Namibia Minute.
Thursday, 13 August 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Thursday, 13 August 2026
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Archive Minute from Thursday, 13 August 2026

Politics

  1. President honours Castro's role in Namibia's liberation struggle

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah commemorated Fidel Castro's centenary at State House, describing him as a "friend of Africa" whose internationalist commitment and support helped shape Namibia's liberation. She highlighted Cuba's crucial role in the 1988 Battle of Cuito Cuanavale and called the occasion "deeply personal" for Namibians.

    13 August 2026 · Informanté

  2. //Kharas governor tours region to strengthen government engagement

    Governor Eugenia Moche and officials launched a regional tour in //Kharas starting in Ariamsvlei on 10 August 2026 to strengthen government and community engagement, monitor development projects, and address community concerns ranging from sewer networks and waste management to land allocation. The delegation also visited the Ariamsvlei Border Post and Location 64, and observed veterinary services demonstrations on Foot-and-Mouth Disease control.

    13 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  3. Erongo Regional Council reports governance progress across seven constituencies

    The Erongo Regional Council held its 369th Ordinary Meeting on 10 August 2026, with chairperson Lazarus Kanelombe reporting on strides in governance, economic development, education, infrastructure and community welfare. The council engaged stakeholders on development projects, road infrastructure priorities, and preparations for the Integrated Field Exercise 2026 in Swakopmund.

    13 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. Amnesty International seeks court role in Namibia-Germany genocide reparations case

    Amnesty International has applied to be admitted as a "friend of the court" in a High Court challenge to the Namibia-Germany Joint Declaration on the 1904-1908 genocide, bringing international human rights expertise to debates over what meaningful reparations should entail for the Ovaherero and Nama communities.

    13 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  5. Namibian delegation performs rituals for Heroes Day reburial

    A Namibian delegation including family representatives, former political prisoners, traditional leaders and government officials performed customary rituals and verification processes in Cape Town on Wednesday ahead of the exhumation and repatriation of the remains of Simon Niilenge and Festus Nehale. The remains are expected to be exhumed before their planned reburial in Namibia on 24 August.

    13 August 2026 · The Namibian

Business

  1. High Court orders NAC to allow PUMA Energy to resume fuelling

    The Windhoek High Court has ordered the Namibia Airports Company to reinstate PUMA Energy on the premises of Eros and Ondangwa airports so it may resume aviation fuelling services, following NAC's alleged lockout of PUMA employees in March 2026.

    13 August 2026 · Informanté

  2. Minister hands over N$132 million Walvis Bay road rehabilitation

    Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi officially handed over a N$132 million road rehabilitation project covering six deteriorating roads and roughly eight kilometres across Walvis Bay, a collaboration between the Roads Authority, Road Fund Administration, and Walvis Bay Municipality with Unik Construction as contractor. Nekundi emphasised the need for accountability, on-time delivery within budget, quality standards, and fair treatment of workers.

    13 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  3. Fire destroys lodge under construction in Kavango East

    A fire destroyed Andara Lodge in Kavango East on Tuesday, reducing six completed rooms to ashes and destroying an estimated N$1.6 million in property. The lodge, which had been under construction since 2016 and was scheduled to open in December, caught fire when an employee burnt garbage near the rooms, with the thatched structures quickly spreading flames.

    13 August 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Financial adviser Schlabitz offers assets to repay investors

    Windhoek financial adviser Hanjo Schlabitz has offered to sell his house, an orphanage stake, cattle, and shares to compensate investors who lost N$250 million when his Wealth Management Solutions business collapsed in April after a forex trading platform failure. The offered assets total less than 5% of the amount lost, according to The Namibian.

    13 August 2026 · The Namibian

Mining & Energy

  1. Baynes dam project lacks required environmental clearance

    The Office of the Ombudsman found that consultations for the proposed 860-megawatt Baynes hydropower dam do not satisfy requirements under the Environmental Management Act.

    13 August 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. Namibia needs N$239bn in international climate finance support

    Namibia needs about N$314 billion to implement its new climate plan, with government expecting nearly N$239 billion to come from international funding and support.

    13 August 2026 · Namibian Sun

  3. Deputy minister visits India for diamond expertise benchmarking

    Deputy minister of industries, mines and energy Gaudentia Kröhne is in India on a week-long benchmarking and familiarisation visit at the invitation of Mehul Shah, president of the organisation hosting the visit.

    13 August 2026 · Namibian Sun

  4. Mining expansion encroaches on Kunene communities

    Epupa Constituency Councillor Tjimutambo Kuuoko says mining expansion in the area is increasingly encroaching on communities and homesteads.

    13 August 2026 · Namibian Sun

  5. Fishing group challenges phosphate mining environmental clearance

    The Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations has filed a formal appeal challenging the environmental commissioner's grant of an environmental clearance certificate to Namibia Marine Phosphate, arguing the company's mining licence expired years ago and the commissioner lacked authority to issue the certificate under the Environmental Management Act.

    13 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  6. Fisheries minister declares zero tolerance for fishing rights corruption

    Fisheries and marine resources minister Inge Zaamwani declared zero tolerance for corruption in the management of Namibia's marine resources at a Corruption Risk Assessment Workshop in Walvis Bay, stating that allocation of fishing rights and quotas must be guided by legality, fairness, transparency, and accountability rather than personal interests or favouritism.

    13 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  7. Erongo community demands 5% stake in Kokoseb gold project

    The Katora community in Dâures constituency is demanding a 5% stake in the Kokoseb gold mine project, saying the community should directly benefit from mining on its ancestral land and calling for recognition as the legitimate host community and a benefit-sharing agreement covering employment, procurement, and development.

    13 August 2026 · The Namibian

Agriculture & Land

  1. Pensioner farmers denied resettlement, lose livestock to theft

    Pensioner farmers Settie and Maria Saal, farming near Stampriet since 1998, have been left stranded after their landlord sold privately owned land where they rented. Local councillors told them they were too old to acquire land or be resettled, and the couple have lost 160 of their 200 goats and sheep to theft while seeking alternative farmland.

    13 August 2026 · New Era

Society

  1. Workers struggle under household debt amid stagnant incomes

    Namibia's household debt burden is under scrutiny as workers and communities report that borrowing has become a means of survival rather than financial advancement.

    13 August 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. Ministry of Education launches Namibia Learning Passport

    The Ministry of Education, in partnership with UNICEF, has officially launched the Namibia Learning Passport, a digital learning platform aimed at expanding access to educational resources, particularly for young people in rural, remote and underserved communities with limited connectivity.

    13 August 2026 · Informanté

  3. Woman sues police for N$5m over alleged brutality-caused miscarriage

    Sostenus Wilherm Rosalia Chantal Martin is claiming N$5 million from the minister of home affairs and the inspector general of the Namibian Police Force, alleging three officers beat, strangled and dragged her during an attempted arrest in January 2023 while she was 17–22 weeks pregnant, resulting in a miscarriage. The High Court postponed the case to 22 September 2026 for closing submissions.

    13 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. Oshakati bail hearing postponed due to interpreter unavailability

    The bail application hearing of Sageus Katoteli, 61, accused of shooting a police officer at ACC offices in Oshakati on 8 May, was postponed in Oshakati Magistrate's Court on Thursday because the Afrikaans interpreter was unavailable; the hearing is expected to resume on Friday. Katoteli told the court he pulled out his firearm from fear of jail during an arrest at the ACC offices, claiming he had no intention of shooting the officer.

    13 August 2026 · Informanté

  5. Police intensify enforcement on B1, B2 during holiday period

    Namibian Police have launched an integrated road safety operation running from 12 August to 10 September, focusing on the B1 and B2 national road corridors following 279 deaths in 1,747 road crashes between January and August 2026. The operation will deploy twenty dedicated Traffic Law Enforcement Officers and target speeding, drunk driving, reckless driving, and vehicle safety violations.

    13 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  6. Approximately 11,000 liberation veterans still lack Individual Veterans' Projects

    About 11,000 registered liberation veterans remain without Individual Veterans' Projects (IVPs), with only about 15,000 of approximately 26,000 registered veterans having received the N$200,000 once-off grant. Funding the remaining beneficiaries is estimated to require N$1.9 billion, prompting calls for government to provide Parliament with a time-bound plan.

    13 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  7. Police declare Operation Zakawe phase two success

    Zambezi regional commander Julia Sakuwa-Neo has declared the 10-day phase two of Operation Zakawe, a joint police initiative spanning three regions, a success. During the August 3–12 operation involving multiple law enforcement entities, 1,454 illicit items were confiscated in the Zambezi region and traffic fines valued at N$59,500 were issued.

    13 August 2026 · The Namibian

  8. Young Namibians face skills-experience gap in job search

    Hileni Ndinaomukumo Amukugo describes her job search as marked by rejection despite qualifications, citing barriers including experience requirements for entry-level roles, the cost of applications, limited industries, and mental health strain while waiting for employment.

    13 August 2026 · New Era

  9. Student walks 20km daily between Havana and college

    Maria Shiimi, a Supply Chain and Logistics Management student at Triumphant College, walks about 20km each day from Havana to Khomasdal because she cannot afford both rent and taxi fare. She leaves home around 5h00 and arrives on campus at 7h15, enduring physical hardship including sore feet, hunger, and cold-related pain.

    13 August 2026 · New Era

  10. Funding freeze halts veterans' housing and resettlement projects

    The veterans affairs ministry has suspended house construction and resettlement for liberation struggle veterans due to financial constraints. More than 11,000 veterans remain unpaid under Individual Veterans' Projects, with the government requiring about N$1.9 billion to settle outstanding payments.

    13 August 2026 · New Era

  11. 80% of Zambezi employers breach minimum wage obligations

    The sole labour inspector in Zambezi Region reports that 80% of employers are not complying with the national minimum wage, and identifies widespread non-payment of overtime and unfair dismissal practices, attributing some issues to employer and worker lack of knowledge of the Labour Act.

    13 August 2026 · Informanté

  12. Veld fire in Ongos area brought under control

    A veld fire in the Ongos area near Windhoek has largely been brought under control by City of Windhoek firefighters, with Khomas Regional Governor Sam Nujoma joining crews on the ground at Farm Augeihas to assist efforts and donating support to the Fire Brigade.

    13 August 2026 · Informanté

  13. B2 road collision kills truck driver, injures Zimbabwe national

    A 42-year-old Namibian truck driver died in a three-vehicle collision on the B2 road between Usakos and Arandis on Tuesday afternoon, when his truck caught fire after allegedly hitting another truck and then colliding head-on with a Freightliner. A 36-year-old Zimbabwean driver of the Freightliner sustained serious injuries and was transferred to Windhoek State Hospital; police opened cases of culpable homicide and reckless or negligent driving.

    13 August 2026 · Informanté

  14. Zambezi employers not paying required minimum wage, official says

    A Zambezi labour inspector told Parliament that 80% of retailers and wholesale shop owners in the region are not paying the statutory minimum wage of N$18 per hour, citing employer claims of financial inability and citing also widespread issues with unpaid overtime and unfair dismissals.

    13 August 2026 · The Namibian

  15. N$3.5 million frozen in Burundian national's suspected drug case

    Acting prosecutor general Martha Imalwa has secured a property preservation order freezing N$3.5 million in bank accounts belonging to Burundian national Asani Niyonzima, 26, following his January arrest on cocaine charges in Klein Windhoek. Imalwa alleges the funds are linked to drug dealing, money laundering, and tax evasion, citing a sudden influx of cash exceeding N$3.5 million between 2023 and early 2026, though Niyonzima claims the money came from legitimate business activities.

    13 August 2026 · The Namibian

  16. Lawyer delays response to mental evaluation report on accused

    Defence lawyer Milton Engelbrecht says he needs time to consider a psychiatric evaluation report on his client, Giano Seibeb (29), who was arrested at State House in Windhoek on 30 April after allegedly being found naked on the premises. Seibeb's case has been postponed to 4 September.

    13 August 2026 · The Namibian

  17. Flood-affected Zambezi school elevation project costs N$268.7m

    The Central Procurement Board says it will cost N$268.7 million to elevate the grounds of the flood-affected Muzii Combined School in the Zambezi region over three years. The contract was awarded to Art Construction CC and will include elevated platforms, embankment protection, hostel blocks, and other school infrastructure to improve resilience and safety.

    13 August 2026 · The Namibian

  18. Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun Foundation donates to Windhoek firefighters

    The Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun Foundation and National United Security Services donated essential items to the City of Windhoek Fire Brigade to support firefighting efforts around Windhoek. The Ongos veldfire, which affected approximately 4,700 hectares, has been extinguished, though a small active fire line was observed moving towards Daan Viljoen.

    13 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Culture

  1. OATF and Olufuko Festival set for concurrent August events

    The Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair will run 21–29 August under the theme "A Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Economy," while the Olufuko Cultural Festival takes place 24 August to 1 September in Outapi under "Our Culture, Our Pride, Our Heritage." The two flagship Northern events will run almost concurrently this year, with Olufuko dates moved up to align with the school calendar.

    13 August 2026 · Informanté

  2. Next Ma /Gaisa Star Season 5 holds semi-acoustic competition round

    Namibia's Next Ma /Gaisa Star competition has advanced to its semi-acoustic round with 14 contestants performing live before judges at NBC TV Studio 4 for the first time, after two contestants were disqualified for absconding from an original 16 semifinalists drawn from over 600 video submissions.

    13 August 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Katima Mulilo council blocks Yo Maps show during Bream Festival

    The Katima Mulilo Town Council has prohibited Zanami Investment from hosting a Yo Maps concert on 5 September, as it clashes with the ninth Zambezi Bream Festival (30 August–6 September). The council rejected a proposal to collaborate the events, citing that the bream festival is an officially gazetted government event that cannot run concurrently with commercial events.

    13 August 2026 · The Namibian

  4. New regional newspaper The Current launches in Walvis Bay

    The Current, a new newspaper for Erongo communities, launched at Walvis Bay yesterday and will be published every Thursday. The publication aims to cover local schools, authorities, councils, businesses and industries while holding local power to account.

    13 August 2026 · The Namibian

Sport

  1. PSG beats Aston Villa 2-1 in UEFA Super Cup

    Paris Saint-Germain defeated Aston Villa 2-1 in the UEFA Super Cup in Salzburg on Wednesday, with goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue, defending the title they won 12 months earlier against Tottenham Hotspur.

    13 August 2026 · The Namibian

  2. South Africa names squad for T20 Tri-Nations in Windhoek

    Cricket South Africa announced a squad captained by Bjorn Fortuin for the FNB T20 Tri-Nations series in Windhoek from 28 August to 13 September, featuring emerging players while resting established internationals for upcoming fixtures.

    13 August 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Namibia Breweries pledges N$2m to rugby union despite setbacks

    Namibia Breweries Limited announced a N$2-million sponsorship to the Namibian Rugby Union on Tuesday, reaffirming its backing for the sport despite the senior national side's failure to qualify for the Rugby World Cup for the first time in 26 years and the under-20 side's loss to Kenya in a World Rugby u20 Challenge qualifier.

    13 August 2026 · The Namibian

  4. MTC Hopsol Youth League approaches knockout stages

    The MTC Hopsol Youth League, launched in 2017 and now in its 10th year, continues with more than 120 teams from 26 clubs competing across age groups from under-nine to under-19, with player numbers growing from about 800 to more than 2,300 since inception.

    13 August 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Warriors World Cup campaign closes with N$243,667 balance

    Namibia's Brave Warriors World Cup campaign generated N$2.33 million in income over 10 months and ended with a N$243,667 balance, according to the final report submitted to the Namibia Football Association. The campaign, established to rally public and corporate support for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification bid, succeeded in raising public enthusiasm and securing sponsorship through events including a fundraising gala dinner.

    13 August 2026 · New Era

  6. Namibian fencer Ndjavera inspired by Disney, turned commitment

    Varivo Ndjavera's journey in fencing began after she watched the Disney Channel show "Elena of Avalor" and later spotted a fencing advertisement while driving to school. The sport, initially an after-school activity, has evolved into a serious competitive pursuit that has taken her beyond Namibia's borders and shaped her into a more resilient athlete.

    13 August 2026 · New Era

Tourism & Environment

  1. Ministry targets tourism GDP contribution of N$18.5bn by 2030

    The Ministry of Environment is targeting an increase in the tourism sector's contribution to Namibia's GDP to N$18.5 billion by 2030, up from N$14.3 billion in 2022. The Ministry also aims to boost tourist arrivals to 1.8 million and gaming revenue to N$76.5 million by the 2029/2030 financial year.

    13 August 2026 · Informanté

  2. Ongos veld fire destroys 4,700 hectares near Windhoek

    A veld fire in the Ongos area has affected approximately 4,700 hectares of land, according to preliminary data from the directorate of forestry. City of Windhoek firefighters have resumed containment efforts after winds forced suspension of operations, with remaining activity limited to contained interior fires and monitoring ongoing in affected areas.

    13 August 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Uuvudhiya veld fire destroys grasslands and wildlife habitat

    A forester from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism says the veld fire in Uuvudhiya constituency caused widespread ecological damage, destroying grasslands for livestock and habitats for micro-organisms, insects, and small wildlife, and damaging plant species including iitulu shrubs, acacia, and mopane that local communities and wildlife depend on for food and medicinal purposes.

    13 August 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Namibia implements blue economy for sustainable marine resource use

    Namibia is advancing sustainable use of marine resources through an integrated management approach that supports local communities and fair economic benefits while protecting ocean health. Current ocean industries include fishing, aquaculture, mining, shipping, and tourism, with future opportunities in renewable energy, marine biotechnology, and carbon trading.

    13 August 2026 · The Namibian

World & Region

  1. Botswana and Namibia complete Trans-Kalahari Railway feasibility study

    Botswana and Namibia have completed the feasibility study for the proposed Trans-Kalahari Railway, a 1,850-kilometre project linking Botswana's mining areas with Namibia's Port of Walvis Bay through approximately 1,025 kilometres of new track and 825 kilometres of upgraded existing rail lines. The two governments will now review the findings to determine financing structures and procurement processes.

    13 August 2026 · Informanté

  2. South Africa chairs SADC with focus on regional trade and critical minerals

    South Africa has assumed the SADC chairmanship for 2026–2027 with a commitment to raise intra-regional trade to 50% and shift member economies from exporting raw materials towards beneficiation and regional value chains. The region holds nearly 30% of the world's proven critical mineral reserves, and South Africa's agenda prioritises peace and security, industrialisation, infrastructure development, and social and human capital development.

    13 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  3. Trial begins for former gang leader in 1996 Tupac murder

    Duane "Keffe D" Davis (63), a former gang leader, is on trial for allegedly orchestrating the murder of rapper Tupac Shakur in a 1996 Las Vegas drive-by shooting. Davis is accused of ordering the killing and providing the gun; he faces life imprisonment without parole if convicted.

    13 August 2026 · The Namibian

  4. CAF chief Motsepe says Infantino's future should be decided by election

    Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe has said that Gianni Infantino's future as Fifa president should be decided by election, as the embattled Infantino faces criticism over an aborted plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors and pressure from UEFA, Concacaf and AFC to resign.

    13 August 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Namibia to send delegation to UNCCD COP 17 conference

    Namibia will send a delegation headed by Environment and Tourism Minister Indileni Daniel to the 17th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from 17 to 28 August.

    13 August 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Missing Namibian citizen Nguvi Mberirua found in London

    The Ministry of International Relations and Trade has confirmed that Namibian citizen Nguvi Mberirua, reported missing in London after a video of her appearing disoriented on a London underground train went viral, has been found and is in contact with her family. The ministry declined to disclose further details regarding her circumstances, citing privacy and welfare considerations.

    13 August 2026 · The Namibian

Opinion

  1. Africa's green energy transition risks replicating colonial resource extraction

    An opinion piece argues that Africa's critical mineral extraction for global energy transition is displacing communities and reproducing colonial patterns of resource exploitation, despite new language around sustainability and net zero.

    13 August 2026 · The Namibian

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