Namibia Minute.
Monday, 28 September 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 28 September 2026
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Archive Minute from Monday, 28 September 2026

Politics

  1. Former Chief Justice Johan Strydom dies at 88

    Former Chief Justice of Namibia Johan Strydom died on 25 September 2026 in Swakopmund, the Judiciary announced.

    28 September 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. Anti-Corruption Commission summons NAC chief for questioning

    The Anti-Corruption Commission has summoned Namibia Airports Company chief executive Bisey Uirab for questioning regarding procurement and governance irregularities. The ACC director general confirmed the meeting but declined to disclose details, citing confidentiality of the investigation.

    17 hours ago · The Namibian →

  3. Ombudsman Bill 2026 grants office financial autonomy

    Justice and Labour Relations Minister Fillemon Immanuel has tabled the Ombudsman Bill 2026, which seeks to replace the 1990 Ombudsman Act and establish a modern legal framework that grants the Office of the Ombudsman full financial and administrative autonomy, separating it from the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations. The Bill aligns the office with the Constitution and UN Paris Principles, removes its budgetary dependence on the ministry, and broadens its powers to investigate systemic human rights violations and maladministration.

    16 hours ago · New Era →

  4. MP calls for parliamentary inquiry into security guards' working conditions

    LPM lawmaker Utaara Mootu has tabled a motion in the National Assembly calling for a parliamentary investigation into the working conditions, wages, labour rights, job security, benefits and unfair dismissals affecting security guards in Namibia.

    16 hours ago · New Era →

  5. President urges African countries to invest in maternal health

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah, speaking at a UN General Assembly side event in New York, called on African countries to increase investment in maternal health to ensure women in rural areas have access to adequate maternal care, framing healthcare spending as an investment in nation-building rather than mere expense.

    17 hours ago · Informanté →

  6. President calls for youth skills in green and digital economies

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for young people to be equipped with skills while ensuring viable markets and opportunities to participate in emerging sectors, including green and digital economies. She emphasised Namibia's approach to just transition toward green growth, highlighting green hydrogen, agriculture, natural resources and energy as creating new pathways for youth employment, entrepreneurship and innovation.

    18 hours ago · Informanté →

  7. President urges traditional authorities to drive NDP6 development agenda

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah called on traditional authorities to partner with government in advancing Namibia's development agenda, including making communal land available for agriculture and ecotourism. She stressed that traditional institutions remain essential to grassroots governance and must modernise their practices—such as record-keeping and sustainable agriculture—while maintaining their cultural values.

    16 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

  8. Minister halts Walvis Bay RedForce debt collection contract

    Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa has ordered Walvis Bay Municipality to halt its debt collection agreement with RedForce Debt Management, recover allegedly wasted funds, and investigate the contract's execution. The municipality's management committee chairperson confirmed the agreement is invalid because it was not executed in accordance with the Local Authorities Act — it was signed by technocrats rather than the required chief executive officer and management committee chairperson.

    17 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

  9. Oshikoto council investments worth N$5.5m flagged in audit

    The auditor-general issued a qualified opinion on Oshikoto Regional Council's annual accounts after finding insufficient evidence to confirm the existence, ownership and valuation of N$5.5 million in investments in electricity distributors. The council lacked complete documentation and had not revalued the investments since their acquisition in 2014, contrary to accounting standards.

    15 hours ago · The Namibian →

  10. Namibia launches N$241 billion climate action plan

    Namibia has launched its Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) with an estimated price tag of US$14.07 billion (about N$241.52 billion), setting out 26 mitigation measures and 106 actions to be implemented by 2035 across energy, agriculture, forestry and other sectors, alongside nine priority adaptation areas with 46 measures and 110 actions. Environment minister Indileni Daniel emphasised the plan must be judged by whether it improves the lives of Namibians, as communities are already experiencing drought, floods, water scarcity, extreme heat and land degradation.

    16 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

  11. Lawyer calls for responsible exercise of freedom of expression

    Lawyer Sisa Namandje urged Namibians to reject misinformation and gossip while emphasizing that freedom of expression must be exercised responsibly and balanced against the protection of human dignity and privacy.

    11 hours ago · The Namibian →

  12. Trade ministry's 9 343 jobs claim faces parliamentary scrutiny

    The Ministry of International Relations and Trade reported facilitating 28 portfolio projects that attracted N$66.85 billion in investment and created 9 343 permanent jobs, but the figures faced parliamentary opposition questioning over data accuracy and timeline verifiability. Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi said the ministry's role is to facilitate job creation through trade and investment, with projects spanning agriculture, mining, renewable energy, tourism, real estate, chemicals and digital services.

    7 hours ago · The Namibian →

  13. Walvis Bay given September 30 deadline to act on RedForce contract

    The Minister of Urban and Rural Development has directed Walvis Bay municipality to act by 30 September on the attorney general's legal opinion regarding its contract with RedForce Debt Management, which he says is flawed because it was not co-signed as required by law. The directive follows a High Court order on 3 September that barred the municipality and RedForce from disconnecting water supply to Wena Investments, which had sued over debt collection fees and disconnections.

    7 hours ago · The Namibian →

  14. Namibia's third chief justice Johan Strydom dies at 88

    Johan Strydom, Namibia's third chief justice who served in that role from 1999 to 2003 and continued in judicial roles until 2015, died at age 88 in Swakopmund on Friday. Current chief justice Peter Shivute praised Strydom's 38 years of public service and his contributions to constitutional, administrative, criminal, commercial, and other areas of law.

    8 hours ago · The Namibian →

Business

  1. Naloba opposes government's 10% local content requirement

    The Namibia Local Businesses Association has called on Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi to withdraw the government's 10% local-content requirement for foreign contractors.

    28 September 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. NBL operating profit falls 21% on lower SA exports

    Namibia Breweries Limited reported a 21% decline in operating profit to N$221.8 million for the six months ended 30 June 2026, primarily driven by lower export volumes to South Africa and business reorganisation costs. The company's supply commitment with Heineken Beverages South Africa ended in April 2026, moving to a forecast-based supply model.

    19 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Paratus revenue rises but mobile launch cuts earnings

    Paratus Namibia Holdings expects revenue to grow 10–30% for the year ended 30 June 2026, but headline and basic earnings per share are forecast to fall by more than 30% due to losses from its mobile business, launched in September 2025, which remains in early growth phase with substantially higher operating costs.

    20 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

  4. Skeleton Basin appoints Mertens as board chairman

    Skeleton Basin Investments Limited has appointed three independent non-executive directors, including Debmarine Namibia chief executive officer Willy Mertens as chairman of the board, effective 25 September 2026.

    20 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

  5. MTC expands 5G service to five additional Namibian towns

    Mobile Telecommunications Limited has connected Grootfontein, Mariental, Okahandja, Otjiwarongo and Tsumeb to its 5G network in the second phase of its rollout, which includes 19 new sites across nine regions and additional capacity in Windhoek and Walvis Bay. The expansion is part of MTC's strategy to increase network capacity and reliability as demand for mobile connectivity grows, with funding also being deployed via the Communications Regulatory Authority's Universal Service Fund to extend coverage to underserved areas.

    9 hours ago · The Namibian →

  6. Household spending surges 11% to N$53.3 billion in Q2 2026

    Namibians spent N$53.3 billion on shopping between April and June 2026, up from N$48 billion in the same period last year. In real terms, household consumption increased to N$39.16 billion, with supermarket sales volumes rising 13.8%, driving a 9% growth in the wholesale and retail trade sector.

    10 hours ago · The Namibian →

Mining & Energy

  1. Oil-gas sector attracts N$74.4 billion FDI between 2021-2025

    The oil and gas sector attracted approximately N$74.4 billion in foreign direct investment between 2021 and 2025, representing roughly 56% of total FDI inflows. Bank of Namibia officials discussed institutional, regulatory and economic readiness ahead of first oil production, emphasizing capacity-building, revenue management, local participation, and skills development.

    19 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

  2. High Court invalidates police lock-out of Xinfeng lithium plant

    The High Court set aside the Namibian Police's lock-down of Chinese mining company Xinfeng Investments' lithium beneficiation plant in Uis, finding that the warrant cited incorrect sections of the Criminal Procedure Act. The court ordered Xinfeng and Long Fire Investments be restored to possession of the plant and containers within 24 hours.

    11 hours ago · Informanté →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Government lifts FMD restrictions north of redline

    The government has lifted restrictions on the movement of cloven-hoofed animals and their products in areas north of the veterinary cordon fence, following preliminary tracing.

    28 September 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. Govt partially lifts FMD restrictions north of Veterinary Cordon Fence

    The Ministry of Agriculture announced a partial lifting of Foot-and-Mouth Disease restrictions, with movement restrictions on cloven-hoofed animals and their products lifted with immediate effect for the north of the Veterinary Cordon Fence, though movement of such animals and products to the north of the fence remains restricted. The //Kharas region stays locked down, and farmers must monitor livestock for FMD symptoms while adhering to strict biosecurity and testing requirements for animal movement and slaughter.

    16 hours ago · New Era →

  3. FMD outbreak could cost 12,000 jobs and lift inflation

    Simonis Storm estimates the Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak could result in approximately 12,000 job losses across 2026 and 2027, reduce real GDP growth to 2.0% in 2026, and add up to 0.29 percentage points to inflation in the fourth quarter of 2026. The outbreak could cost government about N$1.80 billion in 2026 and 2027, with severe consequences for rural Namibia and agricultural communities.

    19 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

  4. Otjiwarongo impounds roaming livestock to protect public safety

    The Municipality of Otjiwarongo has warned livestock owners to stop allowing animals to roam or graze within the town, citing public safety hazards and the recent foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. The municipality will impound animals found roaming within town boundaries and charge owners N$367.60 per animal per day.

    14 hours ago · The Namibian →

  5. Private vets propose nine measures to strengthen FMD surveillance

    Private veterinarians supporting Namibia's FMD response have proposed nine measures to strengthen surveillance, improve traceability and speed recovery towards FMD-free status, including deployment of more than 20 volunteers. The proposals include publishing the estimated date of initial infection as a reference point, maintaining surveillance of traced cattle, and announcing compensation arrangements within seven days.

    13 hours ago · Informanté →

  6. FMD outbreak risks N$3.3bn in annual European beef exports

    Namibia risks losing its European market for beef due to a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak that threatens the country's disease-free status and could suspend exports to international markets. About 60% of beef export earnings, roughly N$3.3 billion annually, come from European, British and Norwegian markets, which apply strict sanitary rules and are expected to close first.

    7 hours ago · The Namibian →

  7. FMD outbreak remains localized to Karasburg in ||Kharas

    The Ministry of Agriculture's Directorate of Veterinary Services reports that foot-and-mouth disease detected in the Karasburg Veterinary District is localized to ||Kharas region, with livestock moved to Otjozondjupa tested negative and no evidence of transmission risk to eight northern regions.

    7 hours ago · The Namibian →

  8. FMD outbreak puts pressure on farmers' finances

    Following confirmation of foot-and-mouth disease in Namibia's previously disease-free ||Kharas region and nationwide livestock movement restrictions, farmers face severe financial pressure. Banks say they are monitoring effects on farmers' loan portfolios and may consider repayment rescheduling and debt restructuring, though relief will not be automatic and applications will be assessed individually.

    8 hours ago · The Namibian →

  9. Private vets flag FMD response capacity gaps in Karasburg

    Private veterinarians supporting Namibia's FMD response have raised concerns over field surveillance capacity and the pace of restrictions being relaxed following the outbreak in Karasburg. They warned that insufficient field teams—only one operating in the affected area as of 25 September despite over 20 volunteers offering to assist—create biosecurity risks, as surveillance teams moving between farms without knowing previous holdings' status could spread the virus.

    4 hours ago · Informanté →

Society

  1. Three men arrested in ||Kharas FMD crackdown

    Three men have been arrested in the ||Kharas Region after being found in possession of sheep carcasses during stop-and-search operations at roadblocks set up as part of FMD enforcement.

    28 September 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. Police defends internal system for investigating officer misconduct

    Acting Inspector General Anne-Marie Nainda defended the Namibian Police force's internal system for investigating allegations of misconduct against its own officers.

    28 September 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  3. Namibia opens first public pediatric intensive care unit

    Namibia inaugurated a N$28 million Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Windhoek Central Hospital, its first dedicated facility in the public health sector. The Health Minister said the unit is critical to achieving targets under the Sixth National Development Plan to reduce neonatal and under-five mortality rates by 2030.

    28 September 2026 · Informanté →

  4. Man stabbed to death in Otjomuise argument

    A Namibian man was allegedly stabbed to death during an argument with a known suspect in Otjomuise early Saturday morning on Frankfurt Street. The suspect fled the scene; no arrest has been made and police investigation continues.

    21 hours ago · Informanté →

  5. Man found dead in locked Hochland Park home

    A 39-year-old man was discovered deceased in his locked rental home in Windhoek on 26 September with an open facial wound. Police are investigating the cause of death.

    23 hours ago · Informanté →

  6. Education minister urges greater parental role in learners' success

    Education minister Sanet Steenkamp has urged parents to take a more active role in their children's education, saying stronger cooperation between families, schools, communities and government is essential. Steenkamp made the remarks at the official national launch of the National Organisation of Parents in Education (NAOPE) in Windhoek, describing parental involvement as a key pillar of education rather than optional.

    16 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

  7. Zambezi region records 32,730 malaria cases in 2026

    Zambezi region has recorded more than 32,000 malaria cases and 21 deaths this year, with health authorities struggling to achieve indoor residual spraying targets due to low household participation and refusals to grant access to spray teams.

    17 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

  8. Supreme Court upholds murder convictions in fatal road crash case

    The Supreme Court refused a petition to hear an appeal by driver Jandré Dippenaar against his murder convictions and 15-year prison sentence for a fatal collision near Henties Bay in December 2014 that killed six people. The conviction was Namibia's first murder prosecution for a road accident rather than culpable homicide.

    13 hours ago · The Namibian →

  9. Windhoek Agricultural Show opens with 200 stalls and expanded rides

    The 72nd Windhoek Agricultural Show runs for five days from tomorrow to Saturday, featuring almost 200 stalls, expanded funfair rides, and various exhibitions. Gate turnouts during the final two days are projected to exceed 45,000 visitors.

    15 hours ago · The Namibian →

  10. Three arrested for sheep theft at Aranos farm

    Three suspects aged 25–27 were arrested after allegedly stealing three sheep from farm Bloukrans in the Aranos district on Friday. The stolen sheep were recovered after the suspects were pursued and apprehended by the farm owner and his worker.

    15 hours ago · The Namibian →

  11. Victor George wins Best of Nation at WorldSkills Shanghai

    Namibia's Victor George, a welding competitor from Eenhana Vocational Training Centre, received the Best of Nation Award at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, recognising him as Namibia's highest-performing competitor. Team Namibia members, including plumbing competitor Jonas Ambambi, participated in the international skills competition alongside young professionals from around the world.

    15 hours ago · Informanté →

  12. MVA patients referred to private hospitals due to state facility limits

    Health minister Esperance Luvindao told parliament that State hospitals cannot always treat Motor Vehicle Accident Fund patients because of limited clinical expertise, theatre space, and intensive care beds. The MVA Fund, financed through a fuel levy, has invested in public health facilities for nearly two decades and continues working to strengthen public healthcare.

    16 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

  13. President urges equal opportunities for all Namibian children

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah marked the Day of the Namibian Child by calling for every child to have equal opportunities to learn, stay healthy, develop talents and pursue dreams regardless of where they are born. She warned that many children continue to experience violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation, and said protecting children is a shared responsibility of parents, families, teachers, communities and government.

    10 hours ago · The Namibian →

  14. Woman with intellectual disability allegedly raped in Oshikoto

    A 25-year-old woman with an intellectual disability was allegedly raped and assaulted between Friday and Saturday while walking home in the Omuthiya constituency of Oshikoto region. Police say the suspect is known but no arrest has been made and investigations continue.

    11 hours ago · The Namibian →

  15. Four deaths recorded countrywide over weekend

    Police recorded four deaths between Friday and Saturday in Oshakati, Ondambombali, Uis, and Windhoek, including a 2-year-old toddler found dead at Oshoopala. In one case, a 39-year-old man was found dead in a rented house at Hochland Park with facial wounds and blood present; police are investigating the circumstances.

    11 hours ago · The Namibian →

  16. Rehoboth rape accuser arrested for property damage

    A 40-year-old woman who opened a rape case against a Rehoboth medical practitioner has been arrested for malicious damage to property after allegedly breaking into his residence between 12 and 13 September and damaging a CCTV camera and vehicles.

    8 hours ago · Informanté →

  17. 2024 survey finds 65% of graduates employed within four years

    A National Council for Higher Education survey of graduates from 2019–2021 cohorts at five Namibian institutions found that 65% secured employment within two to four years, with 61% employed and 4% self-employed, while qualification level significantly affects employment prospects and earnings.

    10 hours ago · Informanté →

  18. Medical interns cannot expect automatic jobs in public health

    Health Minister Esperance Luvindao says the Ministry of Health and Social Services cannot automatically absorb medical interns, dentists, and other health professionals into the public health system because it has only a limited number of funded vacant posts dependent on available financial resources and approved positions.

    7 hours ago · The Namibian →

  19. President calls for renewed commitment to child safety and education

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah marked the Day of the Namibian Child by calling for renewed national commitment to the safety, education, dignity and wellbeing of Namibian children, stating that protecting and preparing children for the future is a shared responsibility involving government, families, schools, communities, churches and other institutions.

    6 hours ago · Informanté →

Sport

  1. Greece beats Germany 1-0; Ireland wears armbands vs Israel

    Greece handed Jurgen Klopp his first defeat as Germany manager with a 1-0 Nations League win on Sunday, while Ireland's players wore black armbands during their match against Israel in protest over the Gaza war, a game that proceeded only after a midweek player vote.

    28 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. American cyclist McNulty wins world road race title

    Brandon McNulty, 28, became the first American man to win the UCI road race world championship in 33 years, breaking clear with 32km remaining in Montreal and holding off Michael Matthews and Mathieu van der Poel to win by 13 seconds. McNulty said he did not believe he could win until the final 100 metres, describing the victory as a "miracle."

    28 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Kudus, Wanderers advance to rugby final rematch

    FNB Kudus and FNB Wanderers will meet in a repeat of last year's Namibia Rugby Premier League final after both won their semi-finals on Saturday. Defending champions Kudus beat Montego United 55-38, while Wanderers defeated FNB Grootfontein 60-27.

    17 hours ago · The Namibian →

  4. Namibia qualifies for 2027 Bowls World Cup

    Namibia's men's and women's bowls teams qualified for the 2027 Bowls World Cup after finishing second overall at the Africa States Bowls tournament in Lusaka, Zambia, winning four silver and three bronze medals.

    17 hours ago · The Namibian →

  5. Namibia qualifies for 2025 Netball World Cup in Sydney

    Namibia's Desert Jewels netball team qualified for next year's Netball World Cup in Sydney after finishing fourth at the Africa Cup in Nairobi. The team clinched their spot after reaching the semi-finals, marking their third World Cup appearance and first in 31 years since 1991 and 1995.

    17 hours ago · The Namibian →

  6. Young Stars Football Club seeks resources for growth

    Young Stars Football Club in Katima Mulilo, established in 2016 and recently promoted from C Division to B Division, trains on a dusty field at Choto Primary School without adequate facilities, soccer boots, or transport. The club of about 39 players struggles financially as manager Brian Sinvula Mayumbelo, an unemployed former player, seeks to develop upcoming local footballers despite resource constraints.

    17 hours ago · New Era →

  7. Namibia qualifies for 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney

    Namibia secured qualification for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney by finishing fourth at the 2026 Africa Netball Cup in Nairobi, marking the Desert Jewels' first World Cup qualification since 1991. Uganda won the women's tournament, defeating South Africa 56-53 in the final.

    17 hours ago · New Era →

  8. Hotto set to reach joint-record Namibia caps milestone

    Deon Hotto, Namibia's 35-year-old midfielder, will become the country's joint most capped player with 87 caps if selected for Tuesday's Afcon 2027 qualifier against Comoros, matching Denzil Haoseb's record after making his debut in 2013.

    5 hours ago · The Namibian →

  9. South African runner Massyn participates in Windhoek Parkrun event

    South African Comrades Marathon legend Louis Massyn (75), who became the first person to finish 50 Comrades Marathons, joined the Windhoek Parkrun for an informal 5km run on Saturday. He is in Namibia to run the Bachmus Coastal Marathon from Swakopmund to Walvis Bay on 3 October for a third time and plans to attempt a 51st Comrades finish during the centenary edition next year.

    6 hours ago · The Namibian →

Tourism & Environment

  1. Namibia needs US$14.07bn for climate action plan

    Namibia's third nationally determined contribution (NDC 3.0) under the Paris Agreement requires US$14.07 billion to implement, with approximately 88% conditional upon international climate finance, technology transfer and capacity-building support. The plan commits to 226 actions to help the country remain a net carbon sink and adapt to climate change, including mitigation efforts in the energy and agriculture sectors.

    14 hours ago · The Namibian →

World & Region

  1. World leaders call for female UN secretary general at General Assembly

    Several world leaders, including President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia, have called for a woman to become the next secretary general of the United Nations, noting that no woman has held the position since the organisation's establishment in 1945. Estonia, Dominican Republic, and Botswana were among those echoing the call during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.

    16 hours ago · New Era →

Opinion

  1. Communal land alone insufficient for rural prosperity

    An opinion piece argues that President Nandi-Ndaitwah's call for traditional authorities to provide communal land for agriculture and ecotourism oversimplifies development challenges. The author contends that land availability is necessary but not sufficient, citing the example of water-rich regions like Zambezi where proximity to resources has not automatically translated into food security or economic prosperity.

    19 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

  2. Are Namibian entrepreneurs prepared for economic crisis?

    An opinion piece argues that the current foot-and-mouth disease outbreak should prompt Namibian entrepreneurs to assess their readiness for sudden economic crises, drawing lessons from COVID-19's impact on businesses and supply chains.

    16 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

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