries, though transfers require meeting specified conditions.

    12 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. Orange River border dispute between Namibia, South Africa unresolved

    Nearly two years after a technical committee reached agreement, the formalisation of the disputed Orange River border between Namibia and South Africa remains unresolved. The dispute centres on whether the boundary follows the high-water mark of the northern bank (South Africa's position based on the 1890 Helgoland-Zanzibar Treaty) or runs along the median line of the river (Namibia's constitutional position), with the river's diamonds, minerals, and water resources for agriculture at stake.

    12 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  5. U.S. revokes hundreds of visas in birth tourism crackdown

    The U.S. State Department has dismantled birth tourism networks across Africa and Europe, revoking hundreds of visas from foreign nationals accused of abusing visitor visas to give birth in the United States and secure citizenship for their children. The action targets sophisticated networks involving fraudulent documents and visa facilitators.

    12 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  6. Namibians donate N$700,000 to Cuba for medical supplies

    A Namibian solidarity campaign launched in April has raised N$700,000 in donations for Cuba to purchase critical medical supplies, in response to the US blockade on the island nation. The campaign, which has no specific fundraising goal, intends to continue raising funds with a target of N$1 million.

    12 June 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Global Water Partnership relocates headquarters to Windhoek

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah received senior leaders of the Global Water Partnership Organisation following the relocation of its headquarters and legal seat to Windhoek. The organisation, a multi-stakeholder international network focused on strengthening water governance and promoting climate-resilient investments, inaugurated its headquarters at the UN House in Windhoek on 23 May 2026.

    12 June 2026 · Informanté

  8. Mexico and Korea Republic win opening FIFA World Cup matches

    The FIFA World Cup 2026 began in Mexico City with an elaborate opening ceremony celebrating Mexican culture featuring international artists including Shakira and J Balvin. Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 and Korea Republic beat Czechia 2-1 in Group A's opening matches.

    12 June 2026 · Informanté

Opinion

  1. 2026 FIFA World Cup geopolitical tensions around border access

    An analysis piece argues that the 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico with forty-eight participating nations, faces a fundamental contradiction: its universalist ideals of global celebration are undermined by immigration and border restrictions in the host countries, raising questions about sovereignty, soft power, and international order.

    12 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

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