Namibia Minute.
Tuesday, 6 October 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Tuesday, 6 October 2026
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Namibian press · Person

Kenneth Matengu

Also known as: Professor Kenneth Matengu · vice-chancellor Kenneth Matengu · Prof. Kenneth Matengu · Prof. Dr Kenneth Matengu

Vice Chancellor of the University of Namibia, emphasizing institutional diversity and inclusivity at graduation ceremonies.

2024-02-172026-10-06
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What’s been said

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

  1. September 2026

  2. The Namibian

    Unam vice chancellor Kenneth Matengu says research and technology would be important in improving food production as Namibia faces drought, water shortages and other climate-related challenges

    Source

    “Unam vice chancellor Kenneth Matengu says research and technology would be important in improving food production as Namibia faces drought, water shortages and other climate-related challenges.”

    Ministry, Unam join forces on agriculture research
  3. August 2026

  4. The Namibian

    Professor Kenneth Matengu is Vice-Chancellor of the University of Namibia

    Source

    “Professor Kenneth Matengu, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Namibia;”

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi Calls for Investment in Science, Innovation and Green Hydrogen

  5. Informanté

    UNAM Vice-Chancellor Kenneth Matengu stressed partnership is about more than qualifications and all aspects of human health

    Source

    “The UNAM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kenneth Matengu, stressed that the partnership is about more than qualifications.”

    Health ministry and UNAM sign MoU to strengthen health professional training
  6. July 2026

  7. The Namibian

    Kenneth Matengu said the university expects to harvest more than 23 tonnes of rice this year

    Source

    “Unam vice chancellor Kenneth Matengu said the university expects to harvest more than 23 tonnes of rice this year from its 7.5-hectare field, compared to 21 tonnes harvested in 2025.”

    Equipment shortage slows rice farming
  8. May 2026

  9. Windhoek Observer

    Unam vice chancellor Kenneth Matengu said the donation will strengthen university's ability to respond quickly to medical and safety emergencies

    Source

    “Matengu said the donation will strengthen the university's ability to respond quickly to medical and safety emergencies across its campuses.”

    YOUNG OBSERVER | Japan boosts Unam emergency response capacity

  10. Namibian Sun

    Vice-chancellor Kenneth Matengu advised graduates to pursue pathways in employment, enterprise or public service

    Source

    “In a congratulatory message for the Class of 2025, vice-chancellor Kenneth Matengu advised graduates to pursue pathways in employment, enterprise or public service, describing the world they are entering as dynamic, demanding, and full of possibilities.”

    A nation cannot preach renewal while practising stagnation
  11. April 2026

  12. New Era

    Unam Vice Chancellor Prof. Kenneth Matengu said first-year enrolment has more than doubled to over 11,000 in 2026

    Source

    “Unam Vice Chancellor Prof. Kenneth Matengu said the first-year enrolment has more than doubled, rising from just over 5 000 students to over 11 000 in 2026.”

    President calls for internship reform …over 4 000 graduate from Unam

  13. Windhoek Observer

    Unam vice-chancellor Kenneth Matengu urged graduates to focus on innovation, entrepreneurship and adaptability

    Source

    “Unam vice-chancellor Kenneth Matengu urged graduates to focus on innovation, entrepreneurship and adaptability.”

    NNN orders ministries to fund graduate internships

  14. The Namibian

    Vice chancellor Kenneth Matengu emphasised the institution's role in driving national development through higher education

    Source

    “Vice chancellor Kenneth Matengu at the event emphasised the institution's role in driving national development through higher education.”

    Unam produces ‘army of poverty eradicators’ in north

  15. New Era

    Professor Kenneth Matengu emphasized the institution's role in driving national development through higher education

    Source

    “Speaking during the Unam northern campuses graduation ceremony, Matengu said the graduates form part of the university's contribution to Namibia's social and economic progress.”

    Northern campuses deliver 901 graduates
Agriculture & Land

Ministry and Unam sign agriculture research partnership agreement

The News

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform and the University of Namibia have signed an agreement to strengthen research in agriculture, food security, fisheries, water and land reform. The partnership aims to link university research with government policies and programmes, focusing on increasing agricultural production, helping farmers adapt to climate change, managing fisheries and aquatic resources, and supporting land reform.

16 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 16 September

  1. Ministry and Unam sign agriculture research partnership agreement

    The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform and the University of Namibia have signed an agreement to strengthen research in agriculture, food security, fisheries, water and land reform. The partnership aims to link university research with government policies and programmes, focusing on increasing agricultural production, helping farmers adapt to climate change, managing fisheries and aquatic resources, and supporting land reform.

    16 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 11 September

  1. Education Minister inaugurates new UNAM Council

    Dr Sanet Steenkamp, Minister of Education, inaugurated the University of Namibia's new Council, tasked with providing strategic direction, ensuring good governance and overseeing the institution's affairs. Steenkamp emphasized the Council's role in providing leadership and oversight while respecting the distinction between governance and management, and urged members to engage in robust debate while keeping the institution's interests above individual concerns.

    11 September 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 9 September

  1. Education Minister inaugurates UNAM Council

    Minister of Education Dr Sanet Steenkamp inaugurated the University of Namibia's Council, which will provide strategic direction, ensure good governance and oversee the institution's affairs. Steenkamp emphasised the Council's role in providing leadership, safeguarding institutional integrity and holding management accountable, while respecting the distinction between governance and management.

    9 September 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 14 August

  1. VP Witbooi launches REALTEST green hydrogen research project

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi officially launched the REALTEST Green Hydrogen Research Project, describing it as signaling Namibia's determination to build an economy founded on science, innovation, and technological excellence. The initiative involves partnerships with the German government, SASSCAL, the University of Namibia, and other implementing partners.

    14 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 11 August

  1. Health ministry and UNAM sign training partnership deal

    The Ministry of Health and the University of Namibia signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen the link between health training and practice, ensuring health professionals are prepared for practical work in hospitals, clinics and communities, and to promote home-grown research and innovation.

    11 August 2026 · Informanté →

Sunday 9 August

  1. Namibia launches environmental data platform for planning

    Environment Minister Indileni Daniel launched a Multilateral Environmental Agreements Monitoring and Reporting Platform at the University of Namibia to improve access to environmental information and support national planning, research and decision-making. The platform, developed with technical support from UNAM, serves as a central repository for environmental data for government, researchers and development partners.

    9 August 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 22 July

  1. Equipment shortage constrains Namibia's emerging rice farming sector

    Rice farmers in Namibia cite shortages of machinery, irrigation equipment, fencing, and market access as barriers to scaling production. Manual planting, harvesting, and threshing operations, plus livestock damage to unfenced gardens, remain key challenges.

    22 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 15 May

  1. Japan donates ambulances and fire truck to strengthen UNAM emergency response

    The government of Japan has donated two ambulances, a fire truck and emergency equipment valued at N$1.2 million to the University of Namibia to strengthen emergency response services across its campuses, with the donation also expected to improve access for students with disabilities.

    15 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Saturday 2 May

  1. Namibia graduates thousands while job opportunities remain scarce

    The University of Namibia conferred qualifications on 4,342 graduands and NUST graduated 2,804 students in 2025, totalling at least 7,146 in the most recent cycle. The graduates enter a labour market defined by high youth unemployment and limited graduate absorption, while leaders remain in office well past retirement age.

    2 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Thursday 30 April

  1. President calls for internship reform as graduates lack work experience

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on government institutions and the private sector to convert existing training budgets into structured internship and apprenticeship opportunities for graduates, warning that Namibia's growing number of graduates must not end up without work experience. She made the remarks at Unam's graduation ceremony, where hundreds of students received certificates, diplomas and degrees.

    30 April 2026 · New Era →

  2. Namibia directs ministries to fund graduate internships

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has directed all government offices, ministries and agencies to allocate funds for structured internship and apprenticeship programmes to address graduate unemployment, and called on the private sector to support the initiative.

    30 April 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Sunday 26 April

  1. UNAM northern campuses graduate 901 students across multiple fields

    The University of Namibia's northern campuses graduated 901 students on Wednesday, representing a 4% increase from the previous year. The graduates span fields including engineering, nursing science, education, law and management sciences, with 65% women and qualifications aimed at contributing to Namibia's social and economic development.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 24 April

  1. University of Namibia northern campuses graduate 901 students

    The University of Namibia's northern campuses awarded 901 degrees on Wednesday, a 4% increase from last year's 864, with the cohort spanning engineering, nursing, education, law and management sciences, and including 65% female graduates and seven international students.

    24 April 2026 · New Era →

Monday 13 April

  1. Unam Southern campus celebrates 178 graduates, emphasizes diversity

    The University of Namibia's Southern campus held its first graduation ceremony of the year in Keetmanshoop, where 178 graduates from four faculties completed their studies. Vice Chancellor Kenneth Matengu highlighted diversity and inclusivity, noting that the cohort included five international students and three graduates from marginalised communities, while female students comprised 70.3% of graduates.

    13 April 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 10 March

  1. Unam builds wastewater plant to address Katima Mulilo sewerage crisis

    The University of Namibia is constructing an integrated wastewater management system at its Katima Mulilo Campus, financed by Germany's KfW Development Bank, to address the town's aging sewer infrastructure that dates to the 1930s and now serves a population of nearly 50,000. The N$60 million facility will serve Unam and the Zambezi Vocational Training Centre while supporting research, training, and water reuse initiatives in the region.

    10 March 2026 · New Era →

Sunday 8 March

  1. Japanese funding builds classrooms for Impalila school

    Japan has funded construction of four classrooms and a storeroom at Impalila Combined School in Namibia's Zambezi region, with the University of Namibia vice chancellor emphasizing that strong primary education foundations are essential for feeding universities and higher institutions.

    8 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 17 February

  1. Unam ranked 31st in inaugural Sub-Saharan Africa QS rankings

    The University of Namibia achieved 31st place in the QS World University Rankings: Sub-Saharan Africa 2026, its first inclusion in any QS global ranking. The ranking assessed over 1,000 institutions, with 69 universities from 21 countries making the final list, positioning Unam among the continent's recognised higher education institutions.

    17 February 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 11 February

  1. Former Botswana president addresses Namibia, acknowledges support and border disputes

    Former Botswana president Mokgweetsi Masisi delivered a public lecture at the University of Namibia, highlighting Botswana's role in supporting Namibia's liberation struggle and sheltering genocide victims, while also formally apologizing for killings of Namibian fishermen by the Botswana Defence Force during past border disputes. He emphasized that the two countries have since strengthened bilateral relations through higher-level cooperation platforms and a formalised bi-national commission covering politics, trade, and defence.

    11 February 2026 · New Era →

Kenneth Matengu — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute