Also known as: former President Hifikepunye Pohamba · former president Pohamba · President Pohamba · former President Dr Hifikepunye Pohamba · Dr Hifikepunye Pohamba · President Hifikepunye Pohamba · Dr. Hifikepunye Pohamba · Second President Dr. Hifikepunye Pohamba · our second president, Hifikepunye Pohamba
Hifikepunye Pohamba — former president of Namibia who led from 2005 to 2015, honored at 91 for his role in liberation struggle and democratic consolidation.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
New Era
President Hifikepunye Pohamba was horrified that Namibian citizens could be living in appalling conditions
“The president [Hifikepunye Pohamba] was horrified that Namibian citizens could be living in such appalling conditions.”
Tributes pour in for Mwanyangapo….veteran journalist, cancer advocate rememberedThe Namibian
Former president Hifikepunye Pohamba was identified as first sitting president to apply to council for residential land
“It identifies former president Hifikepunye Pohamba as the first sitting president to apply to the council for residential land.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah seeks Auasblick land after State House breachThe Namibian
Former president Hifikepunye Pohamba inaugurated the Ondangwa-Oshikango railway line in 2012
“The railway line was inaugurated by former president Hifikepunye Pohamba in 2012.”
Ondangwa-Oshikango rail goes two years without trainsThe Namibian
Hifikepunye Pohamba turned 91
“Pohamba, who turned 91, served as Namibia's second president.”
Pohamba celebrates 91st birthday, praised for leadership and sacrificeThe Namibian
Hifikepunye Pohamba served as Namibia's second president
“Pohamba, who turned 91, served as Namibia's second president.”
Pohamba celebrates 91st birthday, praised for leadership and sacrificeThe Namibian
Pohamba was a founding member of Swapo
“She said as a founding member of Swapo, Pohamba devoted decades to the liberation struggle, carrying important responsibilities within the movement and contributing to advancing Namibia's cause internationally.”
Pohamba celebrates 91st birthday, praised for leadership and sacrificeWindhoek Observer
Hifikepunye Pohamba was founding member of SWAPO
“According to Nandi-Ndaitwah, Pohamba's life represents "a lifetime of service, sacrifice, leadership and devotion to Namibia", particularly through his involvement as a founding member of SWAPO and his contribution to the liberation struggle.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah honours Pohamba at 91Windhoek Observer
Hifikepunye Pohamba received 2014 Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership in 2015
“Pohamba's leadership was also recognised internationally when he received the 2014 Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership in 2015.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah honours Pohamba at 91The Namibian
former president Hifikepunye Pohamba established the centre in the Ohangwena region
“Pohamba family representative Tulongeni Pohamba says former president and founder Pohamba established the centre in the Ohangwena region to encourage tourism in the area.”
Ohangwena backs Pohamba centre heritage nominationThe Namibian
Hifikepunye Pohamba said the theme was chosen to link economic activity with cultural identity
“Pohamba said the theme was chosen to link economic activity with cultural identity.”
Nkurenkuru expo gala dinner raises N$600 500Vice president Lucia Witbooi has urged all Namibians, including alcohol outlets and gambling houses, to observe a National Prayer Day on 12 September across all 14 regions, focusing on behavioural change to address killings, gender-based violence, and road accidents.
2 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Vice president Lucia Witbooi has urged all Namibians, including alcohol outlets and gambling houses, to observe a National Prayer Day on 12 September across all 14 regions, focusing on behavioural change to address killings, gender-based violence, and road accidents.
2 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Lamech Mwanyangapo, a veteran camera operator at the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2023 and became a vocal cancer advocate through the Lamech Mwanyangapo Cancer Foundation, died on Saturday at age 61. NBC leadership paid tribute to him as a dedicated professional, compassionate colleague, and valued team member.
1 September 2026 · New Era →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah applied to purchase municipal land in Windhoek's Auasblick area covering six plots of about 1.8 hectares, three weeks after a security breach at State House. Council documents indicate the president cited the intrusion as a threat to her safety and has since relocated to her private house.
24 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The 57km Ondangwa-Oshikango railway line, which cost N$329 million to construct, has not operated a TransNamib train since July 2012. TransNamib attributes the suspension to reduced trade activity since the Covid-19 pandemic but says the infrastructure remains in good condition and the service has not been discontinued.
24 August 2026 · The Namibian →
President Nandi-Ndaitwah celebrated former president Hifikepunye Pohamba's 91st birthday, noting his pivotal role from colonial rule through Namibia's independence and democratic consolidation. She described his leadership as grounded in humility, reconciliation and the rule of law, and recalled his 2015 Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership.
18 August 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has praised former President Hifikepunye Pohamba on his 91st birthday, hailing him as a symbol of sacrifice and service through his involvement in Namibia's liberation struggle and his presidency. Nandi-Ndaitwah noted that Pohamba's life spans colonial rule, independence in 1990, and his later role strengthening democratic institutions.
18 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Hifikepunye Pohamba Community Resource Centre at Okanghudi village in the Ondobe constituency has been nominated to become a national heritage site. The proposed declaration covers three heritage features: a historic tree, a statue of former president Hifikepunye Pohamba, and the resource centre itself, which preserves presidential records from 2005 to 2015 and serves as a community research and information hub.
24 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Vasilije Boskovic, who served as Namibia's honorary consul to Serbia from 2002 to 2024, has died aged 85. The Ministry of International Relations and Trade credited him with strengthening diplomatic ties between the two countries and helping establish the Engineering Council of Namibia, with a relationship spanning over 60 years.
8 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Jerobeam Kakeke Shaanika has been appointed executive director and accounting officer of the International Relations and Trade ministry, triggering a reshuffle of Namibia's diplomatic missions in Germany, Geneva, and Malaysia. Shaanika will return from his posting as ambassador to Germany, which he took up in November 2025.
7 July 2026 · Namibian Sun →
The seventh Nkurenkuru Expo gala dinner raised N$600,500 on Saturday to support the event running from 24 July to 2 August under the theme 'Empowering Economic Growth and Celebrating Heritage'. Former president Hifikepunye Pohamba said the funds would help position the expo as a platform for jobs and business opportunities while respecting local traditions and heritage.
8 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The Sam Nujoma Foundation is completing final arrangements for its new office building in Windhoek to support its work of preserving and promoting the legacy of Namibia's first president. The foundation, established in 2004 and officially registered as a non-profit in 2005, aims to promote Nujoma's vision, ideals and contributions to the country's development.
1 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Former Botswana president Festus Gontebanye Mogae, aged 86, died in Gaborone over the weekend. Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and current Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko paid tribute to Mogae as a distinguished statesman and principled leader whose presidency strengthened regional cooperation through SADC.
11 May 2026 · New Era →
A joint committee is drafting a strategy to revive the Loudima Institute for Technical and Vocational Training in the Republic of the Congo by July. The institute, which trained exiled Namibians during the liberation struggle and provided technical training in the 1980s, was suspended in 2021 due to poor living conditions and infrastructure challenges.
9 May 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has paid tribute to former Botswana president Festus Mogae, who died on Friday at age 86, describing him as a distinguished statesman and principled leader whose contributions to regional unity and development will be remembered across Africa.
8 May 2026 · The Namibian →
President Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed condolences on behalf of Namibia following the death of former Botswana President Festus Mogae, aged 86, whom she described as a distinguished statesman and Pan-Africanist who strengthened bilateral ties between Namibia and Botswana.
8 May 2026 · Informanté →
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare said the Namibian Government is accelerating efforts to move the Neckartal Dam project into Phase Two, which aims to unlock the irrigation component. The dam is currently at full capacity (857.781 million cubic metres), but the irrigation phase has yet to commence.
8 May 2026 · Informanté →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah removed Police Inspector General Joseph Shikongo and replaced him with Major General Anne-Marie Nainda, citing a security incident in which a naked man was found inside the presidential residence as the reason for the removal.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Former inspector general Sebastian Ndeitunga says the failure to detect a man who entered the presidential residence last week exposed weaknesses across the police chain of command. The breach has fuelled speculation about the status of police inspector general Joseph Shikongo and raised questions about the VIP Protection Unit's head Michael Abraham.
5 May 2026 · The Namibian →
A series of accidents during the Workers' Day and Cassinga Day Commemoration long weekend resulted in over 20 deaths across Namibia, including 11 people killed on the B1 road when a Health Ministry patient bus collided with a truck. Former President Hifikepunye Pohamba called for urgent road safety interventions and stronger preventive measures.
5 May 2026 · New Era →
Swapo Party President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged members to uphold the party's founding values and principles during the party's 66th anniversary celebrations in Katutura on Sunday, which also saw the official inauguration of the new Swapo Party headquarters.
28 April 2026 · New Era →
An opinion piece in New Era argues that Namibia faces widespread social crises—rising crime, missing persons, accidents, and loss of life—that have left citizens living in fear. The author calls for national days of prayer and spiritual reflection, citing the example of former President Hifikepunye Pohamba's declaration of prayer during past national challenges.
17 April 2026 · New Era →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has appointed several new officials to ministerial and deputy ministerial positions, including Charles Mubita as minister in the Presidency, Hambeleleni Ndjaleka as deputy minister of health and social services, and others to various portfolio positions across government departments.
7 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Ongenga constituency councillor Josef Stalin Nenghwanya has said that Founding President Sam Nujoma and his generation laid a foundation for a peaceful, united and prosperous nation, with his legacy continuing through his presidential successors. Nenghwanya also thanked his own predecessors for establishing the foundation upon which he is now building.
1 April 2026 · Informanté →
Vice President Lucia Witbooi delivered a tribute at the graveside of Reverend Willem Konjore in ǂGabes on the eve of Namibia's 36th independence anniversary, highlighting his role as a founding father, liberation struggle participant, and senior government minister who died in June 2021.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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 →
Vice President Lucia Witbooi commemorated Namibia's 36th independence anniversary in Karasburg under the theme "Beyond 36: For a Prosperous Future," calling for unity and action to build on the country's foundations and accelerate socio-economic transformation. She highlighted government priorities including agriculture, youth empowerment, education, and green hydrogen initiatives, while acknowledging structural challenges in the IIKharas region and ongoing development projects aimed at inclusive growth.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Vice President Lucia Witbooi called on Namibians to renew their commitment to building an inclusive nation anchored in freedom, equality, and shared prosperity, speaking at a wreath-laying ceremony for the late Reverend Willem Konjore. Witbooi highlighted Konjore's key role in the 1976 Nama Teachers' Strike and his subsequent contributions to Namibia's independence struggle and governance, including service as a Founding Father, Chief Whip of SWAPO, Deputy Speaker, and minister until his retirement in 2010.
22 March 2026 · Informanté →
Former president Hifikepunye Pohamba called on ruling party lawmakers not to discard input merely because it comes from opposition members, advising that lawmakers should verify claims and acknowledge when opposition points are correct. He also urged Namibians to safeguard national peace and unity, warning against tribalism and calling for collective support of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's leadership.
17 March 2026 · New Era →
Two Namibian thought leaders argue that a statue of Anna Kakurukaze Mungunda, who died resisting forced removals in Windhoek in 1959, should replace the removed statue of colonial founder Curt von Francois. They contend this would honour resistance history and build a more inclusive national narrative without erasing the past.
14 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Former Swapo secretary general Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana has warned that the party's vacant vice presidency is unprecedented and leaves leadership exposed to unforeseen circumstances, while raising concerns about selective interpretation of party constitution as the party prepares for its 2027 elective congress.
11 March 2026 · New Era →