Namibia Minute.
Tuesday, 4 August 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Tuesday, 4 August 2026
Windhoek—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Archive Minute from Tuesday, 4 August 2026
Politics

Leaders reflect on Geingob's constitutionalism and nation-building legacy

The News

Namibia marked what would have been President Hage Geingob's 85th birthday with a Town Hall Conversation in Windhoek, where political leaders, civil society representatives, and academics celebrated his contributions to constitutionalism, unity, and inclusive governance. Former minister Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana and Bishop Zephania Kameeta highlighted Geingob's role in shaping SWAPO politicians and his emphasis on constitutional governance and national unity.

4 August 2026 · Informanté

Politics

  1. Leaders reflect on Geingob's constitutionalism and nation-building legacy

    Namibia marked what would have been President Hage Geingob's 85th birthday with a Town Hall Conversation in Windhoek, where political leaders, civil society representatives, and academics celebrated his contributions to constitutionalism, unity, and inclusive governance. Former minister Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana and Bishop Zephania Kameeta highlighted Geingob's role in shaping SWAPO politicians and his emphasis on constitutional governance and national unity.

    4 August 2026 · Informanté

  2. Ithana credits Geingob's leadership in drafting Constitution

    Retired Swapo politician Dr. Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana spoke at a Town Hall Conversation honouring late President Hage Geingob's legacy, attributing his key role as chairperson of the committee that drafted Namibia's Constitution within three months before independence in 1990.

    4 August 2026 · Informanté

  3. /Khomani community threatens September protest over chief and audit

    A section of the /Khomani traditional community has threatened a mass demonstration at the ministry of urban and rural development on 1 September, demanding the government respond to calls for the removal of chief Juliane Gawanas and release the outcome of a financial audit covering the past 15 years of the /Khomani Traditional Authority.

    4 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. MP questions data control and dependence in Chinese smart-city grant

    IPC shadow minister Rodney Cloete raised concerns that Namibia's N$245 million smart-city grant from China could create long-term technological dependence and data control risks, arguing that hidden agreements and lack of auditability make it a potential liability rather than genuine assistance.

    4 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  5. Parliament strengthens oversight role in constitutional democracy

    At a Parliamentary Leadership Retreat in Swakopmund, National Assembly Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said parliament must evolve to strengthen its legislative, representative and oversight functions, emphasizing that accountability and scrutiny of government are central to Namibia's constitutional democracy and separation of powers.

    4 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  6. National Council urges constructive engagement with government agencies

    The Namibian National Council is conducting joint stakeholder engagements with offices, ministries and agencies to improve policy alignment and service delivery, with officials urging constructive discussion rather than confrontation during the multi-day sessions.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Parliament leaders urged to strengthen oversight, coordination

    At a leadership training workshop in Swakopmund, National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila urged parliamentary leaders to strengthen oversight and improve coordination to ensure parliament effectively performs its constitutional mandate of representation, law-making and holding the Executive accountable. She noted that Namibia has achieved consensus on major matters including national budgets and constitutional amendments without votes, though she acknowledged voting as a legitimate democratic process.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian

  8. Witbooi urges unity over tribalism and regionalism

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi called on Namibians to reject tribalism, regionalism and racism at the Mayeyi Traditional Authority's Batshara Annual Cultural Festival in Sangwali, saying the country's cultural diversity should serve as a foundation for unity, peace and national development. She urged traditional leaders to pursue reconciliation and nation-building through cooperation and consultation.

    4 August 2026 · New Era

  9. Six liberation heroes to be reburied at Heroes' Acre

    Six liberation heroes' remains will be exhumed and reburied at the Heroes' Acre on 24 August, officially opening Namibia's 2026 Heroes' Day commemorations under the theme "Built on Bravery, Bound for a Prosperous Future." Two other liberation icons will receive symbolic memorials during the ceremony.

    4 August 2026 · New Era

  10. Swapo Women's Council congress set for December in Katima Mulilo

    The Swapo Party Women's Council's 9th congress, scheduled for December in Katima Mulilo, will precede the ruling party's intraparty congress next year. Former Cabinet minister Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana said the Women's Council congress sets the tone and must be guided by party and council constitutions.

    4 August 2026 · New Era

  11. High Court judge refuses recusal in murder trial

    Judge Dinah Usiku has dismissed a recusal application in the murder trial of Roger Beeth, who is charged with killing his girlfriend in Gobabis in March 2023. Usiku ruled there was no convincing evidence that the court was biased.

    4 August 2026 · Informanté

  12. Judge rules oral admissions inadmissible in Walvis Bay murder trial

    A Windhoek High Court judge has declared inadmissible alleged oral admissions by two men accused of murdering, raping, and robbing a Walvis Bay resident in December 2023, finding that the state failed to prove the accused were informed of their constitutional rights before questioning.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian

  13. Swapo Women's Council proposes monthly pay for district coordinators

    The Swapo Party Women's Council has proposed that its district coordinators receive monthly remuneration to strengthen local structures and support women leading campaigns. The proposal will be considered at the council's central committee meeting scheduled for December 9–11 in Katima Mulilo.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian

  14. Nudo SG faces party probe for joining genocide negotiations committee

    Nudo secretary general Joseph Uapingene is to appear before a party committee after joining the government's genocide negotiations committee without party approval. Nudo maintains it did not nominate him and says he joined through his role in the Ovaherero Traditional Authority faction, leaving him to choose between his party position and the genocide committee role.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian

  15. IPC backs traffic amnesty but demands public transport reforms

    The Independent Patriots for Change has welcomed the Office of the Judiciary's two-month traffic fine amnesty (3 August to 30 September) but says it must be followed by reforms to address challenges facing public transport operators, including fast-tracking a public passenger road transport bill and constructing more public transport bays.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian

  16. Prosecutor general seeks to freeze Chinese businessman's account

    Acting prosecutor general Martha Imalwa has applied to freeze N$3.2 million held in the account of Chinese businessman Yan Qiang, alleging the funds are proceeds of illegal abalone trading, money laundering, and immigration fraud. The case stems from May discovery of 512 frozen abalone at a Windhoek supermarket.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian

  17. Namibia achieves first female leadership trio, book explores threats

    Namibia's Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah became the fifth president and first woman to hold the office on 21 March 2025, alongside the country's first woman vice president Lucia Witbooi and first woman speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, making Namibia the first country with women in all three top leadership positions. The article discusses Linda Robinson's book 'Women in Power: Fighting for Democracy in an Age of Authoritarianism', which explores how misogynistic authoritarianism, digital disinformation and sexualised attacks are used to push women out of power.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian

  18. Nekundi dismisses five Airports Company board members

    Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi has relieved five board members of the Namibia Airports Company of their duties with immediate effect and appointed an interim board to oversee the state-owned enterprise. The ministry says the decision was taken to ensure continuity and stability while governance structures are strengthened.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian

  19. Works minister removes five NAC board members

    Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi has removed five members of the Namibia Airports Company Board of Directors with immediate effect and appointed an interim board, with the changes effective 4 August 2026 to ensure continuity and strengthen governance at the state-owned aviation company.

    4 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Business

  1. NCCI and CRAN sign three-year digital transformation partnership

    The Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding to advance digital transformation, strengthen cybersecurity, and support businesses in Namibia's digital economy through cooperation in areas including Public Key Infrastructure, e-trade facilitation, and digital literacy.

    4 August 2026 · Informanté

  2. Petrosol secures retail license for Elisenheim service station

    The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has issued a retail license to Petrosol Petroleum Solutions CC for a planned service station in the Elisenheim Lifestyle Estate, home to approximately 1,500 households and more than 5,000 residents, with the nearest existing fuel facility located more than seven kilometers away.

    4 August 2026 · Informanté

  3. Bank of Namibia expected to maintain interest rates unchanged

    Simonis Storm expects the Bank of Namibia to keep interest rates unchanged at its next Monetary Policy Committee meeting, citing improving currency conditions and narrowing contraction in net foreign assets as providing room to pause, though persistent inflation limits near-term rate cuts.

    4 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. Nors Namibia wins UD Trucks Sub-Saharan Africa Importer award

    Nors Namibia has been named UD Trucks Sub-Saharan Africa Importer of the Year at the annual conference in South Africa, receiving five awards from seven nominations across technical services, customer support, parts sales, training and service delivery.

    4 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  5. Erongo region drives majority of Namibia's exports

    Namibia's economy is heavily dependent on products from the Erongo region, with 80% of exports by value comprising just four products, two produced there. Economist Robin Sherbourne notes that uranium and gold have become key sectors replacing diamonds, and says the country needs economic diversification, particularly through development of Walvis Bay as an oil and gas hub.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Namibian small businesses need strategic digital marketing beyond social media

    Small businesses across Namibia are increasingly visible on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp, but many lack a strategic approach to digital marketing. Simply posting content and gaining likes does not move potential customers toward purchase; effective digital marketing requires a planned approach that understands customers, communicates value, builds engagement, and converts interest into sales.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Walvis Bay-Swakopmund taxi fares exceed government-approved rates

    Commuters on the Walvis Bay to Swakopmund route are being charged N$70, exceeding the government-approved fare of N$58 set after a 15% increase announced in May. Taxi operators say the approved increase was too small given rising operating costs, while the Namibian Transport and Taxi Union states it wanted a larger fare adjustment.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian

  8. FMCG industry wealth contrasts with worker financial hardship

    Namibia's fast-moving consumer goods industry generates billions of dollars in economic activity through manufacturing, distribution, and retail, yet many workers in the sector—including retail staff, warehouse employees, and drivers—continue to struggle financially despite being essential to the supply chain.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian

  9. Namibia ranks second globally for greenfield foreign direct investment

    Namibia has retained its position as Africa's leading destination for greenfield FDI, ranking second globally in the 2026 fDi Intelligence Greenfield FDI Performance Index with a score of 7.74, driven by major energy discoveries, renewable energy opportunities, and an improving business environment.

    4 August 2026 · Informanté

Mining & Energy

  1. Former mines minister urges local banks into oil and gas financing

    Tom Alweendo, former Minister of Mines and Energy, has called on local banks and financial institutions to play a more active role in Namibia's oil and gas industry, warning that without their participation the financial value chain—including advisory fees and project structuring—will be captured by foreign institutions.

    4 August 2026 · Informanté

  2. Environmental assessment flags water and biodiversity risks for green hydrogen

    A Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment for green hydrogen development in the Southern Corridor warns that water abstraction, altered drainage and groundwater recharge, and salty wastewater from desalination could harm water resources and ecosystems in the //Kharas Region, where water is already scarce and highly sensitive.

    4 August 2026 · Informanté

Society

  1. Trafficking cases rise; children from Angola, Zambia targeted

    Angolan and Zambian children as young as 12 are among victims of human trafficking in Namibia, and authorities warn that increasing numbers of Namibians are also falling prey to trafficking.

    4 August 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. Windhoek launches Groot Aub water pipeline replacement phase two

    The City of Windhoek has launched the second phase of the Groot Aub water pipeline replacement project, a N$5 million investment.

    4 August 2026 · Namibian Sun

  3. Three die in vehicle accident near Kombat last week

    A pregnant woman and her 3-year-old son died in a vehicle accident near Kombat on Tuesday; a third occupant who sustained serious injuries later died in a Windhoek hospital on Thursday. The seven-seater vehicle, carrying eight occupants travelling from Windhoek to Rundu, allegedly struck a rabbit, causing the driver to lose control, and the vehicle overturned and rolled several times.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Namibia's ageing sewer systems need urgent upgrades

    An editorial in the Windhoek Observer argues that Namibia's sewerage infrastructure, built decades ago for much smaller populations, is reaching capacity limits across municipalities and town councils, as illustrated by Katima Mulilo's recurring sewage crisis.

    4 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  5. Aging sewer system exceeds capacity in Katima Mulilo

    Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa says Katima Mulilo's sewage crisis stems from an aging sewer system designed decades ago for 10,000–15,000 people that has not kept pace with the town's growth. The overflowing infrastructure threatens public health and the town's tourism ambitions ahead of the Zambezi Bream Festival.

    4 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  6. Government launches breastfeeding reforms amid low exclusive rates

    Namibia's Health Ministry has announced a nationwide rollout of the "Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding" across health facilities after a 2024 survey found that only 49% of infants aged zero to five months are exclusively breastfed and early weaning onto inadequate foods is driving malnutrition and childhood illness.

    4 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  7. Social Security cleaners earn more than teachers, sources say

    Sources tell the Windhoek Observer that cleaners at the Social Security Commission earn approximately N$18,000 monthly, more than teachers on a cost-to-company basis, revealing a skewed remuneration structure as new leadership prepares salary reforms.

    4 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  8. Parliamentary committee flags health crises across Omusati region

    A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Gender Equality, Health and Social Welfare has raised concerns over severe strain on Omusati's healthcare system following an oversight visit to the region, citing staff shortages, ageing infrastructure, broken equipment, poor roads, and shortages of medicines. Senior Medical Officer Dr Samuel Awe told the committee that the Oshikuku Health District faces increasing pressure due to rising demand, and highlighted non-functional X-ray machines, ageing sonar equipment, and serious shortages of ambulances as barriers to emergency response and diagnostic services.

    4 August 2026 · New Era

  9. Man pushes bicycle of firewood across Namibia border daily

    Petrus Johannes, a father of five from Angola, walks nearly 10km daily from Oihole village in Angola to Oshikango, Namibia, pushing a bicycle loaded with firewood bundles that he sells for N$20 each to feed his family. For the past five years, firewood sales have been his only income, though he faces the constant threat of confiscation by police and officials if found selling outside designated markets.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian

  10. VIP police sergeant arrested for Oshakati bar shooting

    A sergeant in the Namibian police's VIP subdivision was arrested after allegedly shooting a man at a bar in Oshakati last week. The officer, on leave and off-duty at the time, was charged with attempted murder, negligent handling of a firearm, and discharging a firearm within a municipal area; bail was denied and the case postponed to 21 September.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian

  11. Namibia offers two-month amnesty for expired traffic fines

    Motorists with expired admission of guilt traffic fines can now settle outstanding fines via electronic funds transfer from August 3 to September 30, without appearing in court. The Office of the Judiciary and police announced the amnesty to help clear outstanding traffic matters and reduce case backlogs, though the Namibia Bus and Taxi Association argues the government should consider writing off fines instead.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian

  12. Two truck crashes on Windhoek bypass kill driver, 21 cattle

    Two separate truck crashes on Windhoek's Western Bypass near the University of Namibia killed one driver and 21 cattle, left two others seriously injured, with one losing a leg. Construction is underway in the area, and the road is described as hazardous due to sharp curves and steep descent.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian

  13. Ministry urges employers to support breastfeeding mothers

    Deputy health and social services minister Suzan Ndjaleka has called on public and private sector employers to introduce breastfeeding-friendly workplace policies, including maternity leave, dedicated breastfeeding corners, and flexible hours, saying mothers should not have to choose between their careers and their children's health.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian

  14. Police appeal for help locating missing Oshikoto teenager

    Namibian police are seeking public assistance to locate Aron Kaimbi (15), who disappeared in the Oshikoto region on 18 July in Olukonda village. The teenager was last seen wearing a yellow shirt, black trousers and blue slippers, and family efforts to locate him have been unsuccessful.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian

  15. NUST welcomes Frednard Gideon as new vice-chancellor

    Frednard Gideon has assumed office as vice-chancellor of the Namibia University of Science and Technology on 1 August 2026, bringing more than 25 years of higher education experience. His appointment coincides with NUST's implementation of its 2026–2030 strategic plan, which aims to expand access to quality education, strengthen research and innovation, and enhance international partnerships.

    4 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Culture

  1. Vice President calls for cultural unity at Batshara Festival

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi addressed the annual Batshara Cultural Festival in Sangwali, calling on traditional leaders and communities to use culture as a tool for promoting unity, preserving heritage, and driving economic development. She emphasised the importance of cultural festivals in strengthening national identity, fostering peace, and protecting both cultural traditions and natural resources.

    4 August 2026 · Informanté

  2. DJ Siya rises from nightclub DJ to sought-after Namibian artist

    Alexander Sikalumbu, known as DJ Siya, transitioned from spinning records at nightclubs to becoming a performer in his own right, with hits including 'Morena' (over three million YouTube views) and 'Bovo' (one million views). He is now in demand across the region and beyond, with bookings from Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, and the United Kingdom.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Tsumeb teen finds his voice through pride

    Mega Ben, an 18-year-old musician from Tsumeb, is gaining attention in the Namibian music scene with work that speaks to self-acceptance; he proudly identifies as a gay artist aiming to represent the LGBTQI+ community in a country where visible queer pop musicians are few.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian

Sport

  1. Namibian footballer Shitembi nominated for Malaysian league award

    Petrus Shitembi, a 34-year-old Namibian international playing for Kuching City FC, has been nominated for best imported player at the 2025/26 Malaysian Football League end-of-season awards. He is among three finalists competing against two Brazilian forwards, with winners to be announced on 12 August.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Pee Jay wins main 2400m race at Gobabis racing event

    Pee Jay, owned by Sakkie Burger and ridden by Johnie Jacobus, won the 2 400m main race at the Miss Namibia Epukiro Horse Racing Club Challenge at the Gobabis Turf Club on Saturday, with Woodland Ridge second and Equerry third.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Gobabis Bulls win inaugural Nedbank Desert Ice T20 title

    The Gobabis Bulls won the Nedbank Desert Ice T20 League by defeating the Run Whisperers by 13 runs in Sunday's final, scoring 256 for seven wickets and restricting their opponents to 243 for five. It was the Bulls' first title in the tournament's five-year history.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Namibian U/20 rugby team sent off as defending Barthés champions

    Namibia's U/20 rugby squad, who won last year's Rugby Africa U/20 Barthés Trophy, has been officially sent off by the Namibia Sports Commission ahead of the continental tournament in Uganda from 7 to 15 August 2026, where they will aim to retain the title and keep alive hopes of reaching the World Rugby U/20 Trophy.

    4 August 2026 · New Era

  5. Ndevelo wins silver for Namibia at Commonwealth Games boxing

    Namibian boxer Hesron Kapanga Tryagain Morning Ndevelo secured a silver medal after losing to India's Sachin in the men's 60kg final at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Teammates Mischa Monique Araes and Philip !Haoseb also earned bronze medals in their weight divisions.

    4 August 2026 · New Era

  6. Namibia wins three boxing medals at Glasgow Commonwealth Games

    Namibia concluded the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games with three medals—one silver and two bronze—all from boxing. Tryagain Morning Ndevelo claimed silver in the men's 60kg division, while Philip Pumulo Haoseb and Mischa Monique Araes won bronze in the men's 55kg and women's 51kg divisions respectively, placing Namibia 29th overall among 74 competing nations.

    4 August 2026 · Informanté

  7. Bank Windhoek Red Run draws 2600 participants, awards N$70,000

    The 2026 Bank Windhoek Red Run in Windhoek on Sunday attracted 2,600 participants competing in 10km and 21km races, with top performers sharing N$70,000 in cash prizes across multiple categories and age groups.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian

  8. Amorim takes over AC Milan, faces Inter in Perth derby

    New AC Milan coach Ruben Amorim has vowed to honour club legend Franco Baresi, who died last week, as he begins his tenure with a Milan derby against Inter in Perth on Wednesday. The Portuguese coach aims for a top-four Serie A finish after AC Milan missed the Champions League last season, and will have veteran midfielder Luka Modric available after his contract extension.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian

  9. South Africa captain Kolisi returns for Test against Argentina

    South Africa flanker Siya Kolisi will captain the world champions against Argentina in Buenos Aires on Saturday, making his first Test appearance of the season after injury. Head coach Rassie Erasmus made 13 changes to the starting line-up from the previous match against Wales, with only full-back Aphelele Fassi and scrum-half Cobus Reinach retained.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian

World & Region

  1. Nigerian man flees South Africa amid anti-migrant protests

    A 47-year-old Nigerian businessman left his South African wife, twin children, and established car-dealership business in Johannesburg and took a voluntary repatriation flight to Nigeria in June, citing harassment and safety fears as anti-migrant protests intensified in South Africa this year.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian

  2. US states challenge Trump tariffs on sixty trading partners

    Twenty-five US states have sued the Trump administration over tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on goods from 60 trading partners, including the UK, China, and the European Union, imposed in July citing forced labour concerns. The coalition of Democratic states argues the tariffs are "arbitrary, capricious, and contrary to law," while the White House defends the duties as lawful action against unreasonable trade practices.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian

  3. EU calls for stronger borders after Ceuta migrant crossings

    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for "united action" on border security following the influx of tens of thousands of migrants from Morocco into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta, with Spain estimating about 69,500 migrants have now returned to Morocco. The incident has strained EU relations, prompting Italy to temporarily suspend the Schengen arrangement with Spain, and triggering emergency talks among EU interior ministers.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Fifa president Infantino faces pressure after investor plan fails

    Fifa president Gianni Infantino, who rode high after overseeing the successful 2026 World Cup expansion to 48 teams, now faces his position under threat following the collapse of a private investor plan.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian

  5. 22 killed in Angola bus crash after fuel tricycle explosion

    At least 22 people died and several others were injured after a long-distance bus collided with a fuel-carrying tricycle near Sumbe in Angola's Cuanza-Sul Province, causing the fuel to explode and engulfing both vehicles in fire. Four severely injured people, including the bus driver, were airlifted to Luanda for treatment, and police said the death toll may rise.

    4 August 2026 · Informanté

Opinion

  1. Editor urges Namibians to reflect on 36 years of independence

    Informanté editor-in-chief Chris Jacobie urged Namibians to reflect on the country's progress since independence, arguing that 36 years of achievements demonstrate the value of good governance, peace, and investing trust in younger generations. He highlighted that Namibia has now enjoyed 36 years of uninterrupted peace, longer than the 26-year liberation struggle, and noted that many of the country's first leaders were under 50 when they took office.

    4 August 2026 · Informanté

  2. Opinion: Has Namibia's leadership met independence aspirations?

    An opinion piece launches the Heroes Dialogue series, arguing that 36 years after independence, Namibia must honestly assess whether its leadership is building the country citizens envisioned, moving beyond political slogans to confront difficult questions about direction and progress.

    4 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Namibia Minute