Namibia Minute.
Thursday, 18 June 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Thursday, 18 June 2026
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Archive Minute from Thursday, 18 June 2026
Politics

Minister denies microchip implants in electronic IDs

The News

Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu clarified in Parliament that Namibia's electronic identification documents, to roll out from September 2026, do not involve microchip implantation into citizens' bodies. The secure digital ID card will store biometric and demographic information including fingerprints and photographs to enable identity verification in physical and digital environments.

Why it matters

Home Affairs Minister's clarification that electronic IDs will not involve body microchip implants addresses citizen privacy concerns ahead of September rollout.

18 June 2026 · Informanté →

Politics

  1. Minister denies microchip implants in electronic IDs

    Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu clarified in Parliament that Namibia's electronic identification documents, to roll out from September 2026, do not involve microchip implantation into citizens' bodies. The secure digital ID card will store biometric and demographic information including fingerprints and photographs to enable identity verification in physical and digital environments.

    18 June 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Namibia to overhaul accounting and auditing regulatory framework

    Finance Minister Erica Shafudah has tabled the Accountants and Auditors Regulatory Authority Bill in Parliament, proposing to replace the Public Accountants' and Auditors' Act of 1951 with new legislation that establishes the Accountants and Auditors Regulatory Authority to regulate auditors, accountants, accounting technicians, and firms, aligning Namibia's standards with international best practice.

    18 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Government tables bill to establish independent Tax Court

    The government has tabled the Income Tax Amendment Bill of 2026 to establish an independent Tax Court within the High Court system, replacing the defunct Special Tax Court following a 2021 High Court ruling that found key provisions of the existing system unconstitutional due to a conflict of interest involving the minister of finance.

    18 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  4. Court halts Keetmanshoop council's removal of management committee members

    The High Court of Namibia has ordered the reinstatement of two Keetmanshoop municipality management committee members—Easter Isaak and Anneliza Knaus—who were removed through votes of no confidence in May and June, and has interdicted the municipality from implementing those resolutions pending the finalisation of the main application.

    18 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  5. Erongo Governor reports 33.7% pass rate, unemployment drop

    Erongo Governor Nathalia /Goagoses delivered her State of the Region Address, reporting that the region's unemployment rate dropped from 32% to 30% over the past year while acknowledging challenges including a 33.7% education pass rate and rising road fatalities.

    18 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  6. Tax Court reform strengthens separation of powers

    The government's proposal to establish an independent Tax Court addresses a constitutional gap following a 2021 High Court ruling that declared aspects of the old Special Tax Court unconstitutional, with the new framework placing the court within the High Court structure and assigning judicial independence over judge appointments.

    18 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  7. Aune Amutenya appointed acting petroleum commissioner

    The mines ministry appointed Aune Amutenya as acting petroleum commissioner effective 2 June, taking over from Maggy Shino, who will continue as director of upstream petroleum affairs.

    18 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Erongo residents seek jobs and development after gubernatorial address

    Following Erongo Governor Nathalia /Goagoses' State of the Region Address, residents in the Daures constituency have expressed hopes that the governor's vision will translate into practical improvements in their daily lives, with unemployment emerging as a pressing challenge particularly for youth in settlements like Okombahe.

    18 June 2026 · New Era →

  9. Draft law tightens regulation of accounting and auditing

    Namibia's Finance Minister tabled a bill to replace the 1951 Public Accountants and Auditors Act and establish a new Accountants and Auditors Regulatory Authority to oversee accountants, auditors, and accounting technicians while aligning the profession with international standards.

    18 June 2026 · New Era →

  10. Employment Equity Commission fails to publish reports for five years

    The Employment Equity Commission has not published its annual reports since 2019, violating legal requirements. The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations attributes this to budget constraints, staffing shortages, and software failures, but unions say the failure reflects incompetence and undermines monitoring of employment discrimination.

    18 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  11. Youth bodies reject calls to scrap NYC chair position

    Youth organisations and political parties have rejected parliamentarian Imms Nashinge's calls to abolish the National Youth Council chairperson position, arguing the office is necessary and was established through legislation. The debate emerges as former Nanso presidents Esther Simon and Simon Taapopi contest the NYC chairperson position in General Assembly elections at Swakopmund.

    18 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  12. President optimistic on Namibia-Germany genocide reconciliation talks

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed optimism that the Namibian and German governments can reach a resolution in ongoing negotiations over the 1904–1908 genocide of the Herero and Nama peoples. She noted that discussions have continued for nine years following a 2006 parliamentary motion, and emphasized Namibia's commitment to achieving reconciliation based on truth, acknowledgement, and mutual respect.

    18 June 2026 · Informanté →

  13. LPM leader dismisses Keetmanshoop mayor over councillor vote

    The Landless People's Movement leader Bernadus Swartbooi dismissed ousted Keetmanshoop mayor Melody Swartbooi after she allegedly failed to ensure a motion of no confidence against two fellow LPM councillors was brought to council, with derogatory WhatsApp messages and audio recordings revealing long-standing tensions between them.

    18 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Business

  1. Bank of Namibia keeps 2026 GDP growth forecast at 2.6%

    The Bank of Namibia has maintained its GDP growth projections at 2.6% for 2026 and 2.9% for 2027, supported by expected gains in uranium mining, wholesale and retail trade, and financial services, though the central bank warned that domestic economic activity weakened in the first four months of 2026 across mining, manufacturing, tourism, and other sectors.

    18 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. NamRA extends tax filing deadline to August 31

    The Namibia Revenue Agency has extended the tax filing deadline from 30 June 2026 to 31 August 2026 due to ongoing technical issues with the Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS). Several key system functions have been restored, though some users may still experience intermittent slowness and delays in processing.

    18 June 2026 · Informanté →

  3. Stimulus Investments' non-executive director resigns after maximum term

    Josephat Mwatotele has resigned from Stimulus Investments Limited's board effective 12 June 2026 after serving as non-executive director since September 2015, reaching the maximum allowable term under the company's director appointment and succession policy.

    18 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  4. Sea transport leads April exports by value despite volume decline

    Sea transport accounted for N$3.8 billion or 39% of Namibia's total exports in April, with uranium, fish, and nickel ores as main commodities, while total export volumes declined 24.8% from March and 28.6% from April 2025.

    18 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  5. Bank Windhoek processes first government grant payments

    Bank Windhoek has processed the first batch of government grant payments through Namibia's national instant payment network, with beneficiaries under the marginalised beneficiaries category receiving grants in near real time. The development positions Namibia among early adopters of unified payment interface-enabled technology outside India.

    18 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Bank of Namibia raises repo rate to 6.75%

    The Bank of Namibia increased the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.75%, pushing the prime lending rate to 10.25%, which means commercial banks will charge more for home loans, vehicle finance, and other credit. Governor Ebson Uanguta said the decision was necessary to mitigate inflationary risks and safeguard the one-to-one link between the Namibian dollar and the South African rand.

    18 June 2026 · New Era →

  7. Bank of Namibia raises repo rate amid global supply shocks

    The Bank of Namibia's governor reports that the Monetary Policy Committee increased the repo rate by 25 basis points in response to rising inflationary pressures driven by oil infrastructure damage and shipping disruptions from Middle Eastern conflict. As a small open economy, Namibia remains vulnerable to external shocks transmitted through global markets.

    18 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Standard Bank appoints Elzita Beukes as marketing executive

    Standard Bank Namibia has appointed Elzita Beukes, its senior public relations manager, as executive of marketing and branding from 1 July. Beukes brings over 15 years' experience in marketing, communications and reputation management across banking, corporate and development sectors.

    18 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. Etosha Fishing workers protest lack of pilchard quota

    More than 430 workers at Etosha Fishing Corporation have been without meaningful employment for seven months due to absence of pilchard quota allocation. The 2026 pilchard season began on 1 April but no quota has been allocated, and similar delays occurred in 2025 when allocation came only in late August.

    18 June 2026 · Informanté →

  10. Trustco Group Holdings seeks Company Secretary in Windhoek

    Trustco Group Holdings Ltd, a Windhoek-based investment entity with interests in insurance, education, real estate, mining and micro-finance, is advertising a vacancy for a Company Secretary in Windhoek.

    18 June 2026 · Informanté →

  11. NamRA extends tax return filing deadline to August

    The Namibia Revenue Agency has extended the deadline for filing tax returns from 30 June to 31 August due to ongoing technical issues affecting its Integrated Tax Administration System, although key services have been partially restored. Salaried employees need not upload PAYE certificates when filing, but those claiming pension, annuity, or study policy deductions must submit supporting PAYE documents.

    18 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Agriculture & Land

  1. ǁKharas irrigation project workers report lack of official support

    Farmers and workers at a government-backed irrigation project in ǁKharas Region say they feel abandoned by authorities, claiming no senior government officials have visited.

    18 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. N$29 million pipeline resolves water crisis in Omatjete

    The commissioning of the Ozondati-Omatjete pipeline last year has resolved a long-standing water crisis in Omatjete, benefiting both households and farming activities. Community leaders are calling for continued investment to assist neighbouring settlements that continue to struggle with water supply.

    18 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Fraud-accused accountant's farm auctioned today

    A 4,703-hectare farm belonging to accountant Michael Bronkhorst, who faces four counts of fraud amounting to N$82 million, is being auctioned today after creditor Petrichor Capital secured a High Court sequestration order. The government waived its right to purchase the agricultural land in February, citing cost and resettlement criteria, but has restricted foreign investment without ministerial consent.

    18 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Heavy rain and hail sweep southern regions, more expected Friday

    Widespread frost, rain and hail have affected Hardap and //Kharas regions, with several //Kharas towns recording rainfall between 8–24 mm. The Namibia Meteorological Services predicts strong winds and heavy thundershowers will continue across the south on Friday, with possible spread to central and eastern areas, raising flash flood risks.

    18 June 2026 · Informanté →

Society

  1. Ombudsman finds rights violations in police holding cells

    The Ombudsman has exposed human rights abuses in police detention facilities across Namibia, citing chronic overcrowding and inadequate sanitation, food, and healthcare.

    18 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. Namport cancels N$300k pledge, builds classrooms directly instead

    Namport has cancelled a N$300,000 sponsorship agreement with Twapandula Primary School and will instead construct classrooms directly after a site inspection.

    18 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  3. Health Ministry hosts mental health session for male staff

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services observed Men's Health Awareness Month by hosting a mental health awareness session for male staff, providing a space for dialogue on psychological and emotional challenges and encouraging men to seek support without stigma. Staff welcomed the initiative and called for similar engagements to be held regularly.

    18 June 2026 · Informanté →

  4. Stock theft cases reported in Oshikoto and Otjozondjupa regions

    Three stock theft incidents in Oshikoto and Otjozondjupa regions resulted in one arrest in Tsumeb, the recovery of suspected stolen meat valued at approximately N$3,500, and ongoing investigations into livestock valued at more than N$8,000.

    18 June 2026 · Informanté →

  5. Child malnutrition in Omaheke highlights resource-wealth paradox

    Child hunger in Omaheke Region persists despite Namibia's economic potential, with regional leaders expressing concern. NamRA employees donated food items worth more than N$44,000 to community organisations caring for vulnerable children.

    18 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  6. Child marriage traps Namibian girls in poverty, dropout cycle

    Studies estimate 18.4% of Namibian girls marry or enter unions before age 18, with highest prevalence in Kavango East, Kavango West, Kunene and Zambezi regions. Child rights campaigners say early unions lead to school dropout and unemployment, perpetuating poverty cycles.

    18 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  7. N$4.2 million mobile NaTIS truck launched in Omatjete

    The Minister of Works and Transport officially launched a N$4.2 million mobile NaTIS truck in Omatjete on Monday, offering vision testing, biometric capturing, learner licence testing, and vehicle licence issuances to residents. The mobile unit is presented as cost-effective compared to building conventional Registering Authority centres.

    18 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  8. Walvis Bay orders informal traders to vacate CBD by Wednesday

    The Municipality of Walvis Bay has ordered informal traders operating in the town's Central Business District to cease operations and vacate by 17 June 2026, with law enforcement and cleanup operations to begin Friday for non-compliant traders. The order is part of a regulatory framework introduced in March that requires informal traders to obtain permits and relocate to designated trading zones.

    18 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  9. Walvis Bay municipality orders informal traders to vacate CBD

    The Municipality of Walvis Bay has issued a directive ordering informal traders to vacate their trading spots in the central business district by yesterday. Traders say they paid municipal fees last year to operate from their current locations and claim the municipality has not told them where they should relocate.

    18 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  10. Namibian families face rising funeral costs and financial strain

    Funerals in Namibia, which are significant cultural and communal events, have become increasingly expensive for families, who now bear costs beyond the burial itself including memorial services, catering, transport, and other expenses.

    18 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  11. South African mechanic appeals bail denial in cannabis plantation case

    Armand Carel Schultz, a 27-year-old South African arrested after a N$52 million cannabis plantation was discovered in Khomas Hochveld, denies being a farm manager and claims he was merely a mechanic with no knowledge of the operation. His lawyer argues in a High Court bail appeal that the State's case relies heavily on untested allegations from 14 farm workers who did not testify, rather than direct or forensic evidence.

    18 June 2026 · Informanté →

  12. Murder suspect allegedly planned court arson and docket theft

    The state alleges that murder suspect Abner Mateus planned to burn down Ondangwa Magistrate's Court and have his docket stolen after failed bail applications, and that he masterminded from prison the murder of prosecutor Justine Shiweda in October. Mateus denies the allegations.

    18 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  13. Erongo road deaths rise 32% despite billions in infrastructure

    Erongo region experienced a 32% increase in road fatalities by mid-2026 compared to the same period in 2025, despite major ongoing infrastructure projects including billion-dollar road upgrades. The governor attributed the rise to reckless driving and truck-related crashes, particularly along the main transport corridor linking Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Arandis, Usakos and Karibib.

    18 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  14. Murder accused Mateus allegedly sought to steal fraud docket

    Police have alleged that murder accused Abner Mateus made several attempts to make a fraud case docket disappear, including recruiting police officers to steal court documents and attempting to bribe the prosecutor. The investigator testified that Mateus had a motive to interfere with justice because he was facing fraud charges stemming from a 2022 case in which he allegedly defrauded a pensioner of N$70 000.

    18 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  15. Police investigate officer over sexual advances on fraud suspect

    The Namibian Police are investigating allegations that a police investigator in a N$2.1 million Sanlam fraud case made sexual advances toward a female suspect. The Oshana regional police commissioner said the officer made the advances during a phone call while gathering information, the suspect reported it to the Anti-Corruption Commission, and the conversation was reportedly recorded.

    18 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Sport

  1. Nedbank Citi Dash targets 5,000 participants with expanded race options

    The sixth edition of the Nedbank Citi Dash, scheduled for 6 September, aims to break through 5,000 entrants by adding 5km and 10km races. The event has grown from 2,400 participants in 2024 to about 3,000 in 2025, with reduced entry fees for under-18 athletes to encourage youth participation.

    18 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Frank Fredericks Foundation builds youth sports facility at Outjo

    The Frank Fredericks Foundation is developing a sport and playground facility at Outjo with a five-a-side soccer pitch, netball court, and playground equipment, designed to encourage active lifestyles and talent development among the town's youth. The project is Fredericks's gesture of appreciation to Outjo for naming a street after him.

    18 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Nedbank Citi Dash targets 5,000 runners in 2026

    Organisers of the 2026 Nedbank Citi Dash aim to attract 5,000 participants when the running event returns to Windhoek on 5 and 6 September at Vegkop Stadium. The event has grown from a city race into a platform promoting health, fitness and community engagement, with participation rising to over 3,000 in recent years.

    18 June 2026 · New Era →

  4. Mexico, South Korea battle for World Cup knockout berth

    Mexico and South Korea meet Thursday knowing a win guarantees advancement to the World Cup knockout rounds. Both teams won their opening matches and the expanded 48-team format allows eight best-ranked third-placed teams to advance from the group stage.

    18 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Liverpool sign Spain forward Munoz from Osasuna for £34.5 million

    Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Spain forward Victor Munoz from Osasuna for a reported fee of £34.5 million on a six-year contract. The 22-year-old, currently on World Cup duty, will become the first signing for Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola.

    18 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Ronaldo struggles in Portugal's draw with Congo

    Cristiano Ronaldo had his fewest touches (25) in a full match at a major tournament for Portugal in a 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo, with coach Roberto Martinez defending his decision to keep the 41-year-old on the field despite Portugal searching for a winner.

    18 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Gregoire wins Tour of Switzerland stage, Pogacar extends lead

    Frenchman Romain Gregoire won the second stage of the Tour of Switzerland on Thursday as world champion Tadej Pogacar extended his overall lead to 2:50 over Richard Carapaz. Pogacar's girlfriend Urska Zigart was taken to hospital with a broken jaw after a crash in the women's race earlier in the day.

    18 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Real Madrid reinforces squad with three signings for Mourinho era

    Real Madrid have signed Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva and Ibrahima Konate since hiring Jose Mourinho as coach in June, aiming to reshape their squad after two seasons without a major trophy. The signings are intended to address defensive weaknesses and midfield control as the club prepares for the 2026/27 campaign.

    18 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Tourism & Environment

  1. Environmental assessment launched for Walvis Bay radiation storage facility

    An Environmental Assessment is underway for a proposed radiation sealed sources storage and calibration facility at Schlumberger's Blue Base in Walvis Bay. The public is invited to comment on the project, which requires an Environmental Clearance Certificate under Namibian law.

    18 June 2026 · Informanté →

World & Region

  1. South Africa deadline for undocumented migrants to leave looms

    South Africa has become increasingly hostile to undocumented migrants as a deadline set by protesters for them to leave the country approaches.

    18 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. South Africa inflation rises to 4.5% in May, driven by fuel

    South Africa's consumer inflation jumped to 4.5% in May from 4% in April, the highest since July 2024, largely driven by fuel price increases of 28.7% annually. As Namibia's biggest trading partner, the development is relevant to local economic conditions; Namibia's trade deficit with South Africa was N$4.4 billion in April.

    18 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. South African Nama chief plans to replicate Tsumkwe cleaning campaign

    The chief of the Nama Traditional Authority in South Africa, Gert Links, visited Tsumkwe from 1 to 5 June to learn about the Tsumkwe Community Cleaning Campaign and plans to replicate and expand it in South African communities, potentially incorporating recycling initiatives to create household income opportunities.

    18 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  4. South Africa's DA leader demotes agriculture minister Steenhuisen

    Democratic Alliance leader Geordin Hill-Lewis has removed John Steenhuisen as South African agriculture minister and demoted him to deputy minister of trade, industry and competition. Willie Aucamp, a farmer, will replace Steenhuisen, with Hill-Lewis requesting several other cabinet shuffles in the DA's coalition government roles, pending Ramaphosa's approval.

    18 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Namibia hosts Global Water Partnership headquarters in Windhoek

    Namibia has accepted responsibility for hosting the Global Water Partnership's (GWP) headquarters in Windhoek, positioning the capital at the centre of international efforts on water security, climate resilience and sustainable development. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the organisation's headquarters belongs to the global community and Namibia must help deliver on its expectations, with a new investment facility expected to influence nearly US$15 billion in water-related investments by 2030.

    18 June 2026 · New Era →

  6. Namibia raises Ovaherero and Nama genocide at UN-linked conference

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah travelled to Ghana to present the Ovaherero and Nama genocide at a High-Level Consultative Conference on slavery and colonial injustices, where Namibia advocated for a comprehensive framework to address colonial dispossession and genocide committed between 1904 and 1908.

    18 June 2026 · New Era →

  7. President Nandi-Ndaitwah attends UN reparations conference in Ghana

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is participating in a high-level international conference in Accra, Ghana, from 17–19 June 2026, aimed at developing practical steps to implement a United Nations resolution on the trafficking and enslavement of Africans. The conference brings together heads of state, ministers, and civil society representatives to advance discussions on reparatory justice, historical recognition, and restitution.

    18 June 2026 · Informanté →

  8. SADC commits to strengthening Ebola response in DRC and Uganda

    The Southern African Development Community reaffirmed its commitment to supporting continental efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, while strengthening preparedness and response measures across the Southern African region. SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi participated in a High-Level Virtual Meeting of African Heads of State and Partners convened by the African Union to mobilise resources and coordinated action, which resulted in pledges of financial and in-kind support from African countries and development partners.

    18 June 2026 · Informanté →

  9. South Africa draws with Czech Republic in World Cup

    South Africa and the Czech Republic drew 1-1 in a Group A World Cup match in Atlanta, with Teboho Mokoena's penalty canceling out Michal Sadilek's early goal. Both teams remain in contention for the knockout stages but will likely need to win their final group matches to advance.

    18 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Opinion

  1. Internal communication rarely viewed as strategic business driver

    A study of 179 organisations found that while nearly all have internal communication functions, only 17% of senior leaders view it as a strategic enabler, and only around 30% rate their internal communications as highly effective. The disconnect reflects how communication is often treated as tactical information distribution rather than as a tool to shape behaviour and embed strategy.

    18 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. Conference signals return of Cold War-style global blocs

    An analysis of South Africa's "Conference of the Left" in Ekurhuleni argues that the meeting signals a return of competing Cold War-style blocs—communist and capitalist—reshaped around state-led development and anti-imperialism versus inclusive capitalism. The writer warns Namibian and African leaders not to be drawn into antagonism that serves these blocs rather than their own material interests.

    18 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Mother's desperation, not criminal intent, drives baby abandonment

    An opinion piece argues that baby abandonment reflects societal failures toward vulnerable women rather than maternal callousness, framing it as a social, economic, mental health and human dignity crisis that demands systemic prevention rather than punishment.

    18 June 2026 · The Namibian →

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