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Thursday, 20 August 2026
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Thursday, 20 August 2026
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Archive Minute from Thursday, 20 August 2026
Politics

Rundu Town Council cites training gaps in audit backlog

The News

Rundu Town Council CEO says the local authority uses consultants for financial statements because its finance staff lack specialised training in International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), which the council adopted in July 2018 and was given three years to implement. The council is seven years behind on financial statements and has faced criticism over its reliance on outside consultants despite employing financial officials.

20 August 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Politics

  1. Rundu Town Council cites training gaps in audit backlog

    Rundu Town Council CEO says the local authority uses consultants for financial statements because its finance staff lack specialised training in International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), which the council adopted in July 2018 and was given three years to implement. The council is seven years behind on financial statements and has faced criticism over its reliance on outside consultants despite employing financial officials.

    20 August 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. The Namibian retracts article about Musariri's New Era appointment

    The Namibian has retracted its 14 November print article and 16 November website article stating that New Era revoked Confidence Musariri's appointment, clarifying that Musariri was seconded to New Era by the Namibia Press Agency, not appointed by New Era. The retraction and apology were made pursuant to a High Court settlement agreement.

    10 hours ago · The Namibian →

  3. Government to tighten regulation of number plate manufacturers

    The Ministry of Works and Transport is planning to strengthen regulations for number plate manufacturers to combat counterfeit and illegally produced plates. Minister Veikko Nekundi said the move aims to ensure every number plate is legitimate, identifiable and traceable, and requires stronger implementation, enforcement and cooperation between government agencies, police and licensing authorities.

    11 hours ago · The Namibian →

  4. Parliamentarian urges cost-benefit analysis of new asset agency

    A Landless People's Movement parliamentarian has called for the government to conduct a thorough cost-benefit and mandate analysis of the proposed Public Asset Management Agency before implementation, arguing that existing institutions could perform the proposed functions instead and that billions of dollars' worth of redundant public assets could be sold to fund the treasury.

    11 hours ago · The Namibian →

  5. NamPol to pay N$500,000 for Arabic translations in terrorism case

    The Namibian Police Force's Procurement Unit has been ordered to pay N$500,000 for translation of Arabic documents in the High Court terrorism case involving Jona Hangula, after a lack of available court-admitted Arabic translators prompted the procurement of private translation services.

    10 hours ago · Informanté →

  6. President hosts Africa CDC and WHO leaders at State House

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah held separate meetings with the heads of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization at State House, focusing on Namibia's health priorities and regional cooperation. The discussions centred on the fifth Southern Africa Regional Ministerial Steering Committee meeting being hosted in Namibia, with emphasis on African countries working together to address challenges and advance sustainable development.

    12 hours ago · Informanté →

Business

  1. MTC urges government smartphone subsidies ahead of 2G, 3G shutdown

    MTC told parliament's ICT committee that government should subsidise smartphones before 2G and 3G networks are phased out, to prevent customers being left without compatible devices as the frequencies are reassigned to 4G and 5G.

    20 August 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. New business permit streamlines investor approval in Namibia

    Namibia's home affairs ministry has introduced the Employment Permit to Conduct Business, effective 1 September 2026, to simplify investor approval and reduce administrative barriers. The new permit, valid for up to five years compared to the standard two-year permit, is intended for qualifying investors whose status has been confirmed by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board.

    21 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Namibia's non-bank sector grows to N$552.8 billion in assets

    Namibia's non-bank financial sector has grown to more than N$552.8 billion in assets, with collective investment schemes managing approximately N$123.4 billion by end of 2025, a 19.2% increase from the previous year. The sector highlights the growing role of non-bank institutions in mobilising savings and financing economic activity as the country seeks to deepen its capital markets.

    22 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

  4. Trans-Kalahari Railway project moves to procurement phase

    The Trans-Kalahari Railway, a proposed 1,850-kilometre corridor linking mineral deposits in Botswana to Walvis Bay, has completed a feasibility study confirming technical feasibility and economic viability, and will enter procurement phase estimated to begin in August 2026, with construction timing to be determined pending regulatory approvals.

    22 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

  5. TransNamib partnership with MSC to expand container rail volumes

    TransNamib expects a strategic partnership with global shipping line MSC to significantly increase containerised cargo transported by rail between Walvis Bay and Windhoek, with volumes initially estimated at about 10,000 tonnes a month and potentially rising to around 30,000 tonnes a month by 2028.

    22 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

  6. Metropolitan launches campaign featuring real Namibian client stories

    Metropolitan Namibia has launched a campaign called "The Story Of" built around real-life experiences of its clients, featuring authentic stories from across the country that showcase the role of financial planning and insurance in helping Namibians protect families and achieve financial goals.

    22 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

  7. Namibia to gazette petroleum standards, establish fuel-testing laboratory in 2027

    Namibia plans to gazette its first standards for petroleum products in early 2027, with the Namibian Standards Institution (NSI) setting up a fuel-testing laboratory to commence testing and verification services the same year under a service level agreement with the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy.

    14 hours ago · The Namibian →

  8. Teacher runs online order business for extra income

    Julia Nakale, a teacher in Ongwediva, started an "Order with me" business in May 2019 while a university student to earn extra money. The business, which sells clothes, shoes and electronics, has grown into a reliable additional income source that she manages through careful time management, processing orders on Saturdays and during school holidays.

    16 hours ago · New Era →

  9. Walvis Bay car wash operators given 14-day eviction notice

    The Walvis Bay municipality has ordered car wash operators to vacate road reserves along Sam Nujoma Avenue and Independence Road within 14 days, citing lack of required municipal approvals and permits. Operators say they were previously told the area was designated for car wash businesses and have invested in their operations; they question where they will relocate.

    9 hours ago · The Namibian →

  10. Marco Fishing lockout affects 300 workers for three weeks

    A lockout at Marco Fishing involving about 300 employees continues as wage negotiations between the company and the Namibia Food and Allied Workers Union stall. The union is demanding a one-year deal with N$800 plus fish commission for some workers and N$27 per hour for land-based employees, while the company has offered a 5% increase spread over three years.

    11 hours ago · The Namibian →

Mining & Energy

  1. Ombudsman's Baynes hydropower report delayed by administrative error

    The ombudsman's office confirmed it failed to send a report on its inquiry into the proposed Baynes hydropower project to the project's implementation unit due to an administrative oversight, and delivered it on 17 August 2026. The inquiry found no environmental clearance certificate exists for the project, consultations did not satisfy the Environmental Management Act, and communities in Epupa are divided over the development.

    20 August 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. 4th Namibia Oil and Gas Conference concludes with sector focus

    The Namibia Oil and Gas Conference 2026 brought together over 1,500 delegates, more than 120 speakers, and over 70 exhibitors to discuss the country's emerging petroleum sector and its contribution to national development, with discussions centred on investment, local content, enterprise development, skills, infrastructure, and financing.

    19 hours ago · Informanté →

  3. Cabinet approves Namibia's upstream petroleum local content policy

    Namibia's Cabinet has approved the National Upstream Petroleum Local Content Policy, designed to increase Namibian participation across the petroleum value chain through local business development, employment, skills transfer, and procurement access. The government aims to move from exploration to production between 2026 and 2030, prioritising local employment, suppliers, and skills development.

    21 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

  4. Namibia should build capacity, not just protect local oil firms

    At the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference, Solewant Group CEO Solomon Ewanehi argued that local content policies should aim to develop internationally competitive Namibian companies capable of winning work across Africa, rather than simply sheltering domestic businesses from competition.

    16 hours ago · The Namibian →

  5. Oil success measured by benefits to Namibian lives

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi said Namibia's oil discoveries will be measured on how many Namibian lives they improve, and called on Namibians to actively participate in developing the emerging oil and gas industry to create employment, skills, and infrastructure.

    16 hours ago · New Era →

  6. Government assures oil and gas investors of policy certainty

    At the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference, mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse reassured investors that policy uncertainty will not derail Namibia's most advanced offshore oil projects, citing institutional, policy, and fiscal certainty. The move of upstream petroleum control from the energy ministry to the Office of the Presidency is a deliberate realignment to protect the sector, Amutse said, while a new local content policy approved this month provides investors with clear expectations.

    9 hours ago · The Namibian →

  7. Chevron sells stake in Namibian oil block to Equinor

    Harmattan Energy Limited, a Chevron subsidiary, has agreed to farm out a 17.4 percent participating interest in Petroleum Exploration License 90 in Namibia's Orange Basin to Equinor Energy International AS. The transaction is subject to pre-emption rights and regulatory approvals, with an exploration well scheduled before year-end.

    16 hours ago · Informanté →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Agriculture ministry terminates 6th Grain Corporation agreement

    The Ministry of Agriculture has formally terminated its Remote Sensing Agricultural Services Agreement with 6th Grain Corporation, which aimed to implement an AI and satellite imagery-driven crop monitoring system. The ministry's spokesperson stated the decision followed a review that found the agreement did not meet requisite legal and procedural requirements for government contracts.

    4 hours ago · Informanté →

  2. OPM and NAU sign disaster preparedness agreement for agriculture

    The Office of the Prime Minister and Namibia Agricultural Union have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience in the agricultural sector, establishing a framework for collaboration in responding to veld fires, drought, and animal disease outbreaks.

    20 August 2026 · Informanté →

  3. EU livestock inspections resume with temporary producer funding

    Namibian livestock producers supplying EU markets faced inspection suspensions when the Directorate of Veterinary Services' operational budget was exhausted. A temporary arrangement now allows producers to cover travel and related costs of state veterinarians conducting required EU certification inspections, channelled through the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia.

    22 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

  4. Illegal sand mining continues across Namibia despite environmental laws

    The Ministry of Environment and Tourism says illegal sand and gravel mining persists across the country, posing dangers to the environment, people and livestock. The ministry notes that such commercial extraction requires an environmental impact assessment and clearance certificate, and that illegal sites are particularly prevalent in north-central regions.

    16 hours ago · The Namibian →

  5. El Niño could push 50 million into acute hunger by 2027

    The UN World Food Programme warns that El Niño, potentially the strongest in 70 years, could push about 50 million people into acute hunger before the end of 2027, adding to the 225 million already in acute food insecurity across 45 countries. Central and South America, the Caribbean, and southern Africa are likely to be worst affected, while south and south-east Asia may face reduced rainfall threatening agriculture.

    16 hours ago · The Namibian →

Society

  1. Windhoek police arrest four suspects in Khomasdal operations

    The Windhoek City Police Service intercepted four suspects in two separate incidents in Khomasdal during early morning hours on Tuesday and Wednesday, with some suspects having pending cases and others found with implements that could be used to commit crimes. Police have called on crime victims in Khomasdal to come forward to assist investigations.

    6 hours ago · Informanté →

  2. Erongo governor demands accountability for officials' absence at arts festival

    Erongo governor Nathalia /Goagoses criticised senior education officials, regional leaders, and the Erongo Regional Council chairperson for skipping the opening of the Erongo Arts and Culture Regional Festival 2026 in Karibib, and said she has expressed her disappointment to education minister Sanet Steenkamp, demanding an explanation for their no-shows.

    20 August 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  3. Man dies after spear strike during Okahandja brawl

    A 26-year-old man died after being struck with a spear during a physical fight at Ekunde No. 2 in Okahandja on Tuesday, police said. The incident followed an alleged robbery of a tablet from a 17-year-old boy; four suspects aged 17, 25, 27 and 31 have been arrested.

    20 August 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  4. Namibian job seekers must perfect CVs to stand out

    In Namibia's competitive job market where youth unemployment stands at 44.4%, a CV serves as a candidate's first interview. Applicants should ensure accurate contact details, tailor CVs to specific opportunities, and avoid common mistakes like incorrect phone numbers and outdated email addresses.

    20 August 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  5. DEN Foundation launches to address boys' education gap in Namibia

    Research presented at the launch of the Denga Epaphras Ndaitwah Impact Foundation shows girls outnumber boys in secondary and tertiary enrolment, with boys experiencing higher repetition and school-leaving rates. The foundation aims to provide targeted interventions to address declining male participation and academic outcomes while complementing existing support for girls.

    22 hours ago · Informanté →

  6. Namibia must sustain anti-firearms campaign beyond amnesty

    The Windhoek Observer welcomes the Namibian Police Force's September amnesty for illegal firearms but warns that prevention efforts must extend beyond the month-long initiative. Between September 2025 and June 2026, the country recorded 20 firearm murders, 261 armed robberies, and hundreds of other weapons-related offences, underscoring the need for a sustained national campaign against firearms.

    21 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

  7. Namibia extends amnesty for illegal gun surrender until September 30

    Namibia's safety and security minister Lucia Iipumbu launched a 2026 September Amnesty Month on Wednesday, giving illegal firearm owners until 30 September to surrender their weapons without arrest or prosecution. After the amnesty period ends, offenders will be prosecuted according to national laws.

    21 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

  8. Minors hospitalised after consuming recovered vodka drinks

    Several minors were taken to Otavi Clinic after consuming vodka-based mixed alcoholic beverages recovered from a truck accident near Otavi on Tuesday. The Otavi Town Council warned residents against consuming, selling or distributing the products, citing concerns they were not intended for the Namibian market, contain high alcohol concentration, and may have been contaminated during the accident.

    21 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

  9. Oshana region records growth but faces unemployment challenges

    The Oshana Regional Council reported economic progress in 2025/2026, including job creation, infrastructure development and education gains, but cited persistent unemployment and limited resources as key obstacles. The region created 120 permanent and 1,681 temporary jobs and invested about N$357.3 million in infrastructure projects.

    16 hours ago · The Namibian →

  10. Uis small-scale gemstone miners face local resistance

    Small-scale miners in Uis, whose gemstone trade has sustained families for decades, are facing opposition from a local service station that brands the activity illegal and discourages tourists from supporting them, directing visitors instead to miners selling under a tree across the road.

    16 hours ago · New Era →

  11. Namibia recorded 91 544 mental health cases in 2024/25

    Namibia recorded 91 544 new mental health cases during the 2024/25 financial year, with 11 489 patients admitted for treatment and 123 deaths. Chief health programme officer Magdalena Didalelwa noted that stigma, limited awareness, and undiagnosed cases mean statistics represent only a fraction of the actual mental health burden.

    16 hours ago · New Era →

  12. Man convicted of murdering girlfriend in Otjiwarongo knife attack

    Protasius Kuvirua (35) was found guilty in the High Court of murdering his girlfriend Auguste Jonas (28) with a knife at her flat in Otjiwarongo on 19 March 2023. He was also convicted of assault by threat after chasing another man while wielding a knife; Jonas died from a stab wound to the heart and had thirteen stab injuries recorded during post-mortem examination.

    9 hours ago · The Namibian →

  13. Namibia reports 11 489 mental health admissions in 2024/25

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services reported 11 489 people admitted for mental health treatment during the 2024/25 financial year, with 91 544 total mental health cases and 123 deaths. Chief health programme officer Magdalena Didalelwa attributed the burden to stigma, discrimination, family distress, and social ills, and called for stronger multi-sectoral collaboration in schools to improve early identification and support.

    9 hours ago · The Namibian →

  14. Mukwe hostel children go days without food

    Kambimba Senior Primary School's community hostel in Mukwe, Kavango East, built from discarded material in 2021, houses about 66 pupils from surrounding villages but lacks adequate food, with children sometimes going days without meals, and the structure poses safety concerns. The school principal says the hostel also lacks mattresses, blankets, proper sanitation, and assistance is needed for construction materials and funding to build a proper facility.

    11 hours ago · The Namibian →

  15. Nine patients discharged after spilled vodka drinks incident

    Nine patients, including seven minors, were admitted to Otavi Health Centre on 18 August 2026 after consuming vodka energy drinks that spilled from an overturned truck. All have been discharged in stable condition with no further referrals, according to the Ministry of Health and Social Services.

    13 hours ago · Informanté →

Culture

  1. Filmmaker launches audio-visual portrait of Bience Gawanas

    Filmmaker Othilia Mungoba has released 'The Encapsulation of Bience Gawanas', an audio-visual portrait exploring one of Namibia's most prominent figures and her contributions to the country's liberation and development. The film's premiere screening will take place on 28 August in Windhoek, featuring a live question-and-answer session with Gawanas.

    8 hours ago · The Namibian →

Sport

  1. Lee and Baena score as Atletico Madrid beat Malaga 2-0

    Kang-In Lee and Alex Baena scored second-half goals to help Atletico Madrid open their La Liga campaign with a 2-0 win over Malaga on Wednesday. The Rojiblancos, who last won La Liga in 2021, fielded a side with several youngsters and substitutes as Julian Alvarez was unavailable.

    20 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. McIlroy questions whether LIV stars brought value to tour

    Rory McIlroy questioned whether Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm had brought "value" to LIV Golf as the rival tour, having lost Saudi backing, cancels its season-ending championship and explores a slimmed-down schedule. McIlroy, a PGA Tour loyalist, reiterated his opposition to LIV and predicted a "tough, tough road back" for its top holdouts seeking to return to the traditional tour.

    20 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. All Blacks must execute perfectly to beat Springboks in series

    Former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick told AFP that the current New Zealand team must "get everything right" to win a four-Test series against South Africa that begins Saturday, saying they cannot afford yellow cards or bad scrums. The series, billed as the "Greatest Rivalry," will be played at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, Cape Town, a Johannesburg soccer stadium, and Baltimore over consecutive Saturdays.

    20 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Madison Bergh breaks three records at Short Course Gala

    Madison Bergh, 17, of Marlins Swimming Club broke three records at the Nasfed Bank Windhoek Short Course Gala 4 (13–15 August): a national Open female record in the 400m freestyle (4:29.11) and two girls 17–18 age group records in the 400m and 800m freestyle events.

    19 hours ago · The Namibian →

  5. Namibia wins six medals at Zimbabwe Junior Hockey Series

    Namibia's junior hockey teams won six medals at the Zimbabwe Junior Hockey Series in Harare over the weekend: gold in u13 boys, silver in u13 girls and u16 boys, and bronze in u16 girls, u18 boys and u18 girls. The Namibia Hockey Union president said the teams were competitive despite late withdrawals and injuries affecting performance.

    19 hours ago · The Namibian →

  6. Namibia Special Olympics president praises Motor Activity Training Programme

    Charles Nyambe, Namibia Special Olympics president, credited the local Olympic movement for an inspirational Motor Activity Training Programme held on Friday, 14 August, saying the event reminded him of the movement's impact in serving athletes with profound intellectual disabilities and creating belonging regardless of ability.

    19 hours ago · The Namibian →

  7. Desert Queens FC wins promotion to Women's Super League

    Desert Queens FC, an Erongo-based club, secured promotion to the Women's Super League after winning all three promotional play-off matches in their first competitive season. Founded by Michael Pengeyo, the club has also won the Erongo Women Regional League and the Erongo Women NFA Cup in less than a year of competition.

    19 hours ago · New Era →

  8. Kruger selected for international coaching programme

    Larushka Kruger, a Namibian tennis player whose injury ended her college tennis prospects in the United States, has been accepted into the International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Programme as the only Namibian selected. Supported through Olympic Solidarity, the programme offers virtual learning, residency coursework and international apprenticeship opportunities to strengthen coaching knowledge.

    19 hours ago · New Era →

  9. Khomas100 attracts record 400 cyclists from 14 countries

    The 2026 Khomas100 gravel cycling event, hosting the CAC African Continental Gravel Championships and a UCI Gravel World Series round, will feature more than 400 cyclists from 14 countries on 22 August, making it one of the largest fields assembled for the event. The elite field includes defending women's African Gravel Champion Hayley Preen of South Africa and other accomplished gravel and road cyclists from Africa and beyond.

    9 hours ago · The Namibian →

  10. Springboks captain Kolisi misses first New Zealand Test

    South Africa captain Siya Kolisi will miss the first Test against New Zealand in Johannesburg on Saturday due to a hamstring injury, with head coach Rassie Erasmus opting for a precautionary approach. Paul de Villiers will start in his place, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu given the fly-half role and inside centre Damian de Allende set to become the 10th Springbok centurion.

    13 hours ago · The Namibian →

  11. First Gentleman tournament draws 34 teams to Okongo

    The 2026 edition of First Gentleman Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah's Annual Sports Tournament began at Elia Weyulu Sports Field in Okongo, Ohangwena Region, with 24 youth soccer teams, 10 Legends teams, five netball teams, and two volleyball teams competing over four days through Sunday, with prize money across all codes.

    7 hours ago · Informanté →

Tourism & Environment

  1. Otjiwarongo firefighters safely extinguish farm enclosure fire amid crocodiles

    Firefighters at the Otjiwarongo Crocodile Farm tackled a blaze that reached a thatched roof on Monday, working around large crocodiles that had to be herded to safety because they are sensitive to smoke. Neither the reptiles nor the firefighters were injured, and the fire was prevented from spreading to the restaurant and accommodation facilities on the property.

    20 August 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. Infrastructure work destroys trees at Avis Dam without consultation

    Greenspace, which manages Avis Dam, says the City of Windhoek cleared vegetation including a 50-year-old camelthorn tree for electricity pole installation without notice or apparent necessity, arguing the poles could have been positioned to avoid the trees.

    16 hours ago · The Namibian →

  3. Marine consultant backs call for expanded ocean research

    A marine biodiversity consultant supports a Ministry of Agriculture official's view that more research is needed to understand ocean resources, noting that while some work has been done in Namibia on sensitive ocean areas, recommendations have not been followed up. A ministry director cited that only 10% of the ocean has been explored, and highlighted the growing ocean-based economy, including marine transport, tourism, fisheries, and renewable energy, alongside challenges such as plastic waste, illegal fishing, and climate change.

    16 hours ago · The Namibian →

World & Region

  1. India drives global coal mining proposals to record increase

    Global Energy Monitor reported that proposed new coal mining projects in 2025 would increase global supplies by 2.5 billion tonnes annually, an 11% rise driven largely by India's plans to boost coal output by nearly 100 million tonnes to meet rising electricity demand.

    16 hours ago · The Namibian →

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