Namibia Minute.
Sunday, 2 August 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Sunday, 2 August 2026
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Archive Minute from Sunday, 2 August 2026
Politics

Lawyer threatens lawsuit against minister over speed hump crash

The News

Prominent lawyer Patrick Kauta says he intends to sue Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi after his son was critically injured in a crash on the B1 road in Windhoek, which Kauta attributes to recently installed speed humps. The crash occurred when another vehicle rear-ended his son's car near a speed hump outside a Windhoek club resort, causing multiple injuries; his son remains in intensive care nearly three weeks later.

2 August 2026 · The Namibian

Politics

  1. Lawyer threatens lawsuit against minister over speed hump crash

    Prominent lawyer Patrick Kauta says he intends to sue Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi after his son was critically injured in a crash on the B1 road in Windhoek, which Kauta attributes to recently installed speed humps. The crash occurred when another vehicle rear-ended his son's car near a speed hump outside a Windhoek club resort, causing multiple injuries; his son remains in intensive care nearly three weeks later.

    2 August 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Unexplained wealth should signal corruption for investigation

    Financial Intelligence Centre director Bryan Eiseb says unexplained wealth should be treated as a warning sign of possible corruption and referred to law-enforcement agencies. Eiseb, nominated to succeed Paulus Noa as director general of Namibia's Anti-Corruption Commission, argued that stronger anti-money laundering systems and attention to gaps between legitimate income and accumulated assets are key to preventing corruption and protecting public resources.

    2 August 2026 · The Namibian

  3. ACC director pushes lifestyle audits for public officials

    Namibia's new Anti-Corruption Commission director general Bryan Eiseb has prioritized unexplained wealth as a key corruption-fighting tool, arguing that lifestyle audits, asset tracking, and unexplained wealth orders could deter corrupt officials by preventing them from enjoying illegal proceeds.

    2 August 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Public Sector Awards recognise civil servants' contributions

    The Namibian's editorial acknowledges that while the public service has a poor reputation for inefficiency, this week's Public Sector Awards highlights civil servants who perform their duties well. Secretary to Cabinet Emilia Mukasa emphasised that public service quality depends on the competence, commitment and development of those who serve.

    2 August 2026 · The Namibian

  5. SWAPO Secretary-General officiates leadership and women's seminars

    SWAPO Party Secretary-General Sophia Shaningwa closed a three-day leadership training seminar in Rundu for regional and district party leaders, then opened the SWAPO Party Women's Council Annual Regional Seminar in Okongo Village, Ohangwena Region, focused on assessing economic activities of Namibian women.

    2 August 2026 · Informanté

  6. Parliament adjourns without passing bills despite urgent legislation pending

    The Namibian publishes an editorial arguing that Namibia's eighth parliament adjourned without passing a single bill, including important pending legislation such as the land bill and mental health bill, and contends that MPs' focus on questions rather than deliberating laws represents an abuse of voters' rights and undermines their mandate to serve citizens.

    2 August 2026 · The Namibian

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

    The City of Windhoek says it will resume collecting overdue municipal debts through its internal resources following the expiration of its contract with RedForce Debt Management, and will continue charging 20% interest per annum on overdue accounts together with prescribed disconnection fees.

    2 August 2026 · The Namibian

Business

  1. Roads Authority raises vehicle licence and permit fees

    The Roads Authority has increased vehicle licence fees by 10% and abnormal load and road carrier permit charges by 20%, drawing criticism from transport operators and road users who say the rises will worsen their financial burden amid rising living costs.

    2 August 2026 · The Namibian

Mining & Energy

  1. Biomass sector transforms bush encroachment into economic opportunity

    Namibia's biomass sector, detailed in a new Energy Sector Skills Strategy Report, is gaining recognition for potential to create jobs and develop value chains in charcoal, renewable energy, animal feed and biochar. Bush encroachment affects an estimated 45 million hectares of the country's savanna rangelands, and harvested biomass is increasingly being transformed into valuable economic products, with charcoal production and exports already supporting more than 14,000 workers and ranking Namibia among the world's leading exporters.

    2 August 2026 · Informanté

  2. Presidency investigates TotalEnergies employment terms for local workers

    The Namibian Presidency has launched an urgent investigation into employment conditions at TotalEnergies EP after local workers alleged unfair contract terms and inadequate benefits during their transition from recruitment company Apos to direct employment with the company. The workers raised concerns over remuneration, pension benefits, medical aid and recognition of years of service.

    2 August 2026 · The Namibian

Agriculture & Land

  1. Khai-Khaua releases land for agricultural development near Berseba

    The /Khai-/Khaua Traditional Authority has made land near Berseba available for agricultural development to support food security and rural development. Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare said the government is assessing land near Snyfontein and Kameelrivier for agricultural projects, with water from the Neckartal Dam expected to support farming in the Hardap and ||Kharas regions.

    2 August 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Prime Minister commends AgriBank's N$20 million youth agriculture allocation

    Prime Minister Dr Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare commended AgriBank for allocating N$20 million to youth in agriculture, saying the initiative aligns with the Sixth National Development Plan's pillars of food security and youth empowerment. AgriBank has disbursed N$23 million under its Youth Development Fund, with most beneficiaries engaged in poultry farming.

    2 August 2026 · Informanté

Society

  1. Teen awarded National Hero status for saving drowning twins

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will confer National Hero status on 16-year-old Cornelius Shimwaafeni from Omusati Region, who saved nine-month-old twins from drowning in May 2026, during Heroes' Day commemorations on 26 August 2026. The ceremony will also include the reburial of eight liberation heroes and national honours for more than 1,000 individuals.

    2 August 2026 · Informanté

  2. Kunene man loses N$4,500 to fake MTC prize-scam call

    A 59-year-old resident of Etanga Village received a call from someone claiming to be an MTC employee saying he had won N$30,000 for regular cellphone recharges. After providing his bank card details, N$4,500 was withdrawn from his account via OTP notifications.

    2 August 2026 · Informanté

  3. Murder trial awaits confirmation of new legal representation

    A Windhoek man accused of murdering his girlfriend by stabbing her 18 times with a knife cannot have trial dates set until his legal representation is confirmed; his current defence lawyer is returning his instructions to the Directorate of Legal Aid after leaving his law firm.

    2 August 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Vaping epidemic among Namibian youth drives nicotine addiction crisis

    According to WHO and Ministry of Health data, 23% of school-going adolescents aged 13–17 use vaping products, with usage among teenage boys reaching nearly 30%, while broader youth usage (ages 13–25) may be as high as 31%. Between 2021 and 2024, Namibia imported N$1.4 billion worth of vapes and related nicotine products sold for as little as N$100, prompting educators to regularly confiscate devices from primary school pupils.

    2 August 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Mariental adopts disaster risk reduction strategy through 2030

    Mariental has launched a Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2030), becoming the second municipality in Namibia after Windhoek to adopt such a dedicated strategy. Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare described the southern town as a national leader in disaster preparedness and urged authorities across the country to support household preparedness, particularly in fire-prone areas.

    2 August 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Police investigate two murders in Kavango West and Swakopmund

    The Namibian Police Force recorded two murder cases over the weekend of 31 July to 2 August. In Kavango West, a 41-year-old woman was arrested after a 22-year-old Angolan domestic worker was found dead in her room, allegedly killed and the room set on fire to destroy evidence; in Swakopmund, a 37-year-old man was found fatally stabbed, and a suspect has been detained.

    2 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  7. Police investigate Facebook marketplace scam costing N$11,000

    Namibian Police are investigating a theft by false pretenses in Klein Windhoek where a seller advertised items on Facebook and was tricked into handing goods to a Yango driver after receiving a fake SMS confirmation of N$11,000 payment from Bank Windhoek; the transaction later failed and the number used was not associated with the bank.

    2 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  8. Woman dies when vehicle crashes into Okuryangava shack

    A 40-year-old woman died after a Toyota Vitz crashed into a shack in Okuryangava early Friday; the driver allegedly lost control after the vehicle swayed while crossing a speed hump. The woman's two-year-old daughter, who was in the shack, was unharmed.

    2 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  9. Oranjemund mother arrested after children left unattended

    A 28-year-old woman was arrested in Oranjemund after leaving her two young children (aged three and five) locked in a house, where a fire broke out when they switched on a heater. The children were rescued by neighbours who saw smoke and broke a window; the woman faces charges under the Child Care and Protection Act.

    2 August 2026 · The Namibian

  10. Man dies from stab wound at Swakopmund police barracks

    A 37-year-old man was found stabbed outside the Mondesa Police Barracks at Swakopmund early Saturday and died on arrival at hospital. A suspect has been detained and police investigations continue.

    2 August 2026 · The Namibian

  11. Oshana police chief urges traffic compliance in Oshakati

    The Oshana police commander has called on Oshakati motorists to adhere to traffic rules, describing them as a safeguard for lives rather than punishment. The appeal was made at the inauguration of a newly established Oshakati Town Council Traffic Law Enforcement Unit.

    2 August 2026 · The Namibian

  12. Minister Kantema calls for concrete action on women's development

    Gender equality and child welfare minister Emma Kantema has called for African governments and development partners to move beyond commitments and take concrete action to improve the livelihoods of women and girls, urging that women be actively involved in designing, governing and managing initiatives that affect their lives and communities.

    2 August 2026 · The Namibian

  13. Woman dies as car crashes into Windhoek home

    A 40-year-old woman in Okuryangava, Windhoek, died after a Toyota Vitz vehicle lost control while crossing a speed hump and collided with her shack dwelling on 31 July. Her two-year-old daughter, who was sleeping with her, sustained no injuries.

    2 August 2026 · Informanté

  14. Woman arrested for murder of 22-year-old Angolan domestic worker

    A 41-year-old Namibian woman was arrested after the body of a 22-year-old Angolan domestic worker was found on 1 August 2026 at Mile 30 village, Kavango West. According to a crime bulletin, the suspect allegedly killed the woman with an unknown object in her room and set it on fire to destroy evidence.

    2 August 2026 · Informanté

  15. Police seek suspect in Rosh Pinah boy rape case

    A 10-year-old boy was allegedly raped by an unknown male suspect at a house in Tutungeni, Rosh Pinah, on Friday evening around 19:00. The child was taken to Luderitz State Hospital where a sexual assault kit was completed, and police investigations are ongoing.

    2 August 2026 · Informanté

  16. Woman arrested after children locked in burning house

    A 28-year-old woman in Oranjemund has been arrested for allegedly contravening the Child Care and Protection Act after leaving her two children, aged 3 and 5, locked unattended in a house that caught fire when they switched on a heater. Neighbours rescued the children by breaking through a window.

    2 August 2026 · Informanté

  17. House burnt in Marema village, property destroyed in alleged arson

    A house was destroyed by fire in Marema village, Kavango West Region, in an alleged arson incident early Friday morning, with household properties valued at approximately N$32 025 destroyed. The suspect has not yet been arrested and police investigations are ongoing.

    2 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Culture

  1. Charene Labuschagne crowned Miss Namibia 2026

    Charene Labuschagne won the Miss Namibia 2026 title at a pageant in Gobabis on Saturday, succeeding Johanna Swartbooi. She will receive a fully furnished house and a car as part of her prize package.

    2 August 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Former Miss Windhoek 1958 reflects on apartheid, pageant legacy

    Esther Kavari, crowned Miss Windhoek in 1958 at age 17, recalls the experience of competing in a beauty pageant during colonial South West Africa and living under racial segregation. Now 84 and living in Epukiro, Kavari will attend the Miss Namibia 2026 pageant at Gobabis, emphasizing that confidence and determination help achieve one's goals.

    2 August 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Satirical look at how Namibian hit songs emerge accidentally

    The Namibian publishes a comedic essay depicting the chaotic, improvisational process by which a Namibian artist and studio crew might accidentally produce a hit song in a makeshift Windhoek studio, with minimal planning or artistic intent.

    2 August 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Namibia's first all-girls band debuts at college auditorium

    Nocturnal Souls, an all-girls band of music students from the College of the Arts and Robin's Private Music Centre, will debut on 7 August. The group plays drums, bass guitar, keyboards and vocals, blending jazz, Latino music, and soulful covers of artists including The O'Jays, Rihanna, and Judith Sephuma.

    2 August 2026 · The Namibian

Sport

  1. Josh Kerr wins mile gold at Commonwealth Games in Glasgow

    Josh Kerr won the mile gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, running 3 minutes 54.66 seconds, 12 seconds slower than the world record he set in London last month. The Olympic silver-medallist pulled clear of Australia's Cameron Myers and Kenya's Timothy Cheruiyot, who took silver and bronze respectively.

    2 August 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Namibia confirmed as 2027 Cricket World Cup co-host venue

    Windhoek has been named one of 12 host venues for the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, which will be jointly staged by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. This marks Namibia's first senior ICC tournament and the return of the men's 50-over Cricket World Cup to Africa for the first time in 24 years.

    2 August 2026 · Informanté

Tourism & Environment

  1. Etosha administrative move to Oshana risks Kunene livelihoods

    The Namibian reports that a delimitation commission is proposing to move Etosha National Park's administrative control from Kunene to Oshana region, a change that could harm surrounding communities and Kunene's economy, with the governor's silence on the issue questioned.

    2 August 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Polish skydiver Kuczyńska shares aerial Namibia images online

    Polish indoor skydiving champion Maja Kuczyńska completed a skydive over Namibia and shared images of the experience on X, highlighting the country's dramatic cloud formations and spectacular landscapes to her millions of followers. Namibia is noted for adventure tourism destinations including areas around Windhoek, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.

    2 August 2026 · Informanté

Opinion

  1. Global South faces pressure balancing green transition and development needs

    The article argues that developing countries face a contradiction: wealthy nations built their economies on fossil fuels, yet now face pressure to pursue renewable energy before industrializing. Namibia is positioned at a critical juncture, with potential oil production from 2030 if a final investment decision is made in 2027, raising questions about how the country can finance economic development amid global pressure to reduce fossil fuel production.

    2 August 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Namibia must question inherited work processes, not just digitise them

    Digitisation alone does not transform government and business; Namibia must adopt a process-centric mindset that challenges inherited practices and asks whether current methods are truly necessary or optimal.

    2 August 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Family wealth and privilege shape economic outcomes

    An analysis of wealth inequality argues that inheritance and family background account for roughly a third to almost half of wealth differences in advanced economies, and that new billionaires often inherit more than they create.

    2 August 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Namibian public relations officers fail at basic communication

    An opinion piece criticizes Namibian government spokespersons and public relations officers for institutional silence and poor communication, despite the industry gathering at a communications conference in Swakopmund under Vice President Lucia Witbooi, arguing they treat public enquiries as secrets and emerge defensively only when scandals force them into the open.

    2 August 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Windhoek offers charm despite recent boredom claims

    An opinion piece argues that Windhoek, while lacking the energy of Lagos, has distinctive character and appeal, particularly for well-travelled visitors, and that finding things to do depends on the visitor's mindset and effort.

    2 August 2026 · The Namibian

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