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

Job Amupanda

Also known as: Amupanda · Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda · Affirmative Repositioning leader · member of parliament Job Amupanda · AR leader Job Amupanda · Job Shipululo Amupanda · Affirmative Repositing leader Job Amupanda · the activist · the parliamentarian · the national leader · the AR leader

Affirmative Repositioning leader who tables motions and questions in the National Assembly on cultural, governance, and petroleum matters.

Society

Health ministry investigates fraud in pharmaceutical supply chain

The News

The Namibian health ministry has launched an investigation into alleged fraud and theft within its pharmaceutical supply chain, including stock data manipulation and diversion of medicines. Executive director Penda Ithindi said implicated Central Medical Stores staff have been reassigned pending investigation, with criminal proceedings possible if guilt is established.

Why it matters

Fraud and theft within the health ministry's pharmaceutical supply chain have created artificial shortages of critical medicines, forcing hospitals like Onandjokwe to suspend elective surgeries and threatening the quality of care Namibians receive. The investigation's outcome will determine whether those responsible face criminal charges and how the ministry rebuilds trust in drug distribution.

20 April 2026 · New Era →

Monday 20 April

  1. Health ministry investigates fraud in pharmaceutical supply chain

    The Namibian health ministry has launched an investigation into alleged fraud and theft within its pharmaceutical supply chain, including stock data manipulation and diversion of medicines. Executive director Penda Ithindi said implicated Central Medical Stores staff have been reassigned pending investigation, with criminal proceedings possible if guilt is established.

    20 April 2026 · New Era →

Saturday 18 April

  1. Student unions demand fair funding model after Nanso suspension

    Student unions have called on the government to establish an equitable funding model after the suspension of funding to the Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) amid allegations of misuse and favouritism. While some unions welcome the halt to Nanso's exclusive funding, they oppose complete removal of financial support to student bodies and instead urge the Ministry of Education to distribute budgets fairly among all three student organisations in Namibia.

    18 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 →

Thursday 16 April

  1. 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 →

  2. Onandjokwe Hospital suspends elective surgeries due to anaesthetic shortage

    Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital has suspended all elective surgical procedures after running out of critical anaesthetic agents required for general anaesthesia, with similar supply constraints affecting the Central Medical Stores. The suspension is intended to prioritize limited supplies for emergency cases, and has raised parliamentary concerns about patient safety and operational stability at public health facilities.

    16 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 13 April

  1. President urges investigation into GIPF and Bank losses

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed concern that reportedly disappearing funds at the Government Institutions Pension Fund and losses at the Bank of Namibia "smell of corruption" and called for investigation. She emphasized that fighting corruption is a collective responsibility for all Namibians and must be treated as seriously as treason.

    13 April 2026 · New Era →

Sunday 12 April

  1. President addresses parliament on oil, land, wealth fund

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah answered questions from opposition MPs on the Welwitschia Sovereign Wealth Fund, land delivery, Germany's genocide reparations deal, the veterinary cordon fence, and various economic and governance matters during parliament on Wednesday.

    12 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 9 April

  1. Namibia secures Norwegian technical support for oil and gas

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced that Norway's government has agreed to provide technical support for developing Namibia's oil and gas sectors, citing Norway's international leadership in accountability and effective use of oil revenue. The President also defended her decision to place oil and gas supervision under the Presidency as a guard against the resource curse and urged Parliament to urgently pass the petroleum amendment bill to enable her oversight of upstream oil and gas activities.

    9 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 25 March

  1. Amupanda donates equipment to schools in Oshana and beyond

    Activist Job Amupanda has donated equipment to construct a school hall and renovate a playground at Omaalala Primary School in Oshana, and recently built classrooms and administrative blocks at two other schools in Oshikoto and Ohangwena regions. Amupanda, now a parliamentarian and patron of Omaalala Primary School, stressed the importance of providing conducive learning environments for learners.

    25 March 2026 · New Era →

Monday 23 March

  1. Fima may limit pension fund lump-sum retirement payment options

    Namibian pension funds are seeking clarity on how the Financial Institutions and Markets Act (Fima) will affect retirement payouts, with a leaked memo suggesting the act could prohibit members from taking their full savings as a single cash payment and instead require monthly annuity payments. Industry players and Namfisa are meeting to discuss the interpretation of the new law and its potential consequences for retirees.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian →

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