National Democratic Party chief calling for government action on currency use in Eastern Zambezi and criticizing pension increase shortfalls.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
Namibian Sun
Martin Lukato would be characterized as a joke of a president
“You're mature enough to buy nappies but too childish to tell that Martin Lukato would be a joke of a president or that Sacky Shanghala should be kept away from public administration.”
THE WEEKENDER'S ROAST: Sweet Sixteens: Old enough for babies, too young to voteThe Namibian
National Democratic Party leader Martin Lukato described Uerikua as an active young parliamentarian with a brilliant mind
“National Democratic Party leader Martin Lukato described Uerikua as an active young parliamentarian with a brilliant mind.”
National Assembly adjourns in honour of UerikuaThe Namibian
Martin Lukato blamed past failures and corruption for continued illegal use of Botswana pula
“Political leaders and National Democratic Party leader Martin Lukato are blaming past failures and corruption for the continued, illegal use of the Botswana pula in Namibia's eastern Zambezi region.”
Eastern Zambezi still uses Botswana pula as NDP's Lukato blames past leadership for bridge delaysThe Namibian
Martin Lukato says the N$104 billion budget for 2026/2027 defaulted on a promise to increase senior citizens' pensions
“National Democratic Party leader Martin Lukato says despite positive financial reports, the N$104 billion budget for the 2026/2027 financial year tabled in the National Assembly last month, defaulted on a promise to increase senior citizens' pensions.”
Lukato dismayed by unfulfilled promise to pensionersNew Era
National Democratic Party leader Martin Lukato raised concerns that crop farmers lack markets to sell their products
“National Democratic Party leader Martin Lukato raised concerns that due to a lack of markets, crop farmers in some parts of the country are unable to sell their products.”
Swartbooi proposes skills exportNew Era
Party president Martin Lukato described member contributions as dedication and exemplary commitment
“The recognition ceremony was held at Kamunu village hall, where 25 members were honoured with certificates for what party president Martin Lukato described as their dedication and exemplary commitment to the party's mission.”
NDP leaders get their flowersThe Namibian
Martin Lukato described members' dedication and exemplary commitment to the party's mission
“The recognition ceremony was held at Kamunu village hall, where 25 members were honoured with certificates for what party president Martin Lukato described as their dedication and exemplary commitment to the party's mission.”
NDP rewards members after securing seats in electionsThe Namibian
National Democratic Party leader Martin Lukato raised concerns about tax compliance for rental services in 2025
“National Democratic Party leader Martin Lukato also raised concerns in 2025 about tax compliance for rental services, including backyard flats.”
Failure to enforce: Govt blamed for rental crisisThe Namibian
National Democratic Party leader Martin Lukato said the bill is long overdue and the party supports Ministry responsibility for petroleum operations
“National Democratic Party leader Martin Lukato said the bill is long overdue.”
Environment minister says president won't be issuing petroleum licencesNew Era
Martin Lukato urged that oil companies do not pay affected people despite destroying natural environment
“He urged that, despite oil production widening the gap between the rich and poor, oil companies, which destroy the natural environment in most cases, do not pay the affected people, as the proceeds and profits from oil are usually shared by the companies and ruling elite.”
Swartbooi agrees with NNN in oil spirit … disagrees in practiceAn opinion piece argues the contradiction in Namibian law: 16-year-olds are allowed to become parents and enter relationships, yet must wait until 18 to vote. The author contends that if maturity is the standard, the current voting age threshold is arbitrary, particularly since young people are most affected by policies on education, healthcare, and employment.
25 April 2026 · Namibian Sun →
An opinion piece argues the contradiction in Namibian law: 16-year-olds are allowed to become parents and enter relationships, yet must wait until 18 to vote. The author contends that if maturity is the standard, the current voting age threshold is arbitrary, particularly since young people are most affected by policies on education, healthcare, and employment.
25 April 2026 · Namibian Sun →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and leaders from across Namibia's political spectrum paid tribute to former Otjozondjupa governor and Swapo MP James Uerikua at a Wednesday memorial service, celebrating his legacy as a bridge-builder who commanded respect across party lines. Uerikua, who died in a car accident on 3 April along with his 14-year-old son Venturo, was praised for his dedication to inclusive development and democratic dialogue.
17 April 2026 · New Era →
Members of parliament have expressed concern over the continued underfunding of the agriculture ministry, with lawmakers warning that declining allocations for land distribution, drought support, and veterinary services risk compromising national food security and employment. The ministry received N$1.8 billion for the current financial year, with over N$1.4 billion allocated to operations and over N$300 million to development.
14 April 2026 · The Namibian →
The National Assembly adjourned on Tuesday following the death of Swapo parliamentarian James Uerikua, who died on Friday. The Speaker announced the adjournment after consultation with party chief whips, and President Nandi-Ndaitwah visited Uerikua's family.
8 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Parliament members say the National Assembly's budget allocation of N$410.7 million for 2026/27 is inadequate, with only 1% allocated to development and 19% to core NA activities. MPs warn the underfunding threatens the institution's capacity for lawmaking and public outreach.
28 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Political leaders including National Democratic Party chief Martin Lukato are blaming past corruption and poor planning for Impalila and Kasika islands' continued illegal use of Botswana pula 36 years after Namibia's independence, and are calling for government action to build a delayed bridge linking the islands and addressing transport challenges in the flood-prone region.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →
National Democratic Party leader Martin Lukato has criticised the government's 2026/2027 budget for failing to fulfil President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's promise to increase senior citizens' monthly old-age pensions from N$1,600 to N$3,000, noting that the budget contains only a N$100 increase and citing instead a shift in priorities toward youth development.
19 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Landless People's Movement leader Bernardus Swartbooi has called on the government to consider exporting labour to address Namibia's 36.9% unemployment rate, citing examples from Kenya, Uganda and Ghana that place workers in Gulf Cooperation Council states. He criticised the government's emphasis on education without corresponding job creation and argued that investment in productive sectors like agriculture and energy should be prioritised over social spending.
16 March 2026 · New Era →
The National Democratic Party held a recognition ceremony in Katima Mulilo to honour 25 members for their contributions to the party's performance in the 2024 national elections and 2025 regional and local elections. Party president Martin Lukato praised their dedication and commitment to advancing the party's mission of economic emancipation, job creation, and youth empowerment.
4 March 2026 · New Era →
The National Democratic Party held a recognition ceremony to honour 25 members for their contributions to the party's performance in the 2024 presidential and National Assembly elections, where it secured one National Assembly seat, and the 2025 regional and local elections, where it won seats on the Bukalo Village Council and Katima Mulilo Town Council.
2 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The African Labour and Human Rights Centre accuses the government of failing to enforce existing rental laws under the Rental Ordinance No 13 of 1977, leaving tenants vulnerable to exploitation. The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development is drafting a new bill and reviving a rent control board, but the Centre's director argues the government should immediately enforce the laws already in place while rental prices surge in urban areas.
24 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Environment Minister Indileni Daniel said the president will not be issuing petroleum licences, contrary to opposition claims, as this is an administrative duty. The amendment bill to place the petroleum sector under the Presidency requires oversight by the highest executive level for strategic national resources, though opposition parliamentarians dispute the move on constitutional and accountability grounds.
21 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The Petroleum Amendment Bill, which would vest petroleum sector oversight powers in the Office of the President rather than the Ministry of Mines and Energy, faced mixed scrutiny in the National Assembly. Critics including Bernadus Swartbooi raised concerns about the legal doctrine of functus officio limiting presidential review powers and complicating court challenges, while others questioned whether oil advisors at State House are already performing duties that legally belong to the ministry.
19 February 2026 · New Era →
Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani has called on President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to recall parliament early to address youth unemployment and other national issues, but lawmakers are divided on the proposal, with some opposing it as a breach of agreed standing rules while others support early resumption to hold government accountable.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →