Also known as: MODVA
Namibian government department overseeing defence and veterans' affairs, facing N$860k accounting gaps and budget overruns totalling N$253 million in 2024/25.
News reports
Order a long-term news report on Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs
Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
The Namibian
Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs employs Kamberipa as a geographic information science specialist
“The single mother of one is currently employed as a geographic information science specialist by the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs.”
‘Silent killer’ Kamberipa nets top coaching jobWindhoek Observer
Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs has not been the subject of veterans' fight according to minister's statement
“They are there, and they have stated very clearly that they are there, but they have clearly made it open that their fight is not with the veteran ministry or any of the GRN.”
‘Veterans camped outside Swapo HQ are receiving their benefits’ – KapofiThe Namibian
Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs intercepted a fishing vessel operating illegally in Namibian waters
“The concerns follow the interception of a fishing vessel by the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs through the navy during a routine patrol near the northern maritime border with Angola on Sunday.”
Experts push for stronger penalties as illegal fishing drains marine resourcesInformanté
The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs stated that the lecture was part of the college's ongoing commitment to enriching its academic programme through high-level engagements
“According to the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, the Zimbabwean ambassador's lecture was part of the college's ongoing commitment to enriching its academic programme through high-level engagements on contemporary national and international issues.”
Zimbabwean ambassador outlines SADC security architecture at NDF collegeThe Namibian
Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs confirmed USS George HW Bush nuclear carrier transiting Namibia's exclusive economic zone
“The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs has confirmed that a United States nuclear-powered super aircraft carrier is currently transiting offf-shore of Namibia's exclusive economic zone under international maritime law.”
US nuclear super carrier transits Namibia’s waters: What to knowNew Era
Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs spent N$2.5 million on funeral assistance for 363 veterans in 2025/2026
“The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs spent N$2.5 million on funeral assistance for 363 veterans during the 2025/2026 financial year, minister Frans Kapofi told Parliament last week.”
N$2.5m spent on veterans’ funerals in 2025The Namibian
Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs received N$7.5 billion, with N$1.3 billion allocated to veterans affairs for the 2026/27 fiscal year
“The ministry received N$7.5 billion, with N$1.3 billion allocated to veterans affairs for the 2026/27 fiscal year.”
Swapo MP Aupindi proposes sovereign fund for veteransInformanté
Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs tabled proposed budget of N$1.52 billion for 2026/2027 financial year
“THE Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs has tabled a proposed budget of N$1.52 billion for the 2026/2027 financial year under Vote 31 in the National Assembly, aimed at improving the welfare of liberation struggle veterans while preserving Namibia's liberation history.”
Veterans Affairs budget focuses on welfare and heritage preservationThe Namibian
Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs told residents to vacate the building in 2015
“The Namibian in 2015 reported that the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs told residents, including soldiers and police officers, to vacate the building, which they have not done.”
Nekundi to evict old TB hospital tenantsInformanté
Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs stated that applicants achieving high scores will progress to next recruitment phase including fingerprinting and medical examinations
“According to the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, applicants who achieve high scores across all four assessment categories will progress to the next phase of the recruitment process, which includes fingerprinting and medical examinations to be conducted in their respective regions.”
NDF conducts nationwide fitness and aptitude tests for officer cadet and recruit applicantsThe auditor general's report found that the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs reported N$1.2 million in outstanding subsistence and travel allowances, but its financial records showed N$2 million in an advance suspense account, leaving an unexplained difference of N$860 000. The ministry also exceeded its budget by about N$253 million without authorisation.
14 October 2026 · The Namibian →
The auditor general's report found that the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs reported N$1.2 million in outstanding subsistence and travel allowances, but its financial records showed N$2 million in an advance suspense account, leaving an unexplained difference of N$860 000. The ministry also exceeded its budget by about N$253 million without authorisation.
14 October 2026 · The Namibian →
The ministry of defence and veterans affairs' department of defence spent N$7.14 billion against an authorised budget of N$6.88 billion for the year ended 31 March 2025, overspending by N$252.9 million. A 5% salary adjustment implemented on 1 April 2024 contributed to personnel expenditure pressures, with the Namibian Army recording the largest overspending at N$114.97 million.
13 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Namibian Defence Force has stepped up suicide prevention and mental health efforts, with a senior ministry official calling for military leaders to monitor personnel displaying withdrawn or unusual behaviour and strengthen support systems for those in distress. The campaign addressed depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder among military and law-enforcement personnel.
6 October 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia's cyber security incident response team has confirmed unauthorised activity in the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs network linked to the RansomHouse ransomware group, which uses encryption and double-extortion tactics threatening to disclose stolen information.
19 September 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia's national cybersecurity team confirmed that the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs was hit by a cyberattack linked to RansomHouse, an international ransomware group known for double-extortion attacks. The team is investigating the breach and working to restore the ministry's systems.
19 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibian Defence Force has allegedly been listed by ransomware group RansomHouse on its dark web site, but cybersecurity researchers warn the claim remains unverified with no publicly released evidence of a breach or stolen data. The NDF has not confirmed or denied the alleged incident.
18 September 2026 · Informanté →
Gustaf Sakaria, a technician from Okapya village in Oshana, is appealing to the government for support to develop his mechanical and electronic inventions since 2000. He believes greater backing for local innovators could reduce Namibia's reliance on imported technology and has named a small aircraft he recently built after Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare.
4 September 2026 · New Era →
Claudia Hatutale, 46, a former cleaner at the Namibia Defence Force base in Ondangwa, appeared in court on seven counts of abuse of office for allegedly soliciting close to N$55,000 from members of the public between 2015 and 2017 by promising cleaner jobs at the Ministry of Defence that were never secured. Her case was postponed to 24 February 2027.
31 August 2026 · Informanté →
The Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested a 46-year-old former cleaner at Oluno Military Base over allegations that she collected more than N$55 850 from job seekers by promising to secure cleaning jobs within the ministry of defence and veterans affairs between 2015–2017, with promised employment opportunities never materializing after payments were made.
31 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Minister Sanet Steenkamp apologised for delays in returning Namibian ancestral and mortal remains from South Africa, citing circumstances beyond the ministry's control that affected flight arrangements. Namibia received the remains of two former political prisoners and the ancestral remains of 84 people, along with casts and cultural heritage materials.
21 August 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia has tried various forms of support for liberation struggle veterans including payments, grants, and income-generating schemes, but the article argues the country needs to evaluate whether these programmes are achieving their intended outcomes, not simply increase spending.
15 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
About 11,000 registered liberation veterans remain without Individual Veterans' Projects (IVPs), with only about 15,000 of approximately 26,000 registered veterans having received the N$200,000 once-off grant. Funding the remaining beneficiaries is estimated to require N$1.9 billion, prompting calls for government to provide Parliament with a time-bound plan.
13 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Namibian Defence Force will conduct training exercises in the Oser-Kari area near Okahandja in Otjozondjupa Region from 08:00 to 17:00. The ministry said no live ammunition will be used and the activity poses no threat to public safety.
13 July 2026 · Informanté →
A Namibian delegation has begun a five-day mission to South Africa to arrange the exhumation and repatriation of two former Robben Island prisoners buried in Cape Town. The delegation, which includes traditional authorities, former prisoners, family members, and government officials, is meeting South African counterparts to discuss legal, cultural, technical and logistical arrangements.
12 July 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah visited the 21 Motorised Infantry Brigade in Windhoek and emphasised discipline as the cornerstone of military professionalism, while calling for coordinated response to substance abuse within the Namibian Defence Force. She reminded troops of their responsibility to protect the Central Region, including the capital city and key institutions.
8 July 2026 · Informanté →
Twenty-six student officers, including three foreign officers from Botswana and Zambia, graduated from Junior Command and Staff Course No. 21/2026 at the Namibia Command and Staff College in Okahandja. Chief of the Defence Force Air Marshal Martin Kambulu Pinehas urged the newly qualified officers to become agents of positive change and apply their learning to remain combat-ready.
29 June 2026 · Informanté →
The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs has asked shortlisted NDF candidates to report to the NDF Training Establishment at Osona Military Base for military training from 7 to 9 July 2026. Candidates must bring original educational certificates, national identity cards, birth certificates, and supporting documents, and are required to open bank accounts and obtain Tax Certificates.
27 June 2026 · Informanté →
Former Desert Jewels and Unam attacking player Vijanda Kamberipa has been appointed head coach of the national under-19 netball team. Kamberipa, who played for junior national teams that defeated South Africa, said she was groomed for senior national play from her under-19 days and credits her game intelligence for her success.
26 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs Frans Kapofi told Parliament that veterans camped outside Swapo Party headquarters continue to receive all benefits and support due to them despite their protest, saying they have clarified their concerns are not directed at the government or ministry.
26 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Over 22,000 former South West Africa Territory Force (SWATF) soldiers plan to sue the government for N$5.7 billion in unpaid veteran benefits and compensation, claiming they have not received benefits due to them since independence. The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs questioned the origin of the funds being claimed.
15 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Following the deaths of two Namibian Defence Force members at military bases in Otjiwarongo and Otavi, the Independent Patriots for Change have urged the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs to strengthen mental health support, housing and welfare programmes for soldiers, citing emotional and psychological challenges soldiers face due to separation from families and financial pressures.
2 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Namibian Defence Force confirmed the deaths of two soldiers, Jonas Kambonde (27) and Patrick Kooper (30), in suspected suicides at Otjiwarongo and Otavi military bases on Thursday and Friday. Ministry spokesperson Petrus Shilumbu called for members to use available support services when facing personal challenges.
30 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Defence says the Namibian Defence Force is modernising operations to include drone warfare and technology-driven military systems, as militaries worldwide increasingly rely on drones and cyber-based operations. Defence Minister Frans Kapofi said Namibia needs technologically skilled recruits adaptable to intelligence-based warfare, following the graduation of 1,703 recruits at Osona Military Base.
22 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Stakeholders warn that existing penalties are failing to deter illegal fishing in Namibian waters, following the interception of a vessel with 22 crew members and amid concerns over losses from bycatch, which increased sharply since 2020 despite monitoring systems in place.
21 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's Parliamentary Standing Committee on International Relations, Defence and Security conducted an oversight visit to the Namibia Command and Staff College to assess operational, academic and infrastructural developments. The committee toured facilities, received briefings on the college's mandate and programmes, and commended its efforts in professional military education.
19 May 2026 · Informanté →
The Namibian Air Force reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening civil-military cooperation in Africa's aviation sector at the Aviation Week Africa Summit held in Windhoek from 22 to 24 April 2026, emphasizing innovation, training, technological modernisation, and regional partnerships to enhance air connectivity and security across the continent.
4 May 2026 · Informanté →
The Zimbabwean Ambassador to Namibia outlined SADC's regional security architecture at the Namibia Command and Staff College, covering the Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, the Mutual Defence Pact, and the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. The lecture addressed conflict prevention, collective defence, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding, as well as integrating human security with traditional state security approaches.
28 April 2026 · Informanté →
Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi ordered an investigation into alleged tribal bias in recruitment at the Roads Authority, finding it employs about 74 people from the Zambezi region compared to more than 300 from northern Namibia. The probe has revived broader allegations of tribalism in hiring practices across Namibian state-owned enterprises and government offices.
26 April 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs confirmed that the USS George HW Bush, a US nuclear-powered super aircraft carrier, is transiting in Namibia's exclusive economic zone under international maritime law without entering territorial waters. The vessel is sailing under provisions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which guarantees freedom of navigation, and is en route around the African continent to avoid heightened activity in the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz.
22 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Farmers around Lake Liambezi are rushing to harvest maize, sorghum and other crops weeks early as floodwaters advance from Angola through the Zambezi Region. The premature harvesting follows earlier locust damage, and officials warn more severe flooding is expected in coming weeks, with water levels potentially rising above seven metres and affecting multiple constituencies including Kabbe South, Sibbinda and Katima Rural.
9 April 2026 · New Era →