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Sunday, 6 September 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; addressed NDF graduates on discipline, modernization, and regional security cooperation.

2020-08-172026-09-06
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What’s been said

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

  1. October 2022

  2. The Namibian

    minister Frans Kapofi said the government would seek further negotiations and return to parliament

    Source

    “When ending the parliamentary debate, minister Frans Kapofi said the government would seek further negotiations and return to parliament.”

    Namibian-German Genocide Negotiations – Is the Master's Voice Speaking?
  3. August 2020

  4. The Namibian

    Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Frans Kapofi paid tribute to Wilma Deetlefs as professional and dependable

    Source

    “The minister of home affairs, immigration, safety and security, Frans Kapofi, in a message on the same forum also paid tribute to Deetlefs. "She truly was very professional and a dependable public servant," he said.”

    Tributes paid to public service commissioner
Society

NDF Vocational Training Centre graduates first intake

The News

The Namibian Defence Force Vocational Training Centre, which opened in 2020 and enrolled its first students in 2021, has graduated its first intake in Level 3 vocational training including air-conditioning and refrigeration, bricklaying, carpentry, plumbing and pipe fitting, and welding and metal fabrication. Defence Minister Frans Kapofi called for greater use of vocational skills to strengthen the NDF, reduce unemployment, and support economic and industrial development.

16 August 2026 · Informanté →

Sunday 16 August

  1. NDF Vocational Training Centre graduates first intake

    The Namibian Defence Force Vocational Training Centre, which opened in 2020 and enrolled its first students in 2021, has graduated its first intake in Level 3 vocational training including air-conditioning and refrigeration, bricklaying, carpentry, plumbing and pipe fitting, and welding and metal fabrication. Defence Minister Frans Kapofi called for greater use of vocational skills to strengthen the NDF, reduce unemployment, and support economic and industrial development.

    16 August 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 13 July

  1. Fake cop swindles former home affairs minister of N$200,000

    An unknown person posing as a police chief inspector from Kongola in the Zambezi region allegedly defrauded former home affairs minister Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana of N$200,000 on 8 July while she was at home. The case is under investigation and has been forwarded to commercial crime.

    13 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 8 July

  1. President tours NDF brigade, emphasises discipline and professionalism

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah visited the 21 Motorised Infantry Brigade in Windhoek and emphasised discipline as the cornerstone of military professionalism, while calling for coordinated response to substance abuse within the Namibian Defence Force. She reminded troops of their responsibility to protect the Central Region, including the capital city and key institutions.

    8 July 2026 · Informanté →

  2. President warns NDF against substance abuse during military inspection tour

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah warned soldiers in the Namibian Defence Force against drug and alcohol abuse during a seven-day inspection tour from 27 June to 3 July, stressing that discipline remains central to military professionalism and effectiveness.

    8 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 30 June

  1. Defence minister rejects calls to meet protesting veterans

    Defence and Veterans Affairs Minister Frans Kapofi has rejected calls to visit liberation struggle veterans protesting outside Swapo Party headquarters, saying their grievances fall outside his ministerial mandate and that they raise issues beyond his responsibility.

    30 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 29 June

  1. Defence minister declines details on Okongo military base

    Defence and veterans affairs minister Frans Kapofi declined on Thursday to provide details about a military base being developed at Okongo in the Ohangwena region, near president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's homestead. The Namibian understands the base is situated on a site previously used by South African forces and has remained largely inactive for years.

    29 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. IPC accuses Kapofi of mishandling veterans' protest concerns

    The IPC's shadow minister of defence Aloisius Kangulu says Defence Minister Frans Kapofi sidestepped an urgent parliamentary question calling for direct intervention with liberation struggle veterans protesting outside Swapo Party headquarters, instead providing an explanation of veterans' benefits. Kangulu clarified that the question centred on why Kapofi had not personally visited the veterans, and that receiving statutory benefits does not address their broader demands for justice and dignity.

    29 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 8 June

  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.

    8 June 2026 · 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 →

Frans Kapofi — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute