… d me the job, so I said okay, why not?” he says. “We only started training yesterday, but many of the players have been active for their clubs here in the Hardap second and third divisions, so they are fit and active. “We will continue till 2 April when we depart for Keetmanshoop …
… However, the most significant rainfall occurred in the //Kharas Region, where areas between Aroab and Keetmanshoop received approximately 65 mm on Tuesday, while Aroab itself recorded around 18 mm.
… We’ve also had some friendly matches so far and the boys look very promising, so we are hoping for good results,” he says. “The boys will be in camp until the 2 April when we travel to Keetmanshoop, so we will be well-prepared,” he says. …
The government plans to upgrade Keetmanshoop District Hospital to an intermediate facility following the inauguration of a new N$7.3-million state dialysis unit on Friday. …
… In Keetmanshoop, a 26-year-old man was arrested for dealing in drugs after he was allegedly found with mandrax tablets and cannabis, which he attempted to throw over a yard fence. …
KEETMANSHOOP – Considering the emerging green hydrogen, oil, and gas sectors, the Keetmanshoop Vocational Training Centre (KVTC) recently opened its doors for intakes pursuing courses for skills needed for these industries. …
… She highlighted several milestones achieved over the past year, including engagements with organisations of persons with disabilities in Keetmanshoop that resulted in recommendations for development projects at the Keetmanshoop Disability Resource Centre. …
Staff Reporter POLICE arrested several suspects in separate drug-related incidents reported in Khorixas, Lüderitz, Windhoek, Rehoboth, Kamanjab and Keetmanshoop over the weekend. …
The Landless People's Movement has withdrawn Keetmanshoop mayor Melody Swartbooi from her position and revoked her council representation with immediate effect, six months after her election in December 2025. The party cited internal processes and strategic redeployment of talent but provided no specific reasons for the removal.
Why it matters
The LPM's sudden withdrawal of a recently elected mayor without specific explanation raises questions about party discipline and local governance stability.
The Landless People's Movement has withdrawn Keetmanshoop mayor Melody Swartbooi from her position and revoked her council representation with immediate effect, six months after her election in December 2025. The party cited internal processes and strategic redeployment of talent but provided no specific reasons for the removal.
The Landless People's Movement has withdrawn Melody Swartbooi as Mayor of Keetmanshoop with immediate effect, revoking her party representation on the town council in accordance with the Local Authorities Act.
An independent investigation by South Africa's Railway Safety Regulator into a Rovos Rail passenger train derailment near Keetmanshoop on 1 March has reinforced the need for continued improvements in rail safety and operational systems. TransNamib says recommendations from the report will be reviewed and incorporated into ongoing safety enhancement programmes.
TransNamib has received an independent investigation report from South Africa's Railway Safety Regulator into a March 2026 Rovos Rail derailment south of Keetmanshoop that killed two people, caused when rains washed away sections of track. The report findings were presented to TransNamib leadership and union representatives, but the operator has not yet shared the conclusions publicly.
Public passenger transport operators have been urged to keep fares within an approved 15% increase that took effect on 18 May, aimed at minimising the impact of rising international oil prices and global geopolitical tensions on commuters. The ministry encourages the public to report operators charging fares above the approved increase.
The government is expected to start the procurement process for a contractor to redevelop Independence Stadium in Windhoek during the second quarter of the current financial year, with the stadium currently at the final design and documentation stage. The project is one of five stadiums planned across the country to be upgraded to Confederation of African Football category three standards, to be implemented in phases.
The Golden Heart Foundation, which operates in Keetmanshoop and surrounding areas, has become known for its commitment that no one should face hardship alone.
The 7th edition of the Nama Cultural Festival will take place at Westdene Stadium in Keetmanshoop from 28 to 31 May 2026, bringing together communities, traditional leaders, and visitors to celebrate Nama heritage, identity and unity. The event aims to preserve and promote Nama culture while strengthening social cohesion and encouraging intergenerational cultural exchange.
The National Housing Enterprise plans to construct 905 houses across Namibia during the 2025/2026 financial year as part of efforts to reduce the country's housing backlog. Since its establishment in 1993, NHE has constructed more than 21 545 housing units nationwide.
The ǁKaras region has launched the Governor's Youth Desk and Youth Empowerment Strategic Framework 2026–2029 to strengthen youth participation in governance, skills development and economic empowerment. The initiative, announced at an event in Keetmanshoop attended by over 100 young people, aims to connect youth to opportunities in education, entrepreneurship, leadership and employment.
Thirty-six years after independence, Namibia has strong democratic institutions and laws but governance remains ineffective at local level, with power struggles in local authorities reflecting deeper failures in decentralisation and alignment of roles, according to the Windhoek Observer.
Namibia Power Corporation has asked the Electricity Control Board to intervene in efforts to recover N$1 billion owed by local state entities and Angola's power utility for electricity. NamPower says 14 local authorities have breached repayment arrangements totalling about N$635.3 million, and prolonged non-payment could undermine the security of the country's electricity supply.
The Namibia Tennis Association plans to back elite players and expand tennis development across the country to increase participation, with a goal of making Namibia a leading tennis nation on the continent through national team success and hosting tournaments. Success will be measured by the number of active and female players and national team performance in international competition.
Nedbank Namibia visited Rundu and Katima Mulilo as part of its Managing Director Roadshow to strengthen relationships with communities and businesses while shaping its 2026 strategy around regional needs. The bank highlighted partnerships such as the Wapa Nawa Recycling Centre through its Team Challenge initiative.
Weather data predicts more rainfall across Namibia over the next seven days. Residents are advised to take measures to protect crops, livestock, and domesticated animals from potential damage, and sharp temperature drops with very cold mornings are expected, particularly over central and southern areas.
Police intercepted a truck carrying cannabis valued at over N$1 million on the Grunau road outside Keetmanshoop on Friday, resulting in the arrest of three men aged 36, 41, and 47.
Home affairs minister Lucia Iipumbu urged newly graduated correctional officers to treat inmates with dignity and warned against abuse of power at the 32nd Basic Training Graduation Ceremony, where 399 recruits graduated. The Namibian Correctional Service operates at about 30% of its required staff and faces pressure from shortages, ageing facilities, and lack of specialists.
The Roads Authority has temporarily closed 14 roads in the ||Kharas region following severe damage caused by heavy rainfall and flooding. The authority is monitoring the areas and will undertake assessments and repairs as conditions permit, advising the public to avoid flooded roads and follow closure signage.
Consistent showers are expected across several areas of Namibia during the long weekend, with the southern parts of the country—particularly Hardap and //Kharas regions—most affected and at risk of localised flooding. Areas including Aus (50 mm), Grunau (26–30 mm), and Keetmanshoop (20 mm) have already received substantial rainfall between Wednesday and Thursday morning.
Namibia's national flyweight champion Hertha Namutiwa (20) says her ultimate goal is to become an undisputed champion and move up in weight categories, describing undisputed status as "powerful" and "legacy-defining" while emphasizing that building a respected legacy through discipline and inspiring young girls matters beyond titles alone.
The national rail operator TransNamib recorded 48 mainline derailments, 39 fatalities, and 45 level crossing incidents between 2020 and 2025, with an 87.5% decrease in derailments from 2021/22 to 2024/25. TransNamib attributes incidents to vandalism, theft, and flash floods, and says it uses patrols, awareness campaigns, and infrastructure investment to reduce them.
A 57-year-old man was fatally struck by lightning on 24 April 2026 while walking with his daughter and three dogs behind P.K. School in Keetmanshoop. He was taken to hospital but pronounced dead on arrival.
The Landless People's Movement has suspended former Keetmanshoop councillor Joseph Isaacks following remarks he made accusing party leader Bernadus Swartbooi of being a dictator. The party said his public statements have tarnished the party and its leadership and violated the LPM's core values.
The government has committed N$137 million to building 3,106 low-income houses through the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, implemented by the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia, to address the country's housing backlog. The project is part of broader efforts to formalise informal settlements and prioritise completing stalled units under the Mass Housing Development Programme, though the ministry's 2026/27 budget has been reduced from N$2.67 billion to N$1.95 billion.
Japan, the UN, and global partners have launched major investments to strengthen Namibia's health system, including three key projects focused on emergency preparedness, disease prevention, and diagnostic capacity. The initiatives, valued at approximately N$18.4 million, will benefit more than 118,000 people across eight hospitals and vulnerable regions including Kunene, Omusati, and Otjozondjupa.
Erongo's under-20 football team won the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup, defeating Kunene 2-1 at Keetmanshoop. Team manager Daniel Mouton attributed the victory to determination, unity, and support from stakeholders including the governor's office.
The Landless People's Movement faces growing internal tensions, with former councillor Joseph Isaacks accusing leader Bernadus Swartbooi of running the party dictatorially and the party suspending former mayor McDonald Hanse over alleged involvement in forming a new political party. The LPM's spokesperson denies disunity claims and says the party operates within constitutional rules, while Hanse contests his suspension and disputes the allegations against him.
Namibia's government has begun phased implementation of Vision April 2026, an initiative to transform public healthcare by improving accessibility, quality and citizen confidence. The programme, which mandates senior government officials to use public facilities starting April 2024, includes infrastructure upgrades, N$239 million in medical equipment procurement and recruitment of 2,307 health workers, with expansion to additional facilities planned for 2027.
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare rejected claims that public hospitals are creating special VIP units for government officials, saying the government's focus is improving healthcare for all Namibians. He highlighted seven major health facilities earmarked for upgrades and announced Vision April 2026, a programme requiring senior officials to use public hospitals to improve service quality nationwide.
Catherine Mayumbelo, an 18-year-old from Aus, was diagnosed with leukaemia in May and must travel to Cape Town for a bone marrow transplant. Her family is financially strained by monthly medical visits to Windhoek and appeals for public assistance to cover the estimated N$210,000 cost of the transplant journey.