Also known as: Presidential spokesperson Jonas Mbambo · Press secretary Jonas Mbambo · State House press secretary Jonas Mbambo · presidential press secretary Jonas Mbambo · Mr Jonas Mbambo
Presidential spokesperson who acknowledged leaks of presidential decisions appearing online before formal announcements in May 2026.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
The Namibian
Jonas Mbambo told The Namibian China relationship based on economic reality, not sentiment
“"The relationship with China is not based on sentiment but on economic reality. China is one of the world's largest economies and virtually every major economy engages with it, including many that publicly argue for reducing dependence on China," presidential spokesperson Jonas Mbambo told The Namibian yesterday.”
Namibia flirts with China on trade, investmentNew Era
Jonas Mbambo issued a statement saying the conference presents Namibia an opportunity to contribute to discussions on reparative justice
“In a statement issued by her spokesperson, Jonas Mbambo, the President will join fellow heads of state and government in Accra for the High-Level Consultative Conference on the Next Steps to the Landmark United Nations Resolution on the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans from today to tomorrow.”
NNN takes genocide campaign globalThe Namibian
Jonas Mbambo rejected suggestions that directive amounts to executive interference
“Mbambo rejected suggestions that the directive amounts to executive interference in administrative or governance processes.”
President orders NCIS to screen 360 health officialsWindhoek Observer
Jonas Mbambo told the Windhoek Observer that Orange River boundary formalization could be discussed at bi-national commission meeting in July
“When contacted for comment regarding the matter last week, press secretary in the presidency, Jonas Mbambo told the Windhoek Observer that the formalisation of the disputed boundary could be a topic of discussion at a bi-national commission meeting between Presidents Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Cyril Ramaphosa next month.”
Formalisation of Orange River border still loomingThe Namibian
Presidential spokesperson Jonas Mbambo would not comment on whether Shindume was vetted or if the Office of the President is aware of the debt
“Presidential spokesperson Jonas Mbambo would yesterday not comment on whether Shindume was vetted and whether the Office of the President is aware of the debt.”
NNN adviser Shindume faces scrutiny over N$15m Agribank debtThe Namibian
Presidency spokesperson Jonas Mbambo said the Presidency will not be drawn into speculation about the project
“"The Presidency will not be drawn into speculation.”
President’s son dismisses IPC claims of dirty businessThe Namibian
Presidential spokesperson Jonas Mbambo said Genocide Remembrance Day should not be reduced to politics or personalities
“Responding to criticism, presidential spokesperson Jonas Mbambo yesterday said Genocide Remembrance Day should not be reduced to politics or personalities.”
NNN picks booze fest over genocide eventNew Era
Jonas Mbambo issued a statement saying the summit seeks to move beyond traditional donor-recipient dynamics
“In a media statement issued by Presidential Press Secretary Jonas Mbambo, the Presidency said the summit seeks to move beyond traditional donor-recipient dynamics and instead build partnerships based on equality, mutual respect and shared prosperity.”
Nam pushes for investment-led partnershipsThe Namibian
Presidential spokesperson Jonas Mbambo says the Presidency cannot comment on the matter as it is before the courts
“Presidential spokesperson Jonas Mbambo says the Presidency cannot comment on the matter as it is before the courts.”
Naked State House intruder’s family demands answersNew Era
Jonas Mbambo said the Presidency remains committed to ensuring official information and decisions of the Head of State are communicated through appropriate and authorised channels
“"The Presidency remains committed to ensuring that official information and decisions of the Head of State are communicated through the appropriate and authorised channels in a timely and professional manner," Mbambo said.”
State secrets leak sparks security concerns …Presidency acknowledges growing worryPresident Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah led a delegation of six ministers and more than 200 businesspeople to China to pursue partnerships in mining, agriculture, and logistics. China was Namibia's second-largest trading partner last year, with trade reaching N$40 billion.
7 July 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah led a delegation of six ministers and more than 200 businesspeople to China to pursue partnerships in mining, agriculture, and logistics. China was Namibia's second-largest trading partner last year, with trade reaching N$40 billion.
7 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Kunene Regional Council employees did not receive salaries as government funds remain withheld by the urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa, who suspended disbursement in May citing concerns over the presence of acting chief regional officer George Kamseb. The suspension has also halted several development projects in the region.
26 June 2026 · New Era →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah travelled to Ghana to present the Ovaherero and Nama genocide at a High-Level Consultative Conference on slavery and colonial injustices, where Namibia advocated for a comprehensive framework to address colonial dispossession and genocide committed between 1904 and 1908.
18 June 2026 · New Era →
The founder of South Africa's March and March organisation, which focuses on illegal immigration, has said Namibians are "law-abiding citizens" and not targets of anti-immigrant sentiment, despite xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa. She described Nigerians as the most problematic nationality, saying they enter without documentation and engage in criminal activity.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has ordered the Namibia Central Intelligence Service to conduct background checks on about 360 health ministry officials, mostly from the pharmaceutical services directorate at the Central Medical Stores, following allegations of fraud and corruption involving government employees and tenderpreneurs rigging medical tenders and manipulating orders worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Nearly two years after a technical committee reached agreement, the formalisation of the disputed Orange River border between Namibia and South Africa remains unresolved. The dispute centres on whether the boundary follows the high-water mark of the northern bank (South Africa's position based on the 1890 Helgoland-Zanzibar Treaty) or runs along the median line of the river (Namibia's constitutional position), with the river's diamonds, minerals, and water resources for agriculture at stake.
12 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's newly appointed economic adviser Shali Shindume reportedly owes Agribank over N$15 million from a loan obtained while he was the bank's credit manager. Agribank sought High Court action in 2021 over breach of contract, with a settlement agreement requiring Shindume to subdivide his mortgaged farm property and make specified monthly payments.
11 June 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah appointed retired chief legal adviser Chris Nghaamwa, her relative, as an adviser to attorney general Festus Mbandeka effective 1 June. State House defended the appointment, stating Nghaamwa's qualifications and experience in government legal roles made him suitable, and that family relationships do not render individuals unsuitable for public service.
8 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibian Presidency has rejected allegations that President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and her family were involved in a proposed N$612 million solar power project linked to the Tsumeb smelter, stating the head of state played no role in negotiation, financing, approval or implementation. The denial comes after opposition leader Panduleni Itula questioned the ownership structure and alleged companies associated with the President's sons were involved.
8 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The president's son, Nande Ndaitwah, is rejecting accusations by IPC president Panduleni Itula that a N$612-million solar power plant deal with Sinomine Tsumeb Smelter benefited from family connections. Itula alleged the deal involved Farm Massaus, owned by president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, but Ndaitwah told The Namibian that the solar plant is not going on the farm and that the location is clear from environmental clearance documentation.
7 June 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah did not attend Genocide Remembrance Day events held at Shark Island and in six regions, drawing criticism from political and community leaders, though the vice president attended events in Ohangwena. The president's absence came despite an active public schedule that included attending agricultural and cultural festivals and other state events.
31 May 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has ordered a forensic investigation into Gendev Fishing Resources and its sister company amid allegations of missing millions, lack of transparency, and failure to deliver fish worth over N$49 million to clients.
25 May 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has not slept in her private residential wing at State House since a naked mental health patient broke into the premises nearly three weeks ago; she is staying at her private home in Hochland Park. The incident led to the suspension of police inspector general Joseph Shikongo and raised questions about security, as CCTV cameras were allegedly switched off at the time.
18 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Vice President Lucia Witbooi arrived in Nairobi to lead Namibia's delegation to the Africa Forward Summit, where African leaders and investors will discuss investment, innovation, and economic cooperation. Namibia is focusing on securing partnerships that support industrialisation and value addition rather than dependence on raw material exports.
11 May 2026 · New Era →
The family of Giano Seibeb, accused of trespassing at State House in Windhoek, is demanding to see closed-circuit television footage of the incident and wants answers on how he escaped Windhoek Central Hospital's mental health centre where he had been admitted. The incident led President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to suspend police inspector general Joseph Shikongo.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The Presidency has acknowledged growing concern over sensitive presidential decisions and internal discussions appearing online ahead of formal announcements, with Presidential spokesperson Jonas Mbambo attributing the trend to challenges of managing information in a fast-moving democratic society and saying the Presidency remains committed to using proper, authorised channels.
7 May 2026 · New Era →
President Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has appointed Major General Anne-Marie Nainda as Acting Inspector General of the Namibian Police Force, effective immediately, for a one-year term. She replaces Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo and is described as a seasoned law enforcement professional with extensive experience in senior command roles.
5 May 2026 · Informanté →
Defence Minister Frans Kapofi denied reports that the Namibian Defence Force has assumed responsibility for protecting President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, saying the military could step in only if required. The denial comes after an alleged security breach at State House on Thursday, when an unidentified man allegedly entered the presidential residence and reached the private living area before being apprehended, though details of how he gained access and whether he was arrested remain unclear.
5 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
A naked man allegedly breached State House security and reached the president's private floor on Thursday afternoon, with sources blaming police and presidential security for the failure. The incident has raised questions about police inspector general Joseph Shikongo's job security, though the Presidency denied dismissing him on Saturday.
3 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Oshana regional police commander Naftal Sakaria is set to lead the unit protecting President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, replacing commissioner Andreas Nelumbu. The appointment follows a police reshuffle conducted by inspector general Joseph Shikongo.
28 April 2026 · The Namibian →
The Landless People's Movement boycotted President Nandi-Ndaitwah's State of the Nation Address, calling it political theatre that masks poor governance; the presidency responded that dialogue is essential in a democracy and that such absences represent a missed opportunity to raise concerns.
10 April 2026 · New Era →
President Nandi-Ndaitwah appointed National Council member Moses //Khumub as deputy minister in the Office of the Vice President, a move that lawmakers have criticised as unnecessary bureaucracy given the limited role of the office. The State House said the deputy minister will provide technical and professional support to Vice President Lucia Witbooi, particularly in overseeing marginalised communities and disability affairs divisions transferred from another ministry.
10 April 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is expected to announce eight new deputy ministers and appoint deputy defence minister Charles Mubita as minister in the Presidency. The move comes despite her earlier decision to cut ministries and reduce Cabinet size, with critics and analysts warning that some merged ministries may now be too large to function effectively.
5 April 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will deliver her Independence Day address live on NBC at midnight on 21 March instead of at a public event, prompting the IPC and analysts to question the decision's justification and appropriateness.
22 March 2026 · The Namibian →
As Namibia marks 36 years of independence, the government's priorities under President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah are guided by the Sixth National Development Plan and focus on accelerating inclusive economic growth, creating jobs, strengthening social services, and responsible natural resource management. Key areas include housing and land delivery, healthcare, education, green hydrogen development, and addressing unemployment through public-private sector cooperation and youth entrepreneurship initiatives.
20 March 2026 · New Era →
Swapo deputy secretary general Uahekua Herunga has rejected allegations reported by Forbidden Stories that the ruling party requested Russian support for its 2024 election campaign. The non-profit news organization reported leaked documents from Russian operatives allegedly showing requests for funding and involvement in disinformation operations, including a fabricated letter claiming UK financing of the opposition IPC.
19 March 2026 · The Namibian →
An LPM parliamentarian has criticized the green hydrogen project as a political campaign tool rather than a genuine development plan, citing the lack of a dedicated legislative framework. The government's press secretary defended the project as part of Namibia's development vision alongside oil and gas initiatives, while the minister acknowledged no standalone green hydrogen act exists but said the sector is governed by existing environmental and energy legislation.
12 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Presidency clarified that Hoze Riruako's meeting with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah should not be interpreted as recognition of him as paramount chief of the OvaHerero Traditional Authority, saying the matter remains before the courts and the executive cannot decide issues under judicial adjudication. The traditional authority has been disputed between Riruako's and Mutjinde Katjiua's factions.
10 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Former deputy prime minister Natangwe Ithete has not received his parliamentary salary for four months following his October dismissal from Cabinet, reportedly because the National Assembly has not received an official directive confirming his removal from the executive. Officials cite administrative delays, while a political commentator attributes the delay to institutional incompetence in reintegrating him into the parliamentary payroll system.
6 March 2026 · The Namibian →
President Nandi-Ndaitwah is reportedly pushing to end the practice of allocating state-funded mansions to former presidents, preferring instead to accept a portion of benefits for her own retirement home. The review of the Former Presidents' Pension and Other Benefits Act will also examine extending benefits to vice presidents, amid criticism that such perks are excessive given widespread hardship among ordinary Namibians.
27 February 2026 · The Namibian →