Namibia Minute.
Saturday, 5 September 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Saturday, 5 September 2026
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Archive Minute from Saturday, 5 September 2026
Politics

Murder accused claims police never explained constitutional rights

The News

One of three men accused of robbing and murdering a Windhoek resident at Avis Dam in July 2020 claims police never informed him of his constitutional rights from arrest in November 2020 until now, though the detective who questioned him disputes this, testifying he did explain the right to silence, legal representation, and legal aid before the accused agreed to make a statement.

5 September 2026 · The Namibian

Politics

  1. Murder accused claims police never explained constitutional rights

    One of three men accused of robbing and murdering a Windhoek resident at Avis Dam in July 2020 claims police never informed him of his constitutional rights from arrest in November 2020 until now, though the detective who questioned him disputes this, testifying he did explain the right to silence, legal representation, and legal aid before the accused agreed to make a statement.

    5 September 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Parliament must prioritise accountability over political theatre

    An opinion piece argues that Namibia's parliament is descending into dysfunction and must refocus on its core purpose: making government answerable to the people through vigorous public scrutiny and debate, rather than becoming a venue for political vanity and confrontation.

    5 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  3. Rundu launches council-owned company for revenue and development

    Rundu Town Council has established Rundu Town Council Commercial Services (Pty) Ltd, a wholly council-owned commercial company intended to strengthen the town's revenue base, attract investment, and support municipal service delivery. Prime Minister Dr Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare remarked that the company belongs to residents and should prioritize public service delivery alongside generating profit, while local authorities should explore innovative financing methods to meet growing demand for infrastructure and services.

    5 September 2026 · Informanté

Business

  1. New five-year employment permit launched for business investors

    The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has launched a new employment permit valid for up to five years, effective immediately, to make Namibia more attractive to investors and improve the investment climate by reducing administrative barriers.

    12 hours ago · Informanté

  2. Sound investment strategy requires planning before product selection

    Successful investing starts with understanding your financial goals, risk tolerance, and timeline rather than chasing top-performing funds or market trends. A sound strategy evolves with changing markets and personal circumstances, guiding how investors respond when markets become uncomfortable.

    5 September 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Namibian construction minimum wage rises to N$20.43 per hour

    New minimum wages and employment conditions for construction workers came into force on 1 September and will remain in place for two years. Labourers and general workers will earn a minimum of N$20.43 per hour in the first year, rising to N$21.45 per hour from 1 September 2027, with the agreement also requiring employers to provide protective equipment and setting productivity standards.

    5 September 2026 · The Namibian

  4. V5 Digital launches AI Academy in Windhoek

    V5 Digital has launched an AI Academy in Windhoek to help Namibian organisations integrate artificial intelligence strategies into their operations. The academy offers AI readiness assessments, executive briefings, workshops, implementation programmes and advisory support to help businesses move from AI interest to practical implementation.

    5 September 2026 · The Namibian

  5. President urges Namibian businesses beyond symbolic corporate donations

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on Namibian companies to move beyond symbolic corporate social investment donations and instead create lasting socio-economic benefits for communities, measuring impact through outcomes like improved education, healthcare, and youth empowerment rather than announcement visibility.

    5 September 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Namibian graduate turns to cross-border trading after job search

    A Namibian graduate who spent four years unemployed despite having a qualification has found an alternative livelihood through cross-border trading, sourcing clothes and accessories from Angola and now training others to do the same. She began the business in 2023 after seeing social media encouragement, though her first trip proved harrowing.

    5 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  7. Namra begins financial security framework pilot at Walvis Bay

    The Namibia Revenue Agency will pilot a mandatory financial security framework at Walvis Bay from 1 December to 28 February, requiring traders to provide cash, bonds or guarantees before goods release to mitigate revenue risks and improve customs clearance efficiency.

    17 hours ago · The Namibian

  8. Rundu launches commercial subsidiary to boost council revenue

    The Rundu Town Council has established a commercial subsidiary to generate additional income and diversify revenue sources, citing years of struggling with collections from unpaid municipal bills. The council's debt book grew from N$345.8 million in June 2023 to N$427.6 million in June 2024.

    15 hours ago · The Namibian

Mining & Energy

  1. Sandpiper phosphate project economic case deemed incomplete

    An independent review finds that the Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project's economic case remains incomplete, with updated financial, environmental and fisheries assessments needed before its projected benefits can be established. The review notes that while available evidence does not support declaring the project uneconomic, it also lacks sufficient basis to establish the scale and durability of its benefits, citing concerns over phosphate price volatility and a 20-year operating life.

    21 hours ago · Informanté

Agriculture & Land

  1. LLPBN appoints Vehaka Tjimune as new Chief Executive Officer

    The Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia has appointed Vehaka M. Tjimune as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 September 2026. Tjimune brings more than 37 years of leadership experience in the agri-food sector across government, producer organisations, the private sector and international development institutions.

    5 September 2026 · Informanté

  2. Namibia's cattle market recovers in 2026 with higher volumes

    Namibia's cattle market is showing signs of recovery in 2026, with around 156,000 head marketed between January and July—a 28% increase compared to the same period in 2025. The recovery follows a sharp decline in 2025 when farmers retained animals to rebuild herds, but is now driven by herd stabilization, stronger demand, and higher cattle prices.

    5 September 2026 · The Namibian

Society

  1. Otjiwarongo hospital operates with only eight of 40 required doctors

    Doctors at Otjiwarongo State Hospital are severely overworked due to a staffing shortage that has left only eight medical practitioners doing the work of 40. The shortage forces doctors to juggle multiple departments simultaneously, with patients often waiting hours for treatment.

    5 September 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. Namibia launches National Day of Prayer for September 2026

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi has officially launched Namibia's 2026 National Day of Prayer, scheduled for Saturday, 12 September from 10:00 to 12:00, calling on Namibians to unite in prayer against killings, gender-based violence and road accidents under the theme "Seeking Divine Intervention Towards Behavioural Transformation to Save Lives." The event, set by Cabinet, will be hosted at Independence Arena in Katutura, Windhoek, with regional gatherings at local churches and places of worship, while alcohol outlets and gambling establishments are urged to close for the occasion.

    5 September 2026 · Informanté

  3. Health ministry, MVA Fund sign emergency medical care agreement

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services and the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund have signed an agreement to improve emergency medical response and trauma care through cooperation on ambulance services, equipment, facility improvements, and training.

    5 September 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project raises record N$4 million

    Bank Windhoek's Cancer Apple Project raised a record N$4 million this year for the Cancer Association of Namibia, bringing total contributions since 2000 to N$42.4 million. The funds will support cancer awareness, screening, outreach and patient support as the 26-year campaign addresses Namibia's rising cancer burden.

    5 September 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Minors created roadblock near Usakos to solicit food and money

    Nampol in Usakos clarified that a roadblock on the gravel road between Usakos and Henties Bay was created by minors seeking attention from passing motorists and tourists to ask for food and money, not for robbery. The minors were warned in the presence of their parents, and police confirmed the road remains safe to use.

    5 September 2026 · Informanté

  6. Muteka urges youth to use social media for community change

    National Council vice-chairperson Emma Muteka told 42 school-going learners from all 14 regions gathered at the fourth junior National Council session that social media should be used to create meaningful change in communities, not just for entertainment, and that "followers are not the same as leadership."

    5 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  7. Youth urged to develop practical cybersecurity habits amid threats

    Namibia's Global Cybersecurity Initiative launch calls on young people to move beyond awareness and adopt practical habits to protect themselves, as the country recorded 161,547 cyber events and 513,921 vulnerabilities between April and June 2026. Cybersecurity experts stress that personal digital safety is now an everyday responsibility for individuals, not just IT departments, amid rising risks from phishing, data breaches, and compromised accounts.

    5 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  8. Three-year-old dies after wall collapses in Otjiwarongo

    A toddler died after a boundary wall collapsed in Otjiwarongo's Ombili settlement on Friday, allegedly struck by a reversing vehicle whose spare wheel hooked a metal gate. A six-year-old boy was also injured and remains hospitalized in serious but stable condition; a culpable homicide case has been opened.

    23 hours ago · The Namibian

  9. Okapya Liner apologises after fatal Ondangwa bus crash

    An Iveco bus operated by Okapya Liner Transport veered into roadside vendors in Ondangwa on Tuesday, killing one person and injuring six others. The company issued a public apology and condolences, pledging to cooperate with authorities and strengthen safety measures.

    15 hours ago · Informanté

  10. Unidentified person dies in Okakarara road crash

    An unidentified person died in a road accident at Otuvingo village near Okakarara in the early hours of Saturday when a Nissan NP200 lost control, left the road and collided with a tree, with the victim's remains burnt beyond recognition. The remains have been taken to Otjiwarongo police mortuary and are expected to be transferred to Windhoek for forensic examination.

    16 hours ago · Windhoek Observer

Culture

  1. Elemotho returns to National Theatre with contemporary music lineup

    Elemotho, described as "the new sound of the Kalahari," headlined a concert at the National Theatre of Namibia after a four-year absence, alongside performers The Ells, Livinge Dennis and Tisha, with host Jemimah Ndebele introducing each act through spoken word pieces.

    17 hours ago · The Namibian

  2. Strictly Soul R&B event returns to Windhoek on 5 September

    The Windhoek-based R&B experience Strictly Soul will host another event at Zest Mediterranean restaurant featuring local DJ Paul da Prince, South African DJ Ayanda MVP, and founder DJ Akio. The event follows previous sold-out shows in the city, marking Ayanda MVP's first international trip with the brand.

    17 hours ago · The Namibian

Sport

  1. Springboks defeat All Blacks; Kolbe and Savea injured

    South Africa defeated New Zealand 29-24 in the third Test in Johannesburg, taking a 2-1 series lead. Star players Cheslin Kolbe (jaw) and Ardie Savea (shoulder) were injured and ruled out of the series finale in Baltimore.

    13 hours ago · The Namibian

  2. Haaland scores as Manchester City beat Coventry 1-0

    Erling Haaland's first-half header gave Manchester City a 1-0 victory over newly-promoted Coventry at the Etihad, maintaining the team's perfect start under manager Enzo Maresca despite an unconvincing performance that required late saves from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

    13 hours ago · The Namibian

  3. Stuttgart defeats Cologne 4-1 after Bayern Munich loss

    Stuttgart bounced back from a 5-1 opening-day defeat to Bayern Munich by defeating Cologne 4-1 at home in a Bundesliga match. Goals from Bilal El Khannouss, Josha Vagnoman, Grischa Proemel, and Ermedin Demirovic drove Stuttgart's dominant performance.

    5 September 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Alcaraz, Sabalenka advance to US Open quarterfinals

    Defending singles champions Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the US Open last 16 on Friday, with Alcaraz defeating Wu Yibing 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 and Sabalenka defeating Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3, 6-4. The Williams sisters, Serena and Venus, suffered a defeat on their return to Grand Slam doubles.

    5 September 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Russell tops Mercedes in Italian GP final practice session

    George Russell set the fastest lap for Mercedes in Saturday's third and final free practice at the Italian Grand Prix, ahead of Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton. Russell clocked one minute and 22.219 seconds, outpacing Hamilton by 0.226 seconds, while Max Verstappen of Red Bull finished fourth.

    20 hours ago · The Namibian

  6. Namibia Eagles post record T20I total against South Africa

    Namibia's FNB Eagles scored 217/3 in a T20 Cricket International against South Africa in Windhoek on Friday, recording the highest-ever T20I total by an Associate side against a Full Member nation, though South Africa won with 228/4.

    18 hours ago · Informanté

  7. Bayern Munich held scoreless by Schalke in Bundesliga

    Defending champions Bayern Munich were held to a 0–0 draw by promoted Schalke on Saturday, ending Bayern's run of 67 consecutive matchdays atop the Bundesliga table and their streak of scoring in every match since February 2025. Schalke secured their first point of the season in a defensive display led by goalkeeper Loris Karius.

    13 hours ago · The Namibian

  8. South Africa beat New Zealand to lead four-match rugby series

    South Africa won 29-24 against New Zealand in Johannesburg on Saturday, taking a 2-1 lead in the four-match Test series. The Springboks were locked 12-12 at half-time before dominating the second half to secure victory.

    15 hours ago · The Namibian

World & Region

  1. African Union welcomes UN resolution on accurate African map representation

    The African Union has welcomed a UN General Assembly resolution calling for more accurate representation of Africa on world maps, arguing that the commonly used Mercator projection distorts Africa's actual size. The AU Commission chair called on international institutions, schools, publishers and digital platforms to adopt maps that provide more accurate representation of global land areas.

    19 hours ago · The Namibian

Opinion

  1. Opinion: Parliament livestream turned into entertainment spectacle

    A Namibian Sun columnist argues that since parliament went live, it has become a soap opera focused on theatrics rather than lawmaking, with MPs performing for cameras instead of conducting legislative business.

    5 September 2026 · Namibian Sun

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