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Sunday, 5 July 2026
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Sunday, 5 July 2026
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Archive Minute from Sunday, 5 July 2026
Politics

Judge recuses himself from Fishrot civil case over friendship

The News

Judge Boas Usiku recused himself from hearing a wide-ranging application by four Fishrot fraud and corruption accused in the Windhoek High Court after determining that his friendship with ACC director general Paulus Noa could create a view of bias. The application, in which the accused seek to restrain the prosecutor general from continuing their criminal prosecution until their civil case is decided, was postponed to 9 July.

5 July 2026 · The Namibian

Politics

  1. Judge recuses himself from Fishrot civil case over friendship

    Judge Boas Usiku recused himself from hearing a wide-ranging application by four Fishrot fraud and corruption accused in the Windhoek High Court after determining that his friendship with ACC director general Paulus Noa could create a view of bias. The application, in which the accused seek to restrain the prosecutor general from continuing their criminal prosecution until their civil case is decided, was postponed to 9 July.

    5 July 2026 · The Namibian

Business

  1. NIPDB appoints Muetudhana as acting CEO

    The Namibia Investment Promotion Development Board has appointed Julia Muetudhana as acting chief executive effective 1 July, succeeding Jessica Hauuanga. Muetudhana, who joined the board in 2023 as an executive for talent and innovation, takes over during a transitional phase of the organisation's growth.

    5 July 2026 · The Namibian

  2. RFA says toll gates remain viable option for road funding

    The Road Fund Administration's chief executive says toll gates could still help fund road infrastructure, despite the works and transport minister's statement that the government rejected the proposal. The RFA proposed installing between 21 and 23 toll gates that could generate between N$500 million and N$750 million annually, according to a feasibility study.

    5 July 2026 · The Namibian

  3. MTC increases Aweh prices by 7.6%, introduces data bonuses

    MTC Namibia has raised Aweh package prices by 7.6%, with the cheapest seven-day package increasing from N$15 to N$17, while offering data bonuses as part of a promotion running until 29 September. The company says the increases reflect higher costs of providing telecommunications services since 2017, though a consumer analyst calls for greater transparency on cost justification.

    5 July 2026 · The Namibian

  4. One Economy Foundation cuts 12 jobs after donor reduces funding

    The One Economy Foundation has cut 12 permanent employees following a 25% reduction to its operating budget after one of its largest donors reduced funding. The foundation says the cuts were necessary to protect core services, and affected staff have been offered a three-month exit period with support services.

    5 July 2026 · The Namibian

  5. NCCI chair urges government protection for entrepreneurs

    Cecilia Kamati, Chairperson of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Oshikuku Branch, has called on government to establish a formal framework recognising businesses that have demonstrated growth and sustainability, and to implement stronger mechanisms to protect entrepreneurs against cyberbullying, character assassination, and digital defamation. She cited financial constraints, economic uncertainty, and social media attacks as significant challenges facing business owners.

    5 July 2026 · Informanté

Mining & Energy

  1. Fanuel Shinedima named Namibia Youth Energy Forum chief executive

    The Namibia Youth Energy Forum has appointed Fanuel Shinedima as its new chief executive. Shinedima, a former director of the forum, returns to lead the organisation as it approaches its third anniversary and continues its work on youth participation, skills development, and engagement in Namibia's energy sector.

    5 July 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Namibia should pursue industrialisation of natural resources

    Namibia has the opportunity to move beyond exporting raw minerals and oil to pursue industrial development through value addition, technological advancement and industrial diversification. Integrating mining, petroleum, desalination and renewable energy into a broader industrial strategy could generate greater economic value than raw exports alone.

    5 July 2026 · The Namibian

Agriculture & Land

  1. Namboer auction features 467 birds, indigenous Herero chicken

    More than a dozen poultry breeds, including the Faverolle (Herero) chicken — an indigenous Namibian breed — and 467 birds were sold at Namboer Auctioneers' third poultry auction of the year in Windhoek. The auction attracted buyers seeking birds for breeding, meat, egg production, and aesthetic purposes.

    5 July 2026 · The Namibian

Society

  1. One Economy Foundation cuts staff, budget after donor funding reduction

    The One Economy Foundation has reduced its operating budget by 25% following a funding cut from one of its top five donors, scaling down permanent staff from 37 to 25 and cancelling some advocacy events. The foundation's Executive Director attributed the reduction to global donor funding trends affecting non-profits and said the donor ensured core programmes remained unaffected.

    5 July 2026 · Informanté

  2. Russia donates mobile laboratory to strengthen disease outbreak response

    Namibia's Ministry of Health and Social Services received an all-terrain mobile laboratory from the Russian Federation, equipped with advanced molecular diagnostic technology for rapid testing and detection of infectious diseases in remote areas. The donation includes specialized training for Namibian health professionals to support operation and maintenance of the facility.

    5 July 2026 · Informanté

  3. Windhoek approves mandatory dog registration and licensing fees

    The City of Windhoek has approved new dog control regulations requiring mandatory registration and licensing, with annual fees ranging from N$50 for sterilised dogs to N$2,000 for large-scale breeders, alongside stricter leash requirements and measures to manage stray and dangerous dogs.

    5 July 2026 · The Namibian

  4. AS level admission requirements may leave pupils academically stranded

    Namibia's AS level admission policy requires three C grades in any Ordinary Level subjects, but critics argue this approach prioritizes inclusivity over meaningful progression, since universities require specific subject combinations—such as mathematics for engineering or commerce—that learners may lack despite meeting the three-C threshold.

    5 July 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Research and innovation can address Namibia's youth unemployment crisis

    Namibia's youth unemployment stands at 44%, with 41% of those aged 15–34 not in employment, education, or training. The article argues that investment in research, innovation, and evidence-based development is essential to creating economic opportunities and transforming the economy through new industries and technologies.

    5 July 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Two men found dead in Hardap region on Friday

    Police reported that two men, aged 69 each, were discovered dead in separate incidents in the Hardap region on Friday—one at Maltahöhe and one at Kalkrand. Both are alleged to have died at their homes and had medical health conditions, with investigations continuing.

    5 July 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Standard Bank Namibia workers threaten strike over wage dispute

    Standard Bank Namibia workers are threatening industrial action after wage negotiations collapsed, with the union demanding a 7% salary increase while the bank has offered 5%. The union accuses management of rewarding executives with bonuses while refusing to meaningfully improve staff salaries, despite the bank generating N$1.2 billion in profit.

    5 July 2026 · The Namibian

  8. Health minister reports doctors leaving interns to run hospitals

    Parliament has received allegations that medical doctors are leaving interns to run health facilities, including at Mariental and Oshakati hospitals. The Ministry of Health and Social Services is investigating the claims, which raise concerns about intern supervision, patient safety, and the quality of medical training.

    5 July 2026 · The Namibian

  9. New engineering council prioritises profession bill finalisation

    The Engineering Professions Association of Namibia's newly elected council, led by president Sophia Belete-Tekie, will focus on supporting the finalisation and implementation of a new engineering profession bill, while also promoting professional development and increasing participation among young engineers and women.

    5 July 2026 · The Namibian

  10. 19-year-old stabbed to death in Okaku village incident

    A 19-year-old man was allegedly stabbed to death with an okapi knife during an incident at Omapeleki Location in Oluhwa village, Okaku, in the early hours of Saturday. A 15-year-old male suspect is in police custody; the motive remains unknown.

    5 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  11. 86-year-old woman raped in Kavango East home

    An 86-year-old pensioner was allegedly raped at Popa Village in Mukwe Constituency, Kavango East Region, early Friday. According to police, the suspect entered her room while she slept, sexually assaulted her, and fled when her granddaughter arrived; the suspect is known to the victim and investigations are continuing.

    5 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  12. Four deaths reported in weekend suicide cases

    Police reported four alleged suicide deaths over the weekend in separate incidents across Namibia. According to national police spokesperson deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, no evidence of foul play or suicide notes were found in any of the cases, and investigations continue.

    5 July 2026 · The Namibian

  13. Two men killed in separate stabbing incidents in Namibia

    A 19-year-old was stabbed and killed in Okaku on Saturday by a 15-year-old suspect, and a 26-year-old was fatally stabbed in Epako, Gobabis on Thursday night following a confrontation with two suspects aged 23 and 21. A minor and two adults have been arrested as police investigations continue.

    5 July 2026 · Informanté

  14. Four suicide cases reported across four regions

    Police reported four suicide incidents over the weekend in Omuntele, Onyaanya, Kapako, and Kalkrand, involving three men and one woman aged 27 to 49. No foul play was suspected in any of the cases.

    5 July 2026 · Informanté

  15. Elderly woman sexually assaulted in Kavango East Region

    An 86-year-old woman was sexually assaulted in her home in Popa Village, Mukwe Constituency, on 3 July. The alleged suspect, known to the victim, fled the scene after being discovered by the victim's granddaughter; police investigations are ongoing.

    5 July 2026 · Informanté

Culture

  1. Geingos urges young women to embrace Damara culture with pride

    Former first lady Monica Geingos told graduates of the Îsabedi Cultural Training Programme to be proud of their culture while distinguishing cultural pride from tribalism. She highlighted the Horokhoes traditional dress and encouraged young women to invest in their confidence and self-esteem.

    5 July 2026 · The Namibian

Sport

  1. Philippines' Eala upsets defending champion Swiatek at Wimbledon

    Alexandra Eala of the Philippines defeated Iga Swiatek 7-6 (11/9), 6-2 in the third round of Wimbledon, ending the defending champion's title defence and marking Eala's first Grand Slam last-16 appearance. Serena Williams withdrew from the doubles tournament, while second seed Elena Rybakina also crashed out.

    5 July 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Jefferson-Wooden edges Richardson to win Eugene 100m

    Melissa Jefferson-Wooden won the women's 100m at a Eugene Diamond League meeting, edging Sha'Carri Richardson by one-hundredth of a second in 10.78 seconds. The event was marked by several upsets, including US teenager Tate Taylor defeating Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo in the 200m.

    5 July 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Scotland beats Argentina 47-38 in Nations Championship rugby

    Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu scored a try and set up another as Scotland defeated Argentina 47-38 in the Nations Championship in Cordoba, claiming their best ever result in South America. Scotland will face South Africa next Saturday while Argentina hosts Wales.

    5 July 2026 · The Namibian

  4. England face Mexico in World Cup round-of-16 blockbuster

    England play Mexico on Sunday in the Estadio Azteca as Erling Haaland and Norway face Brazil in a separate round-of-16 match, with two more quarter-final spots available after France and Morocco qualified on Saturday.

    5 July 2026 · The Namibian

  5. African teams reach record nine places in World Cup knockout rounds

    According to The Namibian, African football has achieved a watershed moment at the FIFA World Cup, with a record-breaking nine teams advancing to the knockout rounds—a major breakthrough that signals the continent's emergence as an established power in world football.

    5 July 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Australia wins record seventh women's T20 World Cup title

    Australia defeated England by seven wickets in the women's T20 World Cup final at Lord's, with Beth Mooney (64) and Phoebe Litchfield (48) combining in a 100-run partnership to chase down England's 150-4 total with 17 balls to spare. The victory marks Australia's seventh world title and their seventh consecutive win against England in world finals.

    5 July 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Leclerc wins British GP, Ferrari's 250th Formula 1 victory

    Charles Leclerc claimed his first British Grand Prix victory for Ferrari, finishing 0.427 seconds ahead of Mercedes' George Russell after a dramatic race that ended behind a safety car. The win marked Ferrari's 250th grand prix victory and Leclerc's ninth career win.

    5 July 2026 · The Namibian

  8. Del Toro wins Tour de France stage two

    Mexican Isaac Del Toro won the second stage of the Tour de France in Barcelona on Sunday, ahead of reigning champion Tadej Pogacar, while Jonas Vingegaard maintained his overall lead.

    5 July 2026 · The Namibian

World & Region

  1. France beat Paraguay 1-0 to reach World Cup quarter-finals

    France defeated Paraguay 1-0 in a World Cup last-16 match on Saturday, with Kylian Mbappe scoring a second-half penalty on 70 minutes. France will face Morocco in the quarter-finals after Morocco beat Canada 3-0.

    5 July 2026 · The Namibian

  2. President Nandi-Ndaitwah visits China for bilateral talks

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah arrived in Guangzhou for a state visit to China from 5–11 July 2026 at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, to strengthen the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership. The visit includes meetings with senior Chinese leaders and discussions on cooperation in trade, investment, mining, renewable energy, green hydrogen, manufacturing, agriculture, and other areas aligned with Namibia's development priorities.

    5 July 2026 · Informanté

  3. African youth leaders discuss nuclear energy cooperation in Russia

    Young leaders from Africa and other regions participated in discussions on nuclear energy cooperation, education and sustainable development at the Obninsk NEW'26 International Youth Forum in Russia, including a meeting with Rosatom Director General and members of the Impact Team 2050 International Youth Council.

    5 July 2026 · Informanté

  4. President Nandi-Ndaitwah on official state visit to China

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has arrived in Guangzhou for an official state visit to China from 5 to 11 July 2026, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. The visit aims to deepen economic cooperation and bilateral relations between the two countries.

    5 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  5. Obninsk forum advances nuclear education cooperation with Namibia

    The Obninsk NEW'26 Forum in Russia reinforced international cooperation in nuclear education and training, with agreements signed to expand engineering education and global capacity-building initiatives, including growing engagement with Namibia. The forum, supported by the IAEA, emphasised training a new generation of nuclear specialists as global nuclear capacity is projected to triple by 2050.

    5 July 2026 · Informanté

Opinion

  1. Namibian genocide's foundation in racial capitalism remains unaddressed

    An analysis in The Namibian argues that the 1904–1908 genocide of the Herero and Nama was a capitalist project designed to seize land and create a landless labour force, establishing Namibia's racial-capitalist order that persists through systems of land dispossession, exploitative labour, and extractive economies. The piece contends that political independence left the underlying economic structures intact, and that reparations must address the systems of inequality founded on genocide rather than merely symbolic gestures.

    5 July 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Government should address public service salary disparities first

    An editorial argues that while the government's decision to review executive remuneration in state-owned enterprises is welcome, it should first address salary disparities within its own public service, particularly the gap between low-paid support workers and senior officials whose salaries often fail to keep pace with rising living costs.

    5 July 2026 · The Namibian

  3. South African xenophobia contradicts region's solidarity history

    An opinion piece critiques recent xenophobic protests in South Africa as a betrayal of the country's historical ties to neighbouring migrants and its anti-apartheid solidarity legacy, invoking Hugh Masekela's song about migrant labour that built South African wealth.

    5 July 2026 · The Namibian

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