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Monday, 14 September 2026
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Monday, 14 September 2026
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Archive Minute from Monday, 14 September 2026

Politics

  1. Shaningwa urges fair treatment of Swapo returnees from opposition

    Swapo party secretary general Sophia Shaningwa has urged party members to embrace returning members as full and equal members, saying those who previously joined opposition parties should not be treated differently and should be treated as "assets" to the party.

    14 September 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. Editorial warns of opportunism in Namibian political parties

    A Namibian Sun editorial argues that modern Namibian politics has been corrupted by opportunism and transactional motives, with people joining parties to advance economically rather than out of ideological conviction. The piece calls on Swapo particularly to beware of "political mercenaries" whose loyalty depends on personal gain.

    14 September 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  3. Shityuwete burial reignites debate on national hero honours

    The state funeral of liberation struggle veteran Helao Joseph Shityuwete, a former Robben Island political prisoner who spent 18 years imprisoned, has prompted calls for him to have been buried at Heroes' Acre and accorded national hero status, with supporters arguing his decades of sacrifice and instrumental role in the armed liberation struggle warranted Namibia's highest honour.

    14 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  4. Contract winner's staff visited site before emergency award

    A court application alleges that personnel from Punchu Trading CC JV China State Construction Engineering Co. Southern Africa were on the project site on 5 September, two days before the Central Procurement Board of Namibia formally awarded the N$122 million veterinary cordon fencing contract to the joint venture on 7 September. A failed bidder claims photographs show a CPBN board member accompanied the winning company's personnel to the site.

    14 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  5. Emergency contract awardee visited site before formal award

    A failed bidder alleges in court papers that personnel from Punchu Trading CC JV China State Construction Engineering Co. Southern Africa were on the veterinary cordon fencing project site on 5 September, two days before the Central Procurement Board formally awarded the N$122 million contract to that joint venture on 7 September. The applicant further alleges that a CPBN board member accompanied the winning bidder's personnel to the site.

    14 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  6. Independence not end of struggle, says Shityuwete's daughter

    Tulimelila Shityuwete, daughter of liberation struggle veteran Helao Shityuwete, says Namibia's independence should not be viewed as the end of the struggle, pointing to unemployment and poverty as evidence that political freedom has not translated into economic freedom for all Namibians.

    14 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Government exploring compulsory national service for young people

    The government is exploring the possibility of introducing compulsory national service for young Namibians, particularly those leaving school, a proposal that will require consultation and policy and legislative processes. The National Youth Service has received about 18,000 applications for its 17th recruit intake in 2026, signalling continued relevance but also placing pressure on the institution to expand capacity and resources.

    14 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Chinese-linked joint venture challenges border fence tender cancellation

    China Jiangxi International (Namibia) in joint venture with Homefin Properties CC, originally ranked first for a N$123 million veterinary cordon fence tender, has launched a High Court challenge against the Central Procurement Board's decision to cancel the tender and award it to a rival bidder, alleging irregular and potentially corrupt conduct.

    14 September 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  9. Judge sentences Conradie to fine or five years imprisonment

    High Court Judge Thomas Masuku sentenced veteran lawyer Dirk Conradie to a fine of N$200,000 or five years' imprisonment, and Sarah Damases to N$60,000 or two years' imprisonment, for corruption charges related to allegedly offering to use influence over MTC's board to secure a N$60 million advertising contract in exchange for BEE partnership.

    14 September 2026 · Informanté →

  10. Veteran lawyer Conradie fined N$200,000 in corruption case

    Judge Thomas Masuku convicted veteran lawyer Dirk Conradie on two charges under the Anti-Corruption Act stemming from a 2012 MTC advertising tender and sentenced him to pay N$200,000 or serve five years in prison. His co-accused Sara Damases was convicted on the same charges and received a fine of N$60,000 or two years imprisonment.

    14 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  11. RP backs Sindano's appointment as ECN chairperson

    The Republican Party supports Gerson Sindano's appointment to lead the Electoral Commission of Namibia, saying political disagreements should not block the appointment and that Sindano's performance should be judged on his conduct, integrity and competence. RP chief whip Mathias Mbundu said political parties have the right to support or oppose parliamentary motions and cautioned against unsubstantiated claims of vote-trading.

    14 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  12. Namibia holds national prayer day against gender-based violence

    Namibia observed National Prayer Day across towns and villages on Saturday under the theme "Seeking Divine Intervention for Behavioural Change," with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah warning that prayer alone cannot end gender-based violence and must be matched by government performance and action from families, communities, and institutions.

    14 September 2026 · New Era →

  13. Liberation struggle veteran Helao Shityuwete remembered

    Namibians gathered at Pioneerspark Cemetery in Windhoek to bid farewell to liberation struggle veteran Helao Joseph Shityuwete, who died on 29 August at age 92. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah honoured his 18 years of imprisonment—16 years on Robben Island and two years in pre-trial detention—as emblematic of sacrifices made by Namibians in their struggle for independence.

    14 September 2026 · New Era →

  14. Minister rejects Divundu CEO contract extension, rules out talks

    Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa has rejected Divundu Village Council's recommendation to extend former CEO Athanasius Ndjamba Maghumbo's contract, citing governance failures, alleged mismanagement, and poor performance including the council's failure to submit audited financial reports since 2015. The council has requested a dialogue with the minister to clarify the findings against Maghumbo, but Sankwasa has declared his decision "final" and ruled out further talks.

    14 September 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  15. Petroleum bill risks centralizing power in Presidency, warns analysis

    A legal analysis cautions that Namibia's proposed petroleum bill could concentrate decision-making authority in the Office of the President, citing the green hydrogen sector as a cautionary example where governance has been driven by executive arrangement rather than settled legal framework, creating accountability gaps and blurring lines between political and regulatory roles.

    14 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  16. Family questions why veteran not buried at Heroes' Acre

    The family of liberation struggle veteran Helao Shityuwete has questioned the government's decision to bury him at Gammams Cemetery rather than Heroes' Acre, asking what requirement he did not meet given his record of 18 years imprisonment on Robben Island.

    14 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Business

  1. Banks cite income crisis as driver of household debt

    The Bankers Association of Namibia told Parliament that household debt is being driven by an income squeeze, with median monthly incomes of about N$4,000 insufficient to meet basic living costs without borrowing, as the rising cost of food, housing, utilities, and transport outpaces household earnings.

    14 September 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. Savanna Beef Processors slaughters 12,603 cattle in financial year

    Savanna Beef Processors, a producer-owned company, slaughtered and processed 12,603 cattle and paid N$267.95 million to producers from 27 August 2025 to 31 July 2026. After obtaining EU export certification on 7 April 2026, the company processed cattle for export markets, with the first frozen shipment sent to Rotterdam on 24 April 2026.

    14 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Oryx Properties portfolio exceeds N$5bn, distributions rise 8.8%

    Oryx Properties' total property portfolio exceeded N$5 billion for the first time, reaching N$5.05 billion, while distribution to unit holders increased by 8.8% to 117.50 cents per linked unit for the year ended 30 June. Revenue rose 17.8% to N$579.8 million, and the group reported total comprehensive income of N$198.5 million.

    14 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Namibia lost N$2.7b tax revenue to illicit financial flows

    An inaugural government assessment estimates that illicit financial flows worth roughly N$16.7 billion annually—or about 9% of GDP—passed through Namibia during 2021–2022, resulting in an estimated N$2.7 billion in lost tax revenue over the two-year period. The Ministry of Finance released the assessment to strengthen revenue collection and protect the integrity of Namibia's financial system.

    14 September 2026 · New Era →

  5. Vitol demands extra payment after supplying 70% of Namibia's fuel

    International oil trader Vitol, awarded sole rights to supply Namibia's fuel for three months, has demanded additional government compensation after supplying only 70% of expected volumes. The government has extended Vitol's supply rights for October as a "once-off final arrangement" that will not be renewed, though Pakote stressed this extension does not commit the government to pay for unsold fuel.

    14 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. FirstRand Namibia reports N$2.15bn profit on corporate lending growth

    FirstRand Namibia reported a N$2.15-billion net profit for the year ended in June, boosted by corporate lending and reduced bad-debt provisions, up from N$1.91 billion in the previous financial year. Profit before tax rose 12.7% to N$3.01 billion, with the group's return on equity remaining at 28.5%.

    14 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Mining & Energy

  1. Green fertiliser project secures N$58.1m for Erongo development

    The Dâures Green Fertiliser Project in Erongo Region has received US$3.6 million (about N$58.1 million) in development funding to advance large-scale green ammonia and fertiliser production using solar and wind resources. The project is expected to create 115 permanent jobs and avoid approximately 48,000 tonnes of annual carbon dioxide equivalent emissions.

    14 September 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Oil revenues must build lasting assets, not just exports

    Mines and Energy Minister Modestus Amutse said Namibia must use future petroleum revenues to develop skills, infrastructure, electricity, water security and renewable energy, rather than rely on exports alone. He argued that the energy transition and economic development need not be opposites, and that petroleum must be converted into long-term national benefits.

    14 September 2026 · New Era →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Government allocates 101 farming units in Tsintsabis

    The government has allocated farming land to 101 people in Tsintsabis—38 units at Farm Tsintsabis and 63 at Farm Urwald—ending a long-standing wait for certainty over the two farms acquired by the state in 1992. Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani described the allocation as an important milestone in Namibia's land reform programme.

    14 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. Oshana region receives integrated land-use plan framework

    The Oshana Regional Council received an Integrated Regional Land Use Plan to guide development across towns, infrastructure and agriculture, costing more than N$4 million. The plan is intended to balance competing land demands as the region's population grew from 201,363 to 230,801 between census periods, increasing pressure on limited land and natural resources.

    14 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Oshana regional land-use plan costs N$4.76 million

    The government spent about N$4.76 million to develop an Oshana integrated regional land-use plan to guide land allocation and development for the next 10 years, with costs covering consultancy fees and community planning workshops. The plan includes maps of current and potential land uses across the region's constituencies and a GIS database, and the ministry will train regional council officials to implement, monitor, and update it.

    14 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Haimbodi Hamukoto Growth Centre electrified in Okatana Constituency

    The Haimbodi Hamukoto Growth Centre in Epanya Village, Okatana Constituency, has been electrified at a cost of N$681,365.83, with the government viewing the infrastructure as a catalyst for local businesses and socio-economic development. The project was funded by the Oshana Regional Council and executed by NORED with assistance from Forever Electrical and Construction.

    14 September 2026 · Informanté →

  5. Southern farmers to supply produce to Lüderitz's revamped Kapps hotel

    Nokubiko Investment, redeveloping the historic Kapps a Kubata Loft Hotel in Lüderitz, is establishing off-take agreements with local farmers to source produce directly while supporting the farming community and young people ahead of the hotel's reopening in the first quarter of 2027.

    14 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Weekend rainfall recorded across multiple Namibian regions

    Consistent rain showers and thunder dominated weather conditions across many areas this weekend, marking the arrival of early spring rains. The //Kharas and Hardap regions were among the most affected, with the //Kharas Region recording rainfall ranging from 9.4 mm to 40 mm across multiple areas.

    14 September 2026 · Informanté →

  7. US firm demands N$13m over cancelled crop monitoring contract

    6th Grain Corporation is demanding N$13 million from the Namibian government after Cabinet cancelled its crop-monitoring contract, citing non-compliance with legal and procedural requirements. The company claims compensation for completion of work and alleges severe reputational damage, giving the government until 25 September to settle.

    14 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Namibia considers FMD levy to strengthen livestock disease funding

    Namibia is considering a new foot-and-mouth disease levy to raise funds to protect the livestock industry against the growing threat of the disease. The proposed temporary levy, paid by both livestock buyers and sellers, could be around 0.76% of the value of a livestock transaction, though the final rate has not yet been confirmed and the measure is still under consultation.

    14 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Society

  1. Two road fatalities reported in Ohangwena and Oshana regions

    A seven-year-old girl died after being struck by a vehicle at Ongonga village in Ohangwena on Saturday, and a 28-year-old man died in a collision between a Volkswagen Polo and a towed trailer near Oshakati West in Oshana. President Nandi-Ndaitwah called for meaningful action against road fatalities during Namibia's National Prayer Day.

    14 September 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Osire refugees report receiving expired food from government supplies

    Residents of the Osire refugee settlement say families are forced to consume maize meal distributed close to or past its expiry date, with limited quantities making it impossible to finish before spoilage. The community has raised concerns about irregular food distributions and shortages to the Legal Assistance Centre.

    14 September 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  3. Namibia sends 17 competitors to WorldSkills Shanghai

    Namibia will send 17 young competitors to the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai from 22 to 27 September, competing across 16 skills against participants from more than 70 countries and regions. The event aims to give Namibia's professionals an opportunity to demonstrate expertise, exchange knowledge, and gain exposure to international standards.

    14 September 2026 · Informanté →

  4. Namibia acquires first public MRI machine after 36 years

    The government inaugurated its first Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine at Windhoek Central Hospital, ending over three decades of reliance on private facilities. The government spent N$80 million on private MRI referrals for over 4,000 patients in the past five years and expects to save about N$16 million annually with the public facility.

    14 September 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  5. Geingos urges tolerance for failing youth organisations

    One Economy Foundation executive chairperson Monica Geingos has called for greater tolerance of youth organisations that fail and for stronger investment and collaboration between young people and older generations. She made the remarks at a panel discussion on youth leadership in Windhoek, noting that young Namibians face high unemployment and challenges moving into sustainable employment and entrepreneurship.

    14 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  6. Geingos urges tolerance for youth-led initiatives, investment

    Monica Geingos, executive chairperson of One Economy Foundation, called for greater tolerance of youth organisations that fail and urged investment in youth-led ideas and intergenerational collaboration. She said young people should not wait for perfect conditions to take up leadership roles, as they face high unemployment with 44.4% joblessness among those aged 15 to 34.

    14 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  7. Namibia sends 17 professionals to WorldSkills competition

    Namibia has officially sent 17 young professionals to the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized that technical and vocational education and training is central to Namibia's economic transformation and called on institutions to conduct regular skills audits to address gaps across the country.

    14 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Lawyer Conradie fined N$200,000 for corruption charges

    Veteran lawyer Dirk Conradie has been sentenced to pay N$200,000 or serve five years in prison on two Anti-Corruption Act charges. Judge Thomas Masuku found Conradie and co-accused Sara Damases guilty of corruptly soliciting gratification—specifically, Conradie asking an advertising company to hire Damases in exchange for his promised influence to secure them an MTC advertising contract worth about N$60 million.

    14 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. Woman suffers serious burns during argument in Kavango East

    A woman was seriously burned to her face, hands and legs after a suspect allegedly kicked a pot of boiling porridge at her during an argument at Mutjiku village in Kavango East on Thursday. The victim was admitted to hospital, and the suspect has been arrested and remains in police custody.

    14 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  10. Leadership defined by service, not titles, Geingos says

    Former first lady Monica Geingos told a panel discussion that leadership is demonstrated through willingness to serve and volunteer rather than formal positions, and that young people should build qualifications and financial independence before entering politics to enable principled decision-making.

    14 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  11. Mariental District Hospital lacks oxygen for three to four months

    Mariental District Hospital in Hardap region has experienced intermittent oxygen shortages for three to four months. The Ministry of Health and Social Services says delivery records show the hospital received oxygen deliveries but attributes the shortage to a main cylinder breakdown and possible leakages, and has announced an investigation.

    14 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  12. N$15.8m reservoir project to boost Otjiwarongo water storage

    Otjiwarongo municipality is developing a N$15.8 million reservoir to add three million litres of storage capacity to address frequent water supply problems. The new reservoir will more than triple the town's existing one-million-litre capacity to roughly four million litres when operational.

    14 September 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  13. Murder accused admits he was present at Windhoek victim's flat

    One of three men on trial for the March 2024 robbery and murder of Stanley Cloete, a NUST lecturer in Windhoek's Dorado Valley, admitted to police that he was present when the alleged victim was overpowered before items were stolen from his flat. The accused, Nicodemus Hango (23), along with Abast Muya (28) and Erastus Gabriel (41), deny four charges including murder and two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances; Cloete is alleged to have died from suffocation after being tied up and gagged.

    14 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  14. Rape complainant tells court he fears for safety if defendant granted bail

    A man alleges that Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital intern doctor Dennis Noa raped him on 18 July after drugging him; Noa denies the allegations, saying the encounter was consensual and claiming the complaint arose after he refused to give the man N$35,000 for a taxi. The complainant told Ondangwa Magistrate's Court he fears for his safety if Noa is granted bail.

    14 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  15. Grade 5 pupil found dead in Rehoboth riverbed

    An 11-year-old Grade 5 pupil was found dead in the Oanob River at Rehoboth after failing to return home from school. Police have classified the incident as murder and are continuing investigations.

    14 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  16. Firefighters battle two simultaneous field fires in Oshakati

    Two field fires broke out nearly simultaneously in Oshakati on Monday afternoon—one in Onawa and one behind Game Shopping Mall—threatening businesses and residential properties. No injuries or property damage were reported.

    14 September 2026 · Informanté →

Culture

  1. MTC announces nominees for 2026 Content Creator Awards

    Mobile Telecommunications Limited Namibia has announced nominees for the 2026 MTC Content Creator Awards across 24 categories, with each category featuring four nominees. Public voting has begun, and organizers say voting will be more secure this year and judges will not be part of sponsors.

    14 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Doek Literary Festival returns to Windhoek September 30–October 3

    Namibia's biennial Doek Literary Festival will take place at Goethe-Institut Namibia from 30 September to 3 October, featuring Namibian, African, and international writers, poets, visual artists, and designers in a free celebration centred on the theme "History is Handmade," with a programme of conversations, workshops, exhibitions, and performances.

    14 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Namibia begins Heritage Week celebrations in Otjozondjupa

    Namibia started Heritage Week celebrations on Monday under the theme 'Preserving Heritage for Future Generations', with events in the Otjozondjupa region at the Museum of Namibian Fashion in Otjiwarongo. The week-long celebrations aim to encourage communities to take pride in and preserve the country's cultural and natural heritage, including traditions, languages, music, dance, arts, crafts, and traditional knowledge.

    14 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Sport

  1. German Zverev wins US Open, denies Shelton first US men's title in 23 years

    Alexander Zverev defeated Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (7/2), 5-7, 6-2 to win the US Open on Sunday, capturing his second Grand Slam title. Shelton's loss meant no US man has won a Grand Slam since Andy Roddick in 2003.

    14 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia faces Russia in friendly football match October 3

    Namibia's Brave Warriors will play Russia's national team in Yekaterinburg on 3 October in their first senior meeting, an international friendly initiated by the Russian Football Union aimed at strengthening ties and opening cooperation opportunities between the two football associations in areas including player development and administration.

    14 September 2026 · New Era →

Tourism & Environment

  1. IPC warns government must strengthen Etosha wildfire response capacity

    The Independent Patriots for Change has warned that Namibia risks repeating last year's devastating Etosha wildfire disaster unless the government urgently strengthens its firefighting capacity, as fresh fires sparked by lightning continue to burn in the national park.

    14 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. Three of four Etosha fires extinguished after lightning strikes

    Firefighting efforts in Etosha National Park have successfully extinguished three of four wildfires sparked by lightning strikes on Wednesday, with the remaining fire under control. The fires affected areas around Halali, Kamaseb and Tsam, and no animal losses or injuries have been reported.

    14 September 2026 · Informanté →

World & Region

  1. Namibian judiciary mourns death of Eswatini Chief Justice Maphalala

    Namibia's Chief Justice Peter Shivute has expressed deep sorrow at the passing of Eswatini Chief Justice Bheki M.C. Maphalala, calling him a visionary judicial leader and past chairperson of the Southern and Eastern African Chief Justices' Forum. Shivute extended condolences to Maphalala's family and the Judiciary of Eswatini.

    14 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Opinion

  1. Windhoek Observer demands transparency on Heroes' Acre burial decision

    An editorial in the Windhoek Observer criticises the decision not to bury liberation struggle veteran Helao Joseph Shityuwete at Heroes' Acre, and calls for the committee responsible to publicly explain the criteria and reasoning behind the exclusion.

    14 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. Entrepreneur balances population growth need with affordability concerns

    A Namibian entrepreneur argues that while larger population would benefit business through expanded markets and more customers, Namibia's high unemployment, uneven income distribution, and affordability challenges make it difficult to recommend having more children without addressing these constraints.

    14 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Genocide reparations divisions with government, not communities

    An opinion piece argues that apparent divisions among Ovaherero and Nama genocide descendants over reparations are manufactured; the real division is between the descendants and their communities versus the Namibian government, not within the communities themselves.

    14 September 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  4. Africa's systemic institutions matter more than individual leadership

    An opinion piece argues that Africa's governance challenges stem from weak institutions rather than poor leadership alone, and that strong systems of accountability—through courts, parliaments, and independent bodies—are essential for good governance regardless of individual leaders' character.

    14 September 2026 · Namibian Sun →

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