Swanu of Namibia president Evilastus Kaarondahas told The Namibian thatexcessive GIPF sitting fees have long been a problem
Source
“Long-time trade unionist and Swanu of Namibia president Evilastus Kaaronda has told The Namibian that excessive GIPF sitting fees have long been a problem, particularly when trade union representatives sit on boards of trustees.”
Swanu of Namibia parliamentarian Evilastus Kaarondaraised concerns aboutpublic perception of private ward at Windhoek Central Hospital
Source
“Swanu of Namibia parliamentarian Evilastus Kaaronda raised concerns about public perception, asking whether the private ward that was opened at Windhoek Central Hospital following renovations contradicts the government's policy of equality.”
Evilastus Kaarondaquestioned whya revolutionary party like Swapo would develop a romantic relationship with the US government
Source
“"I've always wondered why a revolutionary party like Swapo would develop a romantic relationship with a brutal regime like the US government," Kaaronda said.”
Evilastus Kaarondaquestionedwho is responsible for the employment creation agenda
Source
“Swanu of Namibia president Evilastus Kaaronda questioned who is responsible for the employment creation agenda, as it currently seems everyone is driving the agenda.”
“The SWANU delegation was led by party president Evilastus Kaaronda and met with the President as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen engagement with political parties represented in the National Assembly.”
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah did not attend Genocide Remembrance Day events held at Shark Island and in six regions, drawing criticism from political and community leaders, though the vice president attended events in Ohangwena. The president's absence came despite an active public schedule that included attending agricultural and cultural festivals and other state events.
Why it matters
President's absence from Genocide Remembrance Day events—despite active public schedule—raised accountability questions on a nationally significant commemoration.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah did not attend Genocide Remembrance Day events held at Shark Island and in six regions, drawing criticism from political and community leaders, though the vice president attended events in Ohangwena. The president's absence came despite an active public schedule that included attending agricultural and cultural festivals and other state events.
The Government Institutions Pension Fund paid its board of trustees chairperson Penda Ithindi N$114,000 for attending three meetings in two months, and Napwu general secretary Petrus Nevonga N$92,163 during the same period, according to payroll records reviewed by The Namibian. The payments have revived concerns that clustered board and sub-committee meetings have become a parallel income stream for trustees already drawing civil service or union salaries.
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.
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.
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare rejected claims that public hospitals are creating special VIP units for government officials, saying the government's focus is improving healthcare for all Namibians. He highlighted seven major health facilities earmarked for upgrades and announced Vision April 2026, a programme requiring senior officials to use public hospitals to improve service quality nationwide.
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare dismissed claims that planned VIP wards at public hospitals would create a two-tier healthcare system, saying the government's objective is to upgrade public health services accessible to all Namibians and that the controversy has been "dramatised". Opposition lawmakers questioned whether the initiative contradicts government policy on equality, with some arguing it risks reinforcing inequality within public healthcare.
Former diplomats have rejected lawmakers' criticism of Namibia's relationship with the United States, arguing that the government has maintained independent foreign policy while working with the US as part of the global community. President Nandi-Ndaitwah clarified that cooperation with the US does not mean endorsing its foreign policy, noting Namibia's recent support for South Africa's genocide case against Israel.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah clarified that the government's promise to create 500,000 jobs by 2030 will be achieved through economic growth and private sector expansion rather than direct government hiring, but opposition leaders and labour experts criticized the pace of progress, with expert Herbert Jauch noting that only around 5,000 jobs have been created and that 100,000 jobs annually are needed to meet the target.
The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation told Parliament it owes Huawei only N$3 million, not the N$184 million cited in the auditor general's report, citing a reporting threshold and incomplete project agreements. The NBC has received adverse audit reports for five consecutive years.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah met with Swanu leaders to discuss high unemployment, land reform, manufacturing, education, and social welfare as part of her political party consultations. Swanu representative Evilastus Kaaronda said the meeting allowed both sides to exchange views in depth on national issues, highlighting the importance of such dialogue for strengthening democratic processes.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah held consultations with South West Africa National Union (SWANU) at State House to discuss national issues including land reform, genocide negotiations, agriculture financing, and water challenges facing farmers. The meeting was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen engagement with political parties represented in the National Assembly.
Namibian lawmakers and child welfare experts are divided over whether to ban social media for children under 15, with supporters citing mental health and cyberbullying concerns while critics argue for evidence-based regulation rather than an outright ban. Experts also note that enforcement would be technically challenging given the ease of age verification manipulation.
Opposition MPs staged a walkout from the National Assembly on Thursday when the government sought urgent approval of four Public Service Commission commissioners, citing concerns about their age, qualifications, ethnic representation, and lack of adequate debate. The walkout left no quorum for the vote to proceed.
Several Namibian lawmakers have given notice of parliamentary questions on pressing national issues: judicial understaffing and magistrate workload; the country's grey listing status and oil sector regulatory violations; support needed for dairy and poultry sectors amid production gains; drug use and rehabilitation services in schools; and electricity tariff methodology and consumer protection measures.
Namibian opposition leaders have divided over a proposed amendment to transfer upstream petroleum powers from the mines and energy minister to the Office of the President. While the government argues the change will strengthen governance of the emerging oil and gas sector, opposition figures including IPC leader Panduleni Itula, APP's Imms Nashinge, and PDM's McHenry Venaani warn that the shift risks undermining parliamentary oversight, constitutional separation of powers, and regulatory accountability.
Lawmakers have urged the government to negotiate stronger, value-driven deals as the US seeks to position Namibia as a strategic partner for uranium and offshore oil and gas resources. Parliamentarians stress that Namibia must prioritize national interests and negotiate from strength, with some citing Venezuela's institutional collapse as a cautionary lesson.
The Landless People's Movement confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump has responded to a letter from party leader Bernadus Clinton Swartbooi sent during last year's election claiming minority groups faced discrimination and pressure in Namibia. Meanwhile, several parliamentarians reacted positively to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's recent address, though some cautioned that scrutiny of pending bills—particularly the Petroleum Amendment Bill—is essential before passage.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah faces mounting calls to disclose her family's alleged business interests in Namibia's oil and gas sector, after a journalist was removed from State House for pressing her on the matter. Political analysts, parliamentarians, and civil society groups are demanding transparency and parliamentary scrutiny, citing concerns about accountability and conflict of interest given the president's direct control over the industry.
Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani has called on President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to recall parliament early to address youth unemployment and other national issues, but lawmakers are divided on the proposal, with some opposing it as a breach of agreed standing rules while others support early resumption to hold government accountable.