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Friday, 3 July 2026
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Friday, 3 July 2026
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Archive Minute from Friday, 3 July 2026
Politics

ECN appointments debate raises transparency concerns

The News

An editorial in the Windhoek Observer argues that the Electoral Commission of Namibia must maintain public confidence through transparency and openness, noting that a parliamentary debate over the appointment of ECN commissioners—in which opposition parties alleged MPs were denied access to nomination documentation—highlights the importance of institutions being seen as independent, not merely being independent in fact.

3 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Politics

  1. ECN appointments debate raises transparency concerns

    An editorial in the Windhoek Observer argues that the Electoral Commission of Namibia must maintain public confidence through transparency and openness, noting that a parliamentary debate over the appointment of ECN commissioners—in which opposition parties alleged MPs were denied access to nomination documentation—highlights the importance of institutions being seen as independent, not merely being independent in fact.

    3 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  2. High Court blocks bid to revive cancelled school feeding tender

    The High Court has rejected an application by Pamo Trading Enterprises to revive a government school feeding tender that was cancelled by the Central Procurement Board of Namibia. Deputy Judge President Theo Prinsloo ruled that the procurement process had legally collapsed once the bid validity period expired and could not be resurrected through court intervention.

    3 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  3. Court dismisses activist's bid to remove Western Bypass speed humps

    Judge Gabriel Komboni dismissed activist Michael Amushelelo's urgent application to have speed humps removed from the Western Bypass in Windhoek, which Amushelelo had argued disrupt traffic and pose a risk to motorists. According to the Roads Authority, the speed humps were installed in areas where pedestrian accidents have been recorded.

    3 July 2026 · The Namibian

  4. CEOs' forum urges merit-based board appointments

    The Public Enterprises CEOs' Forum chairperson Fluksman Samuehl has called on government to appoint board members based on merit rather than other criteria, stating that competent leadership is essential for state-owned enterprises to deliver services and achieve the goals of the Sixth National Development Plan.

    3 July 2026 · New Era

  5. Kunene Regional Council salaries dispute resolved with acting CRO

    The government and Kunene Regional Council have agreed to appoint an acting chief regional officer to restore administrative functions and facilitate salary payments, which were delayed due to a dispute involving the substantive CRO who is subject to legal proceedings.

    3 July 2026 · New Era

  6. Paulus Noa retires after 20 years as ACC director general

    Paulus Noa, who established Namibia's Anti-Corruption Commission from scratch in 2006 and served as its director general for 20 years, is stepping down with Bryan Eiseb nominated as his successor. During his tenure, the ACC processed over 7,500 corruption complaints and expanded to include forensic, intelligence, and anti-money laundering divisions.

    3 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

  7. Judge dismisses Amushelelo's urgent application on Western Bypass speed humps

    Judge Gabriel Komboni dismissed Michael Amushelelo's urgent application seeking to have speed humps on the Western Bypass near Windhoek's Northern Industrial Area declared unlawful and removed. Amushelelo argued the humps violated the Road Traffic and Transport Act of 1999 and posed a public hazard; he has accused the judiciary of bias and says he intends to appeal.

    3 July 2026 · Informanté

  8. Education ministry will investigate UNAM allegations if formal complaint submitted

    Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp told Parliament that the ministry has not been made aware of maladministration, corruption or recruitment irregularities at UNAM, but will investigate should a formal complaint supported by evidence be submitted. Steenkamp distinguished between interference and intervention, noting that UNAM has its own council and senate.

    3 July 2026 · Informanté

  9. Judge dismisses speed hump removal case against Works Ministry

    High Court Judge Gabriel Komboni dismissed an application by activist Michael Amushelelo seeking to force the Ministry of Works and Transport and the Roads Authority to remove speed humps on the B1 Western Bypass, finding that Amushelelo failed to demonstrate how the installation violated common law or legislation.

    3 July 2026 · Informanté

  10. Agriculture minister says AMTA board did not breach duties

    The Minister of Agriculture responded to parliamentary questions about N$6.2 million in losses at the Agro-Marketing and Trade Agency (AMTA), stating that investigations found the AMTA board did not breach its fiduciary duties. The minister attributed the financial losses to inadequate financial systems and accountability rather than fraud, and said disciplinary proceedings against the former managing director cost significantly less than the alleged N$10 million.

    3 July 2026 · Informanté

Business

  1. Namibian fuel prices drop by up to N$4 per litre

    Fuel prices across Namibia dropped at midnight, with petrol down N$1 per litre and both locally available diesel variants down by N$4 per litre.

    3 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. Sisedi Investment Group appoints Renella Matthews

    Sisedi Investment Group has appointed Renella Matthews as its new investment support specialist.

    3 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

  3. Ohorongo-Cheetah Cement merger approved with operational conditions

    Ohorongo Cement says its merger with Schwenk Namibia's Cheetah Cement, approved with conditions by the minister of industries, mines and energy, will not result in job losses but will involve staff relocation from Otjiwarongo to Otavi and increased local ownership requirements.

    3 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. MP warns of economic risk from cross-border truck disruptions

    MP Nelson Kalangula has warned that escalating disruptions affecting Namibian cross-border truck drivers operating in South Africa could have far-reaching economic consequences for Namibia, particularly due to the country's heavy dependence on South African supply routes. Kalangula noted that some transport operators have withdrawn trucks from South African routes due to safety concerns, reflecting a growing economic risk that could disrupt supply chains and increase pressure on domestic markets.

    3 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  5. Furnmart employees end strike with salary raise deal

    Furnmart and Home Corp Namibia employees ended their two-week strike after the company agreed to a two-year wage deal increasing salaries by 5% for those earning more than N$6,000 and N$300 per month for those earning less, effective 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2027.

    3 July 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Namibia targets N$168 billion exports by 2030, seeks Poland partnerships

    Namibia aims to increase exports from N$102 billion to over N$168 billion by 2030 through value addition, foreign direct investment, and industrialisation, International Relations Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi told Polish Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski during bilateral talks in the capital on Wednesday.

    3 July 2026 · New Era

Mining & Energy

  1. Rhino Resources confirms oil-bearing reservoir at Capricornus

    RHINO Resources' Capricornus-1A appraisal well offshore Namibia has confirmed an oil-bearing reservoir connected to the previously discovered Capricornus-1X well, providing evidence of reservoir continuity in the Capricornus discovery in Block 2914 of the Orange Basin.

    3 July 2026 · Informanté

Agriculture & Land

  1. Upgraded cattle auction in Okongo generates N$9m for farmers

    An upgraded auction kraal in Okongo, Ohangwena region, has facilitated the sale of more than 1,100 cattle and generated close to N$10 million in turnover, with more than N$8.9 million going directly to communal farmers from five regions. The facility, which received upgraded machinery worth about N$4 million, was officially handed over this week by the environment minister and UNDP representative.

    3 July 2026 · New Era

Society

  1. Kunene governor reports 411 undocumented immigrants arrested

    Kunene governor Vipuakuje Muharukua has flagged rising illegal immigration in the region, revealing that 411 undocumented immigrants were arrested during the year.

    3 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. Amunyela reflects on 16 years in the Namibian Defence Force

    PJ Amunyela has served in the Namibian Defence Force for 16 years, progressing from recruit through roles as a military policeman and special investigator to his current position in public relations.

    3 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

  3. One Economy launches sexual health information platform for youth

    The One Economy Foundation has launched iBreakFree, a sexual and reproductive health web application providing young people access to health information, self-screening tools and healthcare referrals. The platform covers HIV prevention, family planning, mental health, sexually transmitted infections and gender-based violence, with two digital hubs established in Ohangwena and Omusati regions for those without internet access.

    3 July 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Namibia Youth Energy Forum appoints Fanuel Shinedima as CEO

    The Namibia Youth Energy Forum has announced Fanuel Shinedima as its new chief executive officer. Shinedima, a former director of the forum with experience in energy sector stakeholder engagement and youth development, returns to lead the youth-led organisation as it approaches its third anniversary.

    3 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  5. Windhoek oil spill case advances toward trial in High Court

    The Municipal Council of Windhoek's multimillion-dollar environmental damage case against industrial and fuel companies, including Namibia Dairies, over a 24,000-litre heavy fuel oil spill in February 2019 that contaminated wastewater infrastructure has advanced following a High Court pre-trial order and conference.

    3 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  6. Namibia receives N$13m mobile laboratory for disease outbreak detection

    Namibia has taken delivery of a mobile laboratory worth more than N$13 million from Russia to strengthen detection and response to infectious disease outbreaks. The all-terrain facility can be deployed to outbreak hotspots and is capable of processing more than 800 tests a day, bringing rapid laboratory testing closer to communities in remote areas.

    3 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  7. One Economy Foundation launches digital youth sexual health platform

    The One Economy Foundation has introduced the i-BreakFree SRH Web Application, a digital platform funded by the Global Fund through the Ministry of Health and Social Services, enabling young people in Namibia to access sexual and reproductive health information, self-screening tools for HIV and STI risk assessment, and confidential support services online.

    3 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  8. UNAM lecturer to withdraw N$18 million lawsuit against health ministry

    Dr Fred Mwilima and his family intend to withdraw a civil lawsuit against the Ministry of Health and Social Services and security companies over the 2019 shooting death of his wife Sarah in her ministry office in Windhoek. The lawsuit, filed after the shooting by a colleague, sought N$18 million and alleged the ministry and security companies failed to prevent her death.

    3 July 2026 · Informanté

  9. MP urges health training institutions to expand mental health courses

    Member of parliament Willem Amutenya has called on health training institutions to expand mental health training to support the new Mental Health Act, saying most institutions made little or no mention of mental health programmes during a parliamentary consultation. He noted that Namibia has too few psychiatrists and community health workers to meet the country's growing mental health needs, and urged especially private institutions to introduce programmes to prepare professionals for the law's implementation.

    3 July 2026 · The Namibian

  10. Police search for swimmer missing at Swakopmund beach

    A man disappeared in the sea while swimming alone at a beach near Platz am Meer Mall at Swakopmund on Thursday. A rescue team was unable to locate him due to darkness, and the search is ongoing; authorities have appealed to the public to help identify the victim.

    3 July 2026 · The Namibian

  11. Health ministry distributes 33 medicines to address stock shortages

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services received and distributed 33 line items of critically needed medicines and clinical supplies between 18 June and 1 July, including cancer medicines, antibiotics, anti-hypertension medication, and diabetes treatments, as part of efforts to replenish stock levels at public health facilities.

    3 July 2026 · The Namibian

Culture

  1. British Love Island contestant named after Namibia sparks local interest

    Namibia Rosa Olpherts, a 25-year-old customer service officer from Leeds, England, entered the 13th season of Love Island and sparked curiosity on Namibian social media.

    3 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. Nascam secures N$1.5m UNESCO grant, leadership elected

    The Namibia Society of Composers and Authors of Music (Nascam) held its annual general meeting on 27 June, where Joseph Ailonga (Jossy Joss) retained his position, and the organisation secured a N$1.5m UNESCO grant.

    3 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

  3. 10-year-old Windhoek gospel singer spreads faith through music

    Minister Anointed, a 10-year-old Windhoek-based gospel singer, has been writing and recording music since age three, inspired by his older brother's church singing. His songs, including "I Am a Victor," aim to encourage people facing life's challenges and bring souls to Christ.

    3 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. MTC transfers NAMAs intellectual property to youth ministry

    Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) has handed over all intellectual property, copyright, audio, and visual material of the Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) to the ministry of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture, marking the end of MTC's and the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation's decade-long management of the awards.

    3 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Sport

  1. England face Mexico in World Cup knockout at Azteca Stadium

    England must confront Mexico's fanatical home crowd and high-altitude Azteca Stadium on Sunday in a World Cup round-of-16 tie with a quarter-finals place at stake. Mexico have won all four home games without conceding a goal, while England narrowly beat DR Congo 2-1 to advance.

    3 July 2026 · The Namibian

  2. France prepares for extreme heat in World Cup match against Paraguay

    France coach Didier Deschamps said his team would adapt to potential extreme weather impacts ahead of their World Cup last-16 tie against Paraguay in Philadelphia on Saturday, as a heatwave hits the northeastern United States with temperatures reaching 38 degrees Celsius.

    3 July 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Egypt beats Australia on penalties to reach World Cup last 16

    Egypt defeated Australia 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to advance to the World Cup last 16, marking Egypt's first time reaching this stage. Egypt will next face Argentina.

    3 July 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Djokovic, Sinner advance to Wimbledon fourth round

    Novak Djokovic beat Arthur Rinderknech to equal Roger Federer's men's singles record for most match wins at Wimbledon, becoming only the fourth man in the Open era to reach the last 16 aged 39 or older. Defending champion Jannik Sinner also advanced past Jenson Brooksby.

    3 July 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Hamilton takes Silverstone sprint pole for Ferrari at British Grand Prix

    Lewis Hamilton secured pole position for Saturday's sprint at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, topping every session and beating Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli by 0.011 seconds. The 41-year-old seven-time world champion will aim to add to his record nine wins in the main race on Sunday.

    3 July 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Coach Geneva de Jager on athlete career building beyond sport

    Founder, head coach and athlete brand manager Geneva de Jager shares advice on building a successful career in sport, emphasizing that many athletes focus solely on performance rather than broader career development.

    3 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

  7. Springbok flyhalf Libbok seeks redemption at Ellis Park

    South Africa's Manie Libbok faces England on Saturday in the Nations Championship at Ellis Park, where he was blamed by supporters after the Springboks collapsed to lose a 2025 Rugby Championship match against Australia despite a 22-point first-quarter lead. Libbok, who is a creative talent but inconsistent goal-kicker, starts in the absence of injured first-choice flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

    3 July 2026 · The Namibian

  8. Portugal edge Croatia 2-1 in VAR-decided World Cup thriller

    Portugal advanced to the World Cup last 16 with a 2-1 victory over Croatia, with Goncalo Ramos scoring the winner in stoppage time after VAR ruled out Croatia's apparent late equaliser for offside. The match sets up a showdown with Spain, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a penalty in the contest.

    3 July 2026 · The Namibian

  9. Former Black Africa defender Awaseb switched from midfield

    Mike Awaseb, a prominent pre-independence defender for Black Africa, was initially recruited from Pirates as a midfielder before being converted to a defender by coach Herman 'Pele' Bashcke. The switch earned him a place on Black Africa's dominant team, though it cost him his family home after his father, a Pirates supporter, gave him an ultimatum to leave.

    3 July 2026 · The Namibian

  10. Padel sport grows in Namibia with accessible appeal

    Namibia Padel co-founder Francois Wahl says the sport is attracting players because it has a lower barrier to entry than tennis or squash, offers a social atmosphere, and allows players to progress quickly from beginner to intermediate level. Growth depends on entrepreneurs adding more courts and clubs to Windhoek and filling them during evenings and weekends.

    3 July 2026 · The Namibian

  11. Namibia Rugby Premier League title race remains contested

    At the halfway stage, FNB Grootfontein lead the Namibia Rugby Premier League on 32 points, with FNB Wanderers (30) and Trustco United (29) close behind, each with a game in hand. Grootfontein face Reho Falcon this weekend, while Wanderers host defending champions FNB Kudus in the standout fixture.

    3 July 2026 · The Namibian

  12. Trustco United faces FNB Western Suburbs in premier rugby

    Trustco United Rugby Club, currently third on the premier league standings with 29 points, will face FNB Western Suburbs at Suburbs Park in Windhoek on Saturday. United head coach Herman Lintvelt said his side respects their opponents despite the difference in league positions and acknowledged preparation challenges following a bye due to the Welwitschias' international fixture against Zambia.

    3 July 2026 · New Era

  13. NFA defends gender prize money gap in football competitions

    NFA president Robert Shimooshili attributed the disparity in prize money between men's and women's football to differences in development, history, and attendance levels, noting that international bodies like FIFA and CAF are working to elevate women's football. Men's winners received N$400,000 in the recent NFA Cup, while women's winners received N$100,000.

    3 July 2026 · New Era

  14. England's Kane confident ahead of Mexico World Cup last-16 match

    Harry Kane says he feels "as good as ever" as he pursues more World Cup goals for England; the captain has scored 72 goals for club and country in the 2025/26 campaign, second only to Lionel Messi's 82-goal haul in 2011/12, and has five goals at the World Cup so far.

    3 July 2026 · The Namibian

  15. Ben Stokes retires from England cricket after 15 years

    Ben Stokes, the 35-year-old former England captain, retired from international cricket on Friday during the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. His final match came after a tumultuous period including missing a game for breaking team curfew, and he departed with England suffering a 160-run defeat that handed New Zealand a 2-1 series victory.

    3 July 2026 · The Namibian

  16. Tour de France opens with team time trial format change

    The Tour de France launches this weekend in Barcelona with a team time trial—the first in seven years and the first opening stage of its kind since 1971. The innovation is individual timing for each rider rather than the traditional approach of awarding the team's time based on the fourth or fifth finisher, creating tactical opportunities for teams to position time-trial specialists and climbers strategically.

    3 July 2026 · The Namibian

  17. Klopp signals willingness to become Germany coach

    Jurgen Klopp has told the German FA he is "fundamentally willing" to take over as Germany coach after Julian Nagelsmann resigned on Friday, four days after Germany's last-32 exit to Paraguay. Nagelsmann, who had a contract until 2028, was offered a severance package of seven million euros to cut short his contract.

    3 July 2026 · The Namibian

World & Region

  1. Government investigates viral assault video in South Africa

    Namibian authorities are investigating a viral video that appears to show a Namibian being brutally assaulted in South Africa amid anti-immigration protests in the neighbouring country.

    3 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. Government dispatches teams as xenophobic attacks threaten Namibians in SA

    Namibia's Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Lucia Iipumbu said the government has dispatched two teams to South Africa and identified safety shelters as xenophobic violence rises and about 100 Namibians seek repatriation from the Namibian High Commission in Pretoria.

    3 July 2026 · Informanté

  3. Constitutional Court rules Cape Town perpetuates spatial apartheid

    South Africa's Constitutional Court unanimously ruled on 2 July that Cape Town's government is responsible for perpetuating spatial apartheid and must take immediate action toward equitable housing distribution, contradicting the DA's earlier claims that the term was "propaganda language."

    3 July 2026 · The Namibian

  4. SA minister orders probe into diplomat's appearance with Zuma, Gupta

    South Africa's International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola has ordered an internal investigation into why the country's High Commissioner to India attended an event in Haridwar with former President Jacob Zuma and fugitive businessman Ajay Gupta. Sources say the diplomat was blindsided by Gupta's appearance.

    3 July 2026 · The Namibian

  5. South Africa denies Ghanaian migrant killed in anti-migrant protests

    Ghana's Foreign Affairs ministry said it received reports that Bashiru Isak, 40, was shot dead in Cape Town's Khayelitsha township, and filed a complaint with police. South African officials deny the claim, with police saying they have "no record of the Khayelitsha murder," though they are investigating the killing of another Ghanaian, Kwabena Boagen, 35, in a different Cape Town township in what they say was an extortion-linked crime.

    3 July 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Autonomous robot footballers compete in South Korea

    Humanoid robots played autonomous football matches at RoboCup in Incheon, South Korea, where engineers aim to build a fully autonomous robot team capable of defeating FIFA World Cup champions by 2050. The robots make their own decisions during play, showcasing advances in artificial intelligence.

    3 July 2026 · The Namibian

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