Namibia Minute.
Thursday, 23 July 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Thursday, 23 July 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 · Hon. Dino Ballotti

Deputy Minister of Education and Sport who addressed school admissions and apologised for dismissive remarks on student protests in 2026.

2024-08-142026-07-23
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What’s been said

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

  1. February 2026

  2. New Era

    Dino Ballotti gave ideas about what youth should become as businesspeople

    Source

    “The deputy minister gave us ideas about what we should become as businesspeople.”

    Youth inspired to turn creativity into careers

  3. The Namibian

    Deputy Minister Dino Ballotti said the platform was established to respond to persistent systemic challenges within Namibia's entrepreneurial landscape

    Source

    “Speaking at the launch last week, deputy minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Dino Ballotti said the platform was established to respond to persistent systemic challenges within Namibia's entrepreneurial landscape.”

    Platform launched to boost SME growth

  4. New Era

    Deputy education minister Dino Ballotti said the new coordinated platform will help address systemic challenges entrepreneurs face

    Source

    “Deputy education minister Dino Ballotti said entrepreneurs often face systemic challenges not because they lack talent or ambition, but because of fragmented support structures.”

    ScaleUp Namibia office opens to grow start-ups

  5. New Era

    Dino Ballotti said the government will start to 'name and shame' local authorities demanding compensation for school land

    Source

    “Dino Ballotti, said the government will start to 'name and shame' local authorities that are demanding compensation for land intended to build schools.”

    Gov slams local authorities over school land fees

  6. New Era

    Dino Ballotti said the government is still in a bind negotiating with some local authorities for land to build public schools

    Source

    “Speaking in parliament recently, Ballotti said the government is still in a bind, negotiating with some local authorities for land to build public schools.”

    Gov slams local authorities over school land fees

  7. Informanté

    Deputy Minister Dino Ballotti said majority of 2025/26 budgeted projects advancing as planned

    Source

    “The Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Dino Ballotti, has said that the majority of budgeted projects for the 2025/26 financial year are advancing as planned and that education infrastructure remains satisfactory, albeit not where the education ministry intends it to be.”

    Most school construction projects to near completion by 2026 – Ballotti

  8. Informanté

    Ballotti said most construction projects expected completed by June 2026

    Source

    “"Construction of new pre-primary classrooms, classrooms and other education facilities at existing schools remains on track, with most projects expected to be completed by June 2026," Ballotti said.”

    Most school construction projects to near completion by 2026 – Ballotti

  9. The Namibian

    Deputy minister Dino Ballotti said land disputes in Hardap and ||Kharas regions are delaying school infrastructure projects

    Source

    “Deputy minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Dino Ballotti says land-related disputes between local authorities and the government in the Hardap and ||Kharas regions are delaying the completion of several school infrastructure projects.”

    Land disputes delay school infrastructure projects in Hardap and ||Kharas, says deputy minister

  10. The Namibian

    Deputy minister Dino Ballotti presented progress report on the ministry's projects during National Assembly session

    Source

    “This was announced on Thursday by deputy minister Dino Ballotti, who presented a progress report on the ministry's projects during the National Assembly session.”

    Over 500 education ministry capital projects underway

  11. Informanté

    Deputy Minister Dino Ballotti accompanied and introduced Vice President as keynote speaker

    Source

    “Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Dino Ballotti, accompanied the Vice President and introduced her as the keynote speaker.”

    NCHE turns 20, inaugurates new headquarters
Society

NTA allocates N$1.05m to strengthen pre-vocational education

The News

The Namibia Training Authority has committed N$1.05 million to strengthen pre-vocational education at seven secondary schools, with each school receiving N$150,000 to improve technical and vocational subjects, procure training equipment, and expose learners to vocational opportunities. The initiative is part of the government's effort to address the mismatch between education and labour market demands.

13 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 13 July

  1. NTA allocates N$1.05m to strengthen pre-vocational education

    The Namibia Training Authority has committed N$1.05 million to strengthen pre-vocational education at seven secondary schools, with each school receiving N$150,000 to improve technical and vocational subjects, procure training equipment, and expose learners to vocational opportunities. The initiative is part of the government's effort to address the mismatch between education and labour market demands.

    13 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Sunday 12 July

  1. NTA invests N$1.05 million in seven secondary schools' pre-vocational education

    The Namibia Training Authority has invested N$1.05 million to strengthen pre-vocational education at seven secondary schools across the country, with each school receiving N$150,000 to improve the delivery of technical and vocational subjects. The funding supports the government's efforts to expand access to quality education and skills development in line with the Sixth National Development Plan.

    12 July 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 10 July

  1. NTA invests N$1.1 million in seven secondary schools

    The Namibia Training Authority has invested N$1.1 million across seven secondary schools to strengthen pre-vocational subject teaching and prepare learners with practical skills for the labour market. Each school received N$150,000 for equipment procurement and enhanced teaching and learning delivery.

    10 July 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 7 July

  1. Keetmanshoop to host Namibia's 2026 International Youth Day

    Namibia will hold the 2026 International Youth Day national commemorations in Keetmanshoop on 12 August 2026, with the theme "Youth Advancing Multilateral Cooperation through Technology and Partnerships." The annual UN-observed day recognises young people's contributions and addresses challenges including unemployment, education access, health and civic participation.

    7 July 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 30 June

  1. Grave of Okahandja murder victim desecrated with burned snake

    The grave of six-year-old Roswinds Fabianu, who was murdered in Okahandja in April 2025, was vandalized on the death anniversary when unidentified people allegedly burned a snake on her tombstone, scorching it and devastating the family.

    30 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 22 June

  1. Violence at National Youth Council election forces postponement

    The state-funded National Youth Council's general assembly in Swakopmund was postponed after violence erupted during the election of a new executive chairperson, injuring nine delegates. The education minister condemned the incident as "unacceptable, unruly conduct and violence," and critics are calling for the institution to be dismantled.

    22 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. National Youth Council assembly postponed after violent clashes

    A National Youth Council elective general assembly that began Friday descended into chaos on Saturday, injuring nine delegates and prompting education minister Sanet Steenkamp to postpone the assembly indefinitely. The disruption involved disputes over the electoral process, with disagreements over delegate allocations and factional tensions.

    22 June 2026 · New Era →

  3. Minister Ballotti addresses school admissions process for 2027

    Minister of Education Dino Ballotti delivered a ministerial statement to the National Assembly on learner admissions to schools for the 2027 academic year.

    22 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 21 June

  1. Violence erupts at National Youth Council assembly in Swakopmund

    Nine delegates were injured during violent disruptions at the National Youth Council General Assembly in Swakopmund on Saturday, prompting the Electoral Committee to resign and the Ministry of Education to postpone proceedings citing safety and order concerns.

    21 June 2026 · Informanté →

  2. National Youth Council assembly postponed after Saturday violence

    The Ministry of Education indefinitely postponed the National Youth Council general assembly in Swakopmund following an outbreak of violence on Saturday that injured nine delegates. The Electoral Committee has resigned citing safety concerns, and the ministry has received petitions from affiliates raising compliance and verification issues; Youth Minister Steenkamp says the interim board will address outstanding matters and communicate next steps.

    21 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 19 June

  1. Top Score National Elite Championships launched for schools

    The Top Score National Elite Championships, a new premier schools sport tournament run under the Namibia Schools Sport Union, was launched in Windhoek on Wednesday. The championship aims to bring together elite schools from across Namibia to compete across multiple disciplines for the title of ultimate champion sports school, while promoting academic excellence and school pride.

    19 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 10 June

  1. Government injects N$247 million to clear student funding backlog

    Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp announced that the government has injected N$247 million into NSFAF to expedite outstanding student payments, with disbursement commencing this week and non-tuition payments expected to be finalised by mid-July 2026.

    10 June 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Deputy minister apologises for dismissive remarks on student protest

    Deputy minister of education Dino Ballotti apologised to students after his Friday comments questioning the numbers at a protest over delayed non-tuition fees sparked backlash. He acknowledged his choice of words was inappropriate and insensitive to students' challenges.

    10 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Inaugural NamFitness Expo and Conference comes to Windhoek

    The NamFitness Expo and Conference, hosted by Aura Concept Events, will take place at Windhoek Country Club on 3–4 July, featuring fitness activations, wellness talks, health screenings, and exhibitions aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles and community development.

    10 June 2026 · The Namibian →

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 →

Dino Ballotti — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute