Namibia Minute.
Friday, 24 April 2026
A daily Namibian brief · Est. 2026
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Person

James Uerikua

Also known as: Uerikua · National Assembly member · Brother James · my governor · Kiringi · Honourable Uerikua · the late MP · the late parliamentarian

SWAPO parliamentarian and former Otjozondjupa regional governor who died aged 43 in a road accident on 3 April 2026.

Politics

Swapo delays naming replacement for deceased MP James Uerikua

The News

Swapo has not yet nominated a successor to National Assembly member James Uerikua, who died in a car accident over Easter, despite party rules indicating former minister Peya Mushelenga is next in line. The party has given no detailed explanation for the delay and says it will submit a name to the National Assembly soon.

14 hours ago · The Namibian

Yesterday

  1. Swapo delays naming replacement for deceased MP James Uerikua

    Swapo has not yet nominated a successor to National Assembly member James Uerikua, who died in a car accident over Easter, despite party rules indicating former minister Peya Mushelenga is next in line. The party has given no detailed explanation for the delay and says it will submit a name to the National Assembly soon.

    14 hours ago · The Namibian

  2. Former ICT minister Mushelenga sworn into National Assembly

    Former information and communication technology minister Peya Mushelenga will be sworn into the National Assembly on Friday to fill the parliamentary vacancy left by James Uerikua's death, according to NA spokesperson Sakeus Kadhikwa.

    22 hours ago · The Namibian

  3. SWAPO moves anniversary, HQ inauguration to April 26

    SWAPO Party President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced the postponement of the party's 66th anniversary celebrations and the official inauguration of its national headquarters in Windhoek from 19 April to 26 April 2026, deferring the events out of respect for the passing of SWAPO Member of Parliament James Uerikua and his son following a recent road accident.

    23 April 2026 · Informanté

Monday 20 April

  1. Former governor James Uerikua and son laid to rest

    Former Otjozondjupa regional governor and parliamentarian James Uerikua and his son Ventro were buried at their family homestead in Gam following a road accident on 3 April. Hundreds of mourners attended the burial, and Vice President Lucia Witbooi described Uerikua as a dedicated public servant who served with humility and distinction.

    20 April 2026 · The Namibian

Sunday 19 April

  1. President calls for unity and service delivery at SWAPO's 66th anniversary

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah commemorated SWAPO's 66th anniversary on 19 April 2026, calling for renewed commitment to service delivery, economic transformation, and unity, while paying tribute to liberation heroes. She announced that planned anniversary celebrations and the party's national headquarters inauguration have been postponed to 26 April following the death of MP James Uerikua and his son.

    19 April 2026 · Informanté

  2. Swapo official recalls Uerikua's work at memorial service

    Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa delivered condolences at a memorial service for parliamentarian James Uerikua at Parliament Gardens, recalling his advocacy for development projects in the Otjozondjupa region and describing him as a voice of reason and charismatic legislator.

    19 April 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Vice president honours late MP Uerikua at funeral ceremony

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi paid tribute to former Otjozondjupa governor and MP James Uerikua at his funeral, describing him as a dedicated public servant whose legacy and impact on the nation will be remembered. Uerikua and his son died in a car accident in Otjozondjupa on 3 April.

    19 April 2026 · The Namibian

Friday 17 April

  1. Political leaders unite at memorial for late MP James Uerikua

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and leaders from across Namibia's political spectrum paid tribute to former Otjozondjupa governor and Swapo MP James Uerikua at a Wednesday memorial service, celebrating his legacy as a bridge-builder who commanded respect across party lines. Uerikua, who died in a car accident on 3 April along with his 14-year-old son Venturo, was praised for his dedication to inclusive development and democratic dialogue.

    17 April 2026 · New Era

  2. Editorial urges shared responsibility for road safety ahead of May holidays

    A New Era editorial warns that road fatalities typically spike during Namibia's busy holiday periods and calls on drivers to take individual responsibility for safety through vehicle maintenance, speed compliance, and aware driving—while also commending law enforcement visibility that helped reduce accidents during the December festive season.

    17 April 2026 · New Era

Thursday 16 April

  1. Swapo secretary general speaks at Uerikua memorial service

    Swapo party secretary general Sophia Shaningwa delivered a tribute to parliamentarian James Uerikua at a memorial service in Parliament Gardens, recalling his dedication to development projects in Otjozondjupa and his personal warmth. Uerikua and his son died in a road accident on 3 April.

    16 April 2026 · The Namibian

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