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Sunday, 14 June 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Sunday, 14 June 2026
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Archive Minute from Sunday, 14 June 2026
Politics

UN review commends Namibia's rights progress; notes persistent concerns

The News

During Namibia's Universal Periodic Review at the UN in May, peer countries commended progress including decriminalisation of same-sex relations and universal healthcare adoption, but raised serious concerns about high rates of gender-based violence, undermining of judicial independence, and lack of legal protection for LGBTQI+ people.

Why it matters

UN's Universal Periodic Review of Namibia praises rights advances but flags persistent gaps in GBV protection, judicial independence, and LGBTQI+ safeguards.

14 June 2026 · The Namibian

Politics

  1. UN review commends Namibia's rights progress; notes persistent concerns

    During Namibia's Universal Periodic Review at the UN in May, peer countries commended progress including decriminalisation of same-sex relations and universal healthcare adoption, but raised serious concerns about high rates of gender-based violence, undermining of judicial independence, and lack of legal protection for LGBTQI+ people.

    14 June 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Namibia's new divorce law eliminates fault-based system

    The Dissolution of Marriages Act of 2024, which came into effect on 3 June, abolished the old fault-based system and now allows divorce on a single ground: irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. Spouses no longer need to prove adultery, cruelty, malicious desertion, mental illness or habitual criminality.

    14 June 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Computerised learner licence testing launched in Okahandja

    Namibia's Minister of Works and Transport officially launched a Computerised Learner Licence Testing Method and Book and Pay System at the Okahandja NaTIS Centre, replacing paper-based tests with digital multiple-choice testing and enabling electronic appointment booking and payments to improve efficiency and road safety.

    14 June 2026 · Informanté

  4. Editorial: President's nephew appointment risks governance concerns

    The Namibian editorial criticizes President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's appointment of her nephew Chris Nghaamwa as adviser to attorney general Festus Mbandeka, arguing it amounts to creating a "shadow attorney general" that could usurp the AG's constitutional powers and feeds concerns about presidential relatives in government roles.

    14 June 2026 · The Namibian

  5. RA rejected speed humps plan; minister overrode technical views

    Five years ago, Roads Authority engineers rejected a proposal to install speed humps on the B1 Western Bypass, citing highway standards and the need for uninterrupted traffic flow. The Namibian reports that current RA board members disagree with minister of works and transport Veikko Nekundi's decision to proceed with speed humps, but have approved it under his instructions.

    14 June 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Dâure Daman committee rejects petition against governor

    A Dâure Daman community committee has distanced itself from a petition calling for the removal of Erongo governor Natalia /Goagoses, saying it was not consulted on the matter and the petition's views do not represent the committee or broader community.

    14 June 2026 · The Namibian

  7. ACC investigates Keetmanshoop municipality electricity contract deal

    The Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating the Keetmanshoop Municipality over alleged irregularities in a N$3.4-million service level agreement awarded to JJF Investments and Bellatrix SME Finance for the supply of prepaid electricity meters. The Ministry of Finance also launched an investigation after receiving information alleging non-compliance with the Public Procurement Act.

    14 June 2026 · The Namibian

  8. Judge awards damages to activists denied right to demonstrate

    Acting High Court judge Natasha Bassingthwaighte found that suspended police inspector general Joseph Shikongo unlawfully eroded the right to demonstrate by ordering that an unemployment protest could not take place on Independence Day 2023, awarding N$300,000 to activist Michael Amushelelo and N$80,000 to activist Dimbulukeni Nauyoma. The judge ruled that the Public Gatherings Proclamation of 1989 requires only notice, not permission, and the inspector general cannot use it to refuse or prevent public gatherings.

    14 June 2026 · The Namibian

  9. Landless People's Movement denies crowd hostility at disrupted meeting

    The Landless People's Movement rejected claims that crowds were antagonistic towards party leader Bernadus Swartbooi at a chaotic weekend meeting, saying instead that attendees were upset over the sudden end of the meeting without receiving answers they sought. The party indicated it will host a press conference on Monday following the disruption, which occurred after the firing of Keetmanshoop mayor Melody Swartbooi.

    14 June 2026 · Informanté

  10. President calls for unity, honours colonial-era resistance leader

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah told attendees at the commemoration of the 130th anniversary of the Battle of Otjunda that Namibia must draw inspiration from the courage and unity of freedom fighters like Ombara Kahimemua Nguvauva, who was executed in 1986 and resisted German colonial occupation. She urged citizens to protect democratic institutions, uphold the rule of law, and promote peaceful dialogue, and called on traditional authorities to prioritise community welfare and support development initiatives.

    14 June 2026 · The Namibian

Business

  1. Economist says high house prices, not loan terms, block affordability

    Economist Omu Kakujaha-Matundu argues the government should reduce house prices rather than target mortgage repayment periods, which typically range from 20 to 30 years. He says longer loan terms make expensive houses affordable for first-time buyers and borrowers can pay off mortgages early if they choose.

    14 June 2026 · The Namibian

Mining & Energy

  1. Uzbekistan begins world's first export small modular nuclear plant

    ROSATOM has begun construction of the world's first export small modular nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan's Jizzakh Region, with the first concrete poured on 4 June 2026. Once completed, the plant is expected to supply up to 14% of Uzbekistan's electricity demand and offers a reference point for other uranium-producing nations, including Namibia, exploring nuclear power options.

    14 June 2026 · Informanté

Agriculture & Land

  1. Kalkfeld AgriMega Day draws 1,071 attendees showcasing farming innovation

    The 2026 Kalkfeld AgriMega Day attracted more than 1,000 attendees and featured 132 exhibitors across exhibitions, livestock trading, and competitions. The event brought together farmers, agribusinesses, and government representatives under the theme of momentum, innovation, and the future of farming.

    14 June 2026 · Informanté

Society

  1. Walvis Bay motorcyclist killed, dozens injured in weekend crashes

    A 46-year-old motorcyclist died and dozens of people were injured in separate road accidents across Namibia over the weekend. Police recorded cases of reckless driving, drunk driving, hit-and-run, and unlicensed driving, and are appealing to motorists to obey speed limits, avoid alcohol, and remain at accident scenes.

    14 June 2026 · Informanté

  2. Vandalism leaves Keetmanshoop informal settlements without water

    Residents of informal settlements in Keetmanshoop face prolonged water supply disruptions as communal taps and pipes are vandalized or broken, forcing them to walk long distances or pay for water from relatives in other areas.

    14 June 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Namibian medical aid covers 7.41% of population in 2025

    Namibia had 224,078 people registered with medical aid in 2025, representing 7.41% of the total population. Dependants made up the majority of members at 50.25%, while pensioners comprised only 6.75% due to higher premiums and preference for government healthcare.

    14 June 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Kavango West maternity ward nears completion with Development Bank support

    The governor of Kavango West announced that construction of the Rupara Maternity Ward is nearing completion with N$1 million support from the Development Bank of Namibia. The facility is expected to improve maternal and childcare services and reduce maternal and infant health risks in surrounding communities.

    14 June 2026 · Informanté

  5. Cultural norms and apartheid legacy force men to suffer silently

    Traditional leaders say cultural norms, historical injustices, and societal expectations have contributed to many men remaining silent about abuse and emotional distress, citing apartheid-era labour systems that separated fathers from families and left boys without male role models.

    14 June 2026 · The Namibian

  6. New health complaints procedure aims to improve care, build trust

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services has launched a Standard Operating Procedure for managing complaints, with the Registrar of the Health Professions Council stating that complaints should be used to identify systemic issues and improve patient care rather than to punish staff.

    14 June 2026 · Informanté

  7. Khomas, Omaheke polio vaccination campaign concludes Saturday

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services completed a targeted polio vaccination campaign in Khomas and Omaheke regions on Saturday, launched after polio virus type 2 was detected in sewage samples in Windhoek and Gobabis. The campaign targeted children from birth to 10 years, with parents able to continue visiting designated health facilities for vaccination.

    14 June 2026 · The Namibian

  8. Police investigate fraud and burglary cases totaling N$397,000

    Namibian police are investigating a burglary in Henties Bay where N$286,400 in property was stolen, and two separate fraud cases in Windhoek and Kavango West Region involving N$70,585 and N$40,000 respectively. No arrests have been made in any of the three incidents.

    14 June 2026 · Informanté

Sport

  1. Vinicius equalises as Brazil draws with Morocco

    Vinicius Junior scored a brilliant equaliser for Brazil in a 1-1 draw with Morocco on Saturday in the Group C opener. Brazil are chasing a record sixth World Cup title under new coach Carlo Ancelotti, though this performance suggests significant work lies ahead.

    14 June 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Australia stuns Turkey 2-0 in World Cup Group D

    Australia defeated Turkey 2-0 in their World Cup Group D opener, with goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe, after coach Tony Popovic made bold selections including rookie goalkeeper Patrick Beach and 21-year-old midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler, both of whom performed well despite the match being early in their international careers.

    14 June 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Knicks win first NBA title in 53 years, beat Spurs

    The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 to win their first NBA championship since 1973, with Jalen Brunson scoring 45 points and earning Finals MVP honours. The Knicks won the best-of-seven series 4-1 after recovering from a 29-point deficit in game four, the biggest comeback in Finals history.

    14 June 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Scotland beats Haiti 1-0, marks World Cup return

    Scotland marked their first World Cup appearance since 1998 with a 1-0 victory over Haiti, with Aston Villa captain John McGinn scoring in the first half at Gillette Stadium outside Boston. The win tops Group C and is Scotland's first World Cup victory since 1990.

    14 June 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Hamilton wins first Ferrari race at Barcelona Grand Prix

    Lewis Hamilton claimed his first victory for Ferrari at the Barcelona-Catalunya Formula One Grand Prix on Sunday, ending championship leader Kimi Antonelli's five-race winning streak and cutting his title lead to 41 points. Hamilton finished ahead of George Russell and Lando Norris, while Antonelli abandoned the race in the final stages due to a technical problem.

    14 June 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Germany defeats World Cup debutants Curacao 7-1

    Germany won their first opening match at a World Cup since 2014, defeating Curacao 7-1 in their Group E opener in Houston. After Curacao equalized early, Germany scored six more goals to secure victory.

    14 June 2026 · The Namibian

World & Region

  1. Bus hijacked in Johannesburg, Namibians stranded, IPC criticizes government

    A Namibian-registered bus was hijacked in Johannesburg on 9 June, leaving passengers stranded; the Independent Patriots for Change accused the government and High Commission in Pretoria of failing to provide meaningful assistance to the operator and passengers, some of whom had to pay for their own accommodation.

    14 June 2026 · The Namibian

Opinion

  1. Opinion: Boys need guidance, mentorship to prevent crime

    An advocate argues that nine boys allegedly involved in gang rape at Okahandja are symptoms of absent guidance, discipline, and mentorship; he calls for families, churches, schools, and communities to intentionally shape boys' character with values and accountability.

    14 June 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Namibian land policies restrict capital generation for poor homebuyers

    An opinion piece argues that Namibian legislation preventing poorer people from generating capital from property is a major barrier to homeownership, comparable to a hypothetical ban on private land sales that would devastate wealthier property owners.

    14 June 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Opinion: PM's housing policy response lacks substance and scale

    An editorial criticizes Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare's approach to Namibia's housing crisis, arguing that appealing to commercial banks to lower mortgage rates ignores the systemic failures that have produced a backlog of over 300,000 units and left the ultra low-income majority unable to qualify for traditional mortgages.

    14 June 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Editorial: Technocrats must resist pressure, defend truth

    The Namibian editorial argues that senior officials—advisers, executive directors, chief executives and civil servants—have a duty to speak truth to power and not remain silent to stay close to authority, citing the upcoming transitions of the prosecutor general and Anti-Corruption Commission director general.

    14 June 2026 · The Namibian

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