Namibia Minute.
Friday, 24 April 2026
A daily Namibian brief · Est. 2026
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Youth face severe health risks tampering with depleted vapes

The News

Health professionals have warned that young Namibians are "jumping" or tampering with depleted disposable vapes to extend their use, a practice driven by affordability and addiction but posing serious immediate and long-term health hazards including battery explosions, toxic chemical inhalation, lung damage, and exposure to cancer-causing substances. Doctors report that patients develop symptoms ranging from coughing and chest pain to respiratory emergencies, with tampered devices releasing toxic metals and carcinogens particularly dangerous to developing adolescent brains.

9 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 9 February

  1. Youth face severe health risks tampering with depleted vapes

    Health professionals have warned that young Namibians are "jumping" or tampering with depleted disposable vapes to extend their use, a practice driven by affordability and addiction but posing serious immediate and long-term health hazards including battery explosions, toxic chemical inhalation, lung damage, and exposure to cancer-causing substances. Doctors report that patients develop symptoms ranging from coughing and chest pain to respiratory emergencies, with tampered devices releasing toxic metals and carcinogens particularly dangerous to developing adolescent brains.

    9 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Westmond High School launches calculator donation campaign

    A critical lack of calculators at Westmond High School has affected pupil participation and performance in mathematics and accounting, with an estimated 800 of the school's 1,000 pupils lacking access to calculators. An accounting teacher has launched a 'Donate a Calculator' campaign to address the shortage, securing 50 calculators so far, with donated calculators to be kept as school property and issued during lessons and examinations.

    9 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 6 February

  1. Namibia Rugby Union faces leadership crisis, financial transparency demands

    The Namibia Rugby Union is in turmoil following coaching staff resignations in December—including director of rugby Jacques Burger—and after failing to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Former player Damian Stevens has publicly called for financial transparency, a strategic plan, and performance review, while union leadership disputes some resignation claims and promises a press conference on 10 February to address stakeholders.

    6 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Analyst warns Okahandja United to improve before relegation

    Football analyst Hector Mawango has urged Okahandja United to strengthen their tactical and technical approach in remaining league matches, citing inconsistent form and particularly poor away performances that threaten their standing in the Namibia Premier Football League.

    6 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Minister defends placing oil powers under presidency

    Mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse has defended the decision to vest new upstream petroleum powers in the Office of the President, arguing the model follows international practice and strengthens governance of Namibia's oil and gas sector. Amutse said parliamentary oversight will remain in place, with the new unit reporting annually to the National Assembly on revenue, taxes and performance.

    6 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 5 February

  1. Opposition questions president's control over oil and gas sector

    Multiple opposition figures have criticized President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's placement of upstream oil and gas activities under her office, citing concerns about conflict of interest and lack of ministerial accountability. The president has categorically denied reports that her children have interests in the sector, while opposition leaders argue the arrangement violates constitutional principles and creates transparency risks.

    5 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 4 February

  1. National netball coach welcomes reactivation of schools netball

    National netball coach Julene Meyer has welcomed the reactivation of nationwide schools netball, which aims to establish a structured regional pathway to develop elite talent for future international competitions. Meyer outlined a plan for national and regional schools leagues with play-offs to give players experience before joining senior squads.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 3 February

  1. NFA acting secretary general vows to stabilise football association

    Mabos Vries, recently appointed as acting secretary general of the Namibia Football Association, has pledged to address critical stadium shortages and fixture delays while stabilising the association. He cited the lack of available football stadiums as the number one problem facing the Namibia Premier Football League and noted that the 2025/26 season may not conclude as planned due to various scheduled breaks.

    3 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 1 February

  1. ACC probes emergency tender linked to minister Sankwasa

    The Anti-Corruption Commission has asked urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa to explain details of a tax compliance certificate used to win a N$4.9 million emergency tender, amid suspicions the document is fake. Corporate governance experts warn the case highlights vulnerabilities in Namibia's emergency procurement procedures and the risk of politically connected figures gaining unfair access to state contracts.

    1 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 30 January

  1. Pirates outline recruitment and restructuring bid for promotion

    Orlando Pirates official Mabos Ortman has outlined a comprehensive restructuring and recruitment strategy aimed at securing the club's promotion back to the Namibian premier league after relegation to the Southern Stream First Division in 2024. The club plans to target experienced players with premier league experience, particularly in midfield and striking, while also restructuring as a member-based organisation and rebranding, with league play resuming in February 2026.

    30 January 2026 · The Namibian →

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