Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
August 2026
The Namibian
Public policy analyst Marius Kudumoquestions whethercommercialisation could come at expense of government's responsibility to provide public services
Source
“Public policy analyst Marius Kudumo echoes the concerns over the government's move towards profit-making activities, questioning whether commercialisation could come at the expense of its responsibility to provide public services.”
International relations expert and public policy analyst Marius Kudumosaysit would be difficult for government to stop repatriated citizens from returning to South Africa
Source
“International relations expert and public policy analyst Marius Kudumo says it would be difficult for the government to stop repatriated citizens from returning to South Africa, since freedom of movement is a fundamental right.”
Political analyst Marius KudumosaidNamibia already possesses one of the key ingredients for nuclear energy as world's third-largest uranium producer
Source
“Political analyst Marius Kudumo said Namibia already possesses one of the key ingredients needed to pursue nuclear energy because of its position as the world's third-largest uranium producer.”
Marius Kudumowarnedrestriction may perpetuate colonial-era discriminatory practices
Source
“"Prohibiting customary marriages to civilly marry in community of property might perpetuate the discriminatory colonial practice of marriage beyond the Redline as per the provisions of the Native Administration Proclamation 1928 and might be discriminatory," Kudumo warned.”
Public policy analyst Marius KudumosaidParliament must prioritise passing laws improving material conditions of citizens
Source
“Public policy analyst Marius Kudumo said Parliament, as the legislative authority under the Namibian Constitution, must prioritise passing laws that improve the material conditions of citizens and address the country's pressing challenges.”
The IPC shadow minister of works and transport Nelson Kalangula has raised governance and legal concerns over the government's establishment of the Public Assets Management Agency (Pama) as a profit-oriented entity before dedicated legislation governing public assets has been enacted. He argues that state properties should not be handed to a commercially driven entity without full parliamentary scrutiny and explicit legislative boundaries, and warns that interim board appointments could undermine corporate governance and be subject to political control.
The IPC shadow minister of works and transport Nelson Kalangula has raised governance and legal concerns over the government's establishment of the Public Assets Management Agency (Pama) as a profit-oriented entity before dedicated legislation governing public assets has been enacted. He argues that state properties should not be handed to a commercially driven entity without full parliamentary scrutiny and explicit legislative boundaries, and warns that interim board appointments could undermine corporate governance and be subject to political control.
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.
An activist has proposed dissolving Ongwediva Town Council and incorporating it into Oshakati Town Council to improve service delivery and reduce administrative duplication in northern Namibia. The proposal argues that Oshakati has become the Oshana region's main commercial, administrative and economic hub, making separate local authorities unnecessary.
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.
The government is drafting a national nuclear energy policy backed by legislation to harness Namibia's uranium resources for domestic electricity generation, marking a shift in the country's energy strategy. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced this during a State Visit to China after touring a nuclear power corporation facility, signalling the government's intention to move beyond uranium exports and use the mineral wealth for energy security and industrialisation.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah led a delegation of six ministers and more than 200 businesspeople to China to pursue partnerships in mining, agriculture, and logistics. China was Namibia's second-largest trading partner last year, with trade reaching N$40 billion.
Namibia's new Marriage Act of 2024, which repealed the colonial 1961 Act, requires men to declare all existing customary wives before entering a civil marriage. The legislation introduces formal recognition and regulation of customary marriages through the ministry of home affairs, though customary unions are still celebrated according to community traditions and registering them requires a separate dedicated law.
The National Assembly faces criticism over legislative effectiveness as the annual budget remains the only bill to make significant progress in 2024; major legislation including the land bill and regional councils bill failed to pass and remain under discussion. Political analysts and former lawmakers attribute the slow pace to institutional, procedural and political challenges including poorly prepared draft legislation, extensive public consultations, limited sitting days, and capacity constraints within sponsoring ministries.
The Ministry of Finance has rejected the Social Security Commission's request for a procurement exemption to fast-track a N$43.8-million fund management system project. Finance minister Ericah Shafudah said the SSC did not sufficiently justify why the entire Public Procurement Act should be set aside, and noted that the law already provides procurement options such as restricted bidding for specialized services.
Iceland's finance minister Daði Már Kristófersson has said corruption in the Fishrot case reflects Namibia and not Iceland, following media coverage of Icelandic fishing company Samherji's operations. Namibian MP Rodney Cloete rejected the statement, arguing it ignores the role of foreign companies involved in the scandal.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is expected to address employment creation, housing affordability, fuel prices, and service delivery in today's state of the nation address. Politicians, businesses, civil society, and economists are calling for practical solutions and progress reports on previous commitments, including the 500,000 jobs target and structural economic reforms.
Rising fuel costs are expected to drive up distribution and import expenses, prompting major retailers and suppliers to increase prices over coming months. Economists warn that Namibia's heavy reliance on food imports from South Africa, combined with higher transport and production costs, will push inflation higher and hit low-income households hardest.
Global conflict and shipping disruptions threaten fuel supply and prices, prompting analysts and government officials to warn Namibians against panic buying and illegal fuel storage, which could create fire hazards, environmental damage and market distortions. Namibia is particularly vulnerable as it imports all refined petroleum products, and rising fuel costs are expected to increase transport, food and operating costs across the economy.
Namcor's board has appointed Mtundeni Ndafyaalako as interim managing director, replacing Maureen Hinda-Mbuende, reportedly without approval from the Mines Minister Modestus Amutse, who says he will meet with the board to understand the decision and address Hinda-Mbuende's grievances.
An unspecified number of Namibians are stranded at Dubai International Airport following airspace closure due to escalating conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel, with at least 80 Namibians known to be working in Dubai. Analysts warn Namibia could face rising fuel, food, and import prices if tensions continue, with broader economic impacts expected within weeks as disruptions to global oil supply and shipping lanes drive up costs.
Auleria Wakudumo Lawmaker Inna Hengari has called on her colleagues to move beyond political affiliations and serve all Namibians, cautioning against the "politics of diagnosis and blame" that distract from solving challenges. Analysts echoed her concerns, urging MPs to prioritise passing laws that improve material conditions, strengthen governance, and address pressing issues including land disputes and unemployment.
Thimbukushu women along the Kavango River maintain the tradition of playing the Ngoma, a traditional drum that comes in different forms for rituals, dances and celebrations, learning the skill through observation and practice. While some experts worry younger generations may not understand its significance as interest shifts toward piano and other instruments, the women assert that drumming remains deeply rooted in their culture and continues to echo through the Kavango East region.
Traditional drum playing—the ngoma—remains vital to Thimbukushu culture along the Kavango River, with women like Angelika Nduva keeping the self-taught skill alive through practice and community participation. While educators note declining interest among younger generations, cultural practitioners and researchers emphasize that documentation and continued performance are essential to preserving the tradition's rhythms and meanings.