Namibia Minute.
24 April 2026
A daily Namibian brief · Est. 2026
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Person

McHenry Venaani

Also known as: Venaani · McHenry Veenani · Popular Democratic Movement president · Veenani

PDM party leader who appears in parliament on budget, economic reforms, education, health spending, and political party funding matters.

Society

Health minister seeks N$18 billion over five years

The News

Minister of health Esperance Luvindao told the National Assembly that Namibia needs N$17 billion to N$18 billion over five years to effectively run and upgrade public healthcare. The current annual health budget stands at approximately N$13.1 billion, but the minister said the increased funding would support upgrading existing facilities and building new intermediate and district hospitals.

Why it matters

The government has committed to directing senior officials and civil servants to use public healthcare, but the health minister says this requires N$18 billion over five years to upgrade facilities and deliver adequate care—far more than the current N$13.1 billion annual budget allows.

22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 22 April

  1. Health minister seeks N$18 billion over five years

    Minister of health Esperance Luvindao told the National Assembly that Namibia needs N$17 billion to N$18 billion over five years to effectively run and upgrade public healthcare. The current annual health budget stands at approximately N$13.1 billion, but the minister said the increased funding would support upgrading existing facilities and building new intermediate and district hospitals.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 20 April

  1. Former governor James Uerikua and son laid to rest

    Former Otjozondjupa regional governor and parliamentarian James Uerikua and his son Ventro were buried at their family homestead in Gam following a road accident on 3 April. Hundreds of mourners attended the burial, and Vice President Lucia Witbooi described Uerikua as a dedicated public servant who served with humility and distinction.

    20 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 17 April

  1. Political leaders unite at memorial for late MP James Uerikua

    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 →

Tuesday 14 April

  1. Former diplomats defend Namibia's US partnership as unfair criticism

    Former diplomats have rejected lawmakers' criticism of Namibia's relationship with the United States, arguing that the government has maintained independent foreign policy while working with the US as part of the global community. President Nandi-Ndaitwah clarified that cooperation with the US does not mean endorsing its foreign policy, noting Namibia's recent support for South Africa's genocide case against Israel.

    14 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 13 April

  1. President urges investigation into GIPF and Bank losses

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed concern that reportedly disappearing funds at the Government Institutions Pension Fund and losses at the Bank of Namibia "smell of corruption" and called for investigation. She emphasized that fighting corruption is a collective responsibility for all Namibians and must be treated as seriously as treason.

    13 April 2026 · New Era →

Sunday 12 April

  1. President addresses parliament on oil, land, wealth fund

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah answered questions from opposition MPs on the Welwitschia Sovereign Wealth Fund, land delivery, Germany's genocide reparations deal, the veterinary cordon fence, and various economic and governance matters during parliament on Wednesday.

    12 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. VIP hospital unit contradicts healthcare reform drive, critics argue

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah ordered government officials to use public hospitals from April, but Windhoek Central Hospital's new VIP unit exclusively for senior officials has drawn opposition criticism as discriminatory and contrary to equitable healthcare goals. Opposition leaders and analysts argue the separate facility undermines the reform and mirrors apartheid-era segregation.

    12 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 10 April

  1. Government pursuing long-term reparations for 1904–1908 genocide

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah says the government will pursue a fair and dignified outcome in genocide negotiations with Germany, with revised terms providing for long-term reparations and healing support rather than a one-off payment. A conclusion may be reached before year-end, though opposition figures have criticised the initial €1.1 billion agreement as insufficient compared to Holocaust reparations.

    10 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 8 April

  1. Parliament scrutinizes diplomats' allowances and foreign mission costs

    MPs challenged whether Namibian diplomats overseas claiming car allowances while receiving government vehicles constitute "double-dipping," and questioned the N$113 million spent annually on renting properties for foreign missions. The Trade and International Relations minister defended the practices, stating double-dipping has been addressed, and noted that the government is gradually acquiring properties while focusing on opening additional missions in strategic locations.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  2. Swapo MP James Uerikua dies in car accident

    Swapo member of Parliament and former Otjozondjupa governor James Unomasa Uerikua died in a car accident between Otjiwarongo and Okakarara on Friday, along with his 14-year-old son. Parliamentary colleagues and opposition leaders mourned him as a capable legislator, committed servant, and respected figure across political divides.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

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