Namibia Minute.
Saturday, 8 August 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Saturday, 8 August 2026
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Archive Minute from Saturday, 8 August 2026

Politics

  1. IMF warns Namibia on rising debt, urges wage bill cuts

    The International Monetary Fund has raised concerns over Namibia's growing public debt in its 2026 Article IV consultation report and recommended that the government cut the wage bill, cautioning that rising debt levels and increased government financing needs could push up borrowing costs, weaken investment, and put pressure on the country's financial system.

    8 August 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Political parties oppose Damaseb's nomination to Tanzania inquiry

    Political parties have called on deputy chief justice and judge president Petrus Damaseb to reject his nomination to serve on Tanzania's post-election violence commission of inquiry. Job Amupanda and the Independent Patriots for Change cite concerns over the process, Namibia's silence on alleged human rights abuses, and international criticism of previous Tanzanian inquiries, arguing that Damaseb's participation could lend credibility to a commission of uncertain independence.

    8 August 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Swapo youth leader denied bail in fraud case

    Swapo Party Youth League leader Paulus Nuuyoma was denied bail in Ondangwa Magistrate's Court on Friday, charged in connection with an alleged insurance fraud scheme involving more than N$1.2 million. He is accused of facilitating fraudulent insurance payouts linked to Klaudia Martin and Abner Mateus, who is accused of masterminding an attack on a prosecutor.

    8 August 2026 · The Namibian

  4. President meets Ovambanderu leaders on community development

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah met with a delegation from the Ovambanderu Traditional Authority to discuss welfare of repatriated community members, access to basic services, and development priorities. The Ombara expressed appreciation for the Government's assistance to Ovambanderu returnees from Botswana, who have received identity documents and social grants, though concerns were raised about their temporary living conditions.

    8 August 2026 · Informanté

Business

  1. Namibia Air targets December launch without secured funding or aircraft

    Namibia Air received its air service licence but has yet to secure funding or purchase aircraft, with the Cabinet still to decide on the proposed course of action. The airline's board chairperson said acquiring aircraft could take one to six months depending on lease availability.

    8 August 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Financial preparation essential for retirement dreams, planners say

    Retirement requires financial planning to support the life you want after regular income ends, but many Namibians delay planning due to immediate expenses like school fees, living costs, and family support obligations.

    8 August 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Five accused in Sanlam fraud granted bail of N$25,000 each

    Five people including four medical professionals were granted bail of N$25,000 each by the Ondangwa Magistrate's Court in connection with an alleged N$2.2 million fraud case involving Sanlam. The accused face 13 charges, with strict bail conditions including surrender of travel documents and a prohibition on committing similar offences.

    8 August 2026 · The Namibian

  4. August 26 Logistics supports bereaved family after child's death

    August 26 Logistics donated groceries and household items to the family of five-year-old Romin Tsuses from Okahandja, who died on 22 July after suffering severe malnutrition. The donation is part of the company's Corporate Social Responsibility programme to support vulnerable families and communities.

    8 August 2026 · Informanté

Mining & Energy

  1. Mining sector generates over N$64 billion in 2025 sales

    Namibia's mining sector generated more than N$64 billion in mineral sales in 2025, a 25% increase from N$51.3 billion in 2024, with uranium and gold offsetting a 9.4% contraction in overall mining activity and a slump in diamond markets. The Chamber of Mines says the sector's diversification away from traditional diamond dependence reflects its resilience and ongoing contribution to taxes, exports, and employment.

    8 August 2026 · The Namibian

Agriculture & Land

  1. Livestock exports surge: cattle up 47%, sheep up 58%

    Live cattle exports increased by 47.4% in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, while live sheep exports rose by 58.1% year on year, the Minister of Agriculture announced at the Aminuis Annual Agricultural and Industrial Show in Omaheke Region.

    8 August 2026 · Informanté

  2. Namibia explores US livestock genetics partnership amid regional disease challenges

    Namibia and the United States are strengthening cooperation in the livestock sector through a roadshow hosted by the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia and the Namibian Stud Breeders Association, seeking alternative sources of high-quality breeding stock and reproductive material as regional livestock disease outbreaks disrupt traditional supply chains.

    8 August 2026 · Informanté

  3. Aminuis leaders seek investment in agriculture and salt harvesting

    Constituency and traditional authority leaders in Aminuis, about 150km south of Gobabis, are lobbying government and private investors to develop the settlement's agricultural, salt harvesting, and tourism potential, citing underground water reserves and vast salt pans that could support green schemes and generate jobs.

    8 August 2026 · The Namibian

Society

  1. Housing crisis now affects professionals like lawyers and doctors

    Namibian lawyer Kadhila Amoomo says professionals including lawyers, doctors and engineers can no longer afford homes, contrasting this with an earlier era when people in ordinary jobs could build houses and raise families.

    8 August 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. Teen rescuer of drowning twins to receive national hero status

    Kornelius Shimwafeni, 16, rescued infant twins from drowning in a pond in the Omusati region in May and will be conferred national hero status by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Heroes Day on 26 August. Shimwafeni, who cannot swim, dived in to save the babies after allegedly seeing their mother throw them into the water.

    8 August 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Teacher sentenced to 25 years for wife's death

    A teacher convicted of murdering his wife in a knife attack in their Windhoek home in April 2019 has been sentenced to 25 years' imprisonment. Acting judge Herman January rejected the defendant's claims of automatism and amnesia during the fatal stabbing.

    8 August 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Standard Bank Namibia opens dedicated breastfeeding room for employees

    Standard Bank Namibia has established a "mommy's room" at its Windhoek head office to provide employees who are breastfeeding with a private space to express and store breast milk. The bank says the facility supports mothers returning to work after maternity leave and is part of creating a workplace that values and responds to diverse employee needs.

    8 August 2026 · The Namibian

  5. 26-year-old arrested after fatal stabbing in Outapi

    A 26-year-old man was arrested for allegedly stabbing a 44-year-old man to death with an Okapi knife at Iipandahangano village in Outapi on Friday evening; the reason for the stabbing is unknown and investigations continue.

    8 August 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Two men arrested for rape in Omusati region

    Two men aged 20 and 37 from Oshazipeni village were arrested for allegedly raping a 20-year-old woman in Okagongo kaNaholongo village on Thursday. A separate incident involved a 35-year-old man allegedly sexually assaulting a 4-year-old minor in Ogongo constituency; that suspect has not yet been arrested pending investigation.

    8 August 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Man dies by suicide in Omusati after hearing voices

    A 35-year-old resident of Eemwandi village in Tsandi Constituency, Omusati Region, died by suicide after telling housemates he heard voices commanding him to hang himself; his body was found hanging from a tree on Friday afternoon. In a separate incident in Omusati, a 44-year-old was stabbed to death on Friday evening in Outapi Constituency by a 26-year-old suspect.

    8 August 2026 · Informanté

  8. Two workers die at Gammams Water Care Works facility

    Two employees of Cape Advanced Engineering Namibia died following an incident at the Gammams Water Care Works Wastewater Treatment Plant on Friday, 7 August 2026 at approximately 09:30. A third CAE employee survived the incident and is recovering; the City of Windhoek said a thorough investigation will be conducted.

    8 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  9. Two children struck and killed at Karibib roadblock

    Two children aged five and six died after being struck by a vehicle at the Karibib road block on Thursday afternoon when they ran into the road to cross it. The driver, a licensed 64-year-old, tested negative for alcohol, and the case is being investigated as culpable homicide.

    8 August 2026 · The Namibian

  10. Project Never Walk Alone distributes shoes to 400 Namibians

    Project Never Walk Alone, sponsored by the Road Fund Administration, distributed shoes to more than 400 barefooted Namibians across three Windhoek locations on Friday. The winter drive also provided socks and meals to over 1,500 people, aiming to restore dignity among those without sufficient footwear.

    8 August 2026 · The Namibian

  11. Two workers die at Windhoek wastewater treatment facility

    Two employees of Cape Advanced Engineering Namibia died at the Gammams Water Care Works Wastewater Treatment Plant in Windhoek on Friday morning while undertaking work at the facility. A third CAE employee survived the incident and is recovering, and the City of Windhoek said it is investigating the circumstances.

    8 August 2026 · The Namibian

  12. Child welfare minister warns against neglecting boys

    Minister of gender equality and child welfare Emma Kantema said Namibia cannot afford to leave boys behind, and that investing in boys leads to stronger families, safer communities and a brighter future for the country. She was speaking at an engagement session in Nkurenkuru themed on empowering the boy child and creating responsible men.

    8 August 2026 · The Namibian

  13. Kavango West reports 650 pupil dropouts in first semester

    A total of 650 pupils in Kavango West dropped out of school during the first semester of the academic year, comprising 342 boys and 308 girls. The education director attributed dropouts to economic hardships, with boys leaving to engage in temporary work, and cited contributing factors including child-headed households, limited hostel facilities, long distances to schools, and poor parental involvement.

    8 August 2026 · The Namibian

Culture

  1. Anna Afrikaner, People's Choice singer, returns to performing

    Anna Afrikaner, lead singer of Gobabis-based band People's Choice known for the song 'Don't Look Back' (also called 'Siwelewele'), made a major public appearance at the 'Ma /Gaisa Meets Oviritje' concert at Bobby Sissing Stadium at Khomasdal after years away from the stage. She reflects on her regrets about pursuing music as a sole career and is stepping back into the spotlight.

    8 August 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Cover songs revive royalties for Namibian musicians

    When younger artists record covers of forgotten masterpieces by legendary musicians, the original songwriters earn royalties again. The article argues that Namibia's radio stations prioritize newer music, leaving older artists without income; Nascam (the Namibian Society of Composers and Authors of Music) can only distribute royalties where music is actually licensed and played.

    8 August 2026 · The Namibian

Sport

  1. South Africa beats Argentina 17-10, extends winning streak

    World champions South Africa withstood a late post-hooter attack from Argentina to win 17-10 in a Test in Buenos Aires on Saturday, extending their winning streak to 12 internationals. South Africa captain Siya Kolisi said the game was tough preparation ahead of their upcoming series against New Zealand, though he suffered a hamstring injury that will require a scan.

    8 August 2026 · The Namibian

World & Region

  1. Namibian learner selected for Arctic expedition aboard Russian icebreaker

    Tironenn Amutenya Kadhikwa from Namibia has been chosen from nearly 5,000 candidates across 22 countries to join Rosatom's 2026 Icebreaker of Knowledge programme aboard a Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker, embarking on a 10-day voyage to the North Pole and Franz Josef Land.

    8 August 2026 · Informanté

Opinion

  1. Namibia exports uranium while importing electricity

    An opinion piece contrasts Namibia's lack of execution on development plans with China's discipline in implementing long-term goals, using the paradox of Namibia shipping uranium globally while importing its own power as an example of missed opportunity.

    8 August 2026 · Informanté

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