Namibia Minute.
Wednesday, 15 July 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Wednesday, 15 July 2026
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Archive Minute from Wednesday, 15 July 2026
Politics

President commissions Christine //Hoebes as High Commissioner to Malaysia

The News

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has commissioned Christine //Hoebes as Namibia's High Commissioner-designate to Malaysia, tasking her with strengthening bilateral relations, promoting economic diplomacy and advancing Namibia's development priorities. The President highlighted opportunities for further cooperation in renewable energy, oil and gas services, logistics, ports development, green industrialisation and tourism.

15 July 2026 · Informanté

Politics

  1. President commissions Christine //Hoebes as High Commissioner to Malaysia

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has commissioned Christine //Hoebes as Namibia's High Commissioner-designate to Malaysia, tasking her with strengthening bilateral relations, promoting economic diplomacy and advancing Namibia's development priorities. The President highlighted opportunities for further cooperation in renewable energy, oil and gas services, logistics, ports development, green industrialisation and tourism.

    15 July 2026 · Informanté

  2. Attorney-General denies improper incentives in medico-legal settlements

    The Office of the Attorney-General rejected allegations that Government legal practitioners are rewarded or incentivised to settle medico-legal claims against the State, urging that any evidence of misconduct be presented to appropriate authorities for investigation rather than advanced through implication.

    15 July 2026 · Informanté

  3. High Court declines ECN commissioner interdict but affirms transparency concerns

    MP Job Amupanda welcomed the High Court's judgment in his case against the Speaker of the National Assembly and others, saying the ruling declined to grant an interdict but affirmed his position that ECN commissioner appointments must comply with constitutional transparency and accountability principles. Amupanda had sought to stop Parliament from approving ECN nominees until key selection process documents were disclosed.

    15 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. Christine //Hoëbes appointed High Commissioner to Malaysia

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has commissioned former Cabinet minister Christine //Hoëbes as Namibia's High Commissioner-Designate to Malaysia. The President urged her to strengthen bilateral ties and drive economic diplomacy that delivers tangible benefits for Namibians.

    15 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  5. Ondangwa councillor demands accounting of mayor's travel expenses

    Councillor Angelina Immanuel has submitted formal questions to the Ondangwa Town Council CEO, alleging the mayor left an authorised NALASRA games trip to attend the Omaludi Festival opening without council approval, while still claiming official travel benefits including vehicle use and daily subsistence allowance.

    15 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  6. Former PSC chief awaits sentencing after court postpones fourth time

    Salmaan Jacobs, former chairperson of the Public Service Commission, is expected to return to the Keetmanshoop Regional Court on 31 July for sentencing after the court postponed the matter for a fourth time, citing incomplete paperwork. Jacobs was convicted on a corruption charge last year after the state successfully appealed a 2014 not-guilty verdict.

    15 July 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Opposition challenges ECN nominee over Swapo membership ties

    Opposition parties oppose Gerson Sindano's nomination to chair the Electoral Commission of Namibia, citing his past role as personal assistant to a Swapo official and his current Swapo membership as undermining the commission's independence ahead of the 2030 elections. The National Democratic Party president says he would only support Sindano if he publicly renounced his Swapo membership.

    15 July 2026 · The Namibian

Business

  1. Namibia seeks to restore beef exports to China

    During President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's state visit to China, Meatco and the Namibian government are negotiating the resumption of beef exports to the Chinese market and exploring Chinese investment in Namibia's meat value chain.

    15 July 2026 · New Era

  2. ICAN investigates accountant Schlabitz over WMS losses

    The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Namibia is investigating accountant Hanjo Schlabitz's role at Wealth Management Solutions, which entered liquidation after losing millions in overseas investments; liquidation losses may reach N$350 million.

    15 July 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Suzuki Boleno service and specs suit mid-size family car

    The Suzuki Boleno is a practical 5-door hatchback with a 1.5L engine, available in manual and auto transmission, offering moderate fuel consumption of 5.4L/100km and standard features including cruise control, automatic air conditioning, infotainment system, and 360-view camera backed by a service plan.

    15 July 2026 · The Namibian

Agriculture & Land

  1. Omaheke governor highlights agricultural, infrastructure gains

    Omaheke Governor Pijoo Nganate defended the region's development record, citing gains in agriculture, healthcare, housing and infrastructure, and argued mining could reduce poverty. Community members countered that rural areas have seen little change despite decades of promises, with development concentrated around Gobabis while communal areas lag behind.

    15 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  2. PDM leader urges immediate revival of Namibia's dairy industry

    PDM president McHenry Venaani has called on President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to procure 1,000 high-yield dairy cattle and launch a comprehensive national dairy revitalisation programme centred on the Vhungu Vhungu Dairy Farm in Kavango East, citing food security, reduced import dependence, and job creation as aims.

    15 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  3. Ministry acquires 20,248 hectares for Neckartal irrigation scheme

    The Ministry of Agriculture has acquired 20,248.2917 hectares of land at a cost of N$19,537,491.59 for the Neckartal Dam Irrigation Scheme, but still requires 3,705 hectares pending acquisition. The ministry faces challenges including reluctance of some landowners to sell only portions of their farms and demands from willing sellers for the government to purchase entire properties.

    15 July 2026 · Informanté

Society

  1. Health ministry settles six lawsuits for N$1.28 million

    Health minister Dr Esperance Luvindao says the ministry paid N$1.28 million to settle six lawsuits during the 2024/2025 financial year.

    15 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. Swiss non-profit donates 13 laptops to Rundu school

    MMF Switzerland, a Swiss-based non-profit organisation, donated 13 laptops to Maria Mwengere Secondary School in Rundu Rural Constituency to support computer studies.

    15 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

  3. City of Windhoek connects nearly 1,300 households to grid

    Nearly 1,300 households across a dozen informal settlements in Windhoek are being connected to the electricity grid as the City of Windhoek expands access.

    15 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

  4. Health Ministry paid N$1.2 million in compensation during 2024/25

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services spent N$1,286,051.90 on compensatory payouts related to six settlements during the 2024/25 financial year, according to Health Minister Esperance Luvindao. This follows reports that the ministry spent nearly N$14.7 million on compensation claims between 2019 and 2024.

    15 July 2026 · Informanté

  5. Namibia confronts youth crisis of Hubbly Bubbly and vaping

    The Windhoek Observer warns that children across Namibia, some as young as 10, are smoking Hubbly Bubbly, vaping, and mixing these substances with alcohol and cannabis, skipping school and financing habits through distribution; the National Council is investigating the issue, but the outlet urges that consultations must lead to meaningful action rather than reports without follow-through.

    15 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  6. High Court refers Maasdorp murder lawsuit to mediation

    The High Court has referred a N$2.2 million lawsuit brought by the grandmother of murdered Grade 0 learner Ingrid Maasdorp against the government to mediation, with a referral hearing scheduled for 28 July 2026. The civil claim alleges the government, through the ministry of education, failed in its legal duty to protect learners at K W von Maree Combined School in Okahandja, where Ingrid was allegedly kidnapped in March 2025 and found dead the following day.

    15 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  7. Namibia's cholera outbreak officially ends after five months

    Health Minister Dr Esperance Luvindao has declared the end of Namibia's cholera outbreak, which claimed one life and infected 82 people over nearly five months, following more than 28 consecutive days without a confirmed case in affected districts. Health experts caution that the country remains at risk unless vigilance in sanitation, surveillance, and hygiene is maintained.

    15 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  8. Youth activist critiques NSFAF, HPCNA medical education policies

    Young Namibians aspiring to study medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry have raised concerns over unclear and unfair policies by NSFAF and HPCNA, arguing that students admitted to universities abroad were later informed their programmes required curriculum approval, and that NSFAF's removal of medical programmes from its priority list has left them stranded.

    15 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  9. Windhoek's Baboon City settlement struggles for basic services

    Baboon City, an informal settlement of roughly 200 people behind Rocky Crest and Pioneerspark in Windhoek, originated as temporary housing for railway workers but became permanent after job losses. Residents face severe challenges including lack of formal water supply, forcing them to pay around N$100 for a 25-litre container from neighbouring settlements.

    15 July 2026 · New Era

  10. Namibia declares end of cholera outbreak after 28 days

    Health minister Dr Esperance Luvindao announced that Namibia has met international criteria for ending the cholera outbreak after both Grootfontein and Opuwo health districts completed more than 28 days without a confirmed case. The outbreak, declared on 27 November 2025, resulted in 82 laboratory-confirmed cases out of 282 suspected cases and one death in Opuwo district.

    15 July 2026 · New Era

  11. City employee arrested in Old Mutual insurance fraud investigation

    A City of Windhoek employee, Doreen Zullnola Zamuee, was arrested and appeared in court on charges of fraud, forgery and uttering in connection with a scheme involving fake death certificates and fraudulent insurance claims worth millions. According to court documents, she allegedly induced Old Mutual to pay out N$5 182 391 between October 2020 and August 2025, and sources allege she is a cousin of the alleged mastermind who remains on the run.

    15 July 2026 · New Era

  12. Police seek public help identifying human remains in Otjomuise

    The Namibian Police discovered human remains at a riverbank about 200 metres east of the Matshitshi gravel road in Otjomuise, Windhoek, this weekend, along with a black Johnson T-shirt, yellow tracksuit trousers, and Havaianas sandals. Police are asking the public to help identify the items or provide information by contacting the Forensic Science Institute.

    15 July 2026 · Informanté

  13. Grant beneficiaries have until July 31 to verify identity details

    The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare has suspended grant payments to beneficiaries with discrepancies between their personal details and the National Population Register, and is urging those affected to visit a pension office by July 31, 2026 to verify their identity documents. The ministry began paying verified beneficiaries in July and will continue processing backdated payments until September 2026.

    15 July 2026 · Informanté

  14. National Council calls for coordinated response to road accidents

    The National Council Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Housing chairperson George !Garab has called for a coordinated national response to Namibia's growing road accident crisis, framing road safety as a public health, economic and national development concern. He urged collective action from government, law enforcement, transport sector and communities, with focus on safer roads, vehicle inspections, enforcement, emergency response and vulnerable road user protection.

    15 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  15. Police seek public help identifying skeleton found in Otjomuise

    The Namibian Police are appealing for public assistance in identifying human remains discovered in bushes near Matshitshi Road in Otjomuise on Saturday 11 July, found alongside a black Johnson T-shirt, yellow tracksuit trousers and Havaianas sandals.

    15 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  16. Education ministry exempted NTA from competitive bidding for hostel food

    The education ministry sought an exemption from finance to appoint the Namibia Training Authority to supply food to government school hostels outside open competitive bidding, citing the need to reduce litigation risks and ensure food security after prolonged court cases. The interim arrangement is budgeted at just over N$90 million per month for six months pending resolution of a Supreme Court case.

    15 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  17. Oshakati market traders cite N$3 toilet fee as driver of open defecation

    Vendors at Oshakati open market say a N$3 toilet fee is pushing people to relieve themselves in the open behind a sand embankment, with traders arguing that many customers and workers cannot afford to pay each time they need to use the facilities.

    15 July 2026 · The Namibian

  18. Tsumeb municipality appeals labour ruling for former firefighter

    Tsumeb Municipality is challenging a Labour Commissioner's ruling that ordered it to reinstate a former firefighter assistant and pay him N$108 000 in outstanding wages. The arbitrator found the dismissal procedurally unfair and ordered reinstatement from 1 May 2026 and payment by 28 May, but the municipality has not complied and plans to appeal to the High Court.

    15 July 2026 · The Namibian

  19. Windhoek church opens shelter for homeless during winter

    Khomasdal Baptist Church in Windhoek has opened a shelter that accommodates about 15 homeless people, providing meals, warm beds and daily devotion sessions for N$50 a day. The pastor said the church identified a space to help people experiencing homelessness and partnered with other churches and community groups to connect those in need to the shelter.

    15 July 2026 · The Namibian

Sport

  1. Argentina beats England 2-1 in World Cup semifinal

    Lautaro Martinez scored in the 92nd minute as Argentina came from behind to defeat England 2-1 in a World Cup semifinal in Atlanta, with Lionel Messi setting up both goals to send Argentina to the final against Spain.

    15 July 2026 · The Namibian

  2. National Youth Service wins six trophies at SOE Games

    The National Youth Service collected six trophies and medals at the 2026 State-Owned Enterprises Games in Rundu, winning men's and women's relays and the women's marathon, plus the Most Cheerful Team and Overall Best Performer awards. NYS commissioner Felix Musukubili also retained his CEO's Sportsman Award and was the sole CEO to medal in the 10-kilometre race.

    15 July 2026 · New Era

  3. Chief Santos' relegation reflects Tsumeb's football decline

    Once a Namibian football powerhouse that produced players for the national team, Chief Santos Football Club—founded in 1969—now competes in the second division, mirroring Tsumeb's loss of elite football representation; the mining town has no clubs in the Premier Football League or first division.

    15 July 2026 · New Era

  4. Norwegian Waerenskjold wins fastest Tour de France stage

    Soren Waerenskjold of Norway won the 11th stage of the Tour de France on Wednesday at an average speed of 50.91kph, the fastest road stage in the race's 113 editions. Dutchman Olav Kooij finished second and Belgian Milan Fretin third.

    15 July 2026 · The Namibian

  5. NFA needs government backing for 2028 Afcon co-hosting bid

    Namibia's Football Association is seeking formal government commitment to pursue a regional bid to co-host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations alongside South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. The NFA says its main infrastructure challenge is ensuring a CAF-compliant stadium is ready by 2028.

    15 July 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Namibia defeats Burundi 3-0 in Billie Jean King Cup

    Namibia won their first match at the Billie Jean King Cup in Gaborone, beating Burundi 3-0 in Group III Africa, with victories in singles matches from Joanivia Bezuidenhout and Mari van Schalkwyk, and a doubles win for Riekie Honiball and Taimi Nashiku. The team will now compete in the 7th to 9th play-off positions against Ghana and Cameroon after losing their earlier matches to Nigeria and Madagascar.

    15 July 2026 · The Namibian

  7. England face Argentina in World Cup semi-final tonight

    England and defending champions Argentina meet in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals at Atlanta Stadium tonight at 21:00 Namibian time, with a place in the 2026 final against Spain at stake. England are seeking only their second World Cup final appearance since 1966, while Argentina chase a fourth title and attempt to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to defend the trophy.

    15 July 2026 · Informanté

Tourism & Environment

  1. Namibia Wildlife Resorts' Duwisib Castle remains closed

    Namibia Wildlife Resorts says Duwisib Castle will remain closed until operations, maintenance and infrastructure requirements are completed. The resort has been closed to visitors since 2022 following Covid-19 impact and ongoing maintenance challenges, amid claims the state-owned company plans to privatise some resorts.

    15 July 2026 · The Namibian

World & Region

  1. Zambia invests K4.9 billion to upgrade key Namibia trade corridor

    Zambia has signed contracts worth K4.9 billion (about N$4.3 billion) to rehabilitate the Livingstone-Sesheke Road, a strategic transport corridor linking the country to Namibia through the Trans Caprivi Corridor and Port of Walvis Bay. The project, now in the implementation stage with contractors mobilised to site, is expected to boost regional trade, tourism, and cross-border connectivity.

    15 July 2026 · Informanté

  2. SADC senior officials meet in Malawi ahead of ministerial gathering

    Senior government and security officials from SADC member states met in Salima, Malawi to review regional peace and security issues and prepare recommendations for the 28th Ministerial Committee of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, scheduled for Thursday and Friday.

    15 July 2026 · Informanté

  3. 72 Namibians repatriated after violent attacks in South Africa

    Namibians including Tonateni Moses were assaulted and robbed during violence targeting foreign nationals in Vredendal, a farming town in South Africa's Western Cape province. Seventy-two Namibians were repatriated this past weekend following the unrest.

    15 July 2026 · The Namibian

  4. SADC senior officials finalise energy and water policy documents

    Senior officials from the Southern African Development Community are meeting in Johannesburg from 14–15 July to review progress on regional energy and water programmes and prepare recommendations for SADC Ministers Responsible for Energy and Water meeting on 17 July. The SADC Deputy Executive Secretary noted the region has significant energy resources including hydropower, coal, solar, wind and natural gas, but faces major challenges in energy supply and access, while over 70% of SADC's freshwater resources are shared across national borders.

    15 July 2026 · Informanté

  5. Namibians to gain visa-free entry to Brazil from 2026

    Namibia has been included among six African countries whose citizens will be allowed to visit Brazil without a visitor visa from 2026. The exemption is expected to strengthen tourism, business and cultural ties between the countries, though travellers will still need to meet Brazil's immigration requirements.

    15 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Opinion

  1. Parliament must match Namibia's economic transformation moment

    An editorial argues that while the Eighth Parliament has been active in debate, oversight and legislation during its session, the country's fundamental economic shift due to offshore oil and gas, green hydrogen projects and critical minerals demand requires Parliament to evolve its legislative agenda with equal ambition.

    15 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

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