Politics
SPYL criticises indefinite postponement of NYC assembly
The News
The Swapo Party Youth League has condemned the indefinite postponement of the National Youth Council general assembly.
30 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →
Namibia Minute.
Tuesday, 30 June 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Tuesday, 30 June 2026
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Politics
SPYL criticises indefinite postponement of NYC assembly
The Swapo Party Youth League has condemned the indefinite postponement of the National Youth Council general assembly.
30 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →
Kunene governor insists on Tuesday address despite postponement
The Kunene region's governor Vipuaakuje Muharukua said he will proceed with a state of the region address on Tuesday, rejecting the regional council's postponement announcement citing lack of quorum. The chief regional officer had cited councillors' unavailability due to unpaid June salaries following a funding block by the urban and rural development minister, but Muharukua said a quorum determination can only be made during a meeting and accused the chief regional officer of attempting to sabotage government operations.
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Defence minister rejects calls to meet protesting veterans
Defence and Veterans Affairs Minister Frans Kapofi has rejected calls to visit liberation struggle veterans protesting outside Swapo Party headquarters, saying their grievances fall outside his ministerial mandate and that they raise issues beyond his responsibility.
30 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
NSA emphasizes need for coordinated national statistical system
The Namibia Statistics Agency and Khomas regional leadership stressed the importance of improved coordination, funding, and data use during a National Strategy for the Development of Statistics sensitisation meeting. The NSA Statistician General noted that reliable statistics require cooperation among multiple stakeholders including ministries, agencies, local authorities, regional councils, the private sector, academia, and civil society organisations.
30 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Judge delays ruling on Windhoek speed humps removal case
A High Court judge postponed judgment in activist Michael Amushelelo's case seeking removal of speed humps on Windhoek's Western Bypass until Friday. Amushelelo is challenging the speed humps as unlawful and a public hazard, and seeking an interdict to prevent further installation on national highways.
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →
PDM leader accuses Swapo of delaying Kunene council salaries
PDM leader McHenry Venaani accused Swapo of political retaliation over delayed salary payments to 94 employees of the Kunene Regional Council, including four councillors, whose June salaries were blocked following intervention by the urban and rural development minister. Prime minister Elijah Ngurare denied deliberate withholding and attributed the delays to administrative and technical issues.
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Business
CRAN engages MTC over consumer data depletion complaints
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia has engaged Mobile Telecommunications Limited over consumer concerns about data disappearing faster than expected and billing transparency issues. CRAN and MTC have agreed to launch a technical testing and verification initiative involving affected consumers, with findings to guide interventions and possible relief.
30 June 2026 · Informanté →
Telecom Namibia appoints acting CEO after Shanapinda resigns
Telecom Namibia has appointed Armando Perny as acting CEO effective 1 July 2026 for one month, following the resignation of Dr Stanley Shanapinda. The company is also managing departures of its Chief Commercial Officer and Chief Finance Officer as it begins recruiting a permanent CEO.
30 June 2026 · Informanté →
ABC's SME lending fund expands to N$363 million
Africa Bitcoin Corporation's subsidiary Altvest Credit Opportunities Fund Limited increased its total credit exposure to N$363 million from N$267 million in the quarter ended 31 May 2026, with assets under management reaching N$512 million and loan deployments rising to N$491 million.
30 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia seeks balanced regulation for e-hailing and taxi sectors
A government and industry panel discussion revealed the need for regulatory frameworks that allow innovation, safety and compliance to coexist in Namibia's transport sector, with outdated legislation struggling to keep pace with technological transformation.
30 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
SACU approves N$5 billion regional fund for industrial development
The Southern African Customs Union Heads of State approved a SACU Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism with an initial capitalisation of N$5 billion over the 2027/28 and 2028/29 financial years, directed toward development projects across member states as part of a broader commitment to regional integration and industrial development.
30 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Nedbank launches 2026 Kapana Cook-Off competition
Nedbank Namibia has launched the 2026 Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off Competition, designed to empower informal food vendors and professional chefs by transforming culinary talent into sustainable businesses. The competition will feature three regional rounds in Swakopmund, Oshakati, and Windhoek in August and September, with a grand finale on 3 October in Katutura, Windhoek.
30 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
NAC launches first aviation security training after ASTO certification
The Namibia Airports Company has launched its first Basic Aviation Security Training Course following certification as an Aviation Security Training Organisation. The course, running from 29 June to 14 July 2026 in Windhoek, brings together 50 participants including 29 police officers and 21 NAC employees to enhance airport and aviation infrastructure protection.
30 June 2026 · Informanté →
MTC investigated over rapid data depletion complaints
Mobile Telecommunications Limited customers have filed complaints with the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) over alleged rapid data depletion and billing issues. Cran and MTC have agreed to conduct a joint technical testing and verification exercise involving affected consumers to examine their data depletion claims using technical information and charging records.
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →
NIPDB appoints Muetudhana as acting chief executive
The Namibia Investment Promotion Development Board has appointed Julia Muetudhana as acting chief executive effective 1 July, replacing Jessica Hauuanga. Muetudhana, who has been with the organisation since 2023 as an executive for talent and innovation, has the board's confidence to lead during the transitional growth phase.
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Fishing scientist warns of lack of transparency in quota allocation
An independent fisheries management scientist has raised concern over limited transparency in Namibia's fishing industry and quota allocation, noting that quotas are sometimes allocated to "paper quota holders" who lack infrastructure but resell them to third parties, inflating prices and creating room for corruption.
30 June 2026 · Informanté →
Fishing industry warns of 50% bycatch levy hike
Namibia's fishing industry has cautioned that the government's proposal to increase the bycatch levy from 15% to 50% could threaten company viability and lead to job losses and vessel shutdowns. The Namibian Hake Association warns the measure, combined with stricter bycatch thresholds and forfeiture provisions, would be punitive rather than corrective, and says the industry was not meaningfully consulted before the proposal reached Cabinet.
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Daron denies misappropriating N$40m from DRC fishing deal
Daron Namibia has rejected allegations that it misappropriated funds from a N$40-million Democratic Republic of Congo fishing venture now in a High Court dispute involving Standard Bank Namibia and Hodago Fishing. Daron says its role was limited to operating and maintaining the fishing vessel, and that it did not receive or control the N$40 million.
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Digital experts urge Namibia to reduce foreign technology dependency
Digital experts and technologists have urged developing nations, including Namibia, to strengthen their own digital infrastructure and reduce dependency on foreign technology. According to professor Adi Fahrudin, technology should reflect local realities and support communities rather than force them to adapt to Western-designed systems that do not account for informal economies.
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Mining & Energy
Bannerman's Etango uranium project reaches 92% bulk earthworks
Bannerman Energy says its Etango Uranium Project is progressing on schedule and within budget, with the 24-month bulk earthworks contract approximately 92% complete and more than 560 contractor personnel on site. The company has recorded more than 1.1 million lost-time injury-free hours, with 10,800 cubic metres of concrete poured representing around 60% completion of Phase 1 and Phase 2A construction packages.
30 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Crude oil shocks transmit rapidly to Namibian inflation
Crude oil is the single most important commodity for Namibian macroeconomic conditions. Global oil price surges—driven by Middle East disruptions and supply constraints—cascade quickly into domestic fuel price increases, as demonstrated by April-May 2026 fuel price hikes of 19.9% for petrol and 43.9% for diesel.
30 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Agriculture & Land
Otjozondjupa governor calls for farm price regulation
Otjozondjupa governor John Julius //Khamuseb has called on government to consider measures to regulate farm prices, arguing that without intervention, equitable access to land is hindered.
30 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →
Society
National Assembly Speaker visits David Sheehama Secondary School
National Assembly Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila visited David Sheehama Senior Secondary School in Outapi, Omusati region, as part of an outreach effort to learners.
30 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →
NIED conducts three-day Otjiherero teachers training
The National Institute for Educational Development held a three-day Otjiherero teachers' training workshop last week, bringing together Otjiherero educators.
30 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →
Unesco Namibia training on AI and rule of law concludes
A three-day Unesco Namibia training on artificial intelligence and the rule of law for Namibian judges and legal officers concluded last week.
30 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →
10-year-old arrested in fatal stabbing of teenager
A 15-year-old died during a domestic altercation in Otjomuise this weekend involving younger relatives, police reported.
30 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →
Kunene governor reports rising substance abuse, suicide, GBV cases
The Governor of Kunene Region expressed concern over growing social challenges, reporting 1,793 individual cases of social ills to the Division of Gender and Social Welfare, including 129 substance abuse cases, 89 attempted suicides, and 46 gender-based violence cases. He warned these statistics reflect deep-seated societal problems undermining regional development and affecting community wellbeing.
30 June 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia halts polio vaccinations after 90% coverage target
Namibia has successfully interrupted transmission of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 following a nationwide vaccination campaign that reached more than 90% of targeted children, with no virus detected since 4 March 2026. The response was supported by more than N$76.5 million in financial aid from the WHO.
30 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia halts polio vaccinations after reaching ninety percent coverage
The Ministry of Health announced that Namibia has successfully interrupted transmission of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 following a nationwide vaccination campaign that reached more than 90% of targeted children and received more than N$76.5 million in WHO support. No circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus has been detected since 4 March 2026.
30 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Muketela Primary School receives N$1.14m administration block
Muketela Primary School in the Zambezi region's Sibbinda Constituency has received a new N$1.14 million administration block funded by the NamPort Social Investment Fund, ending over four decades of inadequate office space at the school serving about 140 learners.
30 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
NHP appoints trustees, reports N$197.8m surplus
The Namibia Health Plan announced stronger financial performance and governance during its Annual General Meeting, recording insurance revenue of more than N$2.28 billion and a surplus of N$197.8 million in 2025, while electing two new trustees to its Board for the next three years.
30 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Grave of Okahandja murder victim desecrated with burned snake
The grave of six-year-old Roswinds Fabianu, who was murdered in Okahandja in April 2025, was vandalized on the death anniversary when unidentified people allegedly burned a snake on her tombstone, scorching it and devastating the family.
30 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
City of Windhoek orders immediate removal of illegal electricity connections
The City of Windhoek has ordered the immediate removal of all illegal electrical wiring in five informal settlements, citing more than eight deaths and injuries from electrocution and fires over the past five years caused by unsafe, unqualified installations. The city will begin enforcement in September and impose penalties, disconnection, and outstanding dues recovery on offenders.
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Ju/'hoansi San in remote Donkerbos rely on traditional medicine
Ju/'hoansi San women in Sonneblom, Donkerbos, depend on indigenous remedies due to the nearest clinic and hospital being up to 80km and 250km away respectively, with long distances, lack of transport, and unreliable ambulance services making modern healthcare inaccessible. Community leaders warn that traditional medicine knowledge is disappearing as elders pass away and younger generations lack skills in natural plant remedies.
30 June 2026 · New Era →
Church and traditional leaders oppose candle vigils as foreign practice
Church and traditional leaders in Namibia have rejected the growing practice of candle-lighting vigils to honour the deceased, arguing that the practice is foreign and has no basis in biblical teaching or customary law, with concerns raised that adopting such practices could erode Namibia's identity.
30 June 2026 · New Era →
Namibia marks World Vitiligo Day with call to end stigma
Health experts and people living with vitiligo called for greater awareness and education to support those affected by the condition and correct misconceptions. A dermatologist explained that vitiligo is a non-contagious skin condition caused by the destruction of melanocytes and stressed it is not witchcraft, a curse, or anyone's fault.
30 June 2026 · Informanté →
Otjozondjupa region has only 89 operational police vehicles
The Governor of Otjozondjupa Region reported that of a police fleet of 137 vehicles, only 89 are operational due to mechanical defects, hampering crime-fighting efforts. Despite the shortage, law enforcement has issued 11,392 traffic fines worth N$11.8 million and recorded 808 motor vehicle accidents with 45 fatalities during the reporting period.
30 June 2026 · Informanté →
NUST retains top Namibian ranking, improves global position
The Namibia University of Science and Technology has retained its position as Namibia's leading university in the 2026 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings while improving its global ranking from the 1501+ band to the 1001–1500 band. The university recorded gains in several UN Sustainable Development Goals including Quality Education and No Poverty.
30 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Pre-primary demand outstrips school capacity in Namibia
Overcrowded classrooms and rising demand for pre-primary placements are straining public schools, with some schools accommodating around 45 pupils when the recommended ratio is 35 pupils per teacher. The education directorate in Erongo region has temporarily suspended new pupil enrolments at public primary schools in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Usakos residents concerned over fire truck repair delays
Usakos residents have raised concerns about the town council's fire response capacity following a June 18 fire and delays in repairing the town's fire truck. A local resident says QKR Navachab Gold Mine provided funds for repairs, but the company says it purchased replacement equipment at a cost of N$651,514 for a water engine, with the project initially expected to be completed in April but has been delayed.
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Windhoek children lack safe access to public parks
Namibian children have limited access to safe outdoor spaces for play despite Windhoek having 32 city park facilities. Residents report that some parks are unsafe, under-maintained, or unfit for different age groups, limiting their use.
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Rehoboth activist shelters neglected children in self-built kindergarten
An unemployed Rehoboth community activist built El-Roi kindergarten in 2016 to shelter, feed and educate neglected and abandoned children. The facility currently houses three children and is run by the activist and his family with contributions from parents, some of whom cannot afford the monthly N$150 or N$200 fee.
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Murdered child's grave site destroyed by fire in Okahandja
More than a year after six-year-old Roswinds Fabianu was raped and murdered at Okahandja, her family discovered her grave site had been set on fire. The mother says the family plans to open a case with police and has appealed to the mayor of Okahandja for help.
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Henties Bay replaces prepaid water meters after contractor system shutdown
Henties Bay Municipality is replacing prepaid water meters with conventional ones after contractor ITEM Engineering CC disabled the prepaid vending system over a payment dispute. The municipality's acting CEO claims the contractor is illegally demanding 70% of the outstanding N$12 million balance immediately, though payment was not scheduled until the 2026/27 financial year.
30 June 2026 · Informanté →
Woman facing N$40 million fraud charge denied bail appeal
Windhoek High Court has dismissed a bail appeal by Marlien Conradie (37), who faces charges of fraud and money laundering involving N$40 million. Acting judge Marilize du Plessis upheld a magistrate's January decision to refuse bail, noting the substantial amount involved and Conradie's refusal to answer questions during the bail hearing.
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Omusati region records 4% crime increase in 2025/2026
Omusati's Governor reported that crime cases rose from 3,525 to 3,670 between the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 financial years. The region recorded 465 domestic and gender-based violence cases and 204 child physical abuse cases during 2025/2026.
30 June 2026 · Informanté →
Culture
Spielberg directs alien film about world learning extraterrestrials exist
Steven Spielberg's 2026 film 'Disclosure Day', written by David Koepp, follows cybersecurity specialist Daniel Kellner and weather girl Margaret Fairchild as they become caught between a covert corporation trying to suppress knowledge of alien existence and global pressure to reveal the truth kept secret since the 1947 Roswell incident.
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibian rapper-doctor says balancing music and medicine requires discipline
La-Toya 'Lioness' Hamutenya, a 32-year-old Namibian rapper and medical doctor, says pursuing both careers simultaneously required discipline, resilience, and often double the work, though she has recently stepped away from commercial music to focus on family and her medical practice. She reflects on managing two demanding careers alongside motherhood, arguing that career transitions and caregiving phases are not permanent obstacles to professional success.
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Sport
Germany eliminated by Paraguay on penalties in World Cup
Germany lost 4-3 on penalties to Paraguay following a 1-1 draw in the World Cup last 32, marking Germany's first-ever penalty shootout loss at a World Cup. Paraguay advanced with the win, though they may face France in the next round.
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Universities sports body and Olympic committee form partnership
The Tertiary Institutes Sports Association of Namibia has engaged the Namibia National Olympic Committee to formalise a strategic partnership aimed at revitalising university sport. The collaboration will focus on governance, leadership training, event management capacity, athlete identification, and aligning Tisan athletes with elite athlete categorisation and priority sport codes.
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →
21-year-old Namibian footballer reaches England club
Alex-Romio Kenamuinjo, 21, who grew up playing street football in Katutura, now plays as a centre-back for Pilkington Football Club in England. His journey included captaining Namibia's under-13 national team at age 12 and development through local academies and trials in South Africa.
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Welwitschias defeat Zambia 71-12 in opening match
Namibia's Welwitschias scored 11 tries to overwhelm Zambia in their first match of the year, with fullback Jaylon Carew scoring a hat-trick and new talent combining with stalwarts to display attacking rugby.
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Quality FC wins inaugural NFA Futsal Cup championship
Quality FC defeated Chile FC 4-2 in the final to win the inaugural Namibia Football Association Futsal Cup on Sunday. Ken Salote was named Player of the Tournament, Riya Usurua won Goalkeeper of the Tournament, and Ichshaun Von Francois of Ballers FC was the competition's top scorer.
30 June 2026 · New Era →
Welwitschia XV beat Zambia 71-12 in friendly rugby match
The Welwitschia Invitational XV defeated Zambia 71-12 on Sunday at the Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium, a development and talent-identifying fixture in which the home side scored ten tries and led 33-5 at half time. Debutant Jaylon Carew scored three of the tries.
30 June 2026 · New Era →
Paul Seixas offers hope for France's Tour de France drought
Teenage cyclist Paul Seixas's participation in the Tour de France has raised hopes of a first French victory in 41 years, since Bernard Hinault's 1985 triumph. France also faces long droughts in Paris-Roubaix (30 years since 1997) and Roland Garros men's tennis (since Yannick Noah in 1983).
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Zimbabwe defeats Bangladesh by innings in Harare Test
Zimbabwe bowled Bangladesh out twice—for 140 in the first innings and 185 in the second—to win a one-off Test in Harare by an innings and 85 runs, with Blessing Muzarabani taking four wickets and captain Richard Ngarava three. Innocent Kaia's century in Zimbabwe's first-innings 410 was decisive in securing their second victory in three Tests against Bangladesh.
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Haaland's late goal sends Norway past Ivory Coast
Erling Haaland scored a late winner in the 86th minute as Norway defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 in a World Cup last-16 match, setting up a quarter-final against Brazil. It was Norway's first-ever knockout victory in World Cup history.
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Tourism & Environment
Namibia's international tourist arrivals decline by 3.2%
International tourist arrivals to Namibia fell 3.2% to 1,217,108 in 2025 from 1,257,093 in 2024, with the Environment Minister attributing the decline partly to safety concerns and crimes against tourists, particularly a 27.4% drop from Germany.
30 June 2026 · Informanté →
Etosha National Park completes controlled burns ahead of fire season
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has finished a controlled burning exercise in Etosha National Park to reduce excess vegetation and firebreak risks during the August–November wildfire season. The measures, including grading of firebreaks, are expected to reduce the intensity and spread of fires compared to last year.
30 June 2026 · Informanté →
China accounts for nearly 30,000 Namibian visitors in 2025
Nearly 30,000 Chinese visitors travelled to Namibia in 2025, making China Namibia's largest tourism source market in Asia and accounting for the largest share of Asia's 35,907 arrivals. The Namibia Tourism Board plans to strengthen partnerships with Chinese tour operators as part of efforts to attract more travellers from one of the world's largest outbound tourism markets.
30 June 2026 · New Era →
World & Region
Ramaphosa warns South Africans against intimidating migrants
President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged anti-migrant protesters to act without "intimidation, threats or ultimatums" ahead of an unofficial deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave South Africa. Several thousand African migrants have already departed in recent weeks amid escalating protests, while more than three million documented foreign nationals remain in the country.
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Malawian migrants flee South Africa ahead of anti-immigrant deadline
Malawian migrants are departing South Africa at a temporary repatriation site in Durban, driven by fears of xenophobic violence and anti-foreigner marches scheduled across the country. Migrants express sadness and anxiety about leaving their homes of several years, with concerns about whether repatriation efforts will meet existing deadlines.
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Morocco defeats Netherlands on penalties to reach World Cup last 16
Morocco defeated the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in extra time to advance to the World Cup last 16, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou making a crucial save. Morocco will face Canada in the last 16 in Houston on Saturday.
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →
South African prisons open arts galleries to reduce repeat offending
South Africa's Department of Correctional Services has opened nine prison arts-and-crafts galleries since 2023 as part of rehabilitation efforts to help inmates develop skills, earn income, and prepare for life after release. At Leeuwkop Correctional Facility in Johannesburg, artwork by 34 inmates is on display.
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia renews call for UN-led Western Sahara peace
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has renewed Namibia's call for the United Nations to lead efforts in resolving the decades-long Western Sahara dispute, stating that dialogue rather than confrontation offers the only path to lasting peace. Drawing on Namibia's own liberation history, she said cross-border disputes should be addressed through multilateral mechanisms and UN coordination.
30 June 2026 · New Era →
DR Congo faces England after first World Cup in 52 years
Despite navigating 13 qualifiers, a pre-tournament quarantine due to an Ebola outbreak, and decades of conflict, DR Congo has reached the World Cup for the first time since 1974 and will face England in the last 32. The squad includes players born outside Congo, many in France, including Newcastle striker Yoane Wissa.
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Opinion
Post-liberation violence betrays ubuntu, scholar warns
An opinion piece argues that South Africa and Namibia, having gained power through liberation struggles, risk abandoning ubuntu—the African principle of collective humanity—and turning their pain toward vulnerable neighbours and foreigners unable to resist, as warned by scholar Mahmood Mamdani's analysis of the Rwandan genocide.
30 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
South African xenophobia threatens nation's moral legacy
Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, principal of North-West University, warns that xenophobic violence and threats against foreigners risk making South Africa "one of the world's pariahs," contradicting the nation's post-1994 commitment to openness and moral leadership.
30 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibian housing laws prevent poorer people from building capital
An opinion piece argues that Namibian policies and legislation preventing poorer people from generating capital from property are a major barrier to formal homeownership, beyond high costs and profiteering.
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's fragmented consumer protections leave citizens vulnerable
Namibian consumers face widespread exploitation—from faulty mobile data to denied refunds—due to the absence of a comprehensive Consumer Protection Act and a fragmented legal framework that is difficult to navigate and enforce.
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →