Also known as: Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani · shadow president Venaani
McHenry Venaani — leader of the Popular Democratic Movement, defending government decisions and party interests in parliament.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
The Namibian
McHenry Venaani claimed PDM will be the first party to launch its manifesto
“"We will make history as the first party to launch our manifesto, which will be our guiding star in the quest for a brighter tomorrow," he said.”
PDM to launch party manifesto on SundayThe Namibian
McHenry Venaani stated the PDM's goal is to bring Swapo's electoral vote under 40%
“"In light of these elections, the goal is clear: we must bring the ruling Swapo party's share of the electoral vote under 40%. This is an ambitious target and it demands that the PDM be firing on all cylinders," Venaani said.”
‘We must bring Swapo electoral vote under 40%’ – VenaaniThe Namibian
McHenry Venaani challenged as inaccurate Afrobarometer survey showing Swapo's Nandi-Ndaitwah with 50.8% lead
“"Furthermore, we are aware of the recent Afrobarometer survey giving Swapo's Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah a commanding lead of 50,8%, in the upcoming elections. We challenge this inaccurate and out-of-touch narrative, it does not accurately reflect what the masses feel," Venaani said.”
‘We must bring Swapo electoral vote under 40%’ – VenaaniThe Namibian
McHenry Venaani is exempt from paying land tax
“This includes opposition leader McHenry Venaani, deputy chief justice Petrus Damaseb and the Roman Catholic Church.”
Politicians, business people exempted from land taxThe Namibian
McHenry Venaani reflects on president Hage Geingob's contributions to national unity and development
“Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani reflects on president Hage Geingob's contributions to national unity and development, acknowledging their occasional disagreements but maintaining mutual respect.”
We showed each other mutual respect – Venaani on GeingobThe Namibian
McHenry Venaani acknowledged occasional disagreements with Geingob but maintained mutual respect
“Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani reflects on president Hage Geingob's contributions to national unity and development, acknowledging their occasional disagreements but maintaining mutual respect.”
We showed each other mutual respect – Venaani on GeingobThe Namibian
Opposition leader McHenry Venaani called for action to reduce poor sanitation in the country
“"Go to the north, to Owamboland, where families are building their own toilets," Nujoma said in parliament, shutting down opposition leader McHenry Venaani's call for action to reduce poor sanitation in the country.”
Fire Nujoma, Build One NamibiaThe Namibian
McHenry Venaani said the government is running the green industry as a secrecy plan.
“"We have not been informed and our position is clear that the government is running the green industry as a secrecy plan," he said.”
Govt secretive on new green hydrogen-linked projectsThe Namibian
McHenry Venaani is Popular Democratic Movement president
“The Popular Democratic Movement president and member of the pan-African parliamentary committee on trade and immigration, McHenry Venaani, gave his insights on the African Free Trade Area agreement at the pan-African parliament session in Pretoria this week.”
The Popular Democratic Movement president McHenry VenaaniThe Namibian
McHenry Venaani gave insights on the African Free Trade Area agreement at the pan-African parliament session in Pretoria
“The Popular Democratic Movement president and member of the pan-African parliamentary committee on trade and immigration, McHenry Venaani, gave his insights on the African Free Trade Area agreement at the pan-African parliament session in Pretoria this week.”
The Popular Democratic Movement president McHenry VenaaniResidents of Otjozondjupa will visit sacred gravesites of those who died in the 1904-1908 Ohamakari battle—a war of resistance by the Ovaherero against German imperial forces—with commemoration events hosted at the Okakarara Cultural Centre. The regional governor calls on residents, particularly youth, to attend and preserve the memory of the Ovaherero sacrifices.
27 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Residents of Otjozondjupa will visit sacred gravesites of those who died in the 1904-1908 Ohamakari battle—a war of resistance by the Ovaherero against German imperial forces—with commemoration events hosted at the Okakarara Cultural Centre. The regional governor calls on residents, particularly youth, to attend and preserve the memory of the Ovaherero sacrifices.
27 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The Okandjoze Chiefs' Assembly on Genocide has called on the Namibian government to adopt a "business unusual" approach to genocide apology and reparations, saying years of discussions have produced little action. The group urged the government to move away from symbolic discussions and engage descendants of Ovaherero, Ovambanderu and Nama communities differently on restorative justice.
27 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
McHenry Venaani, leader of the Popular Democratic Movement, has dismissed allegations that the party plans to buy him a luxury Land Cruiser worth N$2.5 million.
22 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →
Hidipo Hamata, who recently quit the Popular Democratic Movement, has clarified he is not joining the ruling Swapo party and may take time to reflect and pursue other work instead.
19 May 2026 · New Era →
A Windhoek resident submitted a 161-page dossier to the Security Commission in April 2025 requesting President Nandi-Ndaitwah remove inspector general Joseph Shikongo from office, alleging corruption, criminal interference, intimidation and abuse of state institutions. Nandi-Ndaitwah appointed major general Anne-Marie Nainda as acting inspector general, though the president did not publicly state reasons for the suspension.
8 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah removed Police Inspector General Joseph Shikongo and replaced him with Major General Anne-Marie Nainda, citing a security incident in which a naked man was found inside the presidential residence as the reason for the removal.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
PDM leader McHenry Venaani said President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has the constitutional authority to dismiss senior officials without necessarily giving public explanations, in response to the suspension of police inspector general Joseph Shikongo. Venaani argued that leaders make key decisions based on sensitive information unavailable to the public.
7 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah honoured founding National Assembly Speaker Mose Tjitendero at his 20th death commemoration at Heroes Acre, calling on Namibians to defend and strengthen democracy by following Tjitendero's legacy of transparency, inclusivity, accountability and the rule of law in building Parliament after independence.
28 April 2026 · New Era →
The Popular Democratic Movement's secretary general says the party remains in sound financial state after spending between N$6 and N$8 million on 2024 election campaigns, and is recovering through parliamentary allocations and property assets. The PDM is preparing for McHenry Venaani's term-limited leadership transition in 2028–2029 through a system of broad capacity-building across party structures rather than grooming a single successor.
24 April 2026 · New Era →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Swapo parliamentarian James Uerikua, 43, and his 14-year-old son died Friday when their vehicle overturned on the Otjiwarongo-Okakarara road after a rear tyre burst. Colleagues remembered him as a sharp-minded, articulate, and humorous legislator with a passion for farming.
8 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare confirmed that Namibia is discussing acquisition of a 10% stake in Rössing Uranium, currently held by South Africa's Industrial Development Corporation. The government holds less than 4% and argues the stake should belong to Namibia under law of succession, with the aim of maximizing the country's benefit from its uranium resources.
7 April 2026 · New Era →
James Unomasa Uerikua, a Swapo member of Parliament and former governor of Otjozondjupa region, died on Friday in a car accident between Otjiwarongo and Okakarara; his 14-year-old son also died from injuries sustained in the crash. Political leaders across parties paid tribute to him as a promising young leader and voice for the voiceless.
7 April 2026 · New Era →
The government is in discussions to acquire a 10% stake in Rössing Uranium currently held by South Africa's Industrial Development Corporation as part of its exit from the company. Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare told Parliament that the government, which already holds 4%, is working through multiple ministries to pursue the shareholding to ensure Namibians benefit from the country's resources.
1 April 2026 · The Namibian →
The government's N$500 million monthly fuel subsidy in response to rising oil prices is unsustainable and will not effectively help the poorest Namibians, according to economists. Several specialists argue direct cash grants to low-income groups would be more effective than broad price subsidies, while transport operators warn of industry strain from the fuel increases.
31 March 2026 · The Namibian →
PDM president McHenry Venaani told Parliament that restrictions on political parties' use of public funding for business activities are weakening their administration, and urged a revisit of the Electoral Act's limitations. Political parties received N$185.2 million in public funds for the 2026/27 financial year, allocated according to parliamentary representation.
28 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has responded to opposition criticism—particularly from Popular Democratic Movement legislator Inna Hengari—that she arbitrarily interrupts members and rules them out of order, saying her interventions are constitutional duties applying Parliament's own Standing Rules consistently and without exception, not personal acts.
27 March 2026 · New Era →
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare defended Namibia's rejection of Starlink's licence application, saying the country will not waive its 51% local ownership requirement for any investor. Opposition leader McHenry Venaani criticised the decision as irrational, arguing Starlink could have improved internet connectivity for rural schools.
26 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's 36th Independence Day celebrations across all 14 regions carried a unified message from political and community leaders to preserve the liberation legacy, strengthen unity, and address youth unemployment and economic inequality. While acknowledging democratic achievements and progress in service delivery, leaders emphasised that political independence must now be matched by economic emancipation and that youth must drive future development.
24 March 2026 · New Era →
Opposition MPs and activists have criticised the government's 2026/27 budget allocation, accusing it of breaking campaign promises by increasing social grants by only N$100 rather than the promised larger amounts. They argue the government has adequate resources to fund higher increases to pensioner and vulnerable children's grants to better protect citizens from inflation.
19 March 2026 · The Namibian →
PDM leader McHenry Venaani told the National Assembly that Namibia must pursue fundamental economic reforms to expand productive capacity, including industrial transformation, agricultural development through irrigation, infrastructure investment, and improved project planning. He argued that the country needs capable state institutions, stronger education outcomes tied to labour market needs, and mobilisation of domestic capital for development priorities.
18 March 2026 · The Namibian →