Hidipo Hamata — former National Assembly member from the Popular Democratic Movement who resigned from the party in May 2026 and has called for new Anti-Corruption Commission leadership.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
The Namibian
Hidipo Hamata proposes amending the NYC Act of 2009 to allow chairperson position to be openly advertised
“Former parliamentarian Hidipo Hamata proposes amending the NYC Act of 2009 to allow the chairperson position to be openly advertised, enabling qualified young people to apply through a transparent process.”
Calls grow to scrap NYC endorsementsNew Era
Former parliamentarian Hidipo Hamata condemned the violent activities from the NYC gathering
“Former parliamentarian Hidipo Hamata equally condemned the violent activities that ensued from the NYC's gathering, saying it is high time for the NYC's Act to be amended to allow for the chairperson position to be openly advertised and not voted on.”
‘NYC no shortcut to political stardom’ … PM enters youth council frayNew Era
Hidipo Hamata is not joining the ruling Swapo party
“Otniel Hembapu Edward Mumbuu Former parliamentarian Hidipo Hamata is not joining the ruling Swapo party, at least not now.”
I’m not joining Swapo – Hamata … ex-MP quits PDMNew Era
Hidipo Hamata announced his departure from the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM)
“Hamata revealed this in an interview with this publication, shortly after announcing his departure from the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), the country's former official opposition party.”
I’m not joining Swapo – Hamata … ex-MP quits PDMWindhoek Observer
Hidipo Hamata has formally resigned from the Popular Democratic Movement
“Hidipo Hamata, a longstanding member of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), has formally resigned from the party effective today.”
Hamata resigns from PDMThe Namibian
Hidipo Hamata has resigned from the Popular Democratic Movement
“Former parliamentarian Hidipo Hamata has resigned from the Popular Democratic Movement.”
Hamata dumps PDM, rules out joining another partyThe Namibian
Hidipo Hamata served as a National Assembly member from 2020 to 2025
“He served as a National Assembly member from 2020 to 2025 and was also the party's youth leader.”
Hamata dumps PDM, rules out joining another partyNew Era
Hidipo Hamata is a former member of parliament and social commentator
“Former member of parliament and social commentator Hidipo Hamata said Namibia's continued peace and democratic stability remain among the country's greatest achievements as the nation marks 36 years of independence.”
Independence through a villager’s lenses …Namibians wax lyrical about freedomNew Era
Hidipo Hamata is writing from Omafo in Helao Nafidi
“*Hidipo Hamata is writing from Omafo in Helao Nafidi.”
Opinion – Namibia’s health insurance demands justice, transparency, trustNew Era
Hidipo Hamata is a former member of parliament
“*Hidipo Hamata is a former member of parliament.”
Opinion – Rekindling covenant love : A national call to restore marriage, family lifeYouth leaders and political commentators are calling for the National Youth Council to abandon candidate endorsements, following violence at a general assembly in Swakopmund that led to postponement of elections and resignation of the electoral committee.
23 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Youth leaders and political commentators are calling for the National Youth Council to abandon candidate endorsements, following violence at a general assembly in Swakopmund that led to postponement of elections and resignation of the electoral committee.
23 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has cautioned that the National Youth Council should not be used as a stepping stone to political stardom, but instead serve as a platform for youth empowerment and nation-building. His warning follows a chaotic elective assembly over the weekend that descended into violence, injuring nine delegates and forcing the ministry to halt proceedings indefinitely.
23 June 2026 · New Era →
With Anti-Corruption Commission Director-General Paulus Noa's tenure ending this month after leading the agency since its 2006 inception, voices including former parliament member Hidipo Hamata are calling for new leadership and endorsing candidates like legal practitioner Norman Tjombe. Affirmative Repositioning MP Job Amupanda confirmed his party is engaging government to ensure the ACC director-general and deputy director-general positions are advertised before their June/July expiry.
3 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Hidipo Hamata, who recently quit the Popular Democratic Movement, has clarified he is not joining the ruling Swapo party and may take time to reflect and pursue other work instead.
19 May 2026 · New Era →
Hidipo Hamata, a longstanding PDM member, has formally resigned from the party effective immediately, describing the decision as personal after careful reflection. He ruled out immediately joining another party or forming a new political entity, saying Namibia already has many political parties.
18 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Former National Assembly member Hidipo Hamata has resigned from the Popular Democratic Movement, saying he will not join another political party. He indicated he prefers to explore opportunities beyond politics and described leaving one party as not automatically meaning joining another.
18 May 2026 · The Namibian →
As Namibia marks 36 years of independence, citizens including academics and community voices are urging the country not to take its hard-won freedom and democratic stability for granted, while highlighting ongoing challenges such as youth unemployment, healthcare gaps, and water scarcity in rural areas that require urgent government attention.
20 March 2026 · New Era →
An op-ed argues that Namibia's post-independence policy of national reconciliation, while avoiding violence, was never meant to end conversation about justice and land dispossession. The author contends that unresolved historical grievances—exemplified by a 4 March parliamentary incident—risk weakening democracy unless confronted honestly, citing scholarship on how democracies decline when internal tensions remain unaddressed.
6 March 2026 · New Era →
According to an opinion piece, Namibian health insurance policies fail policyholders when claims are rejected on technical grounds that were never clearly disclosed, disproportionately affecting women's medical procedures and leaving families in financial hardship. The author calls for Parliament and regulators to strengthen consumer protections, require plain-language policy explanations, and establish binding dispute mechanisms that align with constitutional values of fairness and dignity.
13 February 2026 · New Era →
Namibia's justice system faces a constitutional crisis with pre-trial detentions at 185 per 100,000 citizens—far above Africa's 33.7 average—and nearly 43% of Windhoek detentions deemed unnecessary. An opinion piece proposes deploying supervised law students and recent graduates to assist with bail applications and early court matters, drawing on existing legal-aid provisions and clinical legal education models from South Africa and elsewhere.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
A former MP and bishop argue that rising divorce rates in Namibia—including 111 cases listed on one court day—demand national reflection and stronger support systems. They call for marriage preparation as a cultural norm, investment in counselling and family education, and renewed emphasis on understanding marriage as a life-long commitment rooted in emotional maturity and mutual respect.
30 January 2026 · New Era →
An opinion piece argues that Namibia's Grade 11 exit policy, while well-intentioned, has created uncertainty because multiple educational pathways are not adequately aligned—universities, funding, and vocational institutions lack coordination, leaving learners with certificates but no clear destinations. The author calls for urgent action including a 90-day government initiative, a national education alignment summit, transitional protections for affected learners, and clear public communication on available pathways.
23 January 2026 · New Era →
An opinion piece argues that Namibia should introduce a double-shift school system (07:00–13:00 and 13:30–19:00) with class sizes capped at 35 learners to address overcrowding, maximise existing infrastructure, create employment for graduate teachers, and fulfil constitutional education rights. The author contends this reform is rational, economically sound, and internationally practised, and would particularly benefit disadvantaged students while reducing off-school risks for youth.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
An opinion piece argues that while Namibia's new free tertiary education policy is welcome, it should extend to students who dropped out due to financial hardship and those seeking postgraduate qualifications, noting that 42% of youth aged 15–24 are not in employment, education, or training.
11 January 2026 · The Namibian →