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Wednesday, 21 October 2026
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Wednesday, 21 October 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 advocating for inclusive economic opportunities, mental health support, and development in marginalised communities.

2025-11-132026-10-21
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News reports

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  1. August 2026

  2. The Namibian

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi convened a consultative meeting on 16 February 2026 with relevant Ministries to chart a coordinated Government response

    Source

    “Following concerns raised by the Hai-//om san community, regarding the living conditions of community members residing within and around the Etosha National Park, I convened a consultative meeting on 16 February 2026 with the relevant Ministries to chart a coordinated Government response.”

    Government Reaffirms Commitment to Hai-//om Community Development – Vice President Lucia Witbooi

  3. The Namibian

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi directed a multidisciplinary technical team to undertake a detailed field assessment across Etosha sites and resettlement farms

    Source

    “In line with the mandate of the Office of the Vice President for Marginalised Communities, it was resolved that a comprehensive Livelihoods Options and Development Plan be developed to address the socio-economic challenges confronting the Hai-//om san community. To inform this process, it was directed that a multidisciplinary technical team drawn from the relevant Offices, Ministries and Agencies (OMAs) undertake a detailed field assessment across Namutoni, Halali, Okaukuejo, Ombika and the Hai-//om san resettlement farms adjacent to the Etosha National Park.”

    Government Reaffirms Commitment to Hai-//om Community Development – Vice President Lucia Witbooi

  4. New Era

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi called on Namibians to reject tribalism, regionalism and racism

    Source

    “Vice President Lucia Witbooi has called on Namibians to reject tribalism, regionalism and racism, saying the country's cultural diversity should serve as a foundation for unity, peace and national development.”

    Witbooi preaches unity over tribalism

  5. New Era

    Witbooi said traditional leaders have a critical role in promoting reconciliation and nation-building

    Source

    “Speaking during the official opening, Witbooi said traditional leaders have a critical role to play in promoting reconciliation, nation-building and peaceful coexistence.”

    Witbooi preaches unity over tribalism

  6. Informanté

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi called on traditional leaders and communities to use culture for unity, heritage preservation and economic development

    Source

    “VICE President Lucia Witbooi has called on traditional leaders and communities to use culture as a tool for promoting unity, preserving heritage and driving economic development, while reaffirming government's commitment to supporting development initiatives in the Zambezi Region.”

    Vice President calls for unity and development at Batshara Cultural Festival

  7. Informanté

    Witbooi commended the Mayeyi Traditional Authority for pursuing community development initiatives

    Source

    “Witbooi commended the Mayeyi Traditional Authority for pursuing community development initiatives and said government welcomed its invitation to partner on projects aimed at improving livelihoods in the region.”

    Vice President calls for unity and development at Batshara Cultural Festival

  8. The Namibian

    Vice president Lucia Witbooi called on traditional leaders to work together for unity and nation-building

    Source

    “Vice president Lucia Witbooi says traditional leaders must work together to promote unity and nation-building among the citizens who follow them.”

    Vice president calls on traditional leaders to work together for unity and nation-building

  9. The Namibian

    Witbooi made this call during the annual Batshara Cultural Festival at Sangwali in the Zambezi region on Sunday

    Source

    “Witbooi made this call during the annual Batshara Cultural Festival at Sangwali in the Zambezi region on Sunday.”

    Vice president calls on traditional leaders to work together for unity and nation-building

  10. The Namibian

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi delivered opening remarks at Effective Communicators Conference 2026

    Source

    “Watching vice president Lucia Witbooi deliver opening remarks alongside Botswana's vice president, Ndaba Gaolathe, one could almost forget that the industry being celebrated is currently in a state of self-induced paralysis.”

    Namibian PR: Masterclass in Institutional Silence

  11. Informanté

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi held high-level meeting with stakeholders on Hai-//om San community challenges in Outjo, Kunene

    Source

    “VICE President Lucia Witbooi recently held a high-level meeting with relevant stakeholders in Outjo, Kunene, to deliberate on the challenges and future of the Hai-//om San community residing in and around Etosha National Park.”

    Vice President and stakeholders discuss challenges facing Hai-//om San community
Agriculture & Land

President warns traditional leaders against illegal communal land sales

The News

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has warned traditional leaders that selling communal land as personal property could result in criminal cases, calling on them to end corruption and illegal land allocations that deny disadvantaged communities access to land. She stated that traditional authorities do not own communal land unless they have purchased it through proper channels as individuals.

16 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

Today

  1. President warns traditional leaders against illegal communal land sales

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has warned traditional leaders that selling communal land as personal property could result in criminal cases, calling on them to end corruption and illegal land allocations that deny disadvantaged communities access to land. She stated that traditional authorities do not own communal land unless they have purchased it through proper channels as individuals.

    16 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 19 October

  1. SWAPO's 2027 succession contest carries implications for Namibia's governance

    The Windhoek Observer argues that Swapo's internal leadership contest ahead of the 2027 Congress deserves national attention because the party's decisions shape government policy and national direction, with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah positioned to run unopposed while several candidates emerge for other top positions.

    19 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. Swapo leadership race intensifies ahead of 2027 Congress

    The race for Swapo's top four leadership positions is gaining momentum with behind-the-scenes manoeuvring and competing candidacies, including MP Austin Samupwa campaigning for deputy secretary general, while party leadership is allegedly considering former Kavango regional governor Sebastian Karupu for the position.

    19 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 16 October

  1. Over 100 visually impaired Namibians trained in massage therapy

    More than 100 Namibians with visual impairments have received remedial and medical massage training through Nomad Wellness Academy. Vice President Lucia Witbooi called on employers and the private sector to remove barriers and create inclusive economic opportunities for persons with disabilities.

    16 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 12 October

  1. N$25 million eco-village project opens in Epukiro

    Forty houses worth N$25 million have been completed in Epukiro, Omaheke region, as part of the N/a'an ku sê Eco-Village Project aimed at improving living conditions for marginalised communities. Vice President Lucia Witbooi inaugurated the project on Friday, describing it as an investment in human dignity and family stability, with a community garden and traditional ceremony area expected to be completed by end of November.

    12 October 2026 · New Era →

  2. Witbooi secures N$260,000 school equipment for Omaheke region

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi has called on businesses to help address education challenges in marginalised communities after securing school and hostel equipment worth more than N$260,000 for Mokganedi Tlhabanello High School and Goeie Hoop Primary School in the Omaheke region. The donation by NAM-MIC Holdings includes mattresses, chairs, desks and dining tables following Witbooi's January visit to the schools.

    12 October 2026 · New Era →

  3. Namibia's suicide rate exceeds African average at 18 per 100,000

    Namibia recorded 18 suicide deaths per 100,000 people in 2024/25, surpassing the African regional average of 11. Vice President Lucia Witbooi called for urgent action to strengthen mental health services, improve access to care, and reduce stigma that prevents people from seeking help.

    12 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Saturday 10 October

  1. Vice President calls for greater mental health support in Namibia

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi has called for greater attention to mental health in Namibia, stressing the need to support people living with mental health conditions and ensure they are not subjected to misunderstanding or exclusion from decisions affecting their lives.

    10 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Friday 9 October

  1. Minister welcomes four new Land Reform Advisory Commission members

    Minister of Agriculture Inge Zaamwani welcomed four newly appointed members to the Land Reform Advisory Commission on 8 October 2026, bringing the total to sixteen commissioners whose appointments run until 30 April 2029. The Minister called for a review of Namibia's land resettlement model to address systemic challenges in land reform implementation.

    9 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Vice President Witbooi receives N$260,000 school equipment donation

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi attended a handover ceremony in Omaheke Region where NAM-MIC Holdings donated school and hostel equipment valued at N$260,000 to Mokganedi Tlhabanello High School and Goeie Hoop Primary School.

    9 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 5 October

  1. President urges Rundu to become SADC regional economic hub

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah called for Rundu to position itself as a regional economic hub by harnessing technology, expanding into regional markets and driving local value addition. She highlighted Rundu's strategic location as a gateway to SADC markets and noted that improved connectivity networks could strengthen its position as an economic hub.

    5 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Saturday 3 October

  1. Second Hardap arts festival celebrates regional cultural heritage

    The second Hardap Regional Arts and Culture Festival opened in Mariental under the theme "Rooted in Heritage, Driven by Creativity, Inspiring our Future," bringing together cultural groups, traditional performers, and community members. Vice President Lucia Witbooi called for greater investment in Namibia's creative industries, arts education, and cultural heritage to support young people and economic development.

    3 October 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 2 October

  1. Witbooi urges Africa to abandon short-term planning strategies

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi has warned that Africa must break from short-term planning and take greater control of its development agenda to convert its natural resources, youth population, and emerging industries into inclusive economic growth. She called for governments to fundamentally rethink how they plan, govern, and execute development programmes at the Africa's Future Conference 2026 in Windhoek.

    2 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 30 September

  1. Marginalised Kunene communities demand development projects

    Marginalised communities in Kunene region called on the government to introduce agriculture and livestock farming projects to enable food production and employment, during a visit by Vice President Lucia Witbooi. Community members raised concerns including saline water from boreholes, poor roads, distant government offices, and lack of job opportunities.

    30 September 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 29 September

  1. Deputy Minister urges preservation of San languages and heritage

    At Namibia's Annual San Cultural Festival in Tsumkwe, Deputy Minister Moses //Khumub emphasized that preservation of San languages, cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge is essential to maintaining San community identity, and highlighted opportunities for communities to benefit from cultural tourism and cultural enterprises.

    29 September 2026 · Informanté →

Saturday 26 September

  1. Vice President urges economic empowerment for Ondiri women

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi called on the Ondiri Peer Group in Kunene Region to expand support for women, develop sustainable income-generating projects, and create opportunities for women from marginalised communities and people with disabilities. Witbooi said women-led platforms provide spaces for mentorship and knowledge-sharing, and that peer networks can serve as a bridge toward economic emancipation.

    26 September 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 25 September

  1. VP pledges to seek funding for ECD centre in Omusati

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi committed to securing financial support for two volunteer educators and sponsorship for a proper learning structure at an ECD centre serving 102 children in Otjimanangombe Village, Omusati Region, during a site visit on Wednesday. The centre, established in June 2025, serves mainly children from the Ovatwe and Ovatjimba communities and currently operates with only two volunteer educators who lack adequate remuneration.

    25 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 22 September

  1. Keetmanshoop disability recipients protest unchanged N$1,600 grant

    People with disabilities in Keetmanshoop held a demonstration after the Ministry of Finance said the disability grant will remain at N$1,600 per month, despite earlier government announcements in February that suggested both pension and disability grants would increase by N$100 in August. Only the old-age pension was increased to N$1,700.

    22 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 19 September

  1. PM warns lawyers against using law to harass people

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has urged members of the legal fraternity to apply "legal common sense" and avoid using legal processes to harass people. Speaking at a three-day State of Justice in Namibia conference in Windhoek, Ngurare called for stronger institutional collaboration, improved access to justice, and integrated information and communication technology systems in justice institutions.

    19 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 18 September

  1. Namibia-Cuba solidarity gala raises N$2.6m; mysterious N$17m pledge

    A Windhoek fundraising gala for Cuba raised about N$2.6 million for medical supplies and solar equipment, while Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare announced a separate N$17 million contribution from an unnamed donor. The prime minister's office later declined to clarify details of the N$17 million pledge, stating it was focusing only on the money raised during the gala.

    18 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 17 September

  1. Namibia raises N$2.6 million in solidarity with Cuba

    Namibia raised N$2.6 million in support of Cuba at a solidarity gala dinner in Windhoek, with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah calling on Namibians to continue supporting Cuba in recognition of its assistance during Namibia's liberation struggle and decades of cooperation in healthcare, education, agriculture, engineering and sport since 1990.

    17 September 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 16 September

  1. President calls for efficient, accessible, trusted justice sector

    President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah delivered a keynote address at the opening of the First State of Justice Summit, calling for an efficient, accessible and trusted justice sector.

    16 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Who independently verifies Namibia's gas technical assumptions?

    An opinion analysis argues that Namibia needs independent capacity to verify operators' technical claims about gas reinjection, production rates, and resource numbers, since these assumptions shape national decisions on oil recovery, pipeline size, power plant viability, and industrial projects.

    16 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 15 September

  1. President calls for action against gender-based violence, gruesome killings

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah addressed the National Prayer Day Against Gender-Based Violence and Gruesome Killings in Khomas Region, emphasizing that as a nation Namibia is being haunted by different evils and seeking divine intervention for behavioural change. She noted that a similar prayer day was held 12 years earlier in 2014 under then-President Pohamba, and questioned what more must be done to address the ongoing harmful impact of violence against women and children.

    15 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 12 September

  1. President calls for 24-hour service of domestic violence protection orders

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for protection orders under the Combating of Domestic Violence Act to be served within 24 hours without exception, as part of efforts to close implementation gaps in Namibia's gender-based violence laws. The ministry of justice is also reviewing how the Combating of Domestic Violence Act and Combating of Rape Act are applied, with attention to repeat offenders and chronic delays.

    12 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 7 September

  1. New Digital Programme Launched to Assess Disabilities

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi launched a Digital Programme for Medical Assessments of Persons with Disabilities aimed at improving how people with disabilities are assessed and connected to services. According to the 2023 Population and Housing Census, Namibia has 152,790 persons with disabilities, and 12% of households include persons with disabilities.

    7 September 2026 · New Era →

  2. Government launches reformed disability assessment system

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi announced reforms to Namibia's disability assessment process, introducing new guidelines and a digital programme to address delays, inconsistent criteria, and administrative hurdles. The move comes as Namibia's disability population has grown significantly, with 152,790 people recorded as living with disabilities in the 2023 census.

    7 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Calls mount for Trump to recall US Ambassador Giordano

    Critics are calling on US President Donald Trump to recall Ambassador John Giordano from Namibia, citing controversy over his conduct and diplomatic engagements. The calls follow an incident in which Giordano was reportedly denied entry to the Walvis Bay Town Hall during the National Fisheries Indaba on Friday, though the presidency has distanced itself from the event's administration.

    7 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Saturday 5 September

  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 →

Lucia Witbooi — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute