Namibia Minute.
Monday, 7 September 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 7 September 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

Namibian Defence Force

Also known as: NDF · Namibia Defence Force

Namibian Defence Force — military organization conducting recruit training, vocational education, and coastal security operations in Namibia.

2020-07-242026-09-07

What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. July 2026
  2. Informanté

    Namibian Defence Force will conduct training exercises near Okahandja today

    Source

    THE Namibian Defence Force (NDF) will today conduct training exercises in the general area of Oser-Kari near Okahandja in the Otjozondjupa Region.

    NDF to conduct training exercises near Okahandja today
  3. Windhoek Observer

    Namibian Defence Force donated a wheelchair to an eight-year-old girl

    Source

    An appeal made during the Vice President Lucia Witbooi's visit to the Omaheke region earlier this year has changed the life of an eight-year-old girl after members of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) donated a wheelchair that will allow her to attend school next year.

    VP’s appeal changes life of Omaheke girl
  4. Windhoek Observer

    Namibian Defence Force members allegedly assaulted and kicked Petrus Kelvin Dinisi and forced him to drink water

    Source

    Dinisi claims that after he admitted ownership of the drugs, he was assaulted by NDF members and anti-poaching officers.

    Judgment reserved in N$1.6m police assault lawsuit
  5. Informanté

    Namibian Defence Force donated a wheelchair to an eight-year-old girl with mobility disability

    Source

    An eight-year-old girl from the Omaheke Region who lives with a mobility disability has received a wheelchair donated by members of the Namibian Defence Force's (NDF) 126 Motorised Infantry Battalion, following an appeal made during the Vice President's visit to the region earlier this year.

    Wheelchair donation gives Omaheke girl new mobility ahead of school
  6. The Namibian

    Namibian Defence Force allegedly had a pickup involved in a car accident at Oshakati

    Source

    Two men died in a car accident at Oshakati on Tuesday morning after the sedan in which they were travelling allegedly collided with a pickup belonging to the Namibia Defence Force.

    Two men die in Oshakati car accident
  7. June 2026
  8. The Namibian

    Namibian Defence Force is developing a military base at Okongo in the Ohangwena region

    Source

    Defence and veterans affairs minister Frans Kapofi on Thursday declined to provide details about a military base being developed at Okongo in the Ohangwena region.

    Kapofi declines to comment on Okongo army base
  9. Namibian Sun

    Namibian Defence Force member was arrested for murder of Salom Nikanor

    Source

    leading to the arrest of a 25-year-old Namibian Defence Force member who was reportedly a childhood friend of the deceased.

    Insured for death, abandoned in life
  10. Informanté

    Namibian Defence Force aims to become accident-free on the country's roads

    Source

    THE Namibian Defence Force aims to become accident-free on the country's roads, said Deputy Army Commander Brigadier General Andreas Diyeve at a motor vehicle accident awareness workshop held recently at the Lieutenant-General Dimo Hamaambo Garrison in Grootfontein.

    NDF targets zero road accidents, holds safety workshop in Grootfontein
  11. Informanté

    Namibian Defence Force held a week-long motor vehicle accident awareness workshop in Grootfontein

    Source

    The week-long workshop was aimed at reducing motor vehicle accidents within the NDF.

    NDF targets zero road accidents, holds safety workshop in Grootfontein
  12. New Era

    Namibian Defence Force is being called for deployment along the border by farmers requesting government intervention

    Source

    Farmers are now renewing calls for government intervention, including the deployment of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) along the border.

    Zambezi farmers want army roped in … as rustlers’ torment persists

Friday 4 September

  1. Oshana region burned 38,286 hectares in second major fire

    The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism briefed on veld fires in northern Namibia, reporting that 3,269 hectares burned in Oshana during the last fire season. A second major fire burned 38,286 hectares across 16 areas, with the ministry identifying 17 priority fire cutlines for maintenance in 2026 to help prevent and mitigate wildfires.

    4 September 2026 · New Era

Monday 31 August

  1. Former military base cleaner granted N$10,000 bail on corruption charges

    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

Saturday 29 August

  1. Shikwaya denied bail in prosecutor murder case

    Petrus Shikwaya, accused of providing money for acid used in the fatal attack on Ondangwa prosecutor Justine Shiweda, has been denied bail. He faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder in common purpose, murder in common purpose, defeating or obstructing the course of justice, and defrauding Sanlam Namibia of N$154,000.

    29 August 2026 · The Namibian

Friday 28 August

  1. Economic freedom crucial next battle, liberation veteran says

    Banda Shilimela, a Liberation Medal recipient, argues that Namibia's political independence remains incomplete without economic freedom, and calls on veterans and citizens to focus on building the economy and creating jobs. Shilimela said he has created 71 companies employing about 6,000 Namibians domestically and established five companies abroad.

    28 August 2026 · New Era

Thursday 27 August

  1. President confers liberation and independence medals on 1 001 Namibians

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah conferred national honours on 1 001 Namibians: 804 liberation medals recognising contributions to the liberation struggle and national development, and 197 independence medals for service to Namibia's independence and development.

    27 August 2026 · The Namibian

Wednesday 26 August

  1. Witbooi honours Nandi-Ndaitwah's liberation struggle journey

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi paid tribute to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at the Heroes' Day Commemoration, highlighting her transition from liberation struggle exile to becoming Namibia's first female Head of State. Witbooi traced the President's journey, noting she left Namibia in 1974 to join the liberation struggle, served as SWAPO Chief Representative in Lusaka from 1978 to 1980 and in East Africa from 1980 to 1986, and returned in 1989 for UN-supervised elections.

    26 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Thursday 20 August

  1. Parliamentarian urges cost-benefit analysis of new asset agency

    A Landless People's Movement parliamentarian has called for the government to conduct a thorough cost-benefit and mandate analysis of the proposed Public Asset Management Agency before implementation, arguing that existing institutions could perform the proposed functions instead and that billions of dollars' worth of redundant public assets could be sold to fund the treasury.

    20 August 2026 · The Namibian

Tuesday 18 August

  1. Retired NDF officer urges war veterans toward health and fitness

    Colonel (Retired) Constancio Mwandingi has appealed to fellow liberation fighters to maintain physical fitness, reduce alcohol consumption, and support one another's wellbeing, citing their continued duty to defend the country and noting that many war veterans now struggle with unhealthy behaviours in retirement.

    18 August 2026 · Informanté

Sunday 16 August

  1. NDF Vocational Training Centre graduates first intake

    The Namibian Defence Force Vocational Training Centre, which opened in 2020 and enrolled its first students in 2021, has graduated its first intake in Level 3 vocational training including air-conditioning and refrigeration, bricklaying, carpentry, plumbing and pipe fitting, and welding and metal fabrication. Defence Minister Frans Kapofi called for greater use of vocational skills to strengthen the NDF, reduce unemployment, and support economic and industrial development.

    16 August 2026 · Informanté

Thursday 13 August

  1. Veld fire in Ongos area brought under control

    A veld fire in the Ongos area near Windhoek has largely been brought under control by City of Windhoek firefighters, with Khomas Regional Governor Sam Nujoma joining crews on the ground at Farm Augeihas to assist efforts and donating support to the Fire Brigade.

    13 August 2026 · Informanté

  2. Funding freeze halts veterans' housing and resettlement projects

    The veterans affairs ministry has suspended house construction and resettlement for liberation struggle veterans due to financial constraints. More than 11,000 veterans remain unpaid under Individual Veterans' Projects, with the government requiring about N$1.9 billion to settle outstanding payments.

    13 August 2026 · New Era

Thursday 6 August

  1. Police resignations strain NamPol operations amid poor salary concerns

    The Ministry of Home Affairs reports that staff losses within the Namibian Police Force have strained operations, with resignations largely linked to poor remuneration. Despite recruitment drives across the security sector in 2024/25 bringing in approximately 4,000–5,000 positions, the ministry continues to experience resignations, retirements, and skills shortages.

    6 August 2026 · New Era

Thursday 30 July

  1. Anti-apartheid activists exhumed for Heroes' Acre reburial

    The remains of anti-apartheid activists Immanuel Shifidi and Eliaser Tuhadeleni have been exhumed from burial sites in Windhoek and Endola and will be reburied at Heroes' Acre, along with former Swapo MP Nathanael Maxuilili and several others. The exhumations were carried out by the Namibian Defence Force, though Maxuilili's family says it had not been formally informed of the process.

    30 July 2026 · The Namibian

Tuesday 28 July

  1. Cattle herder's snake hunt sparks Oshana veld fire

    A veld fire allegedly caused by a cattle herder hunting snakes in the Oponona farming area of Oshana region on 14 July destroyed 3 560 hectares of grazing land. The fire, which burned until the following day, caused extensive environmental damage, livestock feed loss, and threatened agricultural livelihoods.

    28 July 2026 · The Namibian

Monday 27 July

  1. China hails deepening military ties with Namibia

    Following President Nandi-Ndaitwah's state visit to Beijing, Chinese defence attaché Li Shujun said military cooperation between China and Namibia has strengthened through practical cooperation, military exchanges and training, with the two countries' leaders reaching consensus on expanding bilateral relations. China's defence policy remains defensive and guided by principles of not seeking hegemony, Li said.

    27 July 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Namibia and China deepen military cooperation and training

    Namibia and China have reaffirmed their defence partnership and pledged to deepen military cooperation, capacity building and strategic collaboration, according to remarks made by the Chinese Defence Attaché during celebrations of the 99th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army in Windhoek. The commitment follows President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's recent State visit to China, where both countries agreed to elevate ties to a China-Namibia community with a shared future.

    27 July 2026 · New Era

Friday 24 July

  1. Namibian Marine Corps Battalion celebrates ten years

    The Namibian Marine Corps Battalion marked 10 years of existence with a parade at Walvis Bay on Tuesday. Established in 2005 and officially commissioned in July 2016, the unit has grown into a trained force within the Namibian Defence Force and Navy, playing roles in coastal security and national defence.

    24 July 2026 · Informanté

Wednesday 22 July

  1. Equipment shortage constrains Namibia's emerging rice farming sector

    Rice farmers in Namibia cite shortages of machinery, irrigation equipment, fencing, and market access as barriers to scaling production. Manual planting, harvesting, and threshing operations, plus livestock damage to unfenced gardens, remain key challenges.

    22 July 2026 · The Namibian

Monday 20 July

  1. High Court freezes Namcor accused's farm and vehicle

    The High Court has frozen assets linked to Namcor accused Cornelius 'Cedric' Willemse, including farm Groot Driehoekvlakte in Hardap and a Toyota Land Cruiser, as part of efforts by the prosecutor general to permanently seize them under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.

    20 July 2026 · The Namibian

Tuesday 14 July

  1. NDF receives 1,618 recruits for 19th training intake

    The Namibian Defence Force is conducting its 19th recruit intake at Osona Military Base near Okahandja, with 1,618 recruits expected to undergo military training. Recruits from all 14 regions have begun reporting since early July, though arrivals from Hardap and Zambezi regions have been slower due to distance.

    14 July 2026 · Informanté

Monday 13 July

  1. NDF conducts training exercises near Okahandja today

    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

Thursday 9 July

  1. NDF donation of wheelchair enables Omaheke girl's school access

    An eight-year-old girl with mobility disabilities at a Children's Sanctuary in Drimiopsis received a wheelchair from members of the Namibian Defence Force's 126 Motorised Infantry Battalion following an appeal made during Vice President Lucia Witbooi's January visit to the Kalahari Constituency.

    9 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  2. High Court reserves judgment in police assault civil case

    The High Court has reserved judgment in a N$1.6 million civil lawsuit brought by an inmate who alleges he was assaulted by members of the Namibian Police Force, the Namibian Defence Force, and anti-poaching officers following his arrest near Otavi in 2023. Justice Marelize Du Plessis postponed the matter to 23 July 2026 for judgment delivery.

    9 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Wednesday 8 July

  1. President tours NDF brigade, emphasises discipline and professionalism

    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

  2. President warns NDF against substance abuse during military inspection tour

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah warned soldiers in the Namibian Defence Force against drug and alcohol abuse during a seven-day inspection tour from 27 June to 3 July, stressing that discipline remains central to military professionalism and effectiveness.

    8 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Tuesday 7 July

  1. NDF donates wheelchair to mobility-disabled girl in Omaheke

    An eight-year-old girl from the Omaheke Region living with a mobility disability received a wheelchair donated by members of the Namibian Defence Force's 126 Motorised Infantry Battalion, following an appeal made during the Vice President's visit to the region in January 2026. Officials emphasised the donation's demonstration of compassion and the potential for acts of kindness to transform vulnerable members of society.

    7 July 2026 · Informanté

  2. Two men killed in Oshakati car accident with NDF pickup

    Two men died in a collision between a sedan and a Namibia Defence Force pickup on the Oshakati–Oshikuku road on Tuesday morning. One died at the scene and one upon arrival at hospital; the pickup driver sustained serious injuries.

    7 July 2026 · The Namibian

Friday 3 July

  1. Amunyela reflects on 16 years in the Namibian Defence Force

    PJ Amunyela has served in the Namibian Defence Force for 16 years, progressing from recruit through roles as a military policeman and special investigator to his current position in public relations.

    3 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

Monday 29 June

  1. Defence minister declines details on Okongo military base

    Defence and veterans affairs minister Frans Kapofi declined on Thursday to provide details about a military base being developed at Okongo in the Ohangwena region, near president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's homestead. The Namibian understands the base is situated on a site previously used by South African forces and has remained largely inactive for years.

    29 June 2026 · The Namibian

Saturday 27 June

  1. Namibia Defence Force shortlisted candidates report for training

    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

Namibian Defence Force — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute