Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
March 2026
New Era
National Democratic Party leader Martin Lukatoraised concerns thatcrop farmers lack markets to sell their products
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“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.”
Party president Martin Lukatodescribedmember contributions as dedication and exemplary commitment
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“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.”
Martin Lukatodescribedmembers' dedication and exemplary commitment to the party's mission
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“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.”
Martin Lukatourged thatoil companies do not pay affected people despite destroying natural environment
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“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.”
National Democratic Party president Martin Lukatotold Desert FMNamibia has lost a brave liberation icon who never wavered
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“National Democratic Party president Martin Lukato told Desert FM that Namibia has lost a brave liberation icon who never wavered, and who "sacrificed his entire life for Namibia".”
Martin Lukatosaidthe deceased freedom fighter stood bravely and sacrificed his life for Namibia
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“When I heard the bad news this morning it was very sad because the freedom fighter who stood bravely and sacrificed his entire life for Namibia has indeed left us.”
Swapo deputy secretary general Uahekua Herunga said the party would not allow the removal of National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, dismissing an IPC motion to remove her as political theatrics and citing procedural violations. Opposition parties would need at least four Swapo votes to succeed in removing the speaker, who has faced criticism from opposition over her application of standing rules.
Swapo deputy secretary general Uahekua Herunga said the party would not allow the removal of National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, dismissing an IPC motion to remove her as political theatrics and citing procedural violations. Opposition parties would need at least four Swapo votes to succeed in removing the speaker, who has faced criticism from opposition over her application of standing rules.
A Namibian Sun columnist argues that since parliament went live, it has become a soap opera focused on theatrics rather than lawmaking, with MPs performing for cameras instead of conducting legislative business.
Martin Lukato argues that Namibia needs a speaker of the National Assembly who is neutral and free from political party affiliations, rather than replacing the current speaker with another Swapo member. He proposes constitutional and electoral amendments to allow thorough screening of candidates and a rotation system where the speaker and deputy speaker would come from opposing political sides.
Opposition leaders say Namibia should expand its national honours criteria to recognise contributions of ordinary citizens and diverse leaders beyond those from the liberation struggle, 36 years after independence.
The National Democratic Party has expelled three senior members who publicly questioned the party's handling of finances and accused NDP leader Martin Lukato of mismanagement.
The National Democratic Party has dismissed secretary general Alex Linyando, regional coordinator Allen Mwilima, and presidential affairs manager Obrien Lisulo following their public accusations that party president Martin Lukato runs the party as a one-man operation, misuses funds, and creates a hostile environment for dissenting members. NDP deputy president David Mwilima rejected the allegations as false and intended to tarnish the party's reputation.
The National Democratic Party has renewed calls for clarity on the outcome of the 2024 Delimitation Commission, saying Namibians who participated in consultations deserve to know what became of their recommendations. NDP leader Martin Lukato said the party received a response from the Presidency following a petition submitted to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Opposition parties oppose Gerson Sindano's nomination to chair the Electoral Commission of Namibia, citing his past role as personal assistant to a Swapo official and his current Swapo membership as undermining the commission's independence ahead of the 2030 elections. The National Democratic Party president says he would only support Sindano if he publicly renounced his Swapo membership.
Members of Parliament have challenged the incoming Anti-Corruption Commission leadership to demonstrate independence and impartiality, with lawmakers warning that the institution's credibility depends on investigating corruption without fear or favour. Swapo MP Tobie Aupindi criticized the outgoing ACC leadership and alleged the commission had been weaponized to settle political scores and applied investigations selectively.
The National Assembly unanimously approved Bryan Eiseb as director general of the Anti-Corruption Commission while lawmakers across parties warned the institution must pursue corruption without political interference and shed its reputation for allowing politically connected cases to go unpunished.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.