Namibia Minute.
Monday, 8 June 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 8 June 2026
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Namibian press · Person

Dino Ballotti

Also known as: Deputy minister Dino Ballotti · Deputy Minister Ballotti · Honourable Dino Ballotti · Deputy Minister of Sport Dino Ballotti · Education Deputy Minister Dino Ballotti · Deputy education minister Dino Ballotti · Deputy Minister of Sport, Dino Ballotti · Deputy sport minister Dino Ballotti

Deputy minister overseeing youth and sports; presented 2026/27 budget and engaged in parliamentary dialogue on sport infrastructure and youth development.

2024-08-142026-06-08
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What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. April 2026

  2. The Namibian

    Deputy sport minister Dino Ballotti shared on Friday a close encounter with MP James Uerikua on Thursday

    Source

    “Deputy sport minister Dino Ballotti on Friday shared a close encounter he had with member of parliament James Uerikua on Thursday.”

    He shared sweets and told me to travel safely – deputy sport minister Ballotti on MP Uerikua
  3. March 2026

  4. New Era

    Dino Ballotti said the ministry will continue to support NCRST for it to fulfil its mandate

    Source

    “Speaking at the award ceremony on Saturday evening, deputy minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts, and culture Dino Ballotti said that the ministry will continue to support NCRST for it to fulfil its mandate.”

    NCRST awards top researchers

  5. The Namibian

    Deputy minister Dino Ballotti praised Namibian researchers for their resilience and creativity

    Source

    “Deputy minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Dino Ballotti praised Namibian researchers for their resilience and creativity, describing the research journey as a solitary path that remains critical to national development.”

    National Research Excellence Awards return as Namibia urged to boost science systems

  6. New Era

    Deputy education minister Dino Ballotti said the platform serves to empower young people through creative expression and engagement

    Source

    “Meanwhile, deputy education minister Dino Ballotti said the platform serves to empower young people through creative expression and engagement.”

    Khomas Uhuru march today

  7. The Namibian

    Deputy minister Dino Ballotti says NamFest@36 will serve as platform to empower young people through creative expression

    Source

    “Deputy minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Dino Ballotti says the NamFest@36 will serve as a platform to empower young people through creative expression while reminding them of their roots.”

    Khomas region to host festival for 36th Independence Day celebrations

  8. The Namibian

    Dino Ballotti was selected as keynote speaker for Independence Day celebrations

    Source

    “The keynote speakers include former prime minister Nahas Angula, deputy minister of education Dino Ballotti, minister of justice and labour relations Wise Immanuel, former finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi, minister of works and transport Veikko Nekundi, and National Council chairperson Lukas Muha.”

    No political affiliation in Independence Day speakers at Oshikoto selection – governor

  9. The Namibian

    Deputy minister Dino Ballotti was the target of headline joke that he should go back to Italy

    Source

    “The headline joke went something like this: deputy minister Dino Ballotti should go back to Italy because Namibia, according to the performer, does not look like that.”

    Kandorozu’s Debut Stand-Up Comedy Special

  10. Informanté

    Dino Ballotti officially launched the 24th edition of the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup

    Source

    “The Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Dino Ballotti, has officially launched the 24th edition of the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup, highlighting the tournament's role in nurturing young football and netball talent across Namibia.”

    Regions gear up for 2026 Newspaper Cup

  11. New Era

    Deputy Minister of Sport Dino Ballotti praised the annual Newspaper Cup tournament

    Source

    “Speaking at the launch, Deputy Minister of Sport Dino Ballotti praised the annual tournament, saying events such as the Newspaper Cup encourage healthy lifestyles among youth, contribute to economic activity, promote community participation, and create opportunities.”

    Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup heads south

  12. The Namibian

    Dino Ballotti expressed appreciation to Nedbank Namibia and The Namibian for commitment to youth sport development

    Source

    “Ballotti said: "Allow me to express my sincere appreciation to Nedbank Namibia and The Namibian for the unwavering commitment to youth, sport development in Namibia."”

    Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup launched
Society

VP calls for stronger support of vocational education

The News

Vice president Lucia Witbooi has urged stronger support for vocational education, calling it one of Namibia's most important tools in fighting unemployment and creating opportunities for young people with disabilities. She made the remarks during the graduation ceremony of 443 learners enrolled in the Certificate in Basic Pre-Vocational Skills programme at Augustineum Secondary School in Windhoek.

Why it matters

Vice president urges stronger support for vocational education as tool to fight unemployment and support people with disabilities.

21 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 21 May

  1. VP calls for stronger support of vocational education

    Vice president Lucia Witbooi has urged stronger support for vocational education, calling it one of Namibia's most important tools in fighting unemployment and creating opportunities for young people with disabilities. She made the remarks during the graduation ceremony of 443 learners enrolled in the Certificate in Basic Pre-Vocational Skills programme at Augustineum Secondary School in Windhoek.

    21 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 7 May

  1. Namibia, Botswana review sports partnership progress

    Namibia and Botswana held a high-level bilateral engagement between their sports commissions in Gaborone to review progress under a 2021 Memorandum of Understanding and map a stronger path for regional sport development. The partnership has yielded results in athlete support, high-performance preparation, sport governance and regional cooperation through athlete exchanges, joint training camps, and event hosting.

    7 May 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 23 April

  1. Namibian ministers meet IOC president in Switzerland

    Sport minister Sanet Steenkamp and deputy minister Dino Ballotti met International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry in Lausanne to discuss strengthening Namibia's sport infrastructure, athlete empowerment, and Olympic collaboration with the Namibia National Olympic Committee.

    23 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 20 April

  1. Deputy sport minister criticises Nkurenkuru complex gravel pitch

    Deputy sport minister Dino Ballotti expressed displeasure that the Nkurenkuru Youth Sport Complex remains a gravel field rather than grass, despite sustained engagement. The condition threatens local football progress, including KK United's potential promotion in the First Division, and affects youth development and regional entrepreneurs who must travel to Rundu for games.

    20 April 2026 · New Era →

Sunday 19 April

  1. Namibia hosts first regulation polo match near Windhoek

    The La Muela Polo Exhibition took place outside Windhoek this weekend, marking the first full-time polo match played in Namibia on a regulation field. Organisers imported horses from Argentina for the event and breeding with Namibian mares.

    19 April 2026 · New Era →

  2. NFA has land for 10 stadiums but lacks funding

    The Namibia Football Association has secured more than 10 land sites countrywide to build stadiums but lacks the financial resources to develop them, instead seeking external and local investment. The NFA's projects are separate from the government's plan to build 28 stadiums across regions, though the association will provide technical advisory support to ensure compliance with international football standards.

    19 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 16 April

  1. New Namibian athletics platform launches to develop talent

    The Collective, a new structured athletics development platform, has been launched in Windhoek to nurture talent and improve performance standards by connecting coaching, performance data, and competitive exposure for Namibian athletes. The platform operates through a three-tier model serving elite athletes and developing competitors across four regions, with support from qualified coaches and a focus on athletes in the under-15, 17 and 19 age categories.

    16 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 15 April

  1. Deputy minister presents youth, sports budget for 2026/27

    Deputy Minister Dino Ballotti presented the N$35.104 million youth and sports budget for the 2026/2027 financial year to the National Assembly, framing it as a strategic investment in Namibia's future given that 71.1% of the population is under 35. The budget allocates funds for youth skills training and entrepreneurship, the National Youth Service, sports development and infrastructure including N$140 million for basic sporting facilities across regions.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 10 April

  1. Government funds Collective Singers' international tour to Canada

    The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts, and Culture has sponsored N$400,000 to support the Namibian choir Collective Singers for a singing tour in Canada from 11 to 25 April, representing the country alongside choirs from around the world. Deputy Minister Dino Ballotti said the financial support reflects the government's commitment to investing in talent and enabling Namibian artists to perform on global stages.

    10 April 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 7 April

  1. Erongo region wins Nedbank Cup after 14-year drought

    Erongo ended their 14-year trophy drought by winning the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup 2026, defeating defending champions Kunene 2–1 in extra time at Keetmanshoop. Centre-back Shahid Naoebeb scored twice in the match and was named player of the tournament.

    7 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 4 April

  1. MP James Uerikua dies in road accident, tributes pour in

    Member of parliament James Uerikua died in a road accident on Friday. Colleagues from across the political spectrum paid tribute to him, describing him as a unifier and noting that his son also died in the same accident and his wife is in critical condition.

    4 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 31 March

  1. Metropolitan funds N$140,000 for youth athletes in Newspaper Cup

    Metropolitan Namibia has committed N$140,000 to support young athletes from all 14 regions to participate in the 2026 Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup, a youth football and netball tournament to be held in Keetmanshoop from 3 to 6 April. The contribution aims to remove barriers of distance and limited resources that prevent talented young athletes from competing.

    31 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 30 March

  1. NCRST honours top researchers at annual excellence awards

    The National Commission on Research Science and Technology held its 2026 National Research Excellence Awards ceremony in Windhoek to recognise and celebrate contributions of researchers to Namibia's socio-economic development. Award winners across twelve categories—including lifetime achievement, student researchers, mid-career and senior researchers—received certificates, trophies, and prize money of N$10,000–N$20,000.

    30 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. National Research Excellence Awards return to honour Namibian scientists

    Namibia's National Research Excellence Awards ceremony returned after a lengthy break, with visiting South African scientist Bavesh Kana urging the country to strengthen its research systems through sustained funding, functional infrastructure, and supportive policies to match its scientific potential. The awards recognised researchers, innovators and emerging scholars across various disciplines, including student, early-career, mid-career, senior, and lifetime achievement categories.

    30 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 25 March

  1. At least 91 MPs declare assets and business interests

    At least 91 parliamentarians have submitted asset and interest declarations as required under parliamentary standing rules, with MPs disclosing shareholdings in telecommunications, banking, and brewing companies, as well as residential and commercial properties across Namibia. Failure to comply with annual declaration requirements constitutes a breach of parliamentary rules and may result in referral to the Committee of Privileges for disciplinary measures including fines or formal reprimands.

    25 March 2026 · New Era →

Friday 20 March

  1. Khomas hosts cultural festival ahead of Independence Day

    Windhoek will host the Khomas Uhuru march and Namfest@36, featuring a 1,000-person parade, innovation talent shows, and music performances by local artists, to celebrate national unity before the official Independence Day celebrations at Sam Nujoma Stadium tomorrow.

    20 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. Khomas region hosts youth festival for 36th Independence Day

    The Khomas governor's office will host NamFest@36, a youth-centred festival on Friday featuring cultural events, an innovation talent show, an Uhuru march with over 1,000 participants, and a music bash. The festival will showcase free acts in music, poetry, dance, painting, plays and inventions, with over 50 performances and 20 local exhibitors, celebrating Namibia's Independence Day under the theme "Beyond 35: For a Prosperous Future."

    20 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 17 March

  1. Oshikoto governor denies political bias in Independence Day speaker selection

    Oshikoto Governor Sacky Kathindi denied that keynote speakers for regional Independence Day celebrations were chosen based on political affiliation, saying the selection was a collective decision focused on the region's challenges and service delivery rather than party considerations.

    17 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 16 March

  1. Oshikoto Independence Day speakers defended as national, not partisan

    Nahas Angula and regional officials have defended the selection of 11 Swapo members as speakers for Oshikoto's 36th Independence Day event, saying the invitations were issued by the regional council and constituency leadership based on availability and status as leaders, not political affiliation. They acknowledge that Independence Day is a national event open to all Namibians and claim non-Swapo members were also invited, though specifics were not provided.

    16 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Peter Kazongominja becomes Nudo president after Muinjangue's resignation

    The National Unity Democratic Organisation's national executive committee has appointed Peter Kazongominja as party president following the resignation of former deputy health minister Utjiua Muinjangue. The party also retrenched all employees due to financial challenges from the loss of two parliamentary seats, and formally reprimanded MP Vetaruhe Kandorozu for his parliamentary conduct.

    16 March 2026 · New Era →

Sunday 15 March

  1. Kandorozu's parliamentary comedy routine falls flat with audience

    Vetaruhe Kandorozu delivered an impromptu stand-up comedy special on the parliamentary floor titled 'Namibia Does Not Look Like That', featuring a joke about deputy minister Dino Ballotti that drew silence rather than laughs. The Namibian's opinion piece critiques the failed routine and suggests Kandorozu misunderstands both comedy and Namibia's multicultural identity.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 12 March

  1. NUDO MP and deputy education minister resolve parliamentary dispute

    NUDO parliamentarian Vetaruhe Kandorozu and deputy education minister Dino Ballotti have reconciled after Kandorozu made unparliamentary remarks telling Ballotti to "go back to Italy" during a National Assembly debate. The two lawmakers announced their peace on social media, with Kandorozu describing the incident as teasing and both committing to move forward.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 11 March

  1. 24th Nedbank Newspaper Cup launched for 2026

    The Deputy Minister of Education has officially launched the 24th edition of the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup, a youth football and netball tournament established in 2001 that provides opportunities for young athletes from all 14 regions to showcase their talent. The 2026 tournament will be hosted in the ǁKharas Region from 3 to 6 April in Keetmanshoop.

    11 March 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 10 March

  1. 24th Nedbank Newspaper Cup launches for April in Keetmanshoop

    The Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup, a national football and netball tournament that has run since 2001, was launched yesterday and will take place from 3–5 April in Keetmanshoop with all 14 regions participating. Officials including Deputy Minister of Sport Dino Ballotti and Netball Namibia President Juanita Witbeen praised the event for promoting youth sports development and discovering talent for national teams.

    10 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. 24th Nedbank Newspaper Cup kicks off April 3–6 in Keetmanshoop

    The youth football and netball tournament brings together under-20 teams from all 14 regions of Namibia to develop emerging talent and foster regional sports development. Kunene defends the 2025 football title while Kavango East defends the netball crown, with group draws revealed at the official launch in Windhoek.

    10 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 9 March

  1. NTA warns unregistered vocational training providers will be shut down

    The Namibia Training Authority CEO warned unregistered TVET training providers that they face closure, noting that non-compliance and disregard for the country's laws persist in the sector. Currently 71 training providers are registered, with TVET enrolment at approximately 13,500 trainees at the start of the 2026 calendar year.

    9 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. Opinion: Parliament must reject personal attacks, focus on nation-building

    A Namibian scholar argues that recent parliamentary debate has shifted toward personal attacks on Deputy Minister Dino Ballotti rather than substantive policy engagement, undermining democratic institutions and diverting attention from urgent socio-economic challenges like unemployment and economic strain that demand genuine legislative focus.

    9 March 2026 · New Era →

Saturday 7 March

  1. Swapo youth league demands apology from Kandorozu over Ballotti remarks

    Swapo Party Youth League secretary general Ephraim Nekongo has called on National Unity Democratic Organisation parliamentarian Vetaruhe Kandorozu to apologize and withdraw comments made to education deputy minister Dino Ballotti during National Assembly proceedings, citing the need for respectful parliamentary conduct and saying personal attacks undermine the Namibian Constitution.

    7 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 6 March

  1. Nudo MP refuses to apologize for remarks against deputy minister

    Nudo lawmaker Vetaruhe Kandorozu has remained defiant after making tribal and racial remarks against deputy education minister Dino Ballotti in Parliament, telling him to "go back to Italy." The party's acting president Peter Kazongominja said Kandorozu will face disciplinary action, emphasizing that Nudo is founded on principles of unity and the remarks do not represent the party.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. MTC rewards Brave Gladiators N$300,000 for Cosafa Championship victory

    Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) has announced N$300,000 to be shared among players and technical staff of the Brave Gladiators following their 2-1 defeat of South Africa to win the 2025 Cosafa Women's Championship. Corporate sponsors and government officials have called for professionalization of women's football and greater corporate investment in the sport.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Dino Ballotti — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute