Namibia Minute.
Wednesday, 29 July 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Wednesday, 29 July 2026
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Archive Minute from Wednesday, 29 July 2026
Politics

Ministry dismisses "mark of the beast" claims about e-ID system

The News

Namibia's Ministry of Home Affairs has dismissed religious concerns about the electronic identification (e-ID) system, set to roll out in September, describing it as a modern innovation to streamline service delivery. The ministry is conducting awareness campaigns to address fears and misconceptions, clarifying that the chip will be embedded in the card itself rather than implanted in individuals, and that the card will be valid for ten years.

29 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Politics

  1. Ministry dismisses "mark of the beast" claims about e-ID system

    Namibia's Ministry of Home Affairs has dismissed religious concerns about the electronic identification (e-ID) system, set to roll out in September, describing it as a modern innovation to streamline service delivery. The ministry is conducting awareness campaigns to address fears and misconceptions, clarifying that the chip will be embedded in the card itself rather than implanted in individuals, and that the card will be valid for ten years.

    29 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  2. PM Ngurare urges Windhoek Municipality to reform service delivery

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has called on the Windhoek Municipality to rethink its strategies to accelerate housing development, improve access to basic services, and speed up land allocation. He emphasized the need for practical, efficient solutions to eliminate administrative delays and highlighted labour-intensive initiatives like land servicing and urban agriculture to create employment and support sustainable development, against a backdrop of a national housing backlog exceeding 300,000 units.

    29 July 2026 · New Era

  3. State calls final witness in N$3.1bn customs fraud trial

    The state in the trial of eight people facing 1,583 criminal charges related to alleged customs fraud involving more than N$3 billion has been granted a final postponement to call London-based chartered accountant Roy Waligora as an expert witness. The judge wants the state's case to conclude by mid-December, with trial resuming 16–26 November.

    29 July 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Omaheke governor urges inclusive e-ID rollout for marginalised communities

    Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate says rural and marginalised communities, particularly the San population, need to be convinced to adopt the government's planned electronic identification documents if the rollout is to be inclusive. A team from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, partnering with UNDP, is visiting all seven constituencies in the region this week to explain the chip-based e-ID, with concerns raised about low literacy levels among marginalised groups.

    29 July 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Omaheke hosts start of nationwide e-ID awareness campaign

    The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security launched a national electronic identity awareness campaign in Omaheke, the first region in a nationwide stakeholder engagement drive ahead of Namibia's planned e-ID system rollout in September. The campaign aims to explain the benefits of the digital identity programme and address public concerns over data protection and privacy.

    29 July 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Government appoints three new Council of Traditional Leaders members

    Minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa has appointed three new members to the Council of Traditional Leaders under the Council of Traditional Authorities Act, 1997: chief Eugen Siwombe Kudumo to represent the Kwangali traditional authority, traditional councillor Mukamba Evans Katukula to represent the Masubia traditional authority, and traditional councillor Muhembo Sebastian to represent the Mbukushu/Hambakushu traditional authority. The appointments took effect upon publication in Government Gazette No. 8977.

    29 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  7. Windhoek lawyer faces charges after death threat to officer

    Joshua Kaumbi, a Windhoek-based lawyer and politician, faces three criminal charges—assault by threat, common assault, and assault with intent to do bodily harm—after allegedly assaulting and threatening to kill a child maintenance officer handling his case in July. He has not been arrested pending evidential documents from the doctor, and has denied the allegations while opening a counter-case.

    29 July 2026 · The Namibian

  8. PM calls for youth skills investment at Eenhana Expo

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare urged government, the private sector, and communities to prioritise investment in young people as drivers of Namibia's economic future at the opening of the 16th Eenhana Expo, which is being held from 27 July to 1 August with about 100 local and international exhibitors.

    29 July 2026 · Informanté

Business

  1. Namibian businessman loses bid to stop Bank Windhoek loan trial

    Coenraad Botha, a Namibian crypto investor, has lost an absolution from instance application against Bank Windhoek, in which the bank seeks repayment of close to a million on a N$3.3 million mortgage loan he failed to settle. Botha and his wife were arrested in March 2024 on charges including fraud, money laundering, and running a N$160 million Ponzi and cryptocurrency scheme via CBI Exchange Namibia; they have separately applied for the return of a hard drive containing N$163 million in cryptocurrency, with judgment expected on 30 July 2026.

    29 July 2026 · Informanté

  2. Namibia ranks among world's top 50 fast-payment nations

    Namibia has joined countries with instant payment infrastructure, ranking among the world's top 50 nations and fourth in Africa to introduce a fast payment solution. The milestone was marked during the Payments Association of Namibia's 2025 annual report launch and 20th anniversary celebration in Windhoek.

    29 July 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Cross-border payments involve currency conversion and bank fees

    A cross-border payment occurs when money is sent or spent in another country, involving currency conversion and fees from banks and payment networks such as Visa, Mastercard, and SWIFT. When using a debit or credit card overseas, transactions incur a currency conversion cost influenced by exchange rates and a cross-border transaction fee charged by the bank.

    29 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. City of Windhoek resumes debt collection after RedForce contract ends

    The City of Windhoek's debt collection contract with RedForce ends on 31 July 2026, after which the municipality will resume internal debt collection through its Debt Collection Division until a new service provider is appointed. The /Khomas Rate Payers and Residents Association has warned residents not to enter into new payment arrangements with RedForce beyond the contract expiry date.

    29 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  5. Okongo tailor pays home loan through business success

    Lusina Hamutwalela, a tailor in Okongo, has fully paid off a home loan taken in 2016 through her tailoring business, which she started in 2014 after completing a National Youth Service sewing course. She now operates from a centre in Okongo donated by the Ministry of Gender and works with six other women producing traditional attire and uniforms for clients including brides, grooms, and schools.

    29 July 2026 · New Era

  6. Road user charges to increase from August 2026

    The Roads Authority has announced adjustments to Road User Charges for the 2026/27 financial year, effective 1 August 2026: vehicle licence fees will increase by 10%, while charges for abnormal loads and road carrier permits will each rise by 20%.

    29 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Mining & Energy

  1. Andrada extends Lithium Ridge mineralized zone to 9km

    Andrada Mining Limited has extended its identified lithium mineralized trend at Lithium Ridge Project by 50% to nine kilometres following surface sampling. Results confirmed high-grade lithium mineralization exceeding 3.5% lithium oxide, alongside tin and tantalum deposits across the Erongo Region project.

    29 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  2. ECB renews ban on electricity export generation licences

    The Electricity Control Board has renewed a moratorium on granting generation licences for electricity export purposes, effective from 5 September 2025 for 40 months (until 5 January 2029) or until transmission network constraints are alleviated. The move is prompted by limited transmission capacity on interconnectors within South Africa, which constrains electricity exports from Namibia into the Southern African Power Pool.

    29 July 2026 · Informanté

Agriculture & Land

  1. Air Force deployed to help control Dâures wildfires

    Devastating wildfires in Dâures Constituency have destroyed grazing land and threatened communities, prompting the Namibian Air Force to assist in suppression efforts. The Dâures Constituency Office is coordinating an emergency response with the Erongo Regional Council, central government, traditional authorities, farmers and volunteers.

    29 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  2. Ikaba fishing area in Zambezi Region declared fisheries reserve

    The government has declared the Ikaba fishing area in the Kabulabula conservancy a fisheries reserve to protect and sustainably manage inland fish resources in Namibia's Zambezi Region, following an initiative by the Zambezi Regional Council and the Bukalo Traditional Authority.

    29 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  3. Outjo residents threaten protest over delayed land allocation

    Outjo residents have threatened a mass demonstration if the municipality fails to allocate promised residential plots in the /Urib Extension by the end of August, with more than 900 applicants frustrated after waiting several years and paying N$350 to N$4,500 to reserve plots.

    29 July 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Wildfires destroy hundreds of hectares in Dâures constituency

    Wildfires continue to destroy hundreds of hectares of grazing land in Dâures constituency, with emergency teams and communities battling to contain the blaze. Dry, windy weather has complicated containment efforts, but coordinated action involving the Namibian Air Force, local farmers, traditional authorities, and volunteers has helped suppress the fires.

    29 July 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Omusati farm expects 20-tonne maize harvest by August

    Farm Nangenda in Omusati region expects to harvest about 20 tonnes of maize by end of August and has already packaged nine tonnes of butternuts and eight tonnes of pumpkins. The farm owner is organising horticulture training from 31 July to 1 August, with 20 registered participants from across the country.

    29 July 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Agribank advises livestock farmers on kraal hygiene practices

    The Agricultural Bank of Namibia is encouraging livestock farmers to keep animal kraals clean to reduce disease, improve animal welfare and increase productivity. Agribank technical adviser Erastus Ngaruka says dirty kraals increase the risk of diseases such as tetanus, mastitis and foot rot, and advises farmers to remove excess dung regularly, keep kraals free of waste, and maintain dry, spacious conditions.

    29 July 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Ombalantu warns against illegal communal land sales

    The Ombalantu Traditional Authority has warned against illegal land sales after a businessman advertised an unfinished mansion for N$27 million in the communal area near Outapi. The authority says land in its jurisdiction cannot be sold; leaseholders are only granted 99-year leases and must consult the authority and Ministry of Urban and Rural Development if compensation is sought.

    29 July 2026 · The Namibian

Society

  1. Grootfontein municipality appeals to residents on veld fires

    The Grootfontein municipality has urged residents to stop deliberately starting fires, citing a recent spike in veld fires placing severe pressure on local services.

    29 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. Woman's final photo allegedly captures her killer, family says

    Rachel Frans, 39, was fatally shot in her Havana home last Friday. Minutes before her death, she allegedly photographed the man her family and friends believe was her killer.

    29 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

  3. Government overhauls approach to supporting marginalised communities

    Deputy minister Moses //Khumub said government is overhauling its approach to supporting marginalised communities after acknowledging state shortcomings.

    29 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

  4. Namibia marks World Population Day with youth investment call

    Namibia commemorated World Population Day 2026 with focus on youth health, opportunities, and teenage pregnancy prevention, launching a UNFPA report that surveyed over 108,000 young adults aged 18 to 39 across 73 countries. The report found that while many young people aspire to marriage and children, financial insecurity, rising living costs, and housing challenges are preventing them from achieving their desired futures.

    29 July 2026 · Informanté

  5. Namcol defends fees, expands support for disadvantaged learners

    The Namibian College of Open Learning says it cannot offer free tuition for Grade 11 and 12 improvement courses under its current funding model, but remains committed to supporting financially disadvantaged learners through scholarships and other affordability measures in response to concerns from orphans and vulnerable groups.

    29 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  6. Government launches implementation of National Work-Integrated Learning Policy

    Namibia has begun implementing its National Work-Integrated Learning Policy to bridge the gap between classroom learning and workplace skills, aiming to improve graduate employability. The implementation phase was launched during a two-day national working session in Okahandja, bringing together education institutions, employers, and state agencies to establish coordination mechanisms and monitoring systems for 2026/27.

    29 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  7. Health ministry launches digital system for community health workers

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services is rolling out the Digital Community System, a mobile-based platform that allows community health workers to collect and share patient information electronically instead of using paper registers, with the aim of improving healthcare delivery in rural and remote areas.

    29 July 2026 · New Era

  8. Okahandja property owner investigated over alleged assault on security guards

    Two Okahandja-based security guards claim a local property site owner assaulted them while on duty at night, sparking police investigations. One guard says the owner attacked him with a stick and his hands, with medical records from Okahandja State Hospital confirming bruises and swelling across multiple parts of his body.

    29 July 2026 · The Namibian

  9. IUM Institute to support Namibia's water resource management

    The International University of Management's Institute of Water Resource Management says it can help Namibia address water management challenges and integrate knowledge-sharing as the country prepares to host the 2028 World Basin Summit of the International Network Basins Organisation.

    29 July 2026 · The Namibian

  10. Family alleges negligence after man dies jumping from hospital

    A 73-year-old man died after jumping from the second floor of Katutura Hospital on 10 July 2026. His family alleges hospital negligence, stating he experienced mental health issues and hallucinations during his week-long admission for planned leg amputation, and that the hospital delayed notifying them of his death by approximately 10 hours.

    29 July 2026 · Informanté

  11. Windhoek to remove illegal electricity connections from September 2026

    The City of Windhoek announced a mass removal exercise targeting illegal and unauthorised electrical connections in informal settlements including Otjomuise, Okuryangava, Havana, Hakahana and Goreangab, citing safety risks and over eight fatalities and numerous injuries from unsafe connections in the past five years.

    29 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  12. Man sentenced to 18 years for strangling teenage girlfriend

    Johannes Bock, 21, from Hardap Region has been sentenced to 18 years' imprisonment for murdering his 18-year-old girlfriend Sara Jonker by strangulation during an argument in June 2023. Three years of the sentence are suspended for five years, conditional on no similar offence.

    29 July 2026 · Informanté

Sport

  1. Suren excels in European mountain biking while dominating Namibian nationals

    Namibian mountain biker Roger Suren, 18, has been competing for the Alpecin Premier Tech Development team in Europe's UCI MTB World Cup series and recently won the overall men's title at the Namibia National Cross-Country Championships at Bergquell, finishing nearly 10 minutes ahead in the u23 race. Suren was signed by the professional team after winning silver in the XCO Cross-Country Olympic race at last year's UCI Junior World Championships in Switzerland.

    29 July 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Unified football event empowers girls in Omaruru

    Girls from Omaruru and surrounding areas participated in a friendly football match organized by the OlympAfrica Centre O! Yes Programme, bringing together participants of different abilities in a sport event aimed at promoting unity, inclusion, and social empowerment through team play.

    29 July 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Navachab Gold Mine increases half marathon sponsorship to N$1.5m

    QKR Namibia Navachab Gold Mine has increased its sponsorship of the Navachab Half Marathon to N$1.5 million for the event's 12th edition, with prize money allocation rising from N$345,000 in 2025 to N$530,000 this year. The mine aims to develop the race into an international competition featuring athletes from Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana and South Africa.

    29 July 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Wantenaar becomes first Namibian to qualify for Commonwealth Games swimming final

    Ronan Wantenaar made history by becoming the first Namibian swimmer to qualify for a final at the Commonwealth Games. He finished sixth in the final with a time of 27.31 seconds, disappointed he could not break 27 seconds or medal, but proud of the historic achievement for Namibia.

    29 July 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Namibian striker Shalulile joins Tanzania's Young Africans

    Namibian international Peter Shalulile has signed with Tanzanian champions Young Africans as a free agent after six years at Mamelodi Sundowns, where he scored 136 goals across all competitions and won multiple PSL titles and the CAF Champions League.

    29 July 2026 · New Era

  6. Navachab Gold Mine invests N$1.5m in Half Marathon

    QKR Namibia/Navachab Gold Mine has committed close to N$1.5 million towards the 12th edition of the Navachab Half Marathon, increasing the race prize purse to nearly N$530,000 and aiming to transform the event into a bronze-label international road race within three to four years.

    29 July 2026 · New Era

  7. Philip Haoseb secures boxing medal for Namibia at Commonwealth Games

    Namibian boxer Philip Haoseb defeated New Zealand's Alex Mukuka 4-0 in a quarter-final bout in the men's 55kg division to reach the semi-finals of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, guaranteeing himself a medal under rules that award bronze to both losing semi-finalists. Haoseb will face India's Jadumani Mandengbam in the semi-finals on Friday, 31 July.

    29 July 2026 · Informanté

  8. Chawinga sisters lead Malawi to shock 3-2 WAFCON win over Nigeria

    Sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga scored as rank outsiders Malawi stunned defending champions Nigeria 3-2 in a Women's Africa Cup of Nations Group C match in Morocco on Tuesday. The victory was one of the greatest shocks since WAFCON began 28 years ago, with Malawi (world-ranked 153rd) facing Nigeria (36th), and marking Malawi's first-ever WAFCON appearance.

    29 July 2026 · The Namibian

  9. Eseme, Hobbs win 100m gold at Commonwealth Games

    Cameroon's Emmanuel Eseme won the men's 100 metres in a Commonwealth Games record 9.83 seconds at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, while New Zealand's Zoe Hobbs won the women's 100m with a personal best in wet conditions.

    29 July 2026 · The Namibian

World & Region

  1. Namibia to host Southern Africa's Climate Outlook Forum

    Cabinet approved Namibia's hosting of the 33rd Southern African Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF-33) in Swakopmund in August 2026. Climate experts from national meteorological services will develop a consensus seasonal climate outlook for regional and national stakeholders including emergency responders, farmers, and decision-makers.

    29 July 2026 · Informanté

  2. Pan-African Parliament tables urgent debate on South Africa migrant attacks

    The Pan-African Parliament's east and west regional caucuses have tabled a motion calling for an urgent debate on recent attacks against African migrants in South Africa, with leaders urging the plenary to prioritise the matter and calling for a united continental response.

    29 July 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Namibia-China relations show promise but need accountability

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah's state visit to China yielded announcements of grants, expanded market access, scholarships, and mining partnerships, but an editorial cautions that Namibia should approach these commitments with cautious optimism and insist on results rather than unquestioning celebration.

    29 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. China pledges grants and market access following presidential visit

    Following President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's state visit to Beijing, China has pledged additional grant funding, expanded market access for Namibian exports, and stronger investment cooperation. The countries have elevated bilateral relations to a "China-Namibia community with a shared future for the new era," with cooperation to deepen in agriculture, education, healthcare, trade, mining and industrialisation.

    29 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  5. Namibia leads Pan-African effort to end Sudan conflict

    Namibia has tabled a roadmap at the Pan-African Parliament calling for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan, a parliamentary fact-finding mission, and action against foreign interference fuelling the conflict. The recommendations include convening a special PAP session on Sudan, rejecting the parallel government established by the Rapid Support Forces, and condemning external actors prolonging the crisis.

    29 July 2026 · New Era

  6. President's China visit to boost bilateral trade ties

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's state visit to China is expected to usher in a new phase of bilateral relations, with eight bilateral agreements signed covering education, agriculture, trade and economic cooperation, and China pledging additional grant funding for development projects in Namibia.

    29 July 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Pan-African Parliament calls for roadmap to end Sudan conflict

    The Pan-African Parliament has called for an immediate end to the conflict in Sudan and recommended an extraordinary session to develop a roadmap for peaceful resolution, with Namibia's Head of Delegation to the parliament presenting a report that examined the security crisis and humanitarian impact of the conflict.

    29 July 2026 · Informanté

Opinion

  1. Windhoek's appearance should reflect Namibia's values

    An opinion piece argues that a capital city should serve as the country's best introduction to visitors and tourists, conveying who Namibians are and what they value.

    29 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

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