Namibia Minute.
Friday, 24 April 2026
A daily Namibian brief · Est. 2026
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Organization

Namibian Constitution

Also known as: the Constitution

Namibian Constitution — foundational legal framework establishing judicial independence, legislative authority, privacy rights, and constitutional imperatives for governance and democracy.

Politics

President seeks oil licensing control via Petroleum Act amendment

The News

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is proposing to shift upstream oil licensing powers from the minister to the presidency, a move she argues is justified given her removal of a minister over corruption. However, according to an opinion piece by professor Roman Grynberg, the proposed legislation lacks transparency provisions and parliamentary oversight, and extends civil immunity to presidential appointees in ways that could facilitate future corruption similar to the Fishrot scandal.

22 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 22 February

  1. President seeks oil licensing control via Petroleum Act amendment

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is proposing to shift upstream oil licensing powers from the minister to the presidency, a move she argues is justified given her removal of a minister over corruption. However, according to an opinion piece by professor Roman Grynberg, the proposed legislation lacks transparency provisions and parliamentary oversight, and extends civil immunity to presidential appointees in ways that could facilitate future corruption similar to the Fishrot scandal.

    22 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 19 February

  1. PDM questions N$1.26 million legal fees for suspended Katima CEO

    PDM parliamentarian Inna Hengari has questioned the disbursement of N$1.26 million in legal fees related to suspended Katima Mulilo Town Council chief executive Raphael Liswaniso, arguing that such costly legal entanglements deplete public resources and delay essential development.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 13 February

  1. Ombudsman finds NamRA guilty of unlawful ethnic discrimination in hiring

    The Ombudsman has released a damning report concluding that the Namibia Revenue Agency's recruitment process violated the Constitution through maladministration, lack of transparency, and apparent discrimination based on race and ethnicity, including the use of "tribal groupings" in shortlisting candidates. The report calls for urgent reforms including stricter adherence to merit-based criteria, independent oversight, and regular audits of hiring practices.

    13 February 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 11 February

  1. Namibia marks Constitution Day amid moral erosion concerns

    As Namibia marked Constitution Day on 9 February, leaders praised the Constitution as a progressive democratic foundation, but legal scholar Shepherd Nyambe warned that rising violence, poverty and inequality threaten its ideals and called for moral renewal alongside economic justice and constitutional education.

    11 February 2026 · New Era →

  2. President addresses judiciary at opening of 2026 legal year

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah addressed the Supreme Court on the opening of the 2026 legal year, emphasising the constitutional independence of the judiciary, its role in democratic governance, and the need to address challenges including case backlogs, judicial security concerns, and rising crime affecting the tourism sector.

    11 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 10 February

  1. Namibian Constitution at 36: Legal Experts Reflect on Gaps

    Namibia's Constitution, enacted in 1990 and globally recognized as one of the best, is celebrated annually on 9 February. Legal professionals interviewed by New Era praised its role in protecting democratic rights and the rule of law, but also highlighted significant challenges: weak operation of lower courts, inadequate security for prosecutors and judicial staff, and a failure to address poverty and inequality affecting much of the population.

    10 February 2026 · New Era →

Saturday 7 February

  1. Environment ministry faces N$165m funding shortfall for conservation

    Namibia's Ministry of Environment and Tourism faces a N$165 million funding gap that threatens conservation efforts across 21 protected areas, with immediate shortfalls of N$45 million for anti-poaching equipment and N$120 million for park infrastructure upgrades. A parliamentary committee has recommended increased tourism concession fees, biodiversity offset mechanisms, and private sector partnerships to close the gap.

    7 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 5 February

  1. Media ombudsman urges responsible exercise of freedom of speech

    Namibia's Media Ombudsman Sadrag Shihomeka has called on journalists, public office bearers and the public to exercise freedom of expression responsibly, warning that growing tensions in the media space risk undermining professionalism and public trust. He emphasized that professionalism and ethical self-regulation remain central to credible journalism while condemning conduct by journalists that brings the profession into disrepute.

    5 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Speaker opens eighth parliament's third session

    Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila opened the third session of Namibia's eighth parliament, emphasising the theme of enhancing parliament's role for inclusive development and participatory democracy. She stressed the importance of complementarity between the executive, legislature, and judiciary, and called for MPs to recommit to inclusivity, participation, and service to all Namibians.

    5 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 4 February

  1. Lawmaker urges Parliament to focus on solutions, not blame

    Auleria Wakudumo Lawmaker Inna Hengari has called on her colleagues to move beyond political affiliations and serve all Namibians, cautioning against the "politics of diagnosis and blame" that distract from solving challenges. Analysts echoed her concerns, urging MPs to prioritise passing laws that improve material conditions, strengthen governance, and address pressing issues including land disputes and unemployment.

    4 February 2026 · New Era →

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