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Thursday, 22 October 2026
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Thursday, 22 October 2026
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Namibian press · Person

Hofni Iipinge

Also known as: Hofni Alugodhi Iipinge · Oshana Governor Hofni Iipinge

Oshana regional governor who has announced health centre expansions, school renovations, and infrastructure projects across the region.

2026-02-042026-10-22
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News reports

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What’s been said

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  1. February 2026

  2. New Era

    Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge described the incident as "hell on earth"

    Source

    “Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge, who also addressed mourners at Onambango, described the incident as "hell on earth".”

    Slain prosecutor optimistic until death

  3. New Era

    Oshana Governor Hofni Iipinge arrived at Onambango village this afternoon to visit the family of late prosecutor Justine Shiweda

    Source

    “Prosecutor General Martha Imalwa, Oshana Governor Hofni Iipinge, Commissioner Naftal Sakaria and various prosecutors and magistrates arrived this afternoon at Onambango village to visit the family of the late prosecutor Justine Shiweda.”

    arrival…

  4. New Era

    Oshana region Governor Hofni Iipinge called for ethical leadership, accountability and faster service delivery

    Source

    “Oshana region Governor Hofni Iipinge has called for ethical leadership, accountability and faster service delivery as newly elected regional and local authority councillors begin their term of office.”

    Iipinge preaches ethical leadership, inclusivity

  5. New Era

    Iipinge announced monthly engagements with communities to monitor projects and ensure development reaches all constituencies

    Source

    “To strengthen accountability and community participation, Iipinge announced that monthly engagements with communities would be reinforced to monitor projects, listen to concerns and ensure development reaches all constituencies.”

    Iipinge preaches ethical leadership, inclusivity

  6. New Era

    Oshana Governor Hofni Iipinge held a consultative meeting between regional and local authorities

    Source

    “Oshana Governor Hofni Iipinge held a consultative meeting between regional and local authorities today.”

    Engagement…
Society

WorldSkills champion George Victor awarded over N$55,000 in prizes

The News

George P. Victor, a Welding competitor from Eenhana VTC, won the Best of Nation Award at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China (22–27 September 2026) and was honoured at the NEV TVET Hub graduation in Ondangwa. The NTA CEO awarded him N$30,000, his Expert N$15,000, the Oshana Governor pledged N$10,000, and the National Planning Commission Director-General pledged the cash equivalent of five head of cattle.

15 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Thursday 15 October

  1. WorldSkills champion George Victor awarded over N$55,000 in prizes

    George P. Victor, a Welding competitor from Eenhana VTC, won the Best of Nation Award at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China (22–27 September 2026) and was honoured at the NEV TVET Hub graduation in Ondangwa. The NTA CEO awarded him N$30,000, his Expert N$15,000, the Oshana Governor pledged N$10,000, and the National Planning Commission Director-General pledged the cash equivalent of five head of cattle.

    15 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Monday 21 September

  1. Regional governors visit FNB Namibia Cricket Ground

    Cricket Namibia hosted regional governors at the FNB Namibia Cricket Ground on 18 September to share insights on sports facility development, construction costs, maintenance, and revenue generation models. The governors are tasked with commencing construction of 28 multi-purpose sports facilities across Namibia.

    21 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 17 September

  1. Oshana governor calls for Lake Oponona expansion

    The Oshana regional governor has called for expanding Lake Oponona to harvest more water flowing from southern Angola, arguing that an expanded lake could supply water to neighbouring regions. The call came as the region officially accepted a 10-year strategic land use plan designed to balance competing land demands and guide sustainable resource management across the region.

    17 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 14 September

  1. Oshana regional land-use plan costs N$4.76 million

    The government spent about N$4.76 million to develop an Oshana integrated regional land-use plan to guide land allocation and development for the next 10 years, with costs covering consultancy fees and community planning workshops. The plan includes maps of current and potential land uses across the region's constituencies and a GIS database, and the ministry will train regional council officials to implement, monitor, and update it.

    14 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Oshana region receives integrated land-use plan framework

    The Oshana Regional Council received an Integrated Regional Land Use Plan to guide development across towns, infrastructure and agriculture, costing more than N$4 million. The plan is intended to balance competing land demands as the region's population grew from 201,363 to 230,801 between census periods, increasing pressure on limited land and natural resources.

    14 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 4 September

  1. Oshana region burned 38,286 hectares in second major fire

    The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism briefed on veld fires in northern Namibia, reporting that 3,269 hectares burned in Oshana during the last fire season. A second major fire burned 38,286 hectares across 16 areas, with the ministry identifying 17 priority fire cutlines for maintenance in 2026 to help prevent and mitigate wildfires.

    4 September 2026 · New Era →

Monday 24 August

  1. Ongwediva trade fair exceeds capacity, expansion urged

    The Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair received 1,872 applications for exhibition space in its 25th edition but could only accommodate 485 exhibitors, prompting President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to call for expansion of the venue. The President noted the fair has grown from a local authority exhibition into a major platform for trade promotion and enterprise development.

    24 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. President warns youth to align education with labour market demand

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged young Namibians to align their qualifications and skills development with labour-market demand and emerging industries, warning against pursuing education without considering job prospects. She said Namibia's future growth in oil and gas, renewable energy, green hydrogen, logistics, technology, agriculture and manufacturing will require new skills.

    24 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 6 August

  1. Disability Council rejects "suffering" narrative, urges person-first language

    The National Disability Council of Namibia has called for a shift away from outdated language and perceptions that stigmatize people with disabilities, saying they should be recognized as individuals first rather than being defined by their impairments, and that institutions and communities should adopt person-first language instead of terms like "handicapped" or "wheelchair-bound."

    6 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 3 August

  1. Merger of Oshakati and Ongwediva described as inevitable

    Former Oshana governor Elia Irimari has said merging Oshakati and Ongwediva into one municipality is necessary as the two towns have grown into one continuous urban area. Activist Tangy Tshilongo is formally submitting a proposal for the merger to both town councils and Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge, arguing that a unified municipality would improve service delivery, strengthen economic development, and better coordinate infrastructure.

    3 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 31 July

  1. Government commits N$50m to revive abandoned Oluno Secondary School

    Oluno Secondary School in Ondangwa, Oshana region has stood abandoned for three years after its ageing infrastructure was deemed unsafe. Government has committed N$50 million towards renovating and upgrading the facility to create a safe learning environment.

    31 July 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 30 July

  1. Activist proposes merging Ongwediva and Oshakati town councils

    An activist has proposed dissolving Ongwediva Town Council and incorporating it into Oshakati Town Council to improve service delivery and reduce administrative duplication in northern Namibia. The proposal argues that Oshakati has become the Oshana region's main commercial, administrative and economic hub, making separate local authorities unnecessary.

    30 July 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. N$50 million allocated for Ondangwa secondary school renovation

    A full-scale renovation of Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo Secondary School in Ondangwa, built in the 1970s, is set to begin after Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge officially announced the project.

    30 July 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Tuesday 28 July

  1. Transport minister announces digital plates, surveillance for road safety

    Transport minister Veikko Nekundi has announced plans to introduce digital vehicle number plates, expand intelligent traffic surveillance systems, and strengthen traffic officers' enforcement powers through legislative reforms to reduce road crashes. The government has finalized the design of digital plates and is preparing legislation to support their rollout alongside automated traffic enforcement capable of detecting violations like red-light infractions.

    28 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. FNB Namibia hosts SME financial literacy event in Ongwediva

    FNB Namibia organized an SME Financial Literacy Day in Ongwediva bringing together entrepreneurs, government regulators and business leaders to help small and medium enterprises strengthen financial resilience through knowledge of credit, cash flow, tax compliance, regulatory requirements and risk management.

    28 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 21 July

  1. Oshana region's 12 health centres to operate 24/7

    Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge has announced that all 12 health centres in the region will introduce round-the-clock services seven days a week during the current financial year.

    21 July 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Friday 17 July

  1. Oshana governor pledges hospital debushing project funding

    Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge has pledged to fund clearing of about five hectares of bush behind Oshakati Intermediate Hospital.

    17 July 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Wednesday 15 July

  1. 72 Namibians repatriated after violent attacks in South Africa

    Namibians including Tonateni Moses were assaulted and robbed during violence targeting foreign nationals in Vredendal, a farming town in South Africa's Western Cape province. Seventy-two Namibians were repatriated this past weekend following the unrest.

    15 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 26 June

  1. Oshana region graduates over 3,000 students in 2025/26

    Oshana region produced 3,010 graduates during the 2025/26 financial year from tertiary and vocational institutions including UNAM, IUM, and Welwitschia Health Training Centre. Young people in the region are calling for more jobs and business opportunities following this milestone in skills development.

    26 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 25 June

  1. Rössing funds N$37.2m tech hub and science centre

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah inaugurated the upgraded Rössing Foundation Ondangwa Centre, transformed into the Ondangwa Digital Technology Hub and Conferencing Centre through a N$37.2 million project funded by Rössing Uranium. The opening also included the handover of 73 interactive science exhibition models valued at N$6.05 million from the China Foundation for Development of Science and Technology.

    25 June 2026 · New Era →

  2. Namibia must become technology creator, not consumer—President

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia must shift from consuming technologies developed elsewhere to becoming a creator and producer of innovation, science and digital solutions. She was speaking at the inauguration of the Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Science Exhibition Hall and the upgraded Rössing Foundation Ondangwa Digital Technology Hub.

    25 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 24 June

  1. Crime and sexual violence cases decline 13% and 12% in Oshana

    Oshana Region reported a 13% reduction in overall crime and 12% reduction in rape, domestic violence and sexual violence cases between 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 financial years, with overall reported crime decreasing from 11,804 to 10,267 cases and sexual violence cases declining from 759 to 670, though delayed reporting remains a challenge to accessing justice.

    24 June 2026 · Informanté →

  2. President inaugurates upgraded Ondangwa Digital Technology Hub

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah officially inaugurated the upgraded Rössing Foundation Ondangwa Centre, now the Ondangwa Digital Technology Hub and Conferencing Centre, featuring a multipurpose hall with 800-person seating capacity and 73 interactive science exhibition models. The facility, originally established in 1983, was upgraded over seven months with involvement of 179 employees and is intended to serve as a hub for digital learning, research, conferences and community engagement.

    24 June 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 23 June

  1. Ondangwa hospital project scaled down to district facility

    The government has scaled down its plans to build an Ondangwa referral hospital, with Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge announcing the project will instead become a 700-bed district hospital. The feasibility study and environmental assessments have been completed, with the AfDB providing financing in collaboration with the ministries of finance and health and social services.

    23 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Oshana governor calls for Ondangwa-Oshakati dual carriageway

    Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge has called for urgent development of a dual carriageway between Oshakati and Ondangwa, citing mounting pressure on existing road infrastructure from urbanisation, population growth, and expanding economic activities in the corridor.

    23 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Oshana Governor demands faster service delivery amid backlogs

    Oshana region Governor Hofni Iipinge has called on government institutions to move from planning to delivery, citing residents' demands for completed roads, hospitals, water access and job creation. The region faces youth unemployment, infrastructure backlogs and project delays, though 120 permanent and 1,681 temporary jobs were created during the reporting period.

    23 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 19 June

  1. Wildfires destroy 1.2 million hectares across Namibia

    Since last year, more than 1.2 million hectares of land have been destroyed by wildfires across Namibia from 1,300 reported cases. The ministry of forestry is hosting a national workshop in Oshakati to develop protocols and frameworks for national wildfire management and prevention.

    19 June 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 17 June

  1. Medicine shortages in Ohangwena and Kunene persist for months

    Governors of Ohangwena and Kunene regions have raised alarm about ongoing medicine shortages at public health facilities, with hospitals in Opuwo, Khorixas and elsewhere running low on medication for about three months. The shortages particularly affect chronic illness treatments including diabetes, hypertension, ARVs and tuberculosis medication, forcing patients to queue for long periods only to find prescribed drugs unavailable.

    17 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 18 May

  1. Ongoma Music Awards expand to southern Africa musicians

    The Ongoma Music Awards, launched in early 2026 by Namibian musician Ndawana Ndume, aims to support emerging artists with recognition and industry experience. The awards have attracted 87 nominees including four international artists from Zambia and Angola, positioning the initiative as a regional platform for African musicians.

    18 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 11 May

  1. Oshana governor urges Swapo unity over tribalism and faction

    Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge has warned Swapo members against tribalism and factionalism during an internal party conference, urging delegates to prioritise unity above personal ambitions and to avoid divisive political competition driven by insults and character assassination.

    11 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Hofni Iipinge — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute