Namibia Minute.
Monday, 13 July 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 13 July 2026
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Archive Minute from Monday, 13 July 2026
Politics

Parliament approves Eiseb as ACC director general

The News

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah nominated Bryan Eiseb as the new Anti-Corruption Commission director general following a prime ministerial motion; Parliament approved without objection. During the Assembly debate, urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa urged Eiseb to lead the institution "like a wolf and not a donkey," warning against allowing the ACC to be weaponised for political or tribal agendas and stressing the need for independent operation.

13 July 2026 · The Namibian

Politics

  1. Parliament approves Eiseb as ACC director general

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah nominated Bryan Eiseb as the new Anti-Corruption Commission director general following a prime ministerial motion; Parliament approved without objection. During the Assembly debate, urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa urged Eiseb to lead the institution "like a wolf and not a donkey," warning against allowing the ACC to be weaponised for political or tribal agendas and stressing the need for independent operation.

    13 July 2026 · The Namibian

  2. IPC Engela leader resigns from party post

    Immanuel Heita Mweshinyona has resigned as Independent Patriots for Change vice chairperson for Engela Constituency and terminated his party membership.

    13 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

  3. Hengari seeks court action over DNA results delay

    Former agriculture minister Mac Hengari has threatened to take legal action against the State for contempt after prosecutors allegedly failed to comply with a court order to disclose DNA results.

    13 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

  4. Erongo IPC regional mobiliser resigns, joins ruling SWAPO

    Rudolf Kahingunga, Erongo regional mobiliser for the Independent Patriots for Change, resigned and joined SWAPO, citing the IPC's departure from founding principles of democracy and transparency toward centralized decision-making. His departure follows that of Ohangwena regional counterpart Erastus Mwahafa a month prior.

    13 July 2026 · Informanté

  5. Parliament approves ACC chief, warns against selective justice

    The National Assembly unanimously approved Bryan Eiseb as director general of the Anti-Corruption Commission while lawmakers across parties warned the institution must pursue corruption without political interference and shed its reputation for allowing politically connected cases to go unpunished.

    13 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  6. NDF conducts training exercises near Okahandja today

    The Namibian Defence Force will conduct training exercises in the Oser-Kari area near Okahandja in Otjozondjupa Region from 08:00 to 17:00. The ministry said no live ammunition will be used and the activity poses no threat to public safety.

    13 July 2026 · Informanté

Business

  1. Namibia-China bilateral trade hits record N$40.6bn

    Bilateral trade between Namibia and China has surged 158% over the past six years, reaching N$40.64 billion in 2025.

    13 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. Construction federation opposes approved Ohorongo-Cheetah cement merger

    The Construction Industries Federation of Namibia has called for the Ohorongo-Cheetah cement merger to be withdrawn following Industries, Mines and Energy Minister Modestus Amutse's decision to overturn the Namibia Competition Commission's block on the transaction, warning it threatens competition, local contractors, and SMEs despite conditions aimed at preventing job losses and preserving production.

    13 July 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Labour Court revives Namcor's N$304m claim against Mulunga

    The Labour Court has overturned an arbitrator's decision, allowing national oil company Namcor to pursue a N$304 million claim against Mulunga.

    13 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

  4. Pension reform regulations may restrict home-ownership financing access

    The implementation of Section 282 of the Financial Institutions and Markets Act, designed to strengthen retirement savings protection, is inadvertently creating barriers to housing loans from pension funds by imposing strict first mortgage bond requirements and causing delays for members seeking to finance home construction or purchase.

    13 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  5. Minister suspends NaCC conditions in Nasan fuel merger

    Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse has approved the merger between Nasan Energies and the divestiture business from Vivo Energy and Engen Namibia, while suspending enforcement of several conditions imposed by the Namibia Competition Commission. The decision follows a review application by Nasan Energies in April; the merger involved Nasan acquiring 52 Shell and Engen service stations divested as a competition remedy after Vivo Energy acquired Engen's downstream fuel business.

    13 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  6. Namdeb seeks taxation of legal costs in rental dispute

    Namdeb Diamond Corporation is pursuing the taxation stage of a legal dispute with former tenant Nadia Elizabeth Van Rooyen over a residential property in Oranjemund, with the High Court set to determine legal costs on 13 July. Namdeb initiated proceedings in 2023 seeking cancellation of the lease, payment of N$83,844.48 in outstanding rental, interest, eviction, and legal costs.

    13 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  7. FIMA housing loan rules threaten pension fund accessibility

    The Financial Institutions and Markets Act's first mortgage bond requirement for pension fund housing loans, effective May 2026, may block thousands of Namibians from accessing housing finance through their pensions. GIPF says its schemes remain operational, but a pension industry professional warns Section 282(2) could render loans inaccessible to members who previously qualified under the repealed 1956 Act, unless NAMFISA grants exemptions.

    13 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  8. Namibia inflation expected to ease in H2 2026 after June peak

    Namibia's inflation, which peaked at 4.4% in June, is expected to moderate in the second half of 2026 following fuel price cuts in July. However, economists warn that electricity tariffs, administered price increases, and food costs pose upside risks.

    13 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  9. Namibia must embrace innovative business models for growth

    Namibia's long-term economic growth and sustainable job creation depend on adopting innovative business models rather than relying solely on natural resources. While the economy has traditionally anchored in mining, agriculture, and fishing, many aspiring entrepreneurs pursue saturated ventures such as bars, construction, cash loans, or logistics instead of rethinking how organisations create, deliver, and capture value.

    13 July 2026 · The Namibian

  10. Media houses face financial pressure from digital disruption

    The Namibia Media Trust board said digitalisation has transformed news consumption and advertising revenue, with global platforms competing aggressively and misinformation spreading faster than verified reporting. The Namibian newspaper announced plans to introduce 'Good News' pages highlighting positive community initiatives.

    13 July 2026 · The Namibian

  11. NamRA reminds taxpayers of tax amnesty deadline

    The Namibia Revenue Agency has reminded taxpayers that its Tax Amnesty Programme ends on 31 October 2026, offering relief from interest and penalties on outstanding tax debt if taxpayers settle the capital amount owed and ensure their tax accounts are up to date.

    13 July 2026 · Informanté

Mining & Energy

  1. Bannerman secures permanent water deal for Etango uranium project

    Bannerman Energy has signed a definitive permanent water supply agreement with NamWater for its Etango uranium project, which is expected to produce an average of 3.5 million pounds of uranium oxide annually over a 15-year mine life. The agreement marks a key milestone as the company advances towards a final investment decision.

    13 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  2. Young Namibians struggle to secure oil and gas jobs despite training

    Young Namibians who obtained internationally recognised offshore training in anticipation of jobs in the emerging oil and gas sector are facing difficulties securing employment, despite the government projecting 4,000 to 12,000 jobs over the next 30 years. One woman spent N$50,000 of her savings on offshore certification in South Africa after President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah encouraged Namibians to prepare for opportunities in the sector, but has yet to secure work in the industry.

    13 July 2026 · New Era

  3. Anirep triples solar output, revenue rises to N$95.4 million

    Namibian renewable energy producer Anirep nearly tripled electricity generation to 68.1GWh in the 2026 financial year following the commissioning of the 25MWp Moses Mague Garöeb Khan Solar PV Plant and refurbishment of the Otjiwarongo facility, with electricity sales climbing 60% to N$62.1 million and total revenue rising 36% to N$95.4 million. The company reported a statutory loss after recognising a N$40.2 million non-cash impairment related to goodwill and power generation assets, though it says this does not affect plant performance or cash generation.

    13 July 2026 · The Namibian

Agriculture & Land

  1. China-FAO N$28.5 million funds agricultural experts in Namibia

    A N$28.5 million trust fund agreement between China and the FAO will deploy Chinese agricultural experts to Namibia to strengthen skills, improve production, and promote modern farming technologies through the South-South Cooperation Project Phase II. Eight long-term experts have already been deployed to work with government institutions and farming communities.

    13 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  2. Kunene farmers demand higher wildlife conflict livestock payouts

    Communal farmers in Kunene region are calling for an urgent review of the government's human-wildlife conflict offset payment scheme, saying current payments do not reflect the true value of their animals. The Otjikaambuti Farmers Association reports that lions have killed about 40 cattle and over 100 goats and sheep since January this year in villages near Etosha National Park.

    13 July 2026 · New Era

  3. Government and farmers union develop livestock price equalisation fund

    The Namibian government and the Namibia National Farmers Union are working on a livestock price equalisation fund to address cattle marketing challenges in northern communal areas, which was approved by Cabinet in 2024 and aims to compensate farmers for disparities caused by animal disease status north of the veterinary cordon fence.

    13 July 2026 · The Namibian

Society

  1. Labour Court remits Mulunga-Namcor dispute to arbitrator

    The Labour Court has referred a dispute between state-owned Namcor Petroleum Trading and Distribution and its former managing director Imms Mulunga back to arbitration, after ruling that an arbitrator wrongly dismissed the case in June. Mulunga was dismissed in August 2024 after being found not guilty in a disciplinary hearing, and Namcor subsequently referred claims against him for breach of contract and financial losses to the Labour Commissioner in October 2024.

    13 July 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Gender ministry removes 280 children from streets

    The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare has removed 280 children from the streets and reintegrated them into schools as part of efforts to tackle homelessness and street children.

    13 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

  3. Over 2 600 nursing graduates fail national HPCNA assessment

    More than 2 600 nursing and midwifery graduates have failed the national exam required to practise in Namibia since the test became compulsory in January 2025, raising concerns about the quality of nursing training. The Health Professions Councils of Namibia reported that 2 743 of 5 427 graduates evaluated passed, while 2 683 failed, including those who did not sit for the exam.

    13 July 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Fake cop swindles former home affairs minister of N$200,000

    An unknown person posing as a police chief inspector from Kongola in the Zambezi region allegedly defrauded former home affairs minister Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana of N$200,000 on 8 July while she was at home. The case is under investigation and has been forwarded to commercial crime.

    13 July 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Walvis Bay Corridor Group partners with blood service to boost donations

    The Walvis Bay Corridor Group and the Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia have signed an agreement to encourage truck drivers and transport professionals to donate blood voluntarily, aiming to strengthen the country's voluntary blood donation programme and raise awareness through organized donation events.

    13 July 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Migrants face healthcare crisis amid xenophobic violence, MSF warns

    Médecins Sans Frontières says thousands displaced by anti-migrant violence are struggling to access healthcare, shelter and medication, while the South African government insists conditions at repatriation centres remain humane.

    13 July 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Human skeleton discovered in Otjomuise bushes

    A human skeleton was found scattered along a riverbank near Matshitshi Road in Otjomuise on Saturday by someone searching for firewood. Clothing items and ropes were found at the scene, and police investigations are continuing.

    13 July 2026 · Informanté

  8. Windhoek High Court sentences Jantjies couple for N$9.98 million fraud

    Amanda Jantjies, 58, was sentenced to 18 years' imprisonment for fraud and her husband Barnard Jantjies, 60, to 14 years for theft after the couple was convicted of misappropriating approximately N$9.98 million from transport company Ekonolux between January 2014 and November 2018. Both were also sentenced to eight years' imprisonment for money laundering, with sentences to run concurrently with the main charges.

    13 July 2026 · Informanté

  9. Activist uses makeup art to highlight gender-based violence

    Lizette Feris, founder of Victims To Survivors, is using visual activism to confront gender-based violence, sharing images of herself wearing makeup that mimics bruises and injuries on social media. Her work aims to challenge communities to confront the realities of GBV and build empathy for survivors, rather than shock audiences.

    13 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  10. NTA allocates N$1.05m to strengthen pre-vocational education

    The Namibia Training Authority has committed N$1.05 million to strengthen pre-vocational education at seven secondary schools, with each school receiving N$150,000 to improve technical and vocational subjects, procure training equipment, and expose learners to vocational opportunities. The initiative is part of the government's effort to address the mismatch between education and labour market demands.

    13 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  11. Namibian student balances healthcare degree with international modelling career

    Maxine Nauyala, a final-year healthcare student at Polytechnic Mauritius from Tsumeb, is pursuing both clinical studies and a modelling career on the international stage. She is currently competing in Mauritius Model of the Month, with the winner determined by public voting.

    13 July 2026 · The Namibian

  12. Windhoek International School exceeds global IB exam averages

    Windhoek International School's 33 graduates achieved an average International Baccalaureate diploma score of 31.3 out of 45, significantly surpassing the global average among IB World Schools. The school is Namibia's only provider of the IB Diploma Programme.

    13 July 2026 · The Namibian

  13. Windhoek couple receive business sponsorships after viral graduation proposal

    A Windhoek couple whose graduation day proposal went viral on social media has received wedding sponsorships from several local businesses, including photography services and printed materials, despite the moment attracting both support and mockery online.

    13 July 2026 · The Namibian

  14. Namibian authorities warn public against rising vishing scams

    Despite mandatory SIM registration, Namibians face an increase in vishing (voice phishing) scams, in which scammers use phone calls to manipulate individuals into disclosing sensitive information or transferring money. Regulatory authorities including Cran, MTC, and the Bank of Namibia stress that while SIM registration improves accountability, it cannot fully address advanced social engineering tactics.

    13 July 2026 · The Namibian

  15. Pupils from six schools visit UN campus

    About 140 primary school pupils from six schools visited the UN campus in Klein Windhoek for the annual UN4U and SDC Educational Outreach, participating in information sharing and cultural exchange.

    13 July 2026 · The Namibian

  16. Teachers' salaries not keeping pace with cost of living

    The Teachers Union of Namibia has raised concern that teachers' salaries are no longer keeping pace with the rising cost of living, warning that financial pressures are affecting educators' well-being, morale and the quality of education. The union noted that while the government's 5% salary increment for civil servants was intended to provide relief, many teachers have not felt the impact because increases in medical aid contributions to PSEMAS have consumed the additional income.

    13 July 2026 · New Era

  17. Rehoboth man sentenced to life for murdering brother

    Riaan van Wyk (46) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the High Court after being convicted of murdering his brother Frederik by stabbing him in the heart with a knife on 13 November 2021 and attempting to murder another brother. Judge Dinnah Usiku cited Van Wyk's previous violent convictions in imposing the sentence, which carries a minimum 25-year term before parole eligibility under Namibia's Correctional Service Act.

    13 July 2026 · The Namibian

  18. Oshakati to register and mark taxis for industry regulation

    Oshakati will introduce a taxi registration and marking system to regulate the local taxi industry and improve public safety, in line with national road transport law and town council by-laws. The initiative, modeled on Otjiwarongo Municipality's system, aims to address unregistered vehicles operating as taxis and protect legitimate operators.

    13 July 2026 · The Namibian

  19. Windhoek electrification programme connects 1,298 informal settlement households

    The City of Windhoek's electrification programme, launched in April, is targeting 1,298 households across informal settlements. The Mix Settlement project, which will connect 267 households, is about 80% complete with a development valued at over N$6 million including overhead power lines and street lighting.

    13 July 2026 · The Namibian

  20. Second accused granted bail in child nudity case

    ALOUIS !Ui N#amce, a 27-year-old San man arrested as a second accused in a case involving British tourist Douglas Robert Brook, was granted bail of N$2,000 by Magistrate Bornface Konga in Grootfontein. Brook, arrested in May 2025, faces 39 charges including rape and instructing San children at Grashoek Living Museum to pose for nude photography; N#amce faces similar charges except rape and pleaded not guilty.

    13 July 2026 · Informanté

Sport

  1. Namibia's Unified Gladiators win gold at Paris Unified Soccer World Cup

    Namibia's Unified Gladiators won the gold medal in the Women's Division 2 category at the Special Olympics Unified Soccer World Cup in Paris, defeating Egypt 5-4 on penalties after a 0-0 draw. It was Namibia's second gold at the Special Olympics Unified Cup, and their first in Division 2.

    13 July 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Young Moyo to debut for Springboks against Wales

    Sharks flyhalf Vusi Moyo, 20, will make his Springboks debut against Wales in a Nations Championship third round match in Durban on Saturday, alongside three other new caps named by head coach Rassie Erasmus.

    13 July 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Namibian rugby's future bright after Welwitschias narrow loss

    The Welwitschias Invitational team, a squad of about 90 percent local-based players with an average age of about 25, lost 50-47 to the Vodacom Blue Bulls in a close match. The Welwitschias led 47-43 late but the Bulls scored a final try to secure victory.

    13 July 2026 · The Namibian

  4. France, Spain, England, Argentina reach FIFA World Cup semi-finals

    The 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals are set: France will face Spain in Dallas on 14 July, while England play defending champions Argentina in Atlanta on 15 July, after dramatic quarter-final victories decided by 2-1 and 2-0 scores respectively.

    13 July 2026 · Informanté

  5. France face Spain in World Cup semi-final showdown

    France and Spain meet in a World Cup semi-final at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with France's potent attacking force led by Kylian Mbappe—who has scored eight goals in six games—pitted against Spain's possession-based, collective style under Luis de la Fuente.

    13 July 2026 · The Namibian

  6. England and Argentina set for World Cup semi-final clash

    England and Argentina will meet in a World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, with the winner advancing to the final on July 19. The match carries decades of rivalry, including a 1986 quarter-final encounter won by Argentina on goals from Diego Maradona, and takes place amid a lingering sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands.

    13 July 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Welwitschias fall narrowly to South African Blue Bulls

    The Welwitschias Invitational XV lost 50-47 to the Vodacom Blue Bulls at the Hage Geingob Stadium on Saturday, in a competitive performance that nearly upset the South African visitors. Blue Bulls captain Nama Xaba praised the hosts' effort and said the fixture provided valuable preparation ahead of the Currie Cup.

    13 July 2026 · New Era

  8. Tigers and Gunners claim victories in netball league

    Tigers NC defeated Wanderers 40-31 and Namibian Navy 50-42, while Mighty Gunners beat Namibian Navy NC 57-48 in MTC Netball Namibia Premier League matches. Tigers' head coach praised his team's defensive performance despite missing a bonus point opportunity.

    13 July 2026 · New Era

Tourism & Environment

  1. Wildfire spreads in Zambezi Region amid strong winds

    Firefighters and community members are battling a rapidly spreading wildfire at Linyanti in the Zambezi Region. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism said the fire is spreading quickly due to strong winds and heavy fuel loads, with no reported losses of livestock, wildlife, or human lives so far.

    13 July 2026 · Informanté

World & Region

  1. US and Iran escalate military strikes amid Strait of Hormuz dispute

    The US launched fresh attacks on Iranian military targets on Sunday, killing one person and injuring four according to Iranian state media. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps responded by striking US military bases in Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain, while the two countries dispute control of the Strait of Hormuz and the future of their June interim agreement.

    13 July 2026 · The Namibian

  2. South Africa deports 53,000 foreign nationals in migration campaign

    South Africa says more than 53,000 foreign nationals have been deported or repatriated in five weeks since launching a "migration management" campaign, mostly from Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, amid anti-immigration protests demanding tighter border controls.

    13 July 2026 · The Namibian

  3. SA police deputy head's devices expose alleged corruption network

    Communications downloaded from Crime Intelligence Deputy Head Feroz Khan's seized devices reveal what the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry describes as a sprawling corruption network within the SAPS, involving luxury properties, high-end sports cars, and connections to drug cartels and state tenders. Khan remains unconscious in hospital after an apparent assassination attempt before his scheduled commission appearance.

    13 July 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Namibia and China elevate ties, sign multiple cooperation agreements

    During President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's state visit to Beijing in July, Namibia and China signed agreements and memoranda covering economic partnership, healthcare, education, green minerals, tourism and agriculture, elevating bilateral relations to a Namibia-China Community with a Shared Future for the New Era.

    13 July 2026 · Informanté

  5. Police tender fraud accused rejects plea deal, revives case

    Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala rejected a 12-year prison sentence and withdrew from his plea deal in a R228 million police tender corruption case in South Africa, sending the matter back to trial. The case is postponed to 11 September while prosecution and defence determine next steps.

    13 July 2026 · The Namibian

  6. China commits to backing Namibia's seven development priorities

    During a State visit to Beijing, President Nandi-Ndaitwah and President Xi Jinping elevated bilateral relations and committed to cooperation through technology transfer, technical collaboration and project partnerships across trade, education, health, vocational training and other sectors, with China pledging to encourage Chinese investment and support industrialisation, agricultural modernisation and Vision 2030.

    13 July 2026 · New Era

  7. Next batch of repatriated Namibians expected Friday from South Africa

    The next group of Namibians to be repatriated from South Africa are expected to arrive on Friday, 17 July, following the arrival of 71 repatriated citizens on Sunday. Immigration minister Lucia Iipumbu said many returnees faced economic hardship and vulnerabilities in South Africa, and urged Namibians abroad to comply with immigration laws and remain in contact with diplomatic missions.

    13 July 2026 · The Namibian

  8. Yamal seeks World Cup glory ahead of France semifinal

    Lamine Yamal hopes to emulate Kylian Mbappe by winning the World Cup as a teenager, with Spain facing France in Tuesday's semi-final in Arlington. The 16-year-old Yamal, who scored in Euro 2024's semi-final against France four days before his 17th birthday, will celebrate his 19th birthday on the eve of this World Cup semi-final.

    13 July 2026 · The Namibian

  9. Government repatriates 72 Namibians from South Africa

    The Ministry of International Relations announced that 72 verified Namibian nationals returned from Cape Town in the first phase of a voluntary repatriation programme. Additional Namibians in Pretoria are being verified for subsequent phases, with returnees entering through designated border posts and receiving government-arranged transport to regional capitals and other drop-off points.

    13 July 2026 · Informanté

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