Namibia Minute.
Monday, 8 June 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 8 June 2026
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Namibian press · Person

Frans Kapofi

Also known as: minister of defence and veterans affairs Frans Kapofi · Minister Kapofi · Minister Frans Kapofi · Defence Minister Frans Kapofi · Veteran politician and defence minister Frans Kapofi · acting industries, mines and energy minister Frans Kapofi · Kafofi · Hon. Kapofi · Defence and Veterans Affairs Minister Frans Kapofi

Defence and Veterans Affairs Minister overseeing NDF modernization, security operations, and veterans welfare budgets.

2020-08-172026-06-08

What’s been said

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

  1. June 2026
  2. Informanté

    Defence and Veterans Affairs Minister Frans Kapofi launched the book Security, Resource Control and Democracy in Africa

    Source

    DEFENCE and Veterans Affairs Minister Frans Kapofi on Thursday launched the book, Security, Resource Control and Democracy in Africa, at the University of Namibia's School of Military Science.

    Kapofi launches book on security and resource governance in Africa
  3. Informanté

    Kapofi stressed the importance of investing in research and knowledge generation

    Source

    Speaking at the launch, Kapofi stressed the importance of investing in research and knowledge generation.

    Kapofi launches book on security and resource governance in Africa
  4. May 2026
  5. Namibian Sun

    Defence Minister Frans Kapofi told 1,703 new Namibian Defence Force graduates that indiscipline, drug abuse and irresponsible social media use would not be tolerated

    Source

    Defence Minister Frans Kapofi last week told 1 703 new Namibian Defence Force graduates that indiscipline, drug abuse and irresponsible social media use would not be tolerated in t...

    Kapofi urges discipline as 1 703 recruits join military
  6. Informanté

    Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Hon. Frans Kapofi will officiate the graduation ceremony

    Source

    The graduation will be officiated by Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Hon. Frans Kapofi, and presided over by Chief of the Defence Force, Air Marshal Martin Kambulu Pinehas.

    NDF recruits to take oath of allegiance at Osona ceremony
  7. Windhoek Observer

    Defence and veterans affairs minister Frans Kapofi said wars are now predominantly fought with drones and NDF is in modernisation process

    Source

    "If you have been following current affairs, you would realise that wars are now predominantly fought with drones. As such, the NDF is in a modernisation process," said defence and veterans affairs minister Frans Kapofi in a speech delivered on his behalf by special advisor Hilma Nikanor on Thursday at a graduation ceremony.

    Kapofi says future NDF soldiers need drone skills
  8. Windhoek Observer

    Kapofi warned recruits against misconduct, alcohol abuse and drug use

    Source

    Kapofi also warned recruits against misconduct, alcohol abuse and drug use.

    Kapofi says future NDF soldiers need drone skills
  9. Windhoek Observer

    Defence minister Frans Kapofi said the defence force could step in if required

    Source

    He said the defence force could step in if required.

    Army ready to protect President if required
  10. April 2026
  11. Informanté

    Frans Kapofi held a warm and constructive meeting with Namibia's German Ambassador and Chief of Defence

    Source

    Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Frans Kapofi, held a warm and constructive meeting with Namibia's German Ambassador, Thorsten Hutter, and Chief of Defence, Air Marshal Martin Pinehas, where the parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to safeguarding peace and stability in the region and expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral cooperation in the future.

    Kapofi meets German envoy on regional security
  12. The Namibian

    Minister Frans Kapofi was defrauded of N$200,000 in 2022 by someone pretending to be Standard Bank employee

    Source

    Minister of defence and veterans affairs Frans Kapofi, who was defrauded of N$200 000 in 2022 by someone pretending to be an employee at Standard Bank, yesterday said a policy should be introduced to force banks to refund scammed clients.

    Banks ‘wash hands’ of fraud
  13. The Namibian

    Frans Kapofi did not respond to letter about war veteran status

    Source

    In 2024 I wrote to defence and veterans minister Frans Kapofi about my war veteran status. Up until now, I haven't received a response from that ministry.

    Enter Another White Elephant…
Politics

Defence minister launches book on African security and governance

The News

Defence and Veterans Affairs Minister Frans Kapofi launched the book "Security, Resource Control and Democracy in Africa" at the University of Namibia's School of Military Science. The scholarly publication, which emerged from an international conference in November 2023, aims to contribute to discussions on governance, security and sustainable development across the continent.

4 hours ago · Informanté

Today

  1. Defence minister launches book on African security and governance

    Defence and Veterans Affairs Minister Frans Kapofi launched the book "Security, Resource Control and Democracy in Africa" at the University of Namibia's School of Military Science. The scholarly publication, which emerged from an international conference in November 2023, aims to contribute to discussions on governance, security and sustainable development across the continent.

    4 hours ago · Informanté

Friday 29 May

  1. President says development must not erase cultural identity

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said at the opening of the Omaludi Agricultural Festival in Ohangwena that development must not come at the expense of cultural identity. She noted the festival boosts the local economy through accommodation, transport, and informal trade, and announced the government will focus on improving existing agricultural schemes rather than establishing new ones.

    29 May 2026 · Informanté

Wednesday 27 May

  1. Defence Minister warns 1,703 new NDF recruits on indiscipline

    Defence Minister Frans Kapofi told 1,703 new Namibian Defence Force graduates that indiscipline, drug abuse, and irresponsible social media use would not be tolerated.

    27 May 2026 · Namibian Sun

Tuesday 26 May

  1. NDF 18th Intake graduates at Osona ceremony Thursday

    The Namibian Defence Force will on 21 May 2026 graduate its 18th Intake at Osona Military Base after 12 months of training, with recruits taking the oath of allegiance and being formally commissioned as soldiers. The ceremony will be officiated by the Defence Minister and presided over by the Chief of Defence Force.

    26 May 2026 · Informanté

Friday 22 May

  1. NDF modernising training to include drone warfare systems

    The Ministry of Defence says the Namibian Defence Force is modernising operations to include drone warfare and technology-driven military systems, as militaries worldwide increasingly rely on drones and cyber-based operations. Defence Minister Frans Kapofi said Namibia needs technologically skilled recruits adaptable to intelligence-based warfare, following the graduation of 1,703 recruits at Osona Military Base.

    22 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Tuesday 5 May

  1. Defence minister denies military takeover of presidential security

    Defence Minister Frans Kapofi denied reports that the Namibian Defence Force has assumed responsibility for protecting President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, saying the military could step in only if required. The denial comes after an alleged security breach at State House on Thursday, when an unidentified man allegedly entered the presidential residence and reached the private living area before being apprehended, though details of how he gained access and whether he was arrested remain unclear.

    5 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Saturday 25 April

  1. Kapofi meets German ambassador on regional security

    Defence Minister Frans Kapofi held a meeting with Namibia's German Ambassador Thorsten Hutter and Chief of Defence Air Marshal Martin Pinehas, where the parties reaffirmed their commitment to peace and stability in the region and expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral cooperation.

    25 April 2026 · Informanté

Thursday 16 April

  1. Namibian banks deny fraud refunds despite rising losses

    Namibian commercial banks have no policies to refund defrauded clients, even as the Bank of Namibia reports losses of over N$6 million monthly to fraud. Banks claim liability rests with customers who authorize transactions under deception, while victims say they have been denied compensation; international regulators in the UK and EU are moving to mandate refunds to fraud victims.

    16 April 2026 · The Namibian

Sunday 12 April

  1. Namibia's new information commissioner post criticized as wasteful

    An opinion piece argues that appointing an information commissioner at N$1.4 million annually is unnecessary bureaucracy, asserting existing government institutions and online resources already provide public information. The author contends that inefficiency in government responsiveness, not lack of access, is the real problem Namibia should address.

    12 April 2026 · The Namibian

Tuesday 7 April

  1. Ministry of Defence allocates N$1.5 billion for veterans welfare

    The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs spent N$2.5 million on funeral assistance for 363 veterans in 2025/2026, with minister Frans Kapofi reporting that 94% of the department's N$1.5 billion allocation went toward veterans' welfare and preserving liberation struggle history. For 2026/2027, the ministry is requesting a similar N$1.5 billion budget, primarily for monthly grants benefiting nearly 24,000 veterans.

    7 April 2026 · New Era

Wednesday 1 April

  1. Defence Minister seeks approval for N$7.5 billion budget

    Defence and Veterans Affairs Minister Frans Kapofi presented the ministry's N$7,535,500,000 budget for 2026/27, a 0.7% increase from the previous year, aimed at improving security, defence capabilities, and socio-economic development through key focus areas including training, land operations, and offshore defence.

    1 April 2026 · Informanté

Thursday 26 March

  1. Defence Minister orders spending cuts, warns of emerging security threats

    Defence Minister Frans Kapofi has ordered tighter spending and warned of growing non-traditional security threats including cross-border crime and cybersecurity risks, while directing the defence ministry to live within its means and prioritise efficiency. Kapofi also called for procurement reforms, stronger support for liberation war veterans, and plans to involve soldiers in agriculture to improve food security.

    26 March 2026 · New Era

  2. Defence minister says security cluster ensures Namibian stability

    Defence and Veterans Affairs Minister Frans Kapofi told ministry staff that Namibia's peace depends on the security cluster's daily work protecting sovereignty and territorial integrity. He cited evolving risks including cross-border trafficking, organised crime, illegal fishing, and cybersecurity threats that require constant vigilance and inter-agency collaboration.

    26 March 2026 · Informanté

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

Tuesday 24 March

  1. Independence Day speeches across Namibia emphasise unity, youth jobs

    Namibia's 36th Independence Day celebrations across all 14 regions carried a unified message from political and community leaders to preserve the liberation legacy, strengthen unity, and address youth unemployment and economic inequality. While acknowledging democratic achievements and progress in service delivery, leaders emphasised that political independence must now be matched by economic emancipation and that youth must drive future development.

    24 March 2026 · New Era

  2. Kapofi celebrates 36 years of Namibian independence at stadium

    At a national Independence Day commemoration at Sam Nujoma Stadium on 21 March 2026, Frans Kapofi addressed Namibians 36 years after the country's sovereignty in 1990, honouring those who fought colonial rule and calling on citizens to contribute to national prosperity through active participation rather than passive expectation.

    24 March 2026 · The Namibian

Saturday 21 March

  1. Defence minister urges unity and collective effort for growth

    Minister of Defence Frans Kapofi called on Namibians to safeguard unity, strengthen democratic values, and actively contribute to national development during the country's 36th Independence Day celebrations at Sam Nujoma Stadium. He acknowledged persistent challenges including drought, unemployment, and economic constraints, emphasizing that prosperity requires collective citizen participation and warning against divisions based on ethnicity, regionalism, or political affiliation.

    21 March 2026 · Informanté

Monday 16 March

  1. Minister criticized for blaming pensioners targeted by online scams

    Minister Emma Theofelus drew criticism from consumer activists after stating that pensioners falling victim to online scams bear responsibility for protecting themselves, while activists argue the government should run awareness campaigns and opponents point to legislative gaps in data protection and cybercrime laws.

    16 March 2026 · The Namibian

Thursday 12 February

  1. //Kharas acting chief regional officer arrested in construction corruption

    Two people, including the //Kharas Regional Council's acting chief regional officer Ralph Namiluko Sachika, have been arrested in connection with alleged corruption and money laundering involving N$3.9 million in payments to unauthorized bank accounts during construction of the //Kharas Regional Office Park.

    12 February 2026 · New Era

Wednesday 11 February

  1. Former Minister Erkki Nghimtina dies aged 78

    Namibia has lost liberation fighter and former Minister Erkki Nghimtina, who died at his home in Edundja village at the age of 78. He served in multiple ministerial positions including Defence, Works and Transport, and Mines and Energy, and played a significant role in PLAN's military communications during the independence struggle.

    11 February 2026 · Informanté

Monday 9 February

  1. Former defence minister Erkki Nghimtina dies at 77

    Erkki Nghimtina, a former defence minister and liberation struggle veteran who served in the National Assembly and various cabinet roles, has died at Edundja village in Ohangwena region. Defence and veterans affairs minister Frans Kapofi described him as an outstanding leader who played a key role in Namibia's independence.

    9 February 2026 · The Namibian

Friday 6 February

  1. NCS conducts four-day organisational structure review workshop

    The Namibia Correctional Service is reviewing its organisational structure to align with departmental strategy and improve efficiency. NCS Commissioner-General Raphael Hamunyela stated the review aims to reduce bureaucracy, strengthen coordination across functions, ensure appropriate staffing capacity, and improve security and service delivery—framing it as continuous improvement rather than a fault-finding exercise.

    6 February 2026 · Informanté

Thursday 5 February

  1. MPs pledge scrutiny of petroleum bill's presidential power transfer

    Parliament will scrutinise the petroleum bill before passage, with MPs from multiple parties expressing concerns that it concentrates too much power in the presidency and calling for amendments before approval. The bill, to be tabled today, seeks to transfer certain powers from the minister of industries, mines and energy to the president.

    5 February 2026 · The Namibian

Wednesday 4 February

  1. President's family oil interests spark transparency calls, journalist escorted out

    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.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian

Thursday 22 January

  1. President meets northern region leaders on 2026 agenda

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah convened leaders from eight northern regions to discuss the 2026 work agenda, emphasizing collective responsibility and urging them to move away from perceptions of regional disparities. She also raised concerns about parliamentary inefficiency due to obstructions halting legislation and announced a state funeral for late liberation veteran Kanana Hishoono.

    22 January 2026 · New Era

Wednesday 21 January

  1. Minister Kapofi pays respects to liberation struggle veteran Hishoono

    Defence Minister Frans Kapofi visited the Onambutu homestead to offer condolences to the family of Mathias Kanana Hishoono, a former SWAPO Party Elders Council secretary and political adviser to Founding President Sam Nujoma who died on 14 January at age 94, reflecting on his role in Namibia's independence struggle and service to the nation.

    21 January 2026 · Informanté

Frans Kapofi — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute