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Monday, 8 June 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 8 June 2026
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Namibian press · Person

James Uerikua

Also known as: Brother James · the late MP

Former Otjozondjupa regional governor and SWAPO Member of Parliament who died in a road accident on 3 April 2026.

2024-02-092026-06-08
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What’s been said

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

  1. April 2026

  2. New Era

    James Uerikua lost his life in a road accident between Okakarara and Otjiwarongo

    Source

    “The Namibia Horse Racing Association (NHRA) extends its deepest condolences on the passing of parliamentarian James Uerikua who tragically lost his life in a road accident between Okakarara and Otjiwarongo on Friday.”

    Horse racing association mourns Uerikua

  3. New Era

    James Uerikua led to the establishment of Gam Racing club

    Source

    “Among others, the departed MP played an instrumental role in the revival of horse racing sport in Gam settlement and led to the establishment of Gam Racing club (GR) which hosted several competitions in the isolated area.”

    Horse racing association mourns Uerikua

  4. The Namibian

    James Uerikua died in a road accident between Otjiwarongo and Okakarara on Friday

    Source

    “Uerikua (43) died in a road accident between Otjiwarongo and Okakarara on Friday, when his vehicle overturned after to a tyre burst.”

    Nation lost a comrade in Uerikua, president says

  5. The Namibian

    James Uerikua died in the same road accident in the Otjozondjupa region

    Source

    “Venturo, who was a Grade 8 pupil at the school, died after an accident that claimed the life of his father, National Assembly member and former Otjozondjupa governor James Uerikua (43).”

    Windhoek High School pays tribute to pupil Venturo Uerikua after death

  6. The Namibian

    James Uerikua was Swapo member of parliament

    Source

    “Swapo member of parliament James Uerikua's death, sudden and tragic, has left a wound that words can scarcely heal.”

    ‘MP Uerikua’s death leaves wound words can’t heal’

  7. The Namibian

    James Uerikua died suddenly and tragically

    Source

    “Swapo member of parliament James Uerikua's death, sudden and tragic, has left a wound that words can scarcely heal.”

    ‘MP Uerikua’s death leaves wound words can’t heal’

  8. The Namibian

    James Uerikua was Swapo member of parliament and former Otjozondjupa governor

    Source

    “Hardworking, perfectionist, focused, caring, and with a brilliant mind, that was James Uerikua, Swapo member of parliament and former Otjozondjupa governor.”

    ‘Hardworking, perfectionist, focused, that was James’

  9. The Namibian

    James Uerikua died aged 43 in a car accident on Friday

    Source

    “Namibia is mourning one of the country's promising young future leaders, James Uerikua, who died aged 43 in a car accident on Friday.”

    Namibia mourns James Uerikua

  10. The Namibian

    James Uerikua was a Swapo parliamentarian and former Otjozondhupa governor

    Source

    “The Swapo parliamentarian and former Otjozondhupa governor leaves behind a promising career, one that his peers described as "a leader in the making".”

    Namibia mourns James Uerikua

  11. The Namibian

    James Uerikua died on Friday in a car accident on the Otjiwarongo-Okakarara C22 road

    Source

    “Uerikua (43) and his son, Venturo Uerikua (14), died on Friday in a car accident on the Otjiwarongo-Okakarara C22 road.”

    Swapo MP James Uerikua remembered for wit, farming passion, and parliamentary service
Society

Ministry health minibus crashes with truck, all occupants die

The News

A Ministry of Health and Social Services 14-seater minibus collided with an oncoming truck on the Otjiwarongo-Okahandja road on Friday, killing all occupants including the driver and three nurses accompanying patients. The youngest victim was nine-year-old Lazarus Hamutenya, who was being transported to Katutura State Hospital from Khorixas District Hospital.

Why it matters

A catastrophic transport collision killing 14 occupants, including three nurses and a child, remains the most urgent breaking tragedy affecting public health and safety.

5 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 5 May

  1. Ministry health minibus crashes with truck, all occupants die

    A Ministry of Health and Social Services 14-seater minibus collided with an oncoming truck on the Otjiwarongo-Okahandja road on Friday, killing all occupants including the driver and three nurses accompanying patients. The youngest victim was nine-year-old Lazarus Hamutenya, who was being transported to Katutura State Hospital from Khorixas District Hospital.

    5 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 25 April

  1. President calls for SWAPO unity and vigilance against misinformation

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah addressed the SWAPO Party's Central Committee meeting in Windhoek, emphasising unity as the party's strongest asset while warning against misinformation and disinformation that could weaken cohesion. She highlighted government progress including youth empowerment initiatives and marked the party's 66th anniversary.

    25 April 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 24 April

  1. Swapo politician Mushelenga sworn into National Assembly

    Peya Mushelenga, a Swapo politician, has been sworn in as a member of parliament, replacing James Uerikua who died on 3 April. Speaking after taking the oath in Windhoek, Mushelenga said lawmakers must serve the country beyond party interests and pledged to prioritise advancing the Swapo Party manifesto while working across political lines.

    24 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 23 April

  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.

    23 April 2026 · 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.

    23 April 2026 · 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 →

  2. Nudo MP recalls Swapo rival's recruitment pitch at memorial

    Nudo parliamentarian Vetaruhe Kandorozu recalled that Swapo MP James Uerikua once asked when he would join Swapo, which surprised him. Speaking at Uerikua's memorial service at Parliament Gardens, Kandorozu praised Uerikua as a strong party defender and influential leader whose character and impact will be missed.

    16 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Namibian leaders honour deceased parliamentarian James Uerikua

    Opposition and ruling party figures paid tribute to late Swapo parliamentarian James Uerikua at his memorial service at Parliament Gardens in Windhoek, describing him as a skilled strategist and "people's person" whose work should be continued in his honour.

    16 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 15 April

  1. Deputy minister presents youth, sports budget for 2026/27

    Deputy Minister Dino Ballotti presented the N$35.104 million youth and sports budget for the 2026/2027 financial year to the National Assembly, framing it as a strategic investment in Namibia's future given that 71.1% of the population is under 35. The budget allocates funds for youth skills training and entrepreneurship, the National Youth Service, sports development and infrastructure including N$140 million for basic sporting facilities across regions.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 13 April

  1. Sheya recounts pressures during Swapo electoral college process

    Former Kunene governor Marius Sheya has revealed he was warned to distance himself from Swapo parliamentarian James Uerikua during the party's 2024 electoral college to avoid losing votes. Speaking at Uerikua's memorial service, Sheya reflected on their enduring friendship and how he eventually informed Uerikua of the warning while protecting the source, emphasizing the rarity of loyalty in politics.

    13 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Asoli leader criticizes failure to appoint Uerikua to cabinet

    The Asoli Progressive Party's Josef Kauandenge has criticized what he calls "theatrics and hypocrisy" surrounding the death of James Uerikua in a car accident on 3 April, questioning why someone now widely praised was never appointed as a Cabinet minister during his lifetime. Kauandenge urged Namibians to recognize individuals while they are alive rather than only after death, and criticized the politicization of funerals.

    13 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 12 April

  1. ACC allocates N$100,000 for specialised consultancy services

    The Anti-Corruption Commission has set aside N$100,000 for specialised consultancy services to support complex investigations and strategy development in its 2026/27 budget of N$1.9 million. The ACC says outsourcing expert advice is more cost-effective than maintaining permanent specialised staff, though a lawyer noted the amount is modest relative to costs in major corruption cases like Fishrot.

    12 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Former Otjozondjupa governor James Uerikua mourned at memorial service

    Mourners gathered at Otjozondjupa Regional Council Hall for a memorial service honouring late former governor and Swapo MP James Uerikua, who died in a car accident over Easter weekend along with his son Venturo.

    12 April 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 8 April

  1. Horse racing association mourns MP James Uerikua

    The Namibia Horse Racing Association has extended condolences following the death of parliamentarian James Uerikua, who died in a road accident between Okakarara and Otjiwarongo. Uerikua was a key supporter of horse racing in Namibia, particularly instrumental in reviving the sport in Gam settlement and establishing the Gam Racing Club, where he funded multiple competitions from his own resources.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  2. President tributes to MP James Uerikua killed in road accident

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah paid tribute to Member of Parliament and former Otjozondjupa governor James Uerikua, who died in a road accident between Otjiwarongo and Okakarara when his vehicle overturned after a tyre burst. Uerikua's 14-year-old son also died in the accident; the president described him as an active comrade whose loss is felt by the nation and said parliament and his family are establishing a committee to preserve his legacy.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Windhoek High School mourns Grade 8 pupil killed in road accident

    Windhoek High School has paid tribute to Grade 8 pupil Venturo Uerikua, who died in a road accident in the Otjozondjupa region on Friday that also claimed the life of his father, National Assembly member and former Otjozondjupa governor James Uerikua. The school said Venturo was a valued member of its community and extended condolences to his family, loved ones and friends.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Swapo MP James Uerikua's sudden death mourned nationwide

    Swapo member of parliament James Uerikua has died suddenly and tragically, leaving his wife recovering from injuries and his children grieving. A fellow MP pays tribute to Uerikua as a rare leader of exceptional intellect and humility who was deeply committed to economic renewal and serving Namibia's voiceless.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Swapo MP mourns former governor James Uerikua

    Marlayn Mbakera, a Swapo member of parliament, has written a tribute to James Uerikua, the former Otjozondjupa governor and Swapo MP who died, describing him as a hardworking, caring, and brilliant mentor who encouraged her to pursue political office and supported her through various challenges.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Namibia mourns parliamentarian James Uerikua, aged 43

    Swapo parliamentarian and former Otjozondhupa governor James Uerikua died aged 43 in a car accident on Friday, along with one of his sons. President Nandi-Ndaitwah described him as a "young and promising leader" whose loss comes at a time when the country needs clarity and commitment on complex challenges.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Swapo MP James Uerikua dies in Easter road accident

    Swapo parliamentarian James Uerikua, 43, and his 14-year-old son died Friday when their vehicle overturned on the Otjiwarongo-Okakarara road after a rear tyre burst. Colleagues remembered him as a sharp-minded, articulate, and humorous legislator with a passion for farming.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. National Assembly adjourns to honour deceased Swapo parliamentarian Uerikua

    The National Assembly adjourned on Tuesday following the death of Swapo parliamentarian James Uerikua, who died on Friday. The Speaker announced the adjournment after consultation with party chief whips, and President Nandi-Ndaitwah visited Uerikua's family.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. Former governor James Uerikua dies in road accident

    Former Otjozondjupa governor and Swapo MP James Uerikua died in a road accident on Friday, with his son Venturo also killed in the incident. Former agriculture minister Calle Schlettwein paid tribute to Uerikua as a brilliant mind and kind-hearted person, while Swapo held a candlelit vigil in Windhoek.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  10. James Uerikua remembered as champion of entrepreneurs

    James Uerikua, a Swapo parliamentarian and former Otjozondjupa governor who died in a road accident on Friday, is being remembered by businessman Knowledge Katti for his integrity and unwavering support of Namibian entrepreneurs. Katti recalls that Uerikua consistently encouraged business people and never used his position to belittle them, instead offering genuine commendation for their contributions to the country's economic development.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

James Uerikua — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute