News reports
Order a long-term news report on Festus Thomas
Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
The Namibian
Body of Christ Party president Festus Thomas distanced his party from calls for the speaker's removal
“Meanwhile, Body of Christ Party president Festus Thomas has distanced his party from calls for the speaker's removal, saying it has neither tabled a separate motion nor advocated her removal outside parliamentary procedures.”
Opposition split over speaker’s removalThe Namibian
Body of Christ Party president Festus Thomas called for reform and restructuring of ACC as it lacks power to hold people accountable
“Body of Christ Party president Festus Thomas has called for reform and the restructuring of the ACC, as in its current form it lacks the power to hold people accountable.”
ACC to build N$20-million Oshakati regional officeThe Namibian
Leader of the Body of Christ Party Festus Thomas objected to the bill, citing that it is not a well-considered strategy to give the executive the oil sector without checks and balances
“Leader of the Body of Christ Party (BCP) Festus Thomas on Tuesday objected to the bill, citing that it is not a well-considered strategy to give the executive the oil sector without checks and balances.”
Analysts warn Nandi-Ndaitwah power expansion and petroleum bill could centralise authority in PresidencyNew Era
Festus Thomas cautioned that the law violates constitutional principles of fair, rational administration
“He said the proposed bill violates the constitutional principles of fair, rational administration and separated, accountable governance.”
Swartbooi agrees with NNN in oil spirit … disagrees in practiceThe Namibian
BCP leader Festus Thomas said he suspects his research team may have copied the manifesto
“BCP leader Festus Thomas says he suspects his research team may have copied the manifesto.”
Storm over NDP, PDM, and BCP manifestos showing identical health education proposalsThe Namibian
BCP president Festus Thomas said it would steer the country in a Christian direction
“BCP president Festus Thomas on Saturday at the party's manifesto launch at Ondangwa said it would steer the country in a Christian direction.”
Body of Christ Party proposes Bible-based policies if elected to power, wants 50% church representation in GovtOpposition parties have accused the government of advancing the petroleum bill to committee stage without adequately addressing concerns raised during debate, warning that the move reflects a disregard for parliamentary scrutiny and democratic principles.
12 hours ago · The Namibian →
Opposition parties have accused the government of advancing the petroleum bill to committee stage without adequately addressing concerns raised during debate, warning that the move reflects a disregard for parliamentary scrutiny and democratic principles.
12 hours ago · The Namibian →
Opposition parties disagree on whether to remove National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila following September calls from an IPC lawmaker for a no-confidence vote. Popular Democratic Movement president McHenry Venaani warned against using impeachment for political disputes, citing parliamentary tensions and the need for better discipline and respect for procedures.
19 October 2026 · The Namibian →
The Anti-Corruption Commission has allocated N$20 million for capital development to construct a regional office at Oshakati as part of its N$109 million budget allocation for 2026/27. Parliamentarians commended the move but called for broader regional coverage and better funding and staff compensation to strengthen the ACC's capacity to address corruption.
31 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah tabled a N$104 billion budget for 2026/27 with N$81.3 billion allocated to operations and only N$6.5 billion to development, drawing criticism from economists and opposition figures who warn this allocation will constrain economic growth. The government collected N$89.8 billion in revenue and plans to borrow N$15 billion, while interest payments of N$16.2 billion now exceed the development budget.
1 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Political analysts and opposition figures say proposed legislative changes—transferring petroleum sector control to the presidency and restructuring regional councils to report through governors to the president—could concentrate executive authority and undermine democratic checks and balances. Defenders including a Swapo MP argue the measures are necessary to manage Namibia's emerging oil industry, but critics warn the pattern signals democratic backsliding and erosion of decentralisation.
20 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The Petroleum Amendment Bill, which would vest petroleum sector oversight powers in the Office of the President rather than the Ministry of Mines and Energy, faced mixed scrutiny in the National Assembly. Critics including Bernadus Swartbooi raised concerns about the legal doctrine of functus officio limiting presidential review powers and complicating court challenges, while others questioned whether oil advisors at State House are already performing duties that legally belong to the ministry.
19 February 2026 · New Era →
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.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →