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Wednesday, 24 June 2026
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Wednesday, 24 June 2026
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Archive Minute from Wednesday, 24 June 2026
Politics

Petition submitted for removal of ||Khomani chief

The News

A 29-page petition calling for the removal of ||Khomani Traditional Authority chief Julienne Gawanas has been submitted to the urban and rural development minister under the Traditional Authorities Act. The petition, backed by members of the ||Khomani and ǂNūkhoen communities, alleges financial mismanagement including claims that Gawanas cannot account for N$80,000 withdrawn from the Traditional Authority's trust fund and that consent was forged relating to financial signatory authority.

24 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Politics

  1. Petition submitted for removal of ||Khomani chief

    A 29-page petition calling for the removal of ||Khomani Traditional Authority chief Julienne Gawanas has been submitted to the urban and rural development minister under the Traditional Authorities Act. The petition, backed by members of the ||Khomani and ǂNūkhoen communities, alleges financial mismanagement including claims that Gawanas cannot account for N$80,000 withdrawn from the Traditional Authority's trust fund and that consent was forged relating to financial signatory authority.

    24 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  2. SPYL leader calls urgent meeting over NYC assembly chaos

    A Swapo Party Youth League central committee member has requested an urgent extraordinary meeting to address public claims linking SPYL members and senior party leaders to the disruption of the National Youth Council general assembly that was cancelled in Swakopmund last week.

    24 June 2026 · The Namibian

  3. MP calls for audit of millions in unclaimed pension benefits

    Swapo MP Tobie Aupindi has tabled a motion in the National Assembly calling for a national investigation into millions of dollars in unclaimed pension, insurance, death and other financial benefits held by institutions. According to the financial sector regulator, unclaimed pension benefits alone exceed N$218 million, with the total value of unclaimed funds potentially significantly higher.

    24 June 2026 · The Namibian

  4. President highlights economic, reparations gains from Tanzania, Ghana visits

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said her State visit to Tanzania laid groundwork for stronger economic cooperation between the two countries, while a reparations conference in Ghana marked recognition of injustices from the transatlantic slave trade. She noted that although Namibia and Tanzania have strong political ties from the liberation struggle, the countries agreed to expand economic cooperation beyond current political solidarity.

    24 June 2026 · New Era

  5. Ernst Katjiku to step down as Okakarara Town Council CEO

    Ernst Katjiku informed the Okakarara Town Council in January that he would not seek renewal of his term as CEO, citing personal reasons for his departure when his contract expires on 31 August 2026. Katjiku has spent much of his life serving the community as a teacher, politician, and administrator.

    24 June 2026 · New Era

  6. Shanghala petitions Supreme Court over judge removal in corruption trial

    Former Justice Minister Sackeus Shanghala and co-accused James Hatuikulipi have filed a Supreme Court petition seeking the removal of Judge Marelize du Plessis from their fisheries and corruption trial, after she dismissed their recusal application in March 2026. A lawyer for another accused has also indicated plans to apply for bail release, citing compromised fair trial rights and inadequate consultation facilities.

    24 June 2026 · Informanté

  7. Former Home Affairs accountant arrested over fund misappropriation

    The Anti-Corruption Commission arrested Petrus Panduleni Mbambus, a former accountant at the Ministry of Home Affairs, in connection with the alleged misappropriation of N$164,540.00 in State funds diverted from identity and travel document applications at the Grootfontein office between April 2017 and March 2018.

    24 June 2026 · Informanté

Business

  1. Fisheries ministry allocates horse mackerel quota to Etosha Fishing

    The Ministry of Fisheries has allocated a portion of the horse mackerel quota to Etosha Fishing Corporation. The ministry's spokesperson said the allocation, which followed an employee protest over lack of quota allocations, was not a result of the demonstration but part of the Government's long-standing intervention to support employment and economic activity linked to the former pilchard sector.

    24 June 2026 · Informanté

  2. Mobile internet usage rises 6%, driven by social media

    Mobile internet usage increased by 6% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the previous quarter, according to CRAN's Quarterly Statistics Bulletin, with social media platforms including TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube driving data consumption, while fixed broadband subscriptions rose 5% and fibre services grew 10%.

    24 June 2026 · Informanté

  3. DBN secures US$1 million climate grant, opens path to larger funding

    The Development Bank of Namibia received a US$1 million grant from the Green Climate Fund following its accreditation in 2025, unlocking potential access to up to US$250 million in future climate financing and strengthening Namibia's position in the global green economy.

    24 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. Namibia exits FATF grey list, strengthening financial system confidence

    Namibia has been removed from the Financial Action Task Force grey list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring, effective 19 June 2026. Finance minister Ericah Shafudah said the exit reflects political commitment and institutional coordination on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing reforms, while cautioning against complacency.

    24 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  5. Audi Q8 TDI and SQ8 offer luxury SUV alternatives

    The Audi Q8, face-lifted in late 2024 with a new grille and LED headlights, and the high-performance SQ8 are priced competitively against rivals including the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe. Both models excel more as grand tourers than sport vehicles, according to the review.

    24 June 2026 · The Namibian

  6. New Isuzu D-Max receives mid-cycle refresh

    Isuzu's 2026 D-Max range features a mid-cycle refresh with a new 1.9 Ddi engine offering improved throttle response and efficiency, a bold exterior design, and new rough terrain mode on all 4×4 models for enhanced off-road capability.

    24 June 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Namibia exits FATF grey list after major financial reforms

    Namibia has been removed from the Financial Action Task Force grey list as of 19 June 2026, following the amendment of nine laws and enactment of four new pieces of legislation aimed at strengthening anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures. The government hailed the removal as a turning point for investor confidence and integration into the global financial system.

    24 June 2026 · New Era

  8. DRC state fund sues Standard Bank over N$40m fishing deal

    The Democratic Republic of Congo's state social fund has taken Standard Bank Namibia to court over a N$40-million transaction involving a fishing company that is partly owned by Swapo, alleging that N$13 million was misappropriated from a protected account after the bank allowed unauthorized changes to account mandates and transfers without consent.

    24 June 2026 · The Namibian

  9. Motor industry divided over relaxing Namibia's vehicle import age limit

    The government is reconsidering restrictions on importing vehicles older than 12 years, saying the policy has increased costs without achieving its intended purpose. Motor industry stakeholders are split, with some calling for consumer protections to accompany any relaxation, citing concerns about vehicle suitability to local conditions and after-sales support.

    24 June 2026 · The Namibian

  10. Furnmart workers strike over 8% wage hike demand

    Furnmart and Home Corp Namibia employees have launched a strike demanding an 8% salary increase and a monthly housing allowance of N$500, citing poverty wages and mounting financial pressures contributing to mental health challenges. Wage negotiations that began last August failed to produce an agreement, the matter was referred to the Labour Commission, and employees voted in favour of the strike.

    24 June 2026 · The Namibian

  11. Merlus, union clash over unpaid wages and fishing quotas

    Merlus Cormorant Fishing has threatened legal action against a union over allegations of unpaid wages and fishing quota misuse affecting 111 former Walu Fishing workers. The company denies the claims, saying no employment contracts existed with those workers, while the union maintains its statements are based on government records and official communication.

    24 June 2026 · The Namibian

Mining & Energy

  1. NamPower inaugurates N$394m Africa-first digital substation

    NamPower has inaugurated the Sekelduin Substation near Swakopmund, describing the N$394 million project as the first fully digital substation on the African continent.

    24 June 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. DBN receives USD 1 million GCF grant for climate readiness

    The Development Bank of Namibia has been approved for a USD 1 million Readiness Grant from the Green Climate Fund to strengthen its institutional capacity and mobilise investment for climate-resilient and low-carbon development. The grant follows DBN's accreditation to the GCF in July 2025, and a programme titled "Strengthening Institutional Capacity and Catalysing Private Sector Climate Investments in Namibia" will be implemented during 2026–2027.

    24 June 2026 · Informanté

  3. DBN secures $1 million climate finance grant from Green Climate Fund

    The Development Bank of Namibia has received a US$1 million grant from the Green Climate Fund to strengthen institutional capacity and mobilise climate finance for climate-resilient and low-carbon development initiatives over 2026–2027. Through its GCF accreditation, DBN can directly access up to US$250 million in climate finance to support climate-related projects in Namibia.

    24 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. NamPower inaugurates N$394m Sekelduin Substation in Erongo

    NamPower has inaugurated a N$394 million Sekelduin Substation in Swakopmund to improve electricity supply reliability in the Erongo region, increase capacity for households, businesses, mining and tourism, and reduce power interruptions. Deputy minister Kröhne said the project strengthens energy security and supports economic development objectives outlined in the Sixth National Development Plan.

    24 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  5. Government must gazette local content rules for oil sector

    As Namibia prepares for offshore oil production, the government must formalize and gazette the National Upstream Petroleum Local Content Policy (finalized in March 2025) to ensure Namibian businesses and workers benefit from the sector. The article uses a kitchen analogy to argue that formal rules—modeled on lessons from Brazil and Norway—are essential for Namibia to build generational wealth from its oil resources.

    24 June 2026 · The Namibian

Agriculture & Land

  1. Government to roll out NCA Price Equalisation Fund this year

    Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani says the government will operationalise the NCA Price Equalisation Fund, a N$100 million fund approved by Cabinet in 2024 that aims to ensure farmers in northern communal areas receive the same cattle prices as farmers south of the veterinary cordon fence. The fund was available last year but was not implemented due to disagreements between institutions, which have now been resolved.

    24 June 2026 · The Namibian

Society

  1. Kavango West records over 25,000 malaria cases yearly

    More than 25,000 malaria cases have been recorded in Kavango West Region over the past year, highlighting the persistent threat of malaria despite prevention efforts.

    24 June 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. Child welfare ministry defends protection mechanisms

    The child welfare ministry has defended its approach to protecting children from sexual violence, stating that prevention and response mechanisms are based on multi-sectoral collaboration.

    24 June 2026 · Namibian Sun

  3. Crime and sexual violence cases decline 13% and 12% in Oshana

    Oshana Region reported a 13% reduction in overall crime and 12% reduction in rape, domestic violence and sexual violence cases between 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 financial years, with overall reported crime decreasing from 11,804 to 10,267 cases and sexual violence cases declining from 759 to 670, though delayed reporting remains a challenge to accessing justice.

    24 June 2026 · Informanté

  4. Salvation Army launches winter aid campaign for vulnerable people

    The Salvation Army launched the Winter Drive campaign on 6 June in Windhoek to provide warm meals, clothing, blankets and groceries to vulnerable people during winter. The campaign, themed "Warm Hearts, Warm Hands," aims to meet immediate needs and promote dignity and care in communities.

    24 June 2026 · The Namibian

  5. City of Windhoek legal advisor faces assault charges

    A legal advisor at the City of Windhoek is facing assault charges for allegedly striking a teacher at Ella du Plessis Secondary School with a stick during an incident on school premises. The confrontation arose after a dispute involving the advisor's son and the teacher.

    24 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  6. NMRC clears Fabu-Paracetamol after independent safety testing

    The Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council has confirmed that Fabu-Paracetamol meets required safety and quality standards following independent laboratory testing of samples from health facilities. The tests found all batches complied with quality specifications, contained correct active pharmaceutical ingredient levels, and contained no toxic contaminants such as diethylene glycol or ethylene glycol.

    24 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  7. NamRA and NYS sign three-year training partnership deal

    The Namibia Revenue Agency and National Youth Service have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen youth development and prepare graduates for public service work through a three-month National Service Training programme focusing on discipline, work ethics, and public service readiness.

    24 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  8. Namibia's new mental health bill must drive systemic service change

    Namibia has tabled a 2025 mental health bill updating the 1973 Mental Health Act, but legislation alone will not improve services; the real test is whether the bill changes how people with mental health disorders are identified, supported and treated across the country.

    24 June 2026 · The Namibian

  9. Woman's childhood cancer diagnosis delayed by misdiagnosis

    Pennina Ndengu began experiencing severe headaches at age 12, and despite repeated visits to clinics, doctors struggled to identify the cause. A tumour behind her right eye was only discovered after an emergency CT scan at Windhoek Central Hospital's eye clinic, and biopsy confirmed cancer.

    24 June 2026 · The Namibian

  10. Heavy rainfall damages roads in ||Kharas region

    Heavy rainfall and flooding in the ||Kharas region have damaged several roads and led to the temporary closure of the Aussenkehr-Rosh Pinah road. The Roads Authority has advised road users to avoid flooded areas and use alternative routes.

    24 June 2026 · The Namibian

  11. Genesis, Capricorn Foundation reduce malnutrition in Omaheke region

    A nutrition programme supported by Capricorn Foundation and implemented by Genesis Namibia has registered over 800 children in soup kitchens across 12 locations in Omaheke, contributing to a 20% reduction in severe and moderate acute malnutrition in the region last year.

    24 June 2026 · New Era

  12. President inaugurates upgraded Ondangwa Digital Technology Hub

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah officially inaugurated the upgraded Rössing Foundation Ondangwa Centre, now the Ondangwa Digital Technology Hub and Conferencing Centre, featuring a multipurpose hall with 800-person seating capacity and 73 interactive science exhibition models. The facility, originally established in 1983, was upgraded over seven months with involvement of 179 employees and is intended to serve as a hub for digital learning, research, conferences and community engagement.

    24 June 2026 · Informanté

  13. Okahandja cannabis plantation manager bail appeal ruling delayed to July

    A High Court bail appeal decision for South African citizen Armand Schultz, arrested in connection with a cannabis plantation discovery at a farm near Okahandja in May last year, has been postponed to 21 July. Schultz and co-accused farm owner David van der Linden face charges related to cannabis valued at about N$52.2 million.

    24 June 2026 · The Namibian

  14. Police appeal for help identifying abandoned newborn

    Police in Oshana are seeking public assistance to identify the parents or family of a newborn girl found abandoned in an open space near a bar at Uupindi in Oshakati last week. The infant, estimated to be about a month old, remains in hospital while investigations continue.

    24 June 2026 · The Namibian

  15. Disability advocate Joshua Hamukwaya champions inclusion in policy-making

    Joshua Hamukwaya, who lost his sight at age 10, became a disability inclusion advocate after earning a master's degree in adult education. He calls for greater inclusion of people with disabilities in decision-making processes, addressing education, employment, and accessibility challenges.

    24 June 2026 · The Namibian

  16. NMRC clears Fabupharm paracetamol syrup after safety tests

    The Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council has cleared Fabupharm Pty Ltd's paracetamol syrup for use after independent laboratory tests confirmed it met safety and quality standards. The clearance was issued in May following the product's recall last year, which came after routine inspection shortcomings were identified.

    24 June 2026 · The Namibian

  17. Third annual fishing day for wheelchair users at naval base

    The third annual fishing day for differently abled anglers with paraplegia took place at the Bluff Navy Base in Durban, where 143 fish were caught. The event, organized by Ramcat Fishing and the Merewent Fishing Forum, aims to provide safe outdoor recreation and assistance with accommodation, equipment, and other needs for men and women who use wheelchairs.

    24 June 2026 · The Namibian

  18. Omaruru residents criticize municipality over water leak management

    Omaruru residents are accusing the municipality of poor water management and delayed responses to public water leaks, citing unreplaced sprayers at Luna Park and a weeks-long leak at public toilets. The mayor says the municipality responds to reports promptly but acknowledges delays can occur when problems are reported late.

    24 June 2026 · The Namibian

  19. PM Ngurare says government has capacity to address Angolan child begging

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare responded to opposition criticism about unhoused Angolan children visible at traffic lights across Namibia, stating the government has capacity to resolve the issue and noting that bilateral discussions are underway with the Angolan government.

    24 June 2026 · Informanté

  20. NamPol warns public against fake police recruitment advert

    The Namibian Police Force has confirmed that a vacancy advertisement circulating online for 1,750 police officers is fake. The official recruitment process closed on 13 May 2026, and the force is currently verifying applications and shortlisting for the next intake of 2,000 recruits, whose training is expected to begin in October 2026.

    24 June 2026 · Informanté

Sport

  1. Nineteen-year-old Maria Kanyanga wins double Southern African title

    Maria Kanyanga, a 19-year-old from Kavango West, won gold medals in the women's under-20 800 metres and 1 500 metres at the Southern African Countries Athletics Championships in Mauritius, representing Namibia at the regional event.

    24 June 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Namibian para-athletes medal at European World Triathlon Cup

    Namibia's Jerome Rooi won bronze in the para-triathlon standing category at the World Triathlon Para Cup in Besancon, France, while teammate Mateus Angula finished seventh in the para-triathlon wheelchair category.

    24 June 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Real Madrid Foundation clinic launches five-day programme in Omuthiya

    The Oshikoto leg of the Real Madrid Foundation Football Clinic officially launched at Omuthiya on Monday as a five-day programme aimed at equipping young footballers with skills and values including discipline, teamwork, respect and leadership.

    24 June 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Colombia advances to World Cup knockout rounds with 1-0 win

    Colombia defeated DR Congo 1-0 on Tuesday, with Daniel Munoz scoring in the 76th minute, securing their place in the World Cup knockout stage and moving to the top of Group K with six points.

    24 June 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Croatia defeats Panama 1-0 to stay alive in World Cup

    Panama were eliminated from World Cup contention after Croatia won 1-0 on Tuesday, with Ante Budimir scoring in the 54th minute. Despite the loss, Panama's coach Thomas Christiansen said his players had made strides forward and he was "super proud" of how they battled.

    24 June 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Unam FC captain expresses confidence ahead of NFA Cup final

    Unam FC captain Paulus Amutenya said the team is approaching Saturday's NFA Cup final against KK Palace FC with confidence and positive mindset, having earned their place through hard work and commitment throughout the tournament.

    24 June 2026 · New Era

  7. Namibian runners compete at Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon

    QKR Namibia/Navachab Gold Mine is sending four athletes—Mathias Simon, Lavinia Haitope, Elton Hiskia, and Daniel Paulus—to compete in the Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon Championships in Gqeberha, South Africa, on Saturday. The team includes the reigning and defending Navachab Half Marathon champions, as well as a qualifying winner and a specially invited runner.

    24 June 2026 · New Era

Tourism & Environment

  1. Namibia seeks UN support for marine protection expansion

    Fisheries Minister Inge Zaamwani met with UN Environment Programme Executive Director Inger Andersen to discuss Namibia's environmental challenges and marine conservation goals. Namibia currently has approximately 1.7 per cent marine protection coverage and aims to reach 11 to 12 per cent by 2030, with five marine protected areas already declared and two further areas planned.

    24 June 2026 · Informanté

  2. Namibia hospitality sector reaches record May occupancy at 62.17%

    Namibia's hospitality sector achieved 62.17% national occupancy in May 2026, up from 56.21% in May 2025 and above the pre-pandemic May 2019 benchmark of 55.83%, driven by early-season safari and nature-based tourism demand ahead of the winter dry season. The Northern region led with 65.19% occupancy, while coastal and central regions also posted gains.

    24 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

World & Region

  1. England held to goalless draw by Ghana in World Cup

    England drew 0-0 with Ghana in a World Cup group match, dominating possession with 19 shots but failing to break down Ghana's goalkeeper Benjamin Asare. Both teams have four points with one game remaining to play in Group L.

    24 June 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Zambia, Zimbabwe join aviation carbon market initiative

    Zambia and Zimbabwe have signed the Aviation Carbon Market Compact as part of the Supporting Alliance for CORSIA Eligible Emissions Unit (EEU) Supply, a global initiative to scale up carbon credits for international aviation. The alliance now includes 50 entities and aims to meet CORSIA's expected demand for 225–250 million carbon credits by spring 2027.

    24 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  3. Zambia accepts South African court ruling on Lungu burial

    The Zambian government says it will not pursue further legal action following a South African Supreme Court of Appeal judgment in a dispute with former president Edgar Lungu's family over his burial. The government had disagreed with the ruling but will accept it, ending a legal dispute that began after negotiations between the government and Lungu's family collapsed and the family chose to bury him in South Africa rather than repatriate his remains to Zambia.

    24 June 2026 · The Namibian

  4. SADC reaffirms commitment to peace in Madagascar and DRC

    The Southern African Development Community held an Extraordinary Summit on 22 June 2026 to discuss developments in Madagascar and the Democratic Republic of Congo, reaffirming its commitment to regional peace and stability. The meeting welcomed the work of a Panel of Elders that conducted three missions to Madagascar between January and May 2026 to support peacebuilding and encourage inclusive national dialogue.

    24 June 2026 · Informanté

Opinion

  1. Opinion: Deferred reward structures bind religion and economics

    An opinion piece argues that across religion, economics, and politics, Namibians are promised rewards later—heaven after death, development after structural adjustment, prosperity after elections—while gatekeepers remain unchanged. The author contends that the same IMF and World Bank institutions that rebuilt Europe after World War II have trapped Africa in debt and stagnant growth.

    24 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

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