The City of Windhoek's municipal council has launched its People-Centred Smart City Strategy 2026–2036 to guide the city's transformation, addressing challenges including rapid urbanisation, housing demand, mobility, and climate pressures through technology adoption and digital governance initiatives.
17 June 2026 · Informanté →
The City of Windhoek's municipal council has launched its People-Centred Smart City Strategy 2026–2036 to guide the city's transformation, addressing challenges including rapid urbanisation, housing demand, mobility, and climate pressures through technology adoption and digital governance initiatives.
17 June 2026 · Informanté →
Minister of Urban and Rural Development James Sankwasa has raised alarm over what he described as "underground capture" of Namibia's traditional authorities, warning that certain individuals are attempting to destabilise customary leadership structures. He stressed that recognition of traditional leaders will follow customary laws and cultural practices, and cautioned against what he termed the "over-democratisation" of traditional authorities.
17 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
A coalition of youth and student groups from across Namibia's political spectrum has endorsed Ester Simon as their sole candidate for executive chairperson of the National Youth Council, ahead of the NYC's elective General Assembly in Swakopmund. Simon will contest the position against former NANSO president Simon Taapopi.
17 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The City of Windhoek launched a People-Centred Smart City Strategy (2026–2036) in partnership with UN-Habitat, aiming to guide development through digital innovation and data-driven governance, but community activists have expressed mixed views on whether the municipality can balance technological ambitions with current service delivery challenges.
17 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has ordered the Namibia Central Intelligence Service to conduct background checks on about 360 health ministry officials, mostly from the pharmaceutical services directorate at the Central Medical Stores, following allegations of fraud and corruption involving government employees and tenderpreneurs rigging medical tenders and manipulating orders worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
A parliamentary motion to endorse Gerson Sindano as Electoral Commission of Namibia chairperson has been postponed after Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda objected, citing constitutional and Electoral Act breaches. Amupanda argues that Sindano's current commissioner term does not expire until 21 June 2027, conflicting with the requirement for a five-year chairperson tenure, and that the position should have been publicly advertised and subjected to an interview process.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Former Keetmanshoop mayor Francis Melody Swartbooi claimed at a media briefing that the Landless People's Movement's leadership forced her to award municipal projects to a preferred contractor, and dismissed her when she refused. The dispute centred on a water meter procurement tender and plans to renovate the Homs-Ai Open Market.
17 June 2026 · New Era →
Newly elected ALAN president Naemi Amuthenu has called for improved salaries and allowances for local authority councillors, saying councillors were excluded from recent salary increases granted to other political office bearers. The call came during an ALAN summit in Omaruru, where local authority leaders also discussed financial pressures facing councils due to declining revenue collection.
17 June 2026 · New Era →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah marked the Day of the African Child by honouring children killed in the 1976 Soweto Uprising and calling for greater investment in protecting and empowering African children, noting that their sacrifice helped secure freedoms many African children enjoy today.
17 June 2026 · New Era →
Finance Minister Erica Shafudah has introduced amendments to the Income Tax Act in the National Assembly aimed at establishing an independent tax court to hear income tax and value-added tax appeals. The new court, to function within the High Court structure, responds to a 2021 High Court ruling that found the former special tax court unconstitutional due to the minister's conflicting powers over tax administration and court appointments.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Former Keetmanshoop mayor Melody Swartbooi says she remains a proud LPM member despite being recalled from the town council by the party, which has not provided reasons for her withdrawal. LPM spokesperson confirms she remains an ordinary member, neither suspended nor expelled.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Opposition parliamentarians from the PDM, AR, and IPC challenged speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila on Wednesday over the manner in which she was conducting proceedings, with members arguing she was dismissing points of order without allowing them to be heard. The confrontation erupted after finance minister Ericah Shafudah was authorised to table and read a debate speech on behalf of prime minister Elijah Ngurare, a move strongly opposed by opposition parties.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's ministry of industries, mines and energy announced plans to remove the fuel premium charged to consumers for the past four years by implementing a Bulk Petroleum Import Coordination System that will allow wholesalers to coordinate imports and benefit from economies of scale, with minister Modestus Amutse saying the move will lower fuel costs while ensuring stable petroleum supply.
17 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia's new Financial Institutions and Markets Act (FIMA) has eliminated employers' ability to recover losses from employee theft, fraud or dishonesty from workers' pension benefits—a change from the previous Pension Funds Act that strengthens pension protection but removes a mechanism to balance employer harm and retirement security.
17 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
First National Bank Namibia and the Central Procurement Board of Namibia have partnered to improve efficiency, transparency and accountability in public procurement. The institutions discussed performance guarantees and explored ways to reduce delays in project implementation.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Trustco Group Holdings has received a formal demand from major shareholder Riskowitz Capital Management LLC to convene a shareholders' meeting to appoint a new board. This follows a contentious February shareholder meeting where a majority voted to remove the current board, but the outcome was invalidated by board chairman Raymond Heathcote on procedural grounds.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The Audi A5 took the premium category at the 2026 Car of the Year awards. Judges evaluate vehicles on excellence, global market relevance, performance within their segment, interior design, technology, engineering, and ride quality.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The Bank of Namibia increased the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.75%, effective immediately, with the prime lending rate also rising to 10.25%. Governor Ebson Uanguta said the Monetary Policy Committee tightened policy to counter rising inflation and maintain the NAD/ZAR currency peg, with headline inflation climbing to 4.1% in May 2026.
17 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Bank of Namibia increased the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.75%, bringing the Prime lending rate to 10.25%, citing rising global and domestic inflationary pressures and shifting monetary policy stances among major central banks.
17 June 2026 · Informanté →
A section of the T0202 road approximately 20 kilometres from Swakopmund has been temporarily closed to allow for culvert rehabilitation and replacement works. Motorists are advised to exercise caution, adhere to road signs and traffic control measures, and plan their journeys accordingly.
17 June 2026 · Informanté →
Oil industry executives have warned that Namibia faces a defining test as it moves closer to oil production, arguing that discoveries and foreign investment alone will mean little unless the sector translates into jobs, skills and economic opportunities for ordinary Namibians. The warnings were raised at the launch of the fourth Namibia Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition, where the theme "From Decision to Dividend: Making Namibia's Oil Work for Namibians" signals a shift from celebrating offshore discoveries to converting petroleum wealth into jobs, business opportunities and skills development.
17 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
US President Donald Trump announced that Washington and Tehran reached an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz without toll fees and remove the US naval blockade of Iran. Brent crude subsequently dropped nearly 5% to US$83.17 per barrel.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Young people in Namibia have strong interest in energy, engineering and technology careers but limited exposure to pathways into these fields. As the country expands oil and gas exploration and renewable energy projects, industry experts say a skilled local workforce is essential, and new initiatives are expected to connect students and graduates with career opportunities in the energy sector.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Local livestock producer prices remained broadly firm during the week ending 15 June, with premium beef cattle commanding prices of up to N$79.50 per kilogram and slaughter sheep selling for more than N$41/kg on average at auction, according to the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia.
17 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Swakopmund municipality is verifying 713 taxis on its database while traffic officers enforce against illegal operators, including Yango-linked vehicles.
17 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →
Six thousand packs of sanitary pads and five menstrual health corners have been donated to Namibian organisations as part of an effort to address period poverty.
17 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →
A 38-year-old Kavango East teacher was denied bail in Rundu Magistrate's Court after being charged with alleged rape of his 13-year-old niece.
17 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →
Eenhana District Hospital in Ohangwena region has flagged the lack of medical waste disposal sites in the north as a major challenge, alongside shortages of essential resources.
17 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →
Rundu mayor Andreas Jikerwa has accused the Northern Regional Electricity Distributor (Nored) of failing to maintain the town's street lights, leaving widespread areas dark.
17 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →
The Roads Authority has launched a mobile NaTIS facility in Omatjete, Erongo Region, to bring vehicle registration and licensing services to remote and underserved communities across Namibia. The truck provides vision testing, biometric data capture, learner licence testing, and vehicle licence issuing and renewals.
17 June 2026 · Informanté →
The Financial Institutions and Markets Act now prohibits employers from deducting financial losses due to employee theft, fraud, or misconduct from pension benefits, a practice previously permitted under the repealed Pension Funds Act. Pension professionals describe this as a legislative shift to strengthen protection of retirement savings.
17 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibians marked the Day of the African Child with renewed calls to protect children's rights and improve access to education, water and sanitation. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said child abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence remain unacceptable violations of children's rights.
17 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Road safety expert Felix Tjozongoro has said public frustration with speed humps on the Western Bypass is misguided, asserting that the real crisis lies in Namibian driver behaviour. Tjozongoro dismissed claims that the speed humps are improperly placed or unlawful, and pointed out that the Western Bypass does not meet the legal definition of a freeway under Namibian law.
17 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Vice President Lucia Witbooi has urged churches and religious institutions to strengthen partnerships with government in addressing corruption, substance abuse, gender-based violence, and moral decay. She said faith-based organisations have a critical role in restoring hope and promoting values, and that addressing Namibia's challenges of unemployment, poverty, and inequality requires a collective response.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Works and Transport has dismissed social media claims that it is removing recently installed speed humps on Windhoek's Western Bypass, stating that what is visible is ongoing installation. An activist has challenged the humps in court, seeking an order to declare them unlawful and compel their removal, with the case pending until 30 June.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Learners at Iishanaputa Combined School in Omusati region resort to nearby bushes for sanitation due to inadequate facilities, while the school also struggles with overcrowded classrooms, leaking structures, and insufficient learning materials. Teachers have been spending their own earnings to support the school's operations.
17 June 2026 · New Era →
A 42-year-old shop manager at Rani Mini Market in Okahao was robbed at gunpoint of a white Toyota Fortuner valued at N$1 million, an Apple Watch, leather bag, gold necklace, smartphone, AirPods, and N$1,900 in cash. Police recovered the vehicle in Ohangwena Region near the Namibia–Angola border, but the suspects remain on the run.
17 June 2026 · Informanté →
Police are investigating the murder of 80-year-old Barbara Geschke, a Walvis Bay resident whose body was discovered by a neighbour. The attack occurred between 15–16 June at her home, and authorities are appealing for public information to help identify a suspect.
17 June 2026 · Informanté →
Erongo governor Nathalia /Goagoses announced that a long-idle yellow building in Omaruru will open as a technical and vocational training centre in June/July this year, ending Erongo's status as the only region without a fully-fledged TVET centre. The centre will offer courses including green hydrogen and mineral analysis, with N$2 million in capital funding already secured.
17 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Governors of Ohangwena and Kunene regions have raised alarm about ongoing medicine shortages at public health facilities, with hospitals in Opuwo, Khorixas and elsewhere running low on medication for about three months. The shortages particularly affect chronic illness treatments including diabetes, hypertension, ARVs and tuberculosis medication, forcing patients to queue for long periods only to find prescribed drugs unavailable.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Prosecutors allege that murder accused Abner Mateus communicated with a fugitive suspect before and after the October attack on prosecutor Justine Shiweda, and that co-accused Petrus Shikwaya transferred N$4,950 to the same suspect minutes after the attack. Shiweda was shot and doused with corrosive acid in Ondangwa and died in hospital in February.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Nurses at Gobabis State Hospital say they have not received overtime payments for months, with some claiming no payments since January. The Ministry of Health and Social Services acknowledges outstanding overtime claims from the 2025/26 financial year but says they are awaiting treasury approval.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Biggs van Wyk, who sat observing Windhoek's central business district for over two decades, has died at age 83. Politicians and residents paid tribute to the figure, whom many described as a guardian angel or watchman who had become part of the city's identity.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Police arrested two of seven suspects in an armed robbery of an Okahao mini market manager, who lost property worth N$1,076,900 including a Toyota Fortuner; the vehicle was recovered but five suspects remain at large.
17 June 2026 · Informanté →
A Namibian arts column examines Netflix's 'The Polygamist' series, arguing that beneath its drama about a wealthy businessman's crumbling empire lies a portrayal of absent fatherhood, generational trauma, and the emotional damage of status-seeking that resonates with South African audiences.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Father's Day, celebrated on the third Sunday of June in many countries including Namibia, honours fathers and father figures whose guidance, support and sacrifices help shape families and communities. The observance has roots in the United States, traced to 1909 when Sonora Dodd sought to honour her father, and was officially designated by presidential proclamations in 1966 and 1972.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The inaugural NamFitness Expo and Conference will take place on 3–4 July, bringing together fitness, nutrition, health, mental health and financial wellness sectors. The event aims to promote wellness, create networking platforms, educate communities, and support Namibia's wellness economy, with activities including fitness activations, exhibitions, competitions, and a 5km fun run.
17 June 2026 · New Era →
World champion Tadej Pogacar won the opening 144km stage of the Tour of Switzerland with a solo breakaway effort, finishing 2min 14sec ahead of Richard Carapaz and ending suspense in a week of mostly mountainous racing.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's ambassador to Belgium is working to secure coaching, technology, infrastructure and equipment partnerships for Namibian athletes and federations through European sport networks. The ambassador says sport is among the president's priorities for youth development, and Namibia is seeking partners in the Benelux area to learn from Belgium's municipal sport development model.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's cricket team will face Hong Kong and Nigeria in a Tri-Nations T20 series at the FNB Cricket Ground. Namibian players have been in strong form, with Gerhard Erasmus winning MVP and leading Pembroke Panthers to victory in the Bermuda Smash Invitational.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Rebbeka Goagoses, former president of Netball Namibia and acting president of Netball Africa, has been appointed to the World Netball board. The Namibia Sports Commission and Netball Namibia hailed the appointment as a significant achievement for Namibian sport and governance.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria to become the joint all-time top scorer in World Cup history with 16 goals, equalling Miroslav Klose's record.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Erling Haaland scored twice in his first World Cup appearance as Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 in Boston on Tuesday, their first match at a major tournament since 1998. The win left Norway top of Group I on goal difference, level with France on three points.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Wilro Dippenaar and navigator Carolyn Swan won the Tara Rally, covering 486km including 190km of special stages over three days with a time of two hours, six minutes, and 33 seconds. The event, held in Namibia since 1969, saw 22 teams compete with only three failing to finish.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
/Goagoses, acting president of Netball Africa following the suspension of Cecilia Molokwane, has been formally appointed as a full member of the World Netball Board. Continental leaders automatically serve on the World Netball Board as regional directors by virtue of their position in their respective region.
17 June 2026 · New Era →
Visma team announced that Belgian rider Wout van Aert will not compete in the July 4–26 Tour de France after an elbow injury sustained in training developed an infection, requiring hospitalization. Van Aert said the decision was a disappointment but necessary for his recovery.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
England begin their World Cup bid against Croatia on Wednesday, seeking to end a 60-year wait for a trophy, while Cristiano Ronaldo is set to play in a record-equalling sixth World Cup tournament for Portugal against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva has signed a two-year deal with Real Madrid after nine trophy-laden years at Manchester City, where he made 459 appearances and scored 76 goals since 2017.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Cold, rainy conditions and hail affected southern regions on Wednesday, with the Namibia Meteorological Services predicting heavy thundershowers, possible flash floods, and cold, windy weather on Thursday, particularly in the south, along with rain and low temperatures in eastern, central, and coastal areas.
17 June 2026 · Informanté →
South African police arrested four suspects in Gauteng province after seizing eight AK-47 rifles and seven empty magazines from a Namibian-registered truck during a routine patrol on 16 June. The firearms will be subjected to ballistic testing to determine whether they were used in any crimes.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The US Department of Justice said the FBI thwarted a plot targeting Sunday's UFC event at the White House and arrested five men across four states. The alleged plan involved striking nearby buildings with explosive-laden drones, firing on "high value targets" with snipers, and storming the White House gate in a coordinated attack.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Undocumented migrants in South Africa, particularly Malawians, face door-to-door intimidation and violence as protesters have set 30 June as a deadline for them to leave. Up to 7,000 foreigners have gathered in an open field in Durban seeking refuge, with reports of armed South African men attacking residents and threatening deportation.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is attending a High-Level Consultative Conference on reparatory justice in Accra, Ghana on 18–19 June 2026, hosted by Ghana's President as African Union Champion for Reparations. The conference brings together African leaders and stakeholders to discuss implementation of a UN resolution recognising the transatlantic slave trade and enslavement of Africans as crimes against humanity, and aims to develop a Global Post-Adoption Framework for reparatory justice and restitution.
17 June 2026 · Informanté →
The Democratic Republic of Congo secured their first ever point at the World Cup finals, drawing 1-1 with Portugal in Group K on Wednesday. Yoane Wissa's header equalized Joao Neves's early goal, with the African side appearing in their first World Cup since 1974 and more than holding their own despite disrupted preparations due to an Ebola outbreak.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The founder of South Africa's March and March organisation, which focuses on illegal immigration, has said Namibians are "law-abiding citizens" and not targets of anti-immigrant sentiment, despite xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa. She described Nigerians as the most problematic nationality, saying they enter without documentation and engage in criminal activity.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →