Namibia Minute.
Saturday, 4 July 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Saturday, 4 July 2026
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Archive Minute from Saturday, 4 July 2026
Politics

Namibians defraud government of nearly N$1 billion in tax fraud

The News

Over four years to 2026, Namibians have robbed the government of nearly N$1 billion through fraudulent income tax and VAT refund claims, with 316 cases registered and 41 handed to police; Namra recovered more than N$144 million during the same period.

Why it matters

Nearly N$1 billion in government tax fraud over four years represents a major accountability and fiscal story directly affecting national resources.

19 hours ago · The Namibian →

Politics

  1. Namibians defraud government of nearly N$1 billion in tax fraud

    Over four years to 2026, Namibians have robbed the government of nearly N$1 billion through fraudulent income tax and VAT refund claims, with 316 cases registered and 41 handed to police; Namra recovered more than N$144 million during the same period.

    19 hours ago · The Namibian →

  2. Chieftaincy requires lineage proof, not political affiliation

    Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa warned that political party membership will not influence recognition of traditional leaders, stating chieftaincy applications must meet customary law and hereditary succession requirements. Applicants must demonstrate a clear line of hereditary succession linked to recognised royal families and succeed an established chief within their community.

    19 hours ago · The Namibian →

  3. Erongo governor Goagoses obtains doctorate in business administration

    Erongo governor Nathalia Goagoses has obtained a doctorate in business administration. The Office of the Governor says the qualification is expected to enhance her leadership capabilities and contribute to sustainable growth and prosperity of the Erongo region and the country.

    7 hours ago · The Namibian →

Business

  1. Namibia's retirement fund assets reach N$301.9 billion

    Namibia's retirement fund industry grew during the first quarter of 2026, with total assets reaching N$301.9 billion, up 0.1% quarterly and 14.9% year-on-year, according to Namfisa's quarterly report. The Government Institutions Pension Fund continued to dominate, controlling 69.4% of total assets.

    19 hours ago · The Namibian →

  2. National MSME Festival 2026 highlights entrepreneurship's role

    The National MSME Festival 2026, hosted by the Ministry of Finance's Financial Literacy Initiative in Windhoek from 24–26 June, brought together MSME owners and entrepreneurs to network, learn, and pitch ventures. The event underscored entrepreneurship's importance in addressing Namibia's 37% unemployment and 44% youth unemployment rates.

    19 hours ago · The Namibian →

Mining & Energy

  1. Namibia exports record uranium in first quarter 2026

    Namibia exported over six million pounds of uranium oxide concentrate in the first quarter of 2026, the best start to a year in the country's recorded history, driven by rising global uranium prices now above US$80/lb. With three operating mines in the Erongo region and new projects in development, uranium is filling the gap left by the collapsing diamond sector.

    19 hours ago · The Namibian →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Ariamsvlei border installs vehicle disinfection system for FMD control

    Namibia has installed a semi-automated vehicle disinfection spray system at Ariamsvlei border post to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. The two-stage system, the first of three planned installations at border posts, uses water followed by disinfectant to inactivate the FMD virus.

    4 July 2026 · Informanté →

Society

  1. Okahandja grave incident reignites debate on ritual beliefs

    Reports that unknown individuals burnt a snake on the grave of one of three murder victims in Okahandja have revived debate about ritual practices, occult beliefs and "money medicine". The article notes that while graves, fire and snakes carry spiritual symbolism in African belief systems, there is no scientific evidence supporting such beliefs and incidents remain matters for criminal investigation.

    4 July 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. Blind Namibian journalist and musician overcomes barriers to inspire

    Frans Sinangela, born blind in the Zambezi region and once told he could not attend school, has become a respected radio journalist, musician and disability rights advocate. Speaking on the 'WeSpeak' podcast, which gives people with disabilities the opportunity to tell their own stories, Sinangela reflects on a career built on resilience and determination to challenge perceptions of disability.

    17 hours ago · The Namibian →

  3. Health Ministry receives 33 medicine lines, more expected

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services has received and distributed 33 line items of critically needed medicine since 18 June, including cancer medicines, antibiotics, antihypertensives, and diabetes medications, with additional deliveries expected in coming weeks as part of efforts to address stock shortages and stabilise the national supply chain.

    19 hours ago · Informanté →

  4. Unam nursing students turned away from clinics due to capacity limits

    Nursing students at the University of Namibia are being turned away from some clinics because student numbers are growing faster than the capacity of health facilities to supervise clinical placements. Unam's executive dean told Parliament that overcrowding has become one of the university's biggest challenges.

    15 hours ago · The Namibian →

  5. 61 youth await delayed startup capital in Ohangwena

    Ohangwena Governor Kadiva Hamutumwa reported that 61 beneficiaries who completed the National Youth Credit Scheme's business training have not received the N$8,000 startup capital each was promised upon completion. The scheme aims to promote entrepreneurship and self-employment among young people.

    16 hours ago · Informanté →

  6. Ohangwena learner enrolment rises 4.45% to 136,279

    Pupil enrolment in Ohangwena region increased by 5,800 students from 2025 to 2026, a 4.45% rise matched by growth in the teaching workforce from 4,661 to 4,906 teachers. The governor reported expanding secondary education offerings and improved exam performance, with the region ranking fourth nationally in NSSCAS examinations with 70.76% of pupils achieving quality symbols.

    12 hours ago · The Namibian →

  7. City of Windhoek seeks environmental clearance for informal settlement formalisation

    The City of Windhoek has submitted applications for environmental clearance certificates to formalise informal settlements and obtain new residential land, covering proposed township developments across several areas. The applications, lodged on 29 May following a public participation process, represent a step towards planning and development of approximately 3,587 residential plots.

    7 hours ago · The Namibian →

Culture

  1. Conwill Feris releases debut memoir on mental health struggles

    Mental health advocate Conwill Feris is set to release his debut book, 'The Quiet Between Heartbeats', inspired by his personal journey through mental health challenges and aimed at encouraging honest conversations and helping readers feel less alone.

    4 July 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. Madonna releases 'Confessions II' album revisiting dance-floor themes

    Madonna's 15th album, 'Confessions II', revisits her 2005 dance-floor classic 'Confessions on a Dance Floor', with producer Stuart Price returning to explore themes of club liberation and reinvention. The album reflects her recovery from sepsis and contrasts the physicality of nightlife with modern digital disconnection.

    17 hours ago · The Namibian →

  3. Gospel singer Br Terence marks 30 years in music industry

    Brother Terence, a gospel star, is celebrating 30 years in the music industry with a carnival event at Swakopmund's Multi-Purpose Hall featuring 19 colleagues from the gospel field. Gurirab reflects on the challenges of sustaining a career in gospel music in Namibia, describing the genre as marginalised and difficult for attracting sponsorship.

    17 hours ago · The Namibian →

  4. Netflix documentary explores deception and violence in true crime

    The Namibian reviews "Maternal Instinct," a Netflix documentary about Taylor Parker from Texas whose life was built on fabrication, including a 10-month false pregnancy claim, revealing how unchecked deception can spiral into violence.

    16 hours ago · The Namibian →

  5. Netflix drama "The Polygamist" sparks global conversation on marriage

    Netflix's 22-episode series "The Polygamist," released on 12 June, follows a wealthy Johannesburg businessman with multiple wives and a mistress, generating widespread social media discussion across Africa and internationally, with reactions ranging from memes to celebrity tweets.

    12 hours ago · The Namibian →

Sport

  1. Morocco beats Canada 3-0 to reach World Cup quarter-finals

    Morocco defeated Canada 3-0 on Saturday in Houston to reach the World Cup quarter-finals, with goals from Azzedine Ounahi (twice) and Soufiane Rahimi. Canada, the first co-host to exit the tournament, fell despite a strong first-half performance and will not advance past the last 16.

    4 hours ago · The Namibian →

  2. New Zealand beats France 34-32 in inaugural Nations Championship

    New Zealand's All Blacks held on to edge an under-strength France 34-32 in a nine-try thriller in Christchurch to open the inaugural Nations Championship, with Cam Roigard and Will Jordan scoring twice each in Dave Rennie's first Test as coach.

    15 hours ago · The Namibian →

  3. Cape Verde celebrates World Cup knockout loss to Argentina

    Cape Verde, in their first World Cup, progressed from the group stage by drawing with Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, then lost 3-2 to Argentina in the last-32 round in Miami. The island nation's fans celebrated the team's performance, with supporters saying they felt victorious despite the defeat and that Cape Verde had made Argentina struggle.

    16 hours ago · The Namibian →

  4. Vingegaard wins Tour de France opening stage, claims yellow jersey

    Jonas Vingegaard's Visma-Lease a Bike team won the opening team time-trial in Barcelona, giving the 29-year-old Dane the Tour de France yellow jersey. Vingegaard finished 8 seconds ahead of Filippo Ganna, with reigning champion Tadej Pogacar placing third.

    6 hours ago · The Namibian →

  5. South Africa beats England 45-21 in Nations Championship

    South Africa defeated England 45-21 in a Nations Championship first-round match at Ellis Park, outscoring them seven tries to three. England were reduced to 13 men late in the match after centre Tommy Freeman and replacement forward Guy Pepper were yellow carded.

    6 hours ago · The Namibian →

  6. Spain faces Portugal in World Cup last 16

    Spain and Portugal meet in a World Cup last-16 clash in Texas on Monday, with the quarter-finals and possibly Cristiano Ronaldo's international career at stake. Spain advanced by defeating Austria 3-0 in the first knockout round.

    6 hours ago · The Namibian →

  7. Japan defeats Italy 27-10 in Nations Championship opener

    Japan beat Italy 27-10 in their Nations Championship campaign in Tokyo on Saturday, with forwards coach Neal Hatley standing in for suspended head coach Eddie Jones. Japan scored tries through captain Warner Dearns, full-back Takuro Matsunaga, and flanker Ben Gunter in front of more than 20,000 fans.

    6 hours ago · The Namibian →

  8. Ireland defeats Australia 33-31 in Nations Championship rugby

    Tom Clarkson scored a last-gasp converted try as Ireland battled to a 33-31 victory over Australia in Sydney, giving the Irish their sixth straight win over the Wallabies and extending Australia's poor form to eight losses in their last nine Tests.

    6 hours ago · The Namibian →

  9. Wales defeats Fiji 39-24 in Nations Championship rugby match

    Jac Morgan scored two tries as Wales beat Fiji 39-24 in their opening Nations Championship match in Cardiff on Saturday, giving Wales back-to-back Test wins for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

    7 hours ago · The Namibian →

  10. Antonelli claims pole position for British Grand Prix

    Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, the world championship leader, claimed pole position for Sunday's British Grand Prix in Saturday qualifying, beating Charles Leclerc's Ferrari by 0.175 seconds, with Lewis Hamilton third in the second Ferrari.

    7 hours ago · The Namibian →

World & Region

  1. Nandi-Ndaitwah to visit China July 2026 for bilateral talks

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will undertake a State Visit to China from 5 to 11 July 2026 at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, aimed at deepening cooperation in trade, investment, industrialisation and strategic development sectors. The visit will include high-level talks with Chinese leaders and provincial authorities, with discussions focusing on mining, renewable energy, green hydrogen, manufacturing, agriculture and digital innovation.

    22 hours ago · Informanté →

  2. President Nandi-Ndaitwah departs for week-long China state visit

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is departing for China on Saturday for a week-long state visit (6–10 July) at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation in trade, investment, renewable energy, agriculture, education, and other sectors. The visit includes industry visits in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, agricultural engagements in Chengdu, and high-level bilateral meetings in Beijing.

    17 hours ago · The Namibian →

  3. Norway faces Brazil in World Cup last 16 with Haaland

    Norway will play Brazil in Sunday's World Cup last-16 match, hoping to repeat their 1998 group-stage victory. Erling Haaland, who scored his fifth goal at the tournament against Ivory Coast, is central to their hopes, though Coach Solbakken acknowledges Brazil are favourites.

    18 hours ago · The Namibian →

  4. Argentina beat Cape Verde 3-2 in World Cup upset bid

    Argentina survived an improbable challenge from Cape Verde, defeating the African team 3-2 after extra time in a World Cup match on Friday, with a Diney Borges own goal in the 111th minute breaking Cape Verde's resistance. Argentina will face Egypt on Tuesday for a place in the quarter-finals.

    18 hours ago · The Namibian →

  5. Zimbabwean migrant flees South Africa after foreign national killing

    At least 74 Zimbabweans fled Mossel Bay in early June following the killing of foreign nationals. The article profiles one migrant's journey from Zimbabwe to South Africa and his subsequent displacement.

    19 hours ago · The Namibian →

  6. Namibia attends funeral of Iran's late Supreme Leader

    Minister in the Presidency Charles Mubita and National Assembly member Dr Peya Mushelenga represented Namibia at a public farewell ceremony for Iran's late Supreme Leader Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Hosseini Khamenei in Tehran on Saturday, attended by foreign dignitaries from several countries.

    10 hours ago · Informanté →

  7. Namibian youth representative attends international nuclear forum in Russia

    A Namibian youth representative won the Atoms Empowering Africa contest and attended the Obninsk NEW'26 International Youth Forum in Russia, which brought together more than 700 in-person participants from 85 countries to discuss developing a skilled global workforce for the nuclear energy sector.

    13 hours ago · Informanté →

  8. US ambassador emphasises economic and strategic partnership with Namibia

    US Ambassador Randy Berry Giordano reaffirmed Washington's commitment to strengthening economic and strategic ties with Namibia at a US Independence Day celebration in Windhoek, noting that the partnership is built on shared values of prosperity, energy security, private investment and development. Giordano said Namibia's success depends not only on its mineral wealth but also on the industries, infrastructure and institutions it builds.

    7 hours ago · Informanté →

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