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May 2026
The Namibian
Affirmative Repositioning Khomas regional chairperson Sem Davidcommends the ECN forprogress in improving its operations and responsiveness
Source
“Meanwhile, Affirmative Repositioning Khomas regional chairperson Sem David commends the ECN for what he describes as progress in improving its operations and responsiveness.”
Affirmative Repositioning parliamentarian Ester Haikola-SakariaquestionedN$600,000 budget allocation for liquor
Source
“Affirmative Repositioning parliamentarian Ester Haikola-Sakaria questioned the expenditure, with minister of industries, mines and energy Modestus Amutse not responding immediately due to time constraints.”
Affirmative Repositioning parliamentarian Ester Haikola-Sakariaquestioned whythe budget does not adequately address drought challenges faced by farmers
Source
“Meanwhile, Affirmative Repositioning parliamentarian Ester Haikola-Sakaria questions why the budget does not adequately address drought challenges faced by farmers.”
Affirmative Repositioning parliamentarian George KambalasaysSwapo parliamentarian James Uerikua should be remembered as a brilliant young leader
Source
“Affirmative Repositioning parliamentarian George Kambala says Swapo parliamentarian James Uerikua should be remembered as a brilliant young leader whose life reflected the potential of youth leadership in Namibia.”
Affirmative Repositioningcalledindependence an 'incomplete project'
Source
“The Affirmative Repositioning (AR) party has called independence an "incomplete project," given the rates of poverty, inequality and unemployment in the country.”
Affirmative Repositioningis conductingongoing campaigns advocating for land and economic justice
Source
“Notable recent events include the 2017 NSFAF student protests over delayed financial aid, the 2018 demonstrations organised by Nanso, the 2020 #ShutItAllDown protests against gender-based violence, the 2020 Twaloloka settlement fire mobilisation, and ongoing campaigns by Affirmative Repositioning advocating for land and economic justice.”
Affirmative Repositioningtabled a motion inthe National Assembly to turn the Old State House into a museum in Nujoma's honour
Source
“Just recently, the Affirmative Repositioning movement tabled a motion in the National Assembly to turn the Old State House into a museum in Nujoma's honour.”
Affirmative Repositioningtabled a motion inthe National Assembly on Tuesday proposing to consider the concept of chief mourners
Source
“Amupanda tabled a motion in the National Assembly on Tuesday proposing to consider the "confusing foreign concept" of chief mourners and the appropriation of African burial practices.”
Affirmative Repositioninghasmember of parliament George Kambala
Source
“Affirmative Repositioning member of parliament George Kambala has moved a motion proposing the preservation of founding president Sam Nujoma's legacy.”
The Ministry of Works and Transport has installed an electric vehicle charging station at its Windhoek headquarters as a pilot project to assess the feasibility of a nationwide charging network. The facility, designed by ministry engineers, will serve as a case study to guide future EV charging infrastructure deployment across the country, initially targeting government-owned vehicles and government employees before expanding to the public.
Why it matters
Government's EV charging pilot project signals a shift toward sustainable transport infrastructure and climate action alignment.
The Ministry of Works and Transport has installed an electric vehicle charging station at its Windhoek headquarters as a pilot project to assess the feasibility of a nationwide charging network. The facility, designed by ministry engineers, will serve as a case study to guide future EV charging infrastructure deployment across the country, initially targeting government-owned vehicles and government employees before expanding to the public.
Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse denied that Vitol Bahrain's appointment as sole fuel supplier to Namibia for three months was illegal, responding to AR leader Job Amupanda's claim that the arrangement violates the Petroleum Products and Energy Act, which requires fuel importers to hold a wholesale licence and be registered in Namibia.
The central bank governor told parliament that reducing high banking fees will take time as new regulations are implemented, though he expects significant progress within three years. Banks earned N$5.0 billion from fee income last year, representing 31.3% of their total income.
With Anti-Corruption Commission Director-General Paulus Noa's tenure ending this month after leading the agency since its 2006 inception, voices including former parliament member Hidipo Hamata are calling for new leadership and endorsing candidates like legal practitioner Norman Tjombe. Affirmative Repositioning MP Job Amupanda confirmed his party is engaging government to ensure the ACC director-general and deputy director-general positions are advertised before their June/July expiry.
Proposed amendments to the Electoral Commission of Namibia Act will compel commissioners to declare their assets within 60 days of the act coming into force and thereafter annually, a move political parties say could strengthen public trust and transparency. Commissioners must submit declarations to the speaker of the National Assembly, with failure to comply constituting grounds for misconduct.
PDM leader McHenry Venaani said President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has the constitutional authority to dismiss senior officials without necessarily giving public explanations, in response to the suspension of police inspector general Joseph Shikongo. Venaani argued that leaders make key decisions based on sensitive information unavailable to the public.
Opposition leaders say Cassinga Day and Workers' Day have become political mobilisation events for Swapo rather than state occasions reflecting national unity, citing concerns about the presence of the Ndilimani Cultural Troupe and the absence of national institutions at these public holidays.
The Supreme Court of Namibia ruled that the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia did not meet the legal standard to claim "wasted costs" in a dispute linked to the veterinary cordon fence. The court found that the Board's claim that changes to court papers caused it to incur unnecessary legal costs did not meet the threshold for wasted costs.
National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has clarified that MPs are not automatically entitled to leave of absence and that requests can be declined under Standing Rule 76. She stressed that leave is typically granted only for illness, bereavement of close family, official committee duties, or parliamentary travel, and must be formally submitted with reasons and approval from party chief whips.
Parliamentarians criticised a N$600 000 budgetary allocation for board sitting allowances within the mines ministry, which became contentious during budget debates due to its label as 'liquor'. The ministry clarified the funds are not for beverages but for allowances tied to liquor licensing work and board operations across regions, with potential increases to N$2 million over two years.
The Namibian health ministry has launched an investigation into alleged fraud and theft within its pharmaceutical supply chain, including stock data manipulation and diversion of medicines. Executive director Penda Ithindi said implicated Central Medical Stores staff have been reassigned pending investigation, with criminal proceedings possible if guilt is established.
Student unions have called on the government to establish an equitable funding model after the suspension of funding to the Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) amid allegations of misuse and favouritism. While some unions welcome the halt to Nanso's exclusive funding, they oppose complete removal of financial support to student bodies and instead urge the Ministry of Education to distribute budgets fairly among all three student organisations in Namibia.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and leaders from across Namibia's political spectrum paid tribute to former Otjozondjupa governor and Swapo MP James Uerikua at a Wednesday memorial service, celebrating his legacy as a bridge-builder who commanded respect across party lines. Uerikua, who died in a car accident on 3 April along with his 14-year-old son Venturo, was praised for his dedication to inclusive development and democratic dialogue.
Opposition and ruling party figures paid tribute to late Swapo parliamentarian James Uerikua at his memorial service at Parliament Gardens in Windhoek, describing him as a skilled strategist and "people's person" whose work should be continued in his honour.
Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital has suspended all elective surgical procedures after running out of critical anaesthetic agents required for general anaesthesia, with similar supply constraints affecting the Central Medical Stores. The suspension is intended to prioritize limited supplies for emergency cases, and has raised parliamentary concerns about patient safety and operational stability at public health facilities.
Outapi's mayor, chief executive, and management committee chair travelled to Windhoek from 7–10 April without informing the full council of the trip's purpose, according to a local councillor who learned about it through social media. The City of Windhoek later confirmed it was a benchmarking visit focused on crime prevention and informal trading management.
Members of parliament have expressed concern over the continued underfunding of the agriculture ministry, with lawmakers warning that declining allocations for land distribution, drought support, and veterinary services risk compromising national food security and employment. The ministry received N$1.8 billion for the current financial year, with over N$1.4 billion allocated to operations and over N$300 million to development.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah answered questions from opposition MPs on the Welwitschia Sovereign Wealth Fund, land delivery, Germany's genocide reparations deal, the veterinary cordon fence, and various economic and governance matters during parliament on Wednesday.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah ordered government officials to use public hospitals from April, but Windhoek Central Hospital's new VIP unit exclusively for senior officials has drawn opposition criticism as discriminatory and contrary to equitable healthcare goals. Opposition leaders and analysts argue the separate facility undermines the reform and mirrors apartheid-era segregation.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced that Norway's government has agreed to provide technical support for developing Namibia's oil and gas sectors, citing Norway's international leadership in accountability and effective use of oil revenue. The President also defended her decision to place oil and gas supervision under the Presidency as a guard against the resource curse and urged Parliament to urgently pass the petroleum amendment bill to enable her oversight of upstream oil and gas activities.
Swapo parliamentarian James Uerikua, 43, and his 14-year-old son died Friday when their vehicle overturned on the Otjiwarongo-Okakarara road after a rear tyre burst. Colleagues remembered him as a sharp-minded, articulate, and humorous legislator with a passion for farming.
Affirmative Repositioning MP George Kambala has urged young Namibians to carry forward the vision of deceased Swapo parliamentarian James Uerikua, who died in a vehicle accident in Otjozondjupa on Friday. Kambala praised Uerikua's commitment to youth leadership, his advocacy for Ovaherero and Nama genocide recognition, and his belief in Namibian potential.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has mourned the death of Swapo parliamentarian James Uerikua, who died in a road accident in Otjozondjupa on Friday. She described him as a promising leader and called on Namibians to exercise caution on the roads.
Parliamentarians from multiple parties criticized the N$109 million allocation to the Anti-Corruption Commission for the 2026/27 fiscal year as inadequate, arguing that underfunding, limited access to modern technology, and outdated legislation prevent the institution from effectively combating corruption. MPs called for increased funding and legislative amendments to enable the ACC to keep pace with evolving criminal tactics.
The Anti-Corruption Commission has allocated N$20 million for capital development to construct a regional office at Oshakati as part of its N$109 million budget allocation for 2026/27. Parliamentarians commended the move but called for broader regional coverage and better funding and staff compensation to strengthen the ACC's capacity to address corruption.
Independent Patriots for Change MP Michael Mwashindange criticised the Electoral Commission of Namibia's allocation of N$1.6 million for legal fees as wasteful, arguing the commission should prioritise improving voter turnout and drafting an electoral amendment bill instead. Other MPs also questioned whether the ECN's overall N$181 million budget for 2026/27 is adequate for national coverage.
Namibian pension funds are seeking clarity on how the Financial Institutions and Markets Act (Fima) will affect retirement payouts, with a leaked memo suggesting the act could prohibit members from taking their full savings as a single cash payment and instead require monthly annuity payments. Industry players and Namfisa are meeting to discuss the interpretation of the new law and its potential consequences for retirees.
The Affirmative Repositioning party said independence is "incomplete" due to persistent poverty, inequality and unemployment, arguing that since 1990 freedom fighters compromised with former colonisers who retained economic control while surrendering only political institutions.
Namibian youth were central to the independence struggle, but veterans and contemporary activists argue that economic emancipation remains incomplete. Today's youth movements have shifted from political freedom to addressing unemployment, social inequality, and demanding accountability for change.