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

Lucia Witbooi

Also known as: vice president Lucia Witbooi · H E LUCIA WITBOOI · Vice president Witbooi · Her Excellency Lucia Witbooi · Vice President · H.E Lucia Witbooi · vice-president Lucia Witbooi · Vice President of Namibia Witbooi · Your Excellency Lucia Witbooi · Madam Vice President · //Kharas Regional Council chairperson · Vice President Her Excellency Lucia Witbooi · the Vice President · Her Excellency Witbooi

Vice President of Namibia addressing sustainable development, green hydrogen initiatives, and national prayer efforts as of September 2026.

2025-11-132026-09-06
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What’s been said

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

  1. March 2026

  2. Informanté

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi urged citizens to build on the nation's achievements and work collectively for inclusive development

    Source

    “Speaking in Karasburg in the //Kharas Region, Witbooi reflected on Namibia's independence on 21 March 1990, achieved through the courage and sacrifices of the country's freedom fighters under the leadership of founding president Sam Nujoma.”

    Vice President Witbooi calls for unity and inclusive development on Namibia’s 36th Independence Day

  3. Informanté

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi called on Namibians, particularly the youth, to seize opportunities such as the National Youth Development Fund and vocational training initiatives

    Source

    “She called on Namibians, particularly the youth, to seize opportunities such as the National Youth Development Fund and vocational training initiatives to contribute to national growth.”

    Vice President Witbooi calls for unity and inclusive development on Namibia’s 36th Independence Day

  4. New Era

    Lucia Witbooi is Vice President and first female Speaker of the National Assembly

    Source

    “The nation is led by its first female President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, alongside Vice President Lucia Witbooi, the first female Speaker of the National Assembly, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, and women holding key ministerial portfolios in Education, Health, Agriculture, ICT, Finance, Gender Equality and Child Welfare and International Relations and Trade.”

    Opinion – 36 years of freedom: Progress made, challenges remain

  5. New Era

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi presided over official opening of Keetmanshoop Vocational Training Centre

    Source

    “It was a joyous occasion when Vice President (VP) Lucia Witbooi presided over the official opening of the Keetmanshoop Vocational Training Centre yesterday.”

    //Kharas embraces N$127m VTC

  6. Informanté

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi said government committed to construct Vocational Training Centres in all 14 regions of Namibia

    Source

    “"Government has committed and resolved to construct Vocational Training Centres in all 14 regions of Namibia, as part of the national TVET sector transformation and expansion strategy. Therefore, today the //Kharas Region becomes the twelfth region to host its own government Vocational Training Centre," Vice President Lucia Witbooi said while speaking at the launch of the centre.”

    Keetmanshoop Vocational Training Centre officially inaugurated

  7. The Namibian

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi launched GIPF pension-backed home loan scheme at Mariental

    Source

    “Good morning. I am delighted to join you today here in Mariental as we witness the launch of the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) pension-backed home loan scheme.”

    Vice president Lucia Witbooi launches GIPF housing scheme at Mariental

  8. The Namibian

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi officially opened disability and marginalised communities planning workshop

    Source

    “With these remarks, it is now my honour and privilege to officially declare the disability affairs and marginalised divisions planning workshop from 16 to 20 March 2026 officially open.”

    Vice president Lucia Witbooi opens disability and communities workshop

  9. Informanté

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi officially launched the GIPF Pension-Backed Home Loan Scheme in Mariental

    Source

    “VICE President Lucia Witbooi has officially launched the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) Pension-Backed Home Loan Scheme in Mariental, Hardap Region, introducing a new housing finance mechanism.”

    Vice President launches GIPF pension-backed home loan scheme in Mariental

  10. Informanté

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi commended Mariental Extension 6 project by Dynamo Property Developers

    Source

    “In this regard, I commend projects such as Mariental Extension 6, developed by Dynamo Property Developers, which demonstrate the tangible impact that strategic partnerships can have in reducing the housing gap.”

    Vice President launches GIPF pension-backed home loan scheme in Mariental

  11. New Era

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi officiated the event

    Source

    “Vice President Lucia Witbooi officiated the event.”

    Ondangwa gala raises over N$880 000
Society

Namibia launches National Day of Prayer for September 2026

The News

Vice President Lucia Witbooi has officially launched Namibia's 2026 National Day of Prayer, scheduled for Saturday, 12 September from 10:00 to 12:00, calling on Namibians to unite in prayer against killings, gender-based violence and road accidents under the theme "Seeking Divine Intervention Towards Behavioural Transformation to Save Lives." The event, set by Cabinet, will be hosted at Independence Arena in Katutura, Windhoek, with regional gatherings at local churches and places of worship, while alcohol outlets and gambling establishments are urged to close for the occasion.

5 September 2026 · Informanté →

Yesterday

  1. Namibia launches National Day of Prayer for September 2026

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi has officially launched Namibia's 2026 National Day of Prayer, scheduled for Saturday, 12 September from 10:00 to 12:00, calling on Namibians to unite in prayer against killings, gender-based violence and road accidents under the theme "Seeking Divine Intervention Towards Behavioural Transformation to Save Lives." The event, set by Cabinet, will be hosted at Independence Arena in Katutura, Windhoek, with regional gatherings at local churches and places of worship, while alcohol outlets and gambling establishments are urged to close for the occasion.

    5 September 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 4 September

  1. Vice President urges youth involvement in sustainable development

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi addressed the fifth Sustainable Development Awards ceremony, calling for youth empowerment as a driver of Namibia's sustainable development and emphasizing that sustainable development is a shared national endeavour requiring commitment from all sectors of society.

    4 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 2 September

  1. Cabinet approves National Prayer Day on 12 September

    Vice president Lucia Witbooi has urged all Namibians, including alcohol outlets and gambling houses, to observe a National Prayer Day on 12 September across all 14 regions, focusing on behavioural change to address killings, gender-based violence, and road accidents.

    2 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 26 August

  1. Witbooi honours Nandi-Ndaitwah's liberation struggle journey

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi paid tribute to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at the Heroes' Day Commemoration, highlighting her transition from liberation struggle exile to becoming Namibia's first female Head of State. Witbooi traced the President's journey, noting she left Namibia in 1974 to join the liberation struggle, served as SWAPO Chief Representative in Lusaka from 1978 to 1980 and in East Africa from 1980 to 1986, and returned in 1989 for UN-supervised elections.

    26 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. Nujoma urges Namibians to draw strength from liberation heroes

    At the National Commemoration of Heroes' Day at Heroes' Acre, Khomas Region Governor Sam Shafishuna Nujoma called on Namibians to draw inspiration from the bravery of liberation heroes and apply their courage to achieve shared prosperity, acknowledging the reburial of fallen freedom fighters and extending the concept of heroism to contemporary citizens including teachers, healthcare workers, and security personnel.

    26 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 24 August

  1. Hai||om San petition government for farm resettlement

    The Hai||om San Royal House has petitioned the government to relocate its people to resettlement farms acquired in the Otavi, Otjiwarongo and Etosha Pan areas, citing loss of ancestral land near Otavi after 1904 and seeking recognition of their former chief's grave as a national heritage site.

    24 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 21 August

  1. First Gentleman launches foundation for youth education, sports, agriculture

    The First Gentleman, Lt Gen (Rtd) Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, has launched the DEN Impact Foundation, an independent non-profit organisation aimed at addressing challenges facing Namibian youth through education, sports, agriculture and vocational training, operating under a four-year strategic plan with four strategic pillars.

    21 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 20 August

  1. Oil success measured by benefits to Namibian lives

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi said Namibia's oil discoveries will be measured on how many Namibian lives they improve, and called on Namibians to actively participate in developing the emerging oil and gas industry to create employment, skills, and infrastructure.

    20 August 2026 · New Era →

  2. 4th Namibia Oil and Gas Conference concludes with sector focus

    The Namibia Oil and Gas Conference 2026 brought together over 1,500 delegates, more than 120 speakers, and over 70 exhibitors to discuss the country's emerging petroleum sector and its contribution to national development, with discussions centred on investment, local content, enterprise development, skills, infrastructure, and financing.

    20 August 2026 · Informanté →

  3. Cabinet approves Namibia's upstream petroleum local content policy

    Namibia's Cabinet has approved the National Upstream Petroleum Local Content Policy, designed to increase Namibian participation across the petroleum value chain through local business development, employment, skills transfer, and procurement access. The government aims to move from exploration to production between 2026 and 2030, prioritising local employment, suppliers, and skills development.

    20 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 19 August

  1. First Gentleman launches DEN Impact Foundation for boys, young men

    The Denga Epaphras Ndaitwah (DEN) Impact Foundation, established by First Gentleman retired Lieutenant General Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, was officially launched to empower Namibia's boys and young men through education, sport, agriculture, vocational training and mentorship. The foundation's four key pillars are agriculture, sport, education, and vocational and technical training.

    19 August 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Minister urges Namibia to prepare for oil production, maximise local benefits

    At the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference 2026, Honourable Modestus Amutse, Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, called on Namibia to be ready for first oil and to maximise local benefits from the industry, addressing discoveries in the Orange Basin.

    19 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Namibia outlines oil and gas benefits strategy

    Special Advisor Kornelia Shilunga outlined Namibia's vision for converting oil and gas sector decisions into national benefits at the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference 2026.

    19 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 14 August

  1. President honours Fidel Castro's legacy and Namibia-Cuba solidarity

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah delivered a statement honouring the centenary of Fidel Castro's birth and his legacy of support for oppressed peoples and Africa's struggles, emphasizing Castro's role in shaping Namibia's history.

    14 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. 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. Vice President launches REALTEST green hydrogen research project

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi has officially launched the REALTEST Green Hydrogen Research Project to strengthen Namibia's capacity in advanced research, hydrogen safety, materials testing, and scientific excellence. Witbooi stressed that Namibia's green hydrogen ambitions should extend beyond exporting green molecules to building an industrial economy and developing knowledge-intensive industries.

    11 August 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Namibia must industrialise through green hydrogen, Witbooi says

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi said Namibia must build scientific and technological capabilities to own and drive its green hydrogen economy, rather than simply export the resource. She argued that true industrialisation requires developing citizens as scientists, engineers, and innovators capable of competing globally, not just exporting green molecules.

    11 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 5 August

  1. Mayeyi chief cites Sangwali village neglect in development planning

    Mayeyi Traditional Authority chief Boniface Shufu has called Sangwali village in the Zambezi region the least developed in the area, noting it was omitted from the recent regional state address and development plans despite being the Mayeyi headquarters. He has requested a village council be established, water pipeline extension to Kongola, and a border post with Botswana to bring services closer to communities and boost development.

    5 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Vice President calls for unity and cultural preservation at gala

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi delivered a keynote address at an Ukwangali Traditional Authority gala dinner in Kavango West Region, emphasizing the government's recognition of traditional authorities as vital partners in Namibia's development agenda and their role in preserving cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion.

    5 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Vice President reaffirms government commitment to Hai-//om development

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi opened a high-level stakeholder meeting in Outjo to deliberate on the future of the Hai-//om San community residing around Etosha National Park, expressing government's collective resolve to advance the welfare and socio-economic development of the marginalised community.

    5 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 4 August

  1. Namibia achieves first female leadership trio, book explores threats

    Namibia's Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah became the fifth president and first woman to hold the office on 21 March 2025, alongside the country's first woman vice president Lucia Witbooi and first woman speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, making Namibia the first country with women in all three top leadership positions. The article discusses Linda Robinson's book 'Women in Power: Fighting for Democracy in an Age of Authoritarianism', which explores how misogynistic authoritarianism, digital disinformation and sexualised attacks are used to push women out of power.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Witbooi urges unity over tribalism and regionalism

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi called on Namibians to reject tribalism, regionalism and racism at the Mayeyi Traditional Authority's Batshara Annual Cultural Festival in Sangwali, saying the country's cultural diversity should serve as a foundation for unity, peace and national development. She urged traditional leaders to pursue reconciliation and nation-building through cooperation and consultation.

    4 August 2026 · New Era →

  3. Vice President calls for cultural unity at Batshara Festival

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi addressed the annual Batshara Cultural Festival in Sangwali, calling on traditional leaders and communities to use culture as a tool for promoting unity, preserving heritage, and driving economic development. She emphasised the importance of cultural festivals in strengthening national identity, fostering peace, and protecting both cultural traditions and natural resources.

    4 August 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 3 August

  1. Vice president calls traditional leaders to champion unity and peace

    Vice president Lucia Witbooi told traditional leaders gathered at the Batshara Cultural Festival in the Zambezi region that they must work together to promote unity and nation-building among their subjects, and urged them to distance themselves from tribalism, regionalism, and racism.

    3 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 2 August

  1. Namibian public relations officers fail at basic communication

    An opinion piece criticizes Namibian government spokespersons and public relations officers for institutional silence and poor communication, despite the industry gathering at a communications conference in Swakopmund under Vice President Lucia Witbooi, arguing they treat public enquiries as secrets and emerge defensively only when scandals force them into the open.

    2 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 1 August

  1. Vice President meets stakeholders on Hai-//om San challenges

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi held a high-level meeting with stakeholders in Outjo to discuss the living conditions and future of the Hai-//om San community residing in and around Etosha National Park. It was resolved that a comprehensive Livelihoods Options and Development Plan be developed to address socio-economic challenges confronting the community, with a multidisciplinary technical team to undertake field assessments across designated sites.

    1 August 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 31 July

  1. Vice President visits Hai//om communities to assess development needs

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi visited the Hai//om San community at Ombika in Etosha National Park and resettlement farms in the Kunene region to gain first-hand insight into living conditions and socio-economic circumstances. Residents welcomed the engagement but expressed ongoing calls for electricity, housing, and sanitation improvements.

    31 July 2026 · New Era →

  2. Youth embrace Mayeyi heritage ahead of Batsara festival

    Young Mayeyi people say the annual Batsara Cultural Festival, set for 2 August in Sangwali, provides an opportunity to reconnect with ancestral traditions, preserve their language, and celebrate an identity they fear could be weakened by changing lifestyles. Participants say the festival has evolved into a platform where younger generations can embrace their roots while giving their traditions a modern voice.

    31 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 30 July

  1. Witbooi launches coordinated livelihood plan for Hai-//om community

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi has announced a government-led initiative to develop a comprehensive livelihood and development plan for the Hai-//om community living in and around Etosha National Park, following concerns over their living conditions. A multidisciplinary technical team has assessed conditions at several sites, and the government says the intervention aligns with its commitment to ensure no Namibian is left behind through inclusive development.

    30 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 18 July

  1. VP Witbooi calls for ethical communication to combat misinformation

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi addressed the 2026 Effective Communicators Conference in Swakopmund, urging communicators across Africa to strengthen public trust by promoting accurate information, combating misinformation, and embracing ethical communication as essential for good governance and national development.

    18 July 2026 · Informanté →

Lucia Witbooi — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute