Ester Haikola-Sakaria

Also known as: Esther Haikola-Sakaria

Affirmative Repositioning MP who raised concerns about hepatitis B infections among young Namibians in April 2026.

2026-03-012026-10-03

What’s been said

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

August 2026
12 AugNew Era
Ester Haikola-Sakaria said the visit exposed serious concerns about worker safety and oversight by Ministry of Mines
Source
“Committee member Ester Haikola-Sakaria said the visit exposed serious concerns about worker safety and welfare, as well as the level of oversight by the Ministry of Mines and Energy.”
MPs unearth ‘illicit’ Kunene mines
11 AugInformanté
Ester Haikola-Sakaria raised concerns over working conditions at Okarikua Mining in Kunene Region
Source
“Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources member Ester Haikola-Sakaria has raised concerns over the working conditions at Okarikua Mining in Kunene Region, revealing that workers have been operating without adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and proper ablution facilities.”
Parliamentary committee raises concerns over Okarikua Mine conditions
11 AugInformanté
Ester Haikola-Sakaria called for greater oversight by the Ministry of Mines and Energy
Source
“She also called for greater oversight by the Ministry of Mines and Energy to ensure that mining operations in the region comply with the law.”
Parliamentary committee raises concerns over Okarikua Mine conditions
June 2026
4 JunThe Namibian
Affirmative Repositioning parliamentarian Ester Haikola-Sakaria asked whether users would be charged for the facility
Source
“Responding to a question from Affirmative Repositioning parliamentarian Ester Haikola-Sakaria on whether users would be charged, Nekundi said the service is currently free as it forms part of the study.”
Govt launches electric vehicle charging station pilot
April 2026
20 AprThe Namibian
Ester Haikola-Sakaria said the allocation was unacceptable
Source
“She said the allocation was unacceptable, pointing to ongoing shortages of medication in hospitals and inadequate learning conditions for some children.”
Namibian MPs slam N$600k ‘liquor’ budget for mines boards as ministry clarifies sitting allowances
14 AprThe Namibian
Ester Haikola-Sakaria raised concerns over the deteriorating standards of veterinary clinics
Source
“Haikola-Sakaria also raises concerns over the deteriorating standards of veterinary clinics, urging the ministry to prioritise improvements in animal health services.”
Agriculture funding woes deepen as MPs warn of food security risks
March 2026
1 MarThe Namibian
Affirmative Repositioning MP Ester Haikola-Sakaria said the party questions the state's readiness to use public hospitals
Source
“Affirmative Repositioning MP Ester Haikola-Sakaria yesterday said the party is not against using public hospitals, but questioned the state's readiness.”
Namibian MPs slam directive to use public health facilities as “inhumane” and “premature”

Politics

Analysts warn parliament risks becoming political spectacle stage

The News

Political analysts have warned that growing confrontations in the National Assembly could shift parliamentary politics away from substantive policy debates towards political spectacle, weakening public confidence. The warning follows a heated exchange when AR members were ordered out after disrupting proceedings, and a minister made remarks about an IPC member during discussion of the Land Reform Advisory Commission nominations.

1 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 1 October

Analysts warn parliament risks becoming political spectacle stage
Political analysts have warned that growing confrontations in the National Assembly could shift parliamentary politics away from substantive policy debates towards political spectacle, weakening public confidence. The warning follows a heated exchange when AR members were ordered out after disrupting proceedings, and a minister made remarks about an IPC member during discussion of the Land Reform Advisory Commission nominations.
1 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 12 August

Parliamentary committee questions two-year testing period at Kunene mine
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources visited Okarikua Mining in Opuwo and found that the operation has reportedly conducted testing activities for about two years, with piles of copper-bearing rocks on site and questions raised about whether production may be taking place under the guise of testing. The committee also raised concerns about worker safety, welfare, and Ministry of Mines and Energy oversight.
12 August 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 11 August

Parliamentary committee flags safety and sanitation gaps at Okarikua Mine
A Parliamentary Standing Committee member raised concerns following a site visit to Okarikua Mining in Kunene Region, observing that workers lack adequate personal protective equipment and proper ablution facilities despite operating there for about two years. The committee questioned claims that the operation is still in a testing phase, noting that copper production is taking place at the site.
11 August 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 8 June

Government launches EV charging pilot as part of nationwide rollout strategy
The Ministry of Works and Transport launched a pilot electric vehicle charging station at its headquarters in Windhoek, with Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi describing it as a strategic pilot project intended to inform the expansion of an EV charging network across the country. The ministry, which manages government-owned infrastructure, plans to eventually serve both government fleet vehicles and the public.
8 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 4 June

Government launches EV charging station pilot at ministry headquarters
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.
4 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 20 April

MPs question N$600k mines board sitting allowance labelled 'liquor'
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.
20 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 14 April

MPs warn persistent agriculture ministry underfunding threatens food security
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.
14 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 8 April

Swapo MP James Uerikua dies in Easter road accident
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.
8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 19 March

AR parliamentarian raises alarm on hepatitis B infections in youth
Affirmative Repositioning MP Esther Haikola-Sakaria has raised concerns about growing hepatitis B infections among young Namibians, noting that the virus is up to 100 times more infectious than HIV-AIDS but receives far less public awareness and prevention attention from the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
19 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 1 March

MPs criticise directive requiring public servants use state health facilities
Former and current MPs have condemned President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's directive requiring public servants to use state healthcare facilities from 1 April, citing constitutional concerns, infringement of personal choice, and doubts about public facility readiness. Minister of Health Esperance Luvindao responded by clarifying that no one will be forced to use public facilities and those who opt out can use N$240 to access private medical care.
1 March 2026 · The Namibian →