Namibia Minute.
Friday, 31 July 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Friday, 31 July 2026
Windhoek—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Archive Minute from Friday, 31 July 2026
Politics

Alfeus Benjamin appointed interim NSC Chairperson until end 2026

The News

The Namibia Sports Commission announced the interim appointment of Alfeus Archie Benjamin as Chairperson of its Board from July 2026 to 31 December 2026, following the expiry of five Board members' terms that left the Board below quorum threshold. The appointment was made by the Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture under the Public Enterprises Governance Act, with Benjamin bringing experience as Chief Executive Officer of the Municipality of Swakopmund.

31 July 2026 · Informanté

Politics

  1. Alfeus Benjamin appointed interim NSC Chairperson until end 2026

    The Namibia Sports Commission announced the interim appointment of Alfeus Archie Benjamin as Chairperson of its Board from July 2026 to 31 December 2026, following the expiry of five Board members' terms that left the Board below quorum threshold. The appointment was made by the Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture under the Public Enterprises Governance Act, with Benjamin bringing experience as Chief Executive Officer of the Municipality of Swakopmund.

    31 July 2026 · Informanté

  2. Parliament reviews three decades of decentralisation policy

    Nearly 30 years after adopting its National Decentralisation Policy aimed at bringing government closer to the people, parliament is reviewing the policy.

    31 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

  3. Parliament's legislative backlog tests Namibia's constitutional health

    An analysis argues that parliament's ability to process legislation is a key indicator of constitutional health and institutional capacity, with the eighth parliament facing pressure to enact reforms on economic growth, public administration, and service delivery.

    31 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. NUDO MP criticizes President's attendance at MTC Kasi Vibe Festival

    A NUDO member of parliament has argued that the President should not officiate community and fundraising events like the MTC Kasi Vibe Festival, saying such engagements should be handled by ministers or regional leaders to preserve the dignity of the presidency.

    31 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  5. Women comprise 56% of applications for CPBN bid committee

    The Central Procurement Board of Namibia received 422 applications for its bid evaluation committee, with women making up 235 (56%) and men 187 (44%) of applicants. A CPBN manager attributed the strong response to growing public confidence in Namibia's public procurement system following reforms introduced earlier this year.

    31 July 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Swapo secretary general urges strategic thinking among party leaders

    Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa told party leaders at a Kavango East training event to adopt strategic and tactical approaches, moving beyond routine administration to anticipate, analyse, adapt and act decisively amid heightened political competition and complex socioeconomic realities.

    31 July 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Government establishes task force to review SOE governance and pay

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare announced an 11-member task force to review governance and remuneration in Namibia's state-owned enterprises, mandated to report to Cabinet within three months with recommendations on consistency, accountability and efficiency across the sector.

    31 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  8. First gentleman calls for gender equality inclusive of boys

    First gentleman Denga Ndaitwah has advocated for an inclusive approach to gender equality, arguing that empowerment of women and girls and the well-being of boys are not competing priorities. Speaking at a fundraising gala of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development in Angola, he said men and women are mutually inclusive partners and cited global data showing boys lagging in education and facing crises in mental health and social development.

    31 July 2026 · The Namibian

  9. NSC appoints Alfeus Benjamin interim chairperson until December

    The Namibia Sport Commission has announced the temporary appointment of Alfeus Benjamin as a board member and chairperson, effective 28 July until 31 December, to ensure continuity of governance after five board members' terms expired on 30 June. Benjamin, formerly chief executive of the Municipality of Swakopmund, brings executive leadership experience and expertise in strategic management and policy implementation.

    31 July 2026 · The Namibian

Business

  1. Namibia raises fuel prices by N$2 per litre from August

    Petrol and diesel prices will increase by N$2 per litre from 5 August 2026 after the Government reinstated fuel levies that had been temporarily reduced to cushion motorists against global oil price shocks. Petrol 95 will rise to N$24.48 per litre, while Diesel 50ppm and 10ppm will rise to N$26.36 per litre.

    31 July 2026 · Informanté

  2. President calls for support to strengthen young entrepreneurs

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah called for greater support to enable young entrepreneurs to access funding, education, digital infrastructure, mentorship, and markets needed to build sustainable businesses, speaking at the opening of the MTC Kasivibe Festival on youth entrepreneurship and innovation. She emphasized that while government plays a role, the private sector, financial institutions, and communities must also contribute to supporting local enterprises.

    31 July 2026 · Informanté

  3. Namdia sues G4S for N$314m diamond theft damages

    Namibia's state diamond company Namdia is pursuing a civil claim against security firm G4S Secure Solutions Namibia for N$314 million in damages over an armed robbery of 446 parcels of diamonds at Namdia's premises on 18 January 2025, alleging G4S breached contractual obligations by failing to provide adequate security services. The case has stalled over disclosure disputes, with G4S seeking access to Namdia's security plans, CCTV footage, alarm records, and other evidence to support its defence.

    31 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. Telecom Namibia extends acting CEO's term six months

    Telecom Namibia has extended Armando Perny's appointment as acting chief executive for another six months, until 31 January 2027, to ensure continuity while the company implements strategic plans and improves operations.

    31 July 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Willem Mouton appointed NamPost chief executive for five years

    NamPost has appointed chief operating officer Willem Mouton as chief executive for a five-year term starting Saturday, succeeding Eldorette Harmse who served as acting chief executive since September 2025.

    31 July 2026 · The Namibian

Mining & Energy

  1. Japan invests N$562.95 million in Namibia rare earth project

    Japan committed up to 47.668 million Canadian dollars (approximately N$562.95 million) towards the development of the Lofdal heavy rare earth project in the Kunene Region, Japan's first rare earth mining development project in Africa. The investment, announced by the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) and Toyota Tsusho Corporation, aims to advance feasibility studies and strengthen Namibia's position in the global supply chain for critical minerals.

    31 July 2026 · Informanté

  2. IPC demands transparency on Namibia's offshore petroleum deals

    The Independent Patriots for Change has called on the government and state-owned Namcor to provide full transparency on Namibia's offshore petroleum developments, particularly regarding Galp's transaction with TotalEnergies, which received regulatory approval in July. The IPC emphasised that Namcor's financial obligations, development exposure, and revenue expectations must be clarified.

    31 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  3. De Beers sale advances as Anglo American cuts costs amid diamond weakness

    Anglo American is advancing its sale process for De Beers while implementing cost-cutting measures in response to weak global diamond market conditions. MoneyWeb reports discussions on a deal valued at about US$1 billion, a steep decline from the company's earlier carrying value of US$2.3 billion after three impairments in three years.

    31 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. Mining has built Namibia's economy; next phase could yield more value

    Namibia's mining sector, from ancient copper extraction to modern diamonds and uranium, contributes approximately 13–14% of GDP and generates more than 60% of export earnings in many years. The article questions whether Namibia has captured the full value of its mineral wealth over more than a century of industrial mining.

    31 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  5. Cabinet approves mining policy for protected areas

    The Cabinet has approved a new national policy to regulate prospecting and mining in protected areas and other environmentally sensitive zones, balancing mineral development with environmental conservation. Namibia has also been authorised to sign the statute of the African Mineral Development Centre, enabling participation in the African Union agency dedicated to sustainable mineral development.

    31 July 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Namcor backs fourth Namibia Oil and Gas Conference

    The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia has reaffirmed its support for the fourth Namibia Oil and Gas Conference scheduled for 18–20 August, with discussions focused on investment, industry collaboration, and the future of Namibia's emerging oil and gas sector.

    31 July 2026 · The Namibian

Agriculture & Land

  1. Namibia's only export sheep abattoir suspends slaughter operations

    Farmers Meat Market in Mariental, Namibia's only export-approved sheep abattoir, has suspended slaughter operations due to rising costs, high inventory levels, and export market challenges. According to Simonis Storm Research, the disruption reflects a processing and market access challenge stemming from an "export parity squeeze" where procurement costs rise before export revenues materialize, compounded by a stronger Namibia dollar and higher livestock buying prices.

    31 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Society

  1. Parent calls for temporary closure over school toilet crisis

    A parent at Welwitchia Junior Secondary School in Khorixas has urged the education ministry to temporarily close the school until its toilet facilities are resolved.

    31 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. Linda Jordaan marks 19 years at Paratus Namibia reception

    Linda Jordaan has worked at the front desk of Paratus Namibia for nearly two decades, serving as the first point of contact for clients and staff.

    31 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

  3. Gondwana Care Trust strengthens communities via multiple initiatives

    The Gondwana Care Trust supports communities across Namibia through education, empowerment, sustainable development, health, and environmental initiatives.

    31 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

  4. Smiley's National Charity Foundation uplifts vulnerable Namibian communities

    Smiley's National Charity Foundation is a grassroots non-profit organisation working to uplift vulnerable communities in Namibia. The foundation was founded by Ndanyengwa Kautondokwa, nicknamed 'Smiley'.

    31 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

  5. Deputy Minister calls for targeted higher education for marginalised communities

    Moses //Khumub, Deputy Minister in the Office of the Vice President, has called for targeted opportunities in higher education and specialised fields to promote the inclusion and advancement of San, Ovatue, and Ovatjimba Namibians. He stressed that government resources must directly correspond with visible outcomes and criticised the shortage of qualified San-speaking teachers in rural classrooms.

    31 July 2026 · Informanté

  6. NUST vice president disputes suspension over media briefing

    The vice president of Namibia University of Science and Technology's Eenhana Satellite Campus SRC, Rebbeus Hashiyana, has been suspended over a media briefing at the campus. He denies inviting media houses and claims the SRC suspended him without hearing his side of the story, saying the invitation that circulated on social media did not originate from his office.

    31 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  7. Namdeb hosts first career fair in remote //Kharas region

    Namdeb held a two-day career fair on 17–18 July in Oranjemund to expose //Kharas learners to career pathways and professionals, addressing limited access to career guidance in remote areas. The event, organised with the //Kharas Regional Council and five local schools, focused on STEAM fields.

    31 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  8. AWR-Zambezi strengthens community radio services in region

    Adventist World Radio Namibia and the Namibia North Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church are expanding AWR-Zambezi's role as a community information platform, providing locally relevant news, education, health information and public awareness programmes to the Zambezi region.

    31 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  9. Cenored employee dies in power line accident near Otavi

    One member of Cenored's technical team died and three others were injured while working on a reticulation line between Otavi and Tsumeb on Thursday. Cenored says it is working with authorities to determine the circumstances and will strengthen safety measures based on findings from the investigation.

    31 July 2026 · The Namibian

  10. Government commits N$50m to revive abandoned Oluno Secondary School

    Oluno Secondary School in Ondangwa, Oshana region has stood abandoned for three years after its ageing infrastructure was deemed unsafe. Government has committed N$50 million towards renovating and upgrading the facility to create a safe learning environment.

    31 July 2026 · New Era

  11. Vice President visits Hai//om communities to assess development needs

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi visited the Hai//om San community at Ombika in Etosha National Park and resettlement farms in the Kunene region to gain first-hand insight into living conditions and socio-economic circumstances. Residents welcomed the engagement but expressed ongoing calls for electricity, housing, and sanitation improvements.

    31 July 2026 · New Era

  12. Over 35,500 people await housing in northern Namibian towns

    More than 35,500 people are on waiting lists for residential land across Oshakati, Ondangwa, and Ongwediva, with Oshakati accounting for over 18,000 applicants. Local authorities cite rising demand for serviced land as a major challenge and are developing new townships to address the shortage.

    31 July 2026 · New Era

  13. Namibia struggles with extreme inequality despite resource wealth

    Thirty-six years after independence, Namibia remains one of the world's most unequal nations despite political stability, vast natural resources and upper-middle-income status. Nearly one million Namibians live in informal settlements and youth unemployment is high, with wealth concentrated among a small segment of society, a legacy of colonial and apartheid-era policies.

    31 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  14. Young Namibian describes vaping addiction leading to serious lung condition

    A 27-year-old Namibian man shares his story of vaping addiction that began during Covid-19 lockdown and progressed to repeated hospital admissions and a serious lung condition, despite warnings from doctors about the dangers, particularly given his pre-existing asthma.

    31 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  15. First gentleman calls for inclusive gender equality approach

    First gentleman Denga Ndaitwah has called for an inclusive approach to gender equality, arguing that empowering women and girls and addressing the well-being of boys are complementary rather than competing priorities. He cited global data showing that 132 million primary and secondary age boys are out of school worldwide and proposed renaming the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development to include male spouses.

    31 July 2026 · The Namibian

  16. Police search for man accused of killing son in Omusati

    Police in Omusati region are searching for a 24-year-old man who allegedly stabbed his son to death at Oshifo village in the Ruacana constituency on Wednesday afternoon. The motive for the killing is still unknown and the suspect remains at large.

    31 July 2026 · The Namibian

  17. DNA confirms identity of missing Windhoek man Topnaar

    Skeletal remains discovered along the Matshitshi gravel road at Otjomuise have been identified through DNA analysis as Anton Topnaar (31), who was reported missing in Windhoek on 20 October 2025. The identification was confirmed after media published photographs of clothing found with the remains, which prompted family members to visit the mortuary and recognize the items.

    31 July 2026 · The Namibian

Culture

  1. Namibian appointed to Africa Games Week advisory board

    Mutaleni Ya Toivo has been appointed to the advisory board of Africa Games Week, the continent's largest gaming summit held annually in Cape Town, South Africa.

    31 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. President backs creative industry as economic driver

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the creative industry has potential to create jobs, grow businesses and drive national development, and called on government, the private sector and communities to invest in young entrepreneurs and innovators at the opening of the MTC Kasi Vibe Festival.

    31 July 2026 · New Era

  3. Youth embrace Mayeyi heritage ahead of Batsara festival

    Young Mayeyi people say the annual Batsara Cultural Festival, set for 2 August in Sangwali, provides an opportunity to reconnect with ancestral traditions, preserve their language, and celebrate an identity they fear could be weakened by changing lifestyles. Participants say the festival has evolved into a platform where younger generations can embrace their roots while giving their traditions a modern voice.

    31 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Sport

  1. Matundu and Shikongo exit Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

    Namibian sprinters Charley Matundu and Ananias Shikongo competed in men's track events at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games but did not advance to the next rounds. Shikongo, a Paralympic champion, cited a hamstring injury that affected his performance in the men's T11/T12 100m event.

    31 July 2026 · Informanté

  2. Namibian swimmers set records at Commonwealth Games

    Namibia's swimmers delivered impressive performances at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with Oliver Durand setting a new Namibian 17–18 age-group record in the men's 200m freestyle (1:52.53), Luke Beukes placing 24th (1:54.51), and José Canjulo finishing 28th (1:56.35). The team also achieved a historic relay final appearance.

    31 July 2026 · Informanté

  3. Shikongo misses final in Glasgow, eyes legacy beyond track

    Paralympian Ananias Shikongo did not reach the final in the mixed T11/12 100 metre race at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Having competed as a partnership with guide Even Tjiuiju since 2009, both men now focus on recruiting and mentoring the next generation of Paralympic athletes.

    31 July 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Haosemab excelled as versatile athlete and footballer

    David Eddy Haosemab was a sportsman who dominated long jump, high jump and triple jump at regional level while playing left wing for Khorixas-based Robbers Chanties FC; he was a member of Rössing Athletics Club and played alongside his twin brothers Peter and Paul, continuing a sporting tradition established by their father who played for Atlanta Chiefs.

    31 July 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Namibia Rugby Premier League semi-final race intensifies

    With FNB Wanderers, FNB Grootfontein, and Montego United likely to secure semi-final spots, the battle for the fourth place remains competitive between FNB Kudus, FNB Unam, and FNB Rehoboth. Wanderers lead the log on 45 points after a 33-31 win over Grootfontein last weekend.

    31 July 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Windhoek Gymnasium beat Windhoek High School 38–27

    Windhoek Gymnasium defeated rival Windhoek High School 38–27 in the Momentum Schools Under-19 Rugby competition on Wednesday night, moving to second place on the log. The match swung back and forth before Gymnasium's forward pressure wore down their opponents in the second half.

    31 July 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Ndevelo, Araes win to reach Commonwealth boxing semifinals

    Tryagain Ndevelo defeated Niall Adams 5-0 in the men's 60kg category and Mischa Araes beat Nadeeka Ranasinghe 4-0 in the women's 51kg fight, advancing both to the semi-finals where they have secured medals. They join compatriot Philip Haoseb, who qualified for the semis the previous evening.

    31 July 2026 · The Namibian

  8. Rose Davies wins 5000m to complete Commonwealth double

    Australia's Rose Davies won the 5000m at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, completing a double in the 5000m and 10000m to become the first woman to complete the long distance double in Commonwealth Games history. Olympic triple jump champion Thea LaFond won gold in her fourth Commonwealth Games, securing Dominica's first Commonwealth gold medal in the event.

    31 July 2026 · The Namibian

  9. Namibia and Lesotho sign Olympic cooperation agreement

    The Namibia National Olympic Committee and Lesotho National Olympic Committee signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen sport development and governance across areas including athlete development, coach education, high-performance sport, sport science, and governance, with the aim of sharing knowledge and best practices regionally.

    31 July 2026 · The Namibian

  10. Concacaf's 41 members reject FIFA's private investor World Cup proposal

    All 41 Concacaf member associations have rejected FIFA's proposal to sell a stake in World Cup business operations, citing concerns about lack of due process, an artificially short deadline, and absence of governance review. The members also questioned the need for private equity investment after the most profitable FIFA World Cup in history.

    31 July 2026 · The Namibian

  11. Legendary Namibian long-distance runner Bob Tangeni dies at 78

    Likizeni Pendukeni 'Bob' Tangeni, a renowned Namibian long-distance runner, has died peacefully in Walvis Bay after battling ill-health since December, following a mild stroke he suffered while visiting family in the north.

    31 July 2026 · New Era

  12. FIFA proposal could bring N$660 million to Namibian football

    FIFA president Gianni Infantino has proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise, a new commercial subsidiary that could deliver up to US$40 million (approximately N$660 million) to the Namibia Football Association over four years if member associations approve by 19 September 2026. The funding could address long-standing gaps in stadium infrastructure, training facilities, youth development, and women's football, though the proposal has divided the football world.

    31 July 2026 · New Era

  13. All Blacks coach: full South Africa tour will benefit team

    New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie said the All Blacks' first full-scale rugby tour of South Africa in 30 years will have significant benefits, including chances for all squad members to play through midweek games against provincial sides and four Tests against the Springboks, with the tour running from August 22 through to a final match in Baltimore on September 12.

    31 July 2026 · The Namibian

  14. ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia

    South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will host the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 in October and November, with the tournament returning to Africa for the first time in 24 years. The event will feature the world's top 14 teams and will be branded around the African philosophy of Ubuntu and the circular African bowl.

    31 July 2026 · The Namibian

  15. Springboks include Feinberg-Mngomezulu for Argentina Test

    South Africa flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has been included in the 26-man squad for a one-off Test in Argentina on August 8 after recovering from ankle surgery. Several other first-choice players including captain Siya Kolisi are set to return from injury for the match ahead of the Springboks' four-Test series against New Zealand.

    31 July 2026 · The Namibian

Tourism & Environment

  1. Namibia's tourism sector shows momentum amid regional competition

    Namibia's tourism prospects are improving, with rising hospitality occupancy rates and increased international airline routes to Windhoek, though the country has historically been overshadowed by South Africa's commercial dominance and Botswana's exclusive safari brand. The article suggests Namibia possesses distinctive natural attractions and faces both opportunity and the need for strategic decisions to capitalise on current momentum.

    31 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  2. Windhoek's tourism challenge: gateway city or destination

    Tourism stakeholders note that many international visitors to Windhoek spend only one or two nights before heading to attractions like Sossusvlei, Etosha, Swakopmund or the Skeleton Coast, treating the capital mainly as a place to collect rental vehicles and gather supplies. The article suggests Windhoek has the ingredients for success—cleanliness, safety, ease of navigation, praised hospitality—but has struggled to become a destination in its own right, unlike gateway cities in other regional countries.

    31 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

World & Region

  1. Angolan kwanza added to SADC regional payment system

    The South African Reserve Bank and Banco Nacional de Angola have formally introduced the Angolan kwanza as a settlement currency in the SADC real-time gross settlement system, which has settled transactions exclusively in South African rand since 2013. The addition aims to reduce cross-border transaction costs and supports regional financial integration efforts.

    31 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Opinion

  1. Presidential platforms must prioritise national interest

    An editorial argues that every presidential engagement should advance national interest, citing debate over President Nandi-Ndaitwah's appearance at the MTC Kasi Vibe Festival and noting concerns from NUDO and PDM leaders about how the Presidency's time and authority should be deployed.

    31 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Namibia Minute