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

Marius Kudumo

Also known as: Political analyst Marius Kudumo · Dr. Marius Kudumo

2026-01-092026-10-06

What’s been said

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

  1. September 2026
  2. The Namibian

    Marius Kudumo says any motion should be debated objectively and per parliamentary rules

    Source

    “Public policy and governance analyst Marius Kudumo says any motion brought before the parliament should be debated objectively and in accordance with the rules of procedure of the National Assembly.”

    IPC to resubmit no-confidence motion against speaker
  3. Windhoek Observer

    Political analyst Marius Kudumo makes an important point regarding the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations

    Source

    “Political analyst Marius Kudumo makes an important point in this regard.”

    Diplomacy Is Too Important for Public Ambushes and Protocol Failures
  4. Windhoek Observer

    Political analyst Marius Kudumo said diplomatic staff ought to conduct their affairs with due respect and adherence to protocol requirements

    Source

    “"Diplomatic staff ought to conduct their affairs with due respect and adherence to protocol requirements in order to be accorded their rightful place during state events," Kudumo said.”

    Calls grow for Trump to recall Giordano
  5. The Namibian

    Marius Kudumo told The Namibian that conversations about regulating local content are premature

    Source

    “Public policy analyst Marius Kudumo told The Namibian that conversations about who should regulate local content are premature, given that moving control of petroleum to the presidency is not settled.”

    Presidency takes control of petroleum local content
  6. August 2026
  7. The Namibian

    Public policy analyst Marius Kudumo questions whether commercialisation 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.”

    Govt assets agency legitimacy challenged
  8. July 2026
  9. The Namibian

    International relations expert and public policy analyst Marius Kudumo says it 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.”

    Repatriated Namibians eye South Africa return
  10. Windhoek Observer

    Political analyst Marius Kudumo said Namibia 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.”

    Govt plans nuclear energy legislation
  11. June 2026
  12. Windhoek Observer

    Public policy analyst Marius Kudumo views disclosure requirement as practical mechanism

    Source

    “Public policy analyst Marius Kudumo views this disclosure requirement as a practical mechanism.”

    Men must declare customary wives under new Marriage Act
  13. Windhoek Observer

    Marius Kudumo warned restriction 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.”

    Men must declare customary wives under new Marriage Act
  14. The Namibian

    Marius Kudumo says the parliament has become distracted from its primary role of law making

    Source

    “Public policy analyst Marius Kudumo says the parliament has become distracted from its primary role of law making.”

    Lawmakers criticised for bills gathering dust
Politics

IPC prepares to resubmit no-confidence motion against speaker

The News

The Independent Patriots for Change is finalising legal requirements to resubmit a motion of no confidence against National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, with parliamentarian Michael Mulunga saying the motion will be tabled once procedural requirements are completed. The motion accuses the speaker of failing to act fairly and impartially in presiding over parliament.

13 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 13 September

  1. IPC prepares to resubmit no-confidence motion against speaker

    The Independent Patriots for Change is finalising legal requirements to resubmit a motion of no confidence against National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, with parliamentarian Michael Mulunga saying the motion will be tabled once procedural requirements are completed. The motion accuses the speaker of failing to act fairly and impartially in presiding over parliament.

    13 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 8 September

  1. Ministry confirms US communication over ICC membership status

    Namibia's Ministry of International Relations and Trade confirmed receiving communication from the United States regarding the country's position on the International Criminal Court, amid reports that the US is seeking to persuade African countries to withdraw from the ICC. The ministry reaffirmed Namibia's commitment to the Rome Statute and said differences relating to the ICC are best addressed through established legal, diplomatic and multilateral channels, without disclosing the contents of the US communication.

    8 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 7 September

  1. US ambassador incident at fisheries event raises protocol questions

    The Windhoek Observer examines the controversy involving US Ambassador John Giordano's denial of entry to the National Fisheries Indaba in Walvis Bay, where accounts of what occurred remain contested—including claims he was not registered and later asked to leave. The editorial urges restraint on calls for his recall, arguing the incident raises separate questions about the ambassador's conduct and Namibian institutions' competence in managing diplomatic protocol.

    7 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. 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 →

Wednesday 2 September

  1. Presidency appoints Upstream Petroleum Unit as petroleum local content regulator

    The Presidency has designated the Upstream Petroleum Unit as the regulator of upstream petroleum local content, following Cabinet approval of a new local content policy on 4 August. This represents a shift from an earlier version that gave regulatory powers to the Ministry of Industrialisation, Mines and Energy, a change that has drawn parliamentary concerns about reduced oversight of the natural resource sector.

    2 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 16 August

  1. IPC critic challenges legitimacy of government assets agency

    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.

    16 August 2026 · The Namibian →

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 →

Thursday 30 July

  1. Activist proposes merging Ongwediva and Oshakati town councils

    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.

    30 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 16 July

  1. Namibians repatriated from South Africa eye return

    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 →

Wednesday 8 July

  1. Government drafting nuclear energy policy to process domestic uranium

    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.

    8 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 7 July

  1. Namibian delegation seeks mining, agriculture partnerships in China

    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.

    7 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 23 June

  1. New Marriage Act requires disclosure of existing customary unions

    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.

    23 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 9 June

  1. National Assembly criticized for slow progress on major bills

    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.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 6 May

  1. Finance ministry rejects SSC procurement exemption request

    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.

    6 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 27 April

  1. Iceland finance minister attributes Fishrot corruption to Namibia alone

    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.

    27 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 9 April

  1. President Nandi-Ndaitwah faces pressure on jobs, housing, fuel ahead of Sona

    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.

    9 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 5 April

  1. Namibian retailers warn of imminent food price hikes from fuel costs

    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.

    5 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 26 March

  1. Analysts warn against panic buying amid global fuel supply fears

    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.

    26 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 6 March

  1. Namcor board appoints new MD despite minister's opposition

    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.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 4 March

  1. Namibians stranded in Dubai amid Iran-US conflict escalation

    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.

    4 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 4 February

  1. Lawmaker urges Parliament to focus on solutions, not blame

    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.

    4 February 2026 · New Era →

Saturday 10 January

  1. Thimbukushu women preserve traditional Ngoma drum culture

    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.

    10 January 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 9 January

  1. Thimbukushu women preserve ngoma drumming tradition

    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.

    9 January 2026 · The Namibian →

Marius Kudumo — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute