Namibia Minute.
Friday, 24 April 2026
A daily Namibian brief · Est. 2026
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Person

Evilastus Kaaronda

Also known as: Kaaronda · Swanu of Namibia president

Swanu representative who met with President Nandi-Ndaitwah to discuss unemployment, land reform, and national issues in April 2026.

Politics

National Assembly speaker clarifies MP leave is not automatic

The News

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.

14 hours ago · The Namibian →

Yesterday

  1. National Assembly speaker clarifies MP leave is not automatic

    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.

    14 hours ago · The Namibian →

Friday 17 April

  1. Political leaders unite at memorial for late MP James Uerikua

    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.

    17 April 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 16 April

  1. PM denies two-tier healthcare system, announces hospital upgrades

    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.

    16 April 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 15 April

  1. PM Ngurare defends VIP wards plan as healthcare upgrade

    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.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 14 April

  1. Former diplomats defend Namibia's US partnership as unfair criticism

    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.

    14 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 10 April

  1. President clarifies 500,000 jobs will come from private sector growth

    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.

    10 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 27 March

  1. NBC claims N$3m owed Huawei, not N$184m flagged

    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.

    27 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 11 March

  1. President consults Swanu on unemployment, land reform issues

    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.

    11 March 2026 · New Era →

Monday 9 March

  1. President meets SWANU leaders on land, genocide, agriculture

    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.

    9 March 2026 · Informanté →

Sunday 8 March

  1. Namibia debates social media ban for children under 15

    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.

    8 March 2026 · The Namibian →

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