Also known as: Minister of home affairs, immigration, safety and security Lucia Iipumbu · minister Lucia Iipumbu · Home affairs, immigration, safety and security minister Lucia Iipumbu · Minister Iipumbu · Ipumbu · Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu · Lucia Iipumba · Lucia Lipumbu · safety and security minister Lucia Iipumbu · Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety & Security Lucia Iipumbu
Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security overseeing border security, repatriation efforts, and service delivery system upgrades.
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The Namibian
Namibia's minister of home affairs, immigration, safety and security Lucia Iipumbu signed the agreement during the fourth session of the South Africa-Namibia Binational Commission
“SA's minister of correctional services, Pieter Groenewald, and Namibia's minister of home affairs, immigration, safety and security, Lucia Iipumbu, signed the agreement during the fourth session of the South Africa-Namibia Binational Commission.”
Namibia waits for SA prisoner transfer lawThe Namibian
Minister of home affairs, immigration, safety and security Lucia Iipumbu said another group of Namibians is expected to be repatriated from South Africa on Friday
“This week, minister of home affairs, immigration, safety and security Lucia Iipumbu said another group of Namibians is expected to be repatriated from South Africa on Friday.”
Repatriated Namibians eye South Africa returnThe Namibian
Immigration minister Lucia Iipumbu says government will assist Namibians abroad whenever possible and appropriate
“Immigration minister Lucia Iipumbu says the government will assist Namibians abroad whenever possible and appropriate.”
Next group of repatriated Namibians from South Africa expected this weekThe Namibian
Iipumbu stated many repatriated citizens faced economic hardship and vulnerabilities in South Africa
“"Many of those who have returned found themselves in difficult circumstances in South Africa, including economic hardship and other vulnerabilities that made it necessary for the government to facilitate their safe return home," Iipumbu said.”
Next group of repatriated Namibians from South Africa expected this weekWindhoek Observer
Home affairs minister Lucia Iipumbu announced that Namibians needing certificates of conduct could soon receive relief following government's ABIS upgrade allocation
“Patience Makwele Home affairs minister Lucia Iipumbu on Thursday announced that many Namibians who require certificates of conduct for employment opportunities could soon receive relief, following the government's allocation of funds to upgrade the country's Automatic Biometric Information System (ABIS), which has been plagued by technical failures since 2025.”
Good conduct certificates to be issued again soonInformanté
Minister Lucia Iipumbu said government has dispatched two teams to South Africa to ensure Namibian safety
“THE Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has said that the Namibian government has dispatched two teams to South Africa to ensure the safety of Namibians amidst rising violent xenophobic marches in South Africa, as the country wishes to see an exodus of foreigners.”
Iipumbu urges Namibians to approach safety shelters as xenophobic attacks continue as close to 100 Namibians seek to flee SAInformanté
Lucia Iipumbu said service delivery is a matter of national development, economic competitiveness and public trust
“SERVICE delivery is no longer a back-office issue but a matter of national development, economic competitiveness and public trust, said Lucia Iipumbu, Minister of Home Affairs, on the occasion of the inaugural Namibia Customer Care and Effective Service Delivery Conference in Windhoek.”
Service excellence is a “national asset” — Minister IipumbuThe Namibian
Minister Lucia Iipumbu dismissed public concerns and protests alleging microchip tracking in e-IDs
“Home affairs minister Lucia Iipumbu has dismissed public concerns and protests alleging that Namibia's planned electronic identity documents will be used to microchip and track citizens.”
Minister Iipumbu dismisses Namibia e-ID ‘microchip tracking’ allegationsThe Namibian
Lucia Iipumbu rejected assertions that e-ID could be used to track citizens
“The minister also rejected assertions that the new identity document could be used to track citizens, saying the e-ID cannot monitor, track or control citizens' movements or activities.”
Minister Iipumbu dismisses Namibia e-ID ‘microchip tracking’ allegationsInformanté
Lucia Iipumbu denied claims that Electronic IDs involve implanting microchips into citizens
“THE Minister of Home Affairs, Safety and Security, Lucia Iipumbu, has denied claims that the introduction of Electronic or digital Identification Documents (IDs) involves the implantation of microchips into the bodies of citizens, which some members of the public have dubbed as "the mark of the beast".”
Electronic IDs not the mark of the beast, says IipumbuNamibia and South Africa have signed an agreement to allow mutual transfer of sentenced prisoners between the countries, but transfers cannot occur until South Africa passes enabling legislation expected by mid-2027. Namibia has already finalised its side of the arrangement.
21 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia and South Africa have signed an agreement to allow mutual transfer of sentenced prisoners between the countries, but transfers cannot occur until South Africa passes enabling legislation expected by mid-2027. Namibia has already finalised its side of the arrangement.
21 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Seventy-two Namibians repatriated from South Africa following xenophobic attacks say they hope to return once anti-immigrant violence subsides, as the government indicated it will assess future assistance requests on a case-by-case basis and that repatriated citizens remain free to decide where they live and work.
16 July 2026 · The Namibian →
The next group of Namibians to be repatriated from South Africa are expected to arrive on Friday, 17 July, following the arrival of 71 repatriated citizens on Sunday. Immigration minister Lucia Iipumbu said many returnees faced economic hardship and vulnerabilities in South Africa, and urged Namibians abroad to comply with immigration laws and remain in contact with diplomatic missions.
13 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Home affairs minister Lucia Iipumbu announced that the government will upgrade the Automatic Biometric Information System (ABIS) following technical failures since 2025 that disrupted the processing of certificates of conduct required for employment. The ministry has entered an agreement with a supplier for a software upgrade aimed at improving stability, modernising the platform and reducing delays.
10 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia's Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Lucia Iipumbu said the government has dispatched two teams to South Africa and identified safety shelters as xenophobic violence rises and about 100 Namibians seek repatriation from the Namibian High Commission in Pretoria.
3 July 2026 · Informanté →
Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu told the inaugural Namibia Customer Care and Effective Service Delivery Conference that service delivery is central to institutional credibility and national development. A Citizen Satisfaction Survey recorded 54% overall public satisfaction with government service delivery; the Ministry of Home Affairs recorded about 50%.
29 June 2026 · Informanté →
Home affairs minister Lucia Iipumbu has dismissed public concerns that Namibia's planned electronic identity documents will be used to microchip and track citizens, stating the e-ID is a secure smart card that stores biometric and demographic information to strengthen security and improve service delivery in line with international standards.
20 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu clarified in Parliament that Namibia's electronic identification documents, to roll out from September 2026, do not involve microchip implantation into citizens' bodies. The secure digital ID card will store biometric and demographic information including fingerprints and photographs to enable identity verification in physical and digital environments.
18 June 2026 · Informanté →
Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu said Namibia cannot rely on outdated and manual migration systems, and the proposed Migration Bill aims to create a digital-first, efficient, and secure system. The bill's design was informed by countrywide consultations across all regions, with input from border communities, traditional authorities, civil society, and business.
15 June 2026 · Informanté →
The Ministry of Home Affairs plans to replace Namibia's outdated migration systems with a digital-first framework featuring online visa and permit applications, electronic payments, real-time tracking, and secure digital documents. The minister said the reforms aim to improve border management, national security, service delivery and facilitate investment.
15 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia has amended its ratification of the SADC Protocol on Inter-State Transfer of Sentenced Offenders, allowing convicted Namibians serving prison sentences in other Southern African countries to be transferred home to complete their jail terms. The protocol, adopted by SADC leaders in 2019 and now gazetted by the home affairs minister, aims to support the social reintegration of offenders by allowing them to serve sentences in their home countries, though transfers require meeting specified conditions.
12 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
A PDM member of parliament has tabled questions to the home affairs minister about persistent administrative and operational deficiencies in police stations, including inadequate fleet management, delayed vehicle maintenance, and uneven resource distribution between regions. She is seeking details on how many police stations lack adequate vehicles, measures to address maintenance delays, and the impact of suspended border patrol activities on border security.
4 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Minister of Home Affairs Lucia Iipumbu addressed regional staff in Katima Mulilo, calling for vigilance against illicit cross-border crimes while urging professionalism in facilitating lawful movement, legitimate trade, and tourism. Iipumbu is conducting a two-day working visit to the region to inspect ministerial projects and conduct border visits.
1 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Home affairs minister Lucia Iipumbu has warned that inconsistent decision-making, weak discipline and communication failures within the security cluster are eroding public trust in Namibia's frontline services. She made the remarks during a regional ministerial staff meeting in Katima Mulilo, bringing together officials from Immigration, the Namibian Police Force and the Namibian Correctional Service to inspect border posts and ministry projects in the Zambezi region.
1 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Lucia Iipumbu has flagged that failures at Namibia's border posts are eroding public trust in frontline services. The opinion piece argues that border infrastructure has been treated as a peripheral issue rather than a strategic priority, despite being the country's first and last point of contact with the outside world and crucial economic gateways.
1 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Minister Lucia Iipumbu has warned Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security ministry officials against demanding documents and imposing requirements not provided for in law at border posts.
1 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →
Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu addressed Zambezi regional staff at Katima Mulilo, calling for vigilance against illicit cross-border crimes while upholding professionalism and consistent law enforcement despite operational challenges in the region.
30 May 2026 · The Namibian →
More than 1,000 cadet constables completed their nine-month training course at the Ruben Danger Ashipala Police Training Centre and paraded in Oshakati and Ongwediva ahead of Friday's graduation ceremony, where the Minister of Home Affairs will deliver the keynote address on behalf of the President.
26 May 2026 · Informanté →
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.
5 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The 32nd Basic Training Course Graduation Ceremony for Correctional Officers, Intake 1/2025, was held in Omaruru with 399 trainees graduating. Minister of Home Affairs Lucia Iipumbu emphasised the Correctional Service's mandate to provide safe custody, maintain order and security, rehabilitate offenders, and prepare them for reintegration into society while maintaining professional control without cruelty or abuse.
5 May 2026 · Informanté →
Minister of Home Affairs Lucia Iipumbu told correctional officers at Oluno Correctional Facility that allegations of inmate mistreatment will trigger swift action, including transfers and disciplinary processes, stressing that correctional work requires discipline and firmness but must never involve cruelty or abuse.
2 May 2026 · Informanté →
Minister of Home Affairs Lucia Iipumbu addressed staff at Oluno Correctional Facility, saying correctional officers are mentors and role models who stand at the intersection of justice and rehabilitation. She emphasized that the Namibia Correctional Service must focus on transformation, skills development, education, counselling, and productive work alongside accountability.
27 April 2026 · Informanté →
Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu told Parliament that no formal drug cartels or structured trafficking syndicates have been identified operating in Namibia, though police reported 359 arrests and seized drugs valued at about N$13.1 million between June and July 2025. She said government is focusing on dismantling informal criminal networks, disrupting supply chains, and targeting higher-level organisers rather than low-level offenders.
25 April 2026 · Informanté →
Safety and Immigration Minister Lucia Iipumbu welcomed newly-appointed Deputy Minister Edward Wambo and called for staff unity as the ministry tackles cross-border crime, migration pressures, and digital transformation. Wambo pledged to serve with integrity and prioritise improved security, migration support, and people-centred services.
14 April 2026 · New Era →
Newly appointed deputy minister Edward Wambo has pledged to deliver efficient, accessible, and people-centred services aligned with Vision 2030, emphasizing teamwork and continuous improvement. Minister Lucia Iipumbu expressed confidence in their working relationship, saying Wambo's track record and grassroots connection will enhance the ministry's service delivery.
14 April 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Home Affairs arrested 2,259 suspects for drug-related offences during the 2025/26 financial year, according to minister Lucia Iipumbu's budget motivation speech, which also detailed operations against trafficking, illegal immigration, and anti-poaching efforts across the country.
10 April 2026 · The Namibian →
The 15th Ruacana annual Easter tournament attracted thousands of visitors and 99 teams over the weekend, drawing crowds and vendors to the small border town. Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu said the event demonstrates how sport can unite communities and stimulate local economic growth through spending on accommodation, transport, and services, though some vendors reported police breathalyser operations near the venue discouraged customers.
8 April 2026 · New Era →
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 →
Minister of Home Affairs Lucia Iipumbu said Namibia has made significant progress in implementing its integrated, digital civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) system, including e-Birth and e-Death notification systems since 2017–2018 that connect 153 facilities. The minister welcomed delegates from the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention for a learning visit aimed at strengthening CRVS systems across African nations to support legal identity achievement by 2030.
26 March 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia's digital healthcare transformation, including its e-Birth and e-Death notification systems introduced since 2017, is being showcased as a model for other African countries during an Africa CDC learning visit in Windhoek. The systems, which now connect 153 health facilities and have achieved over 99% birth registration coverage, represent the government's commitment to modernizing healthcare delivery and civil registration through technology.
25 March 2026 · New Era →