Also known as: NDF · Namibia Defence Force
Namibian Defence Force — military organization responsible for armed defence and veterans affairs, recently targeted by ransomware attack and facing budget accountability questions.
News reports
Order a long-term news report on Namibian Defence Force
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.
Informanté
Namibian Defence Force participated in firefighting operation in Etosha National Park
“The firefighting operation brought together several stakeholders, including farmers from surrounding communities such as Outjo and Otjiwarongo, the Namibia Defence Force (NDF), surrounding conservancies and corporate entities.”
Firefighters extinguish three of four fires in EtoshaNew Era
Banda Shilimela was among those involved in establishing the Namibian Defence Force.
“After independence, Shilimela said he was among those involved in establishing the Namibian Defence Force.”
‘Political independence meaningless without economic freedom’The Namibian
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is commander-in-chief of the Namibian Defence Force
“President Nandi-Ndaitwah, who is also commander-in-chief of the Namibian Defence Force, conferred liberation medals and certificates on 804 individuals during an investiture ceremony held at Independence Stadium in Windhoek.”
President confers liberation, independence medals on 1 001 NamibiansNew Era
Namibian Defence Force maintains current commitments including border security, coordinated patrols, African Union programmes and anti-poaching
“Its current commitments include border security, coordinated patrols, African Union border-management programmes and anti-poaching operations.”
Funding freezes veterans’ houses, farms …over 11 000 war vets unpaid, N$1.9b neededNew Era
Namibian Defence Force recruited about 1 500 members during 2024/25 period
“The Namibian Defence Force recruited about 1 500 members, while the Namibian Correctional Service recruited approximately 400 people, bringing security sector recruitment efforts to between 4 000 and 5 000 positions.”
Sleepless nights over police exodus … poor salaries linked to resignationsThe Namibian
Namibian Defence Force carried out exhumations of Immanuel Shifidi and Eliaser Tuhadeleni
“A source from Tuhadeleni's family confirmed to The Namibian on Tuesday that the exhumations were carried out by the Namibian Defence Force.”
Ex-political prisoners to be reburied at Heroes’ AcreThe Namibian
The Namibian Defence Force joined the ministry in putting out the fire
“He said more locals and the Namibian Defence Force joined the ministry in putting out the fire.”
Boy’s snake hunt sparks 3 560ha veld fireThe Namibian
The Namibian Defence Force has strengthened ties with the PLA through practical cooperation, military exchanges and training
“He said ties between the PLA and the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) have strengthened through practical cooperation, military exchanges and training.”
China hails growing military ties with NamibiaNew Era
Namibian Defence Force has continued to strengthen through practical cooperation, military exchanges and training programmes
“Chinese Defence Attaché, Colonel Li Shujun said the relationship between the People's Liberation Army and the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) has continued to strengthen through practical cooperation, military exchanges and training programmes.”
Namibia-China vow deeper defence tiesThe Namibian
Namibian Defence Force had nine filling stations purchased by Namcor in 2022 for N$53.2 million
“He is also accused of receiving N$1.04 million in connection with Namcor's N$53.2 million purchase of nine filling stations at Namibian Defence Force bases in 2022.”
Namcor accused’s farm, vehicle frozenThe education ministry plans to construct 148 permanent classrooms and 66 pre-primary classrooms across all 14 regions, and build 25 new schools in 10 regions, ahead of the 2027 academic year to address overcrowding and improve access to education. Implementation began in the 2025/26 financial year, with 22 of the new schools already at roof level.
15 October 2026 · New Era →
The education ministry plans to construct 148 permanent classrooms and 66 pre-primary classrooms across all 14 regions, and build 25 new schools in 10 regions, ahead of the 2027 academic year to address overcrowding and improve access to education. Implementation began in the 2025/26 financial year, with 22 of the new schools already at roof level.
15 October 2026 · New Era →
Opposition shadow minister Aloisius Kangulu has called on the defence ministry to explain N$860,000 spent on subsistence and travel allowances, citing concerns about transparency and accountability. The demand follows reports that the defence department exceeded its 2024/25 budget by N$252.9 million despite receiving an unqualified audit opinion.
15 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Namibian Defence Force conducted a combat fitness test southwest of Kupferberg Farm Road C26 in Windhoek Rural Constituency on Thursday from 06:00 to 15:00, with the NDF's head of public relations urging members of the public in the surrounding area to be aware of the exercise.
8 October 2026 · Informanté →
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 →
The Namibian Correctional Service recognised 989 correctional officers for long and dedicated service at a Long Service Medal Parade held at the Windhoek Correctional Facility. The medals comprise 58 Gold (30+ years service), 295 Silver (20+ years), and 636 Bronze (10+ years), with 300 conferred at Thursday's ceremony and the remainder to be presented at various institutions.
30 September 2026 · Informanté →
Retired members of the Namibian Defence Force from Kavango East and Kavango West regions will gather in Rundu on 3 October 2026 for the third Fellowship Day hosted by the Defence Force Foundation, bringing together serving and former soldiers to reconnect and strengthen bonds formed through military service.
30 September 2026 · Informanté →
The Independent Patriots for Change and Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters are demanding government answers on a ransomware attack claimed by cybercrime group RansomHouse against the Namibian Defence Force last Saturday. Opposition figures say the incident raises questions about Namibia's cybersecurity preparedness and call for improved defences, coordination, and staff awareness.
21 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The cybercrime group RansomHouse has claimed responsibility for a ransomware attack on the Namibian Defence Force on Saturday, threatening to leak confidential information and demanding contact to prevent disclosure of the defence force's data and documents. The attack highlights growing national cybersecurity vulnerabilities as Namibia works toward finalizing cybercrime and data protection legislation.
20 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Jaco Muller, founder of the Rhino Momma Project, one of Namibia's largest privately managed white rhino conservation programmes, died in a gyrocopter accident while monitoring rhinos and potential wildfires near Outjo in the Kunene Region. The project has bred 197 rhinos since 2013.
19 September 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 →
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 →
Education minister Sanet Steenkamp said the National Youth Service should measure success beyond recruitment and training figures, tracking how many former recruits pursue further education, secure employment, or contribute to their communities. The call comes as demand for NYS programmes grows, with about 18,000 young people applying for the 17th intake this year.
18 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Residents of Otjihanameva in Erongo region have been without reliable water supply for more than two months, forcing them to travel nearly 12km for water. Independent Patriots for Change parliamentarian Aloisius Kangulu raised the matter as an urgent oral question to the prime minister in the National Assembly, calling for emergency water supplies and a technical plan to restore permanent supply.
17 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Over 2,000 square kilometres of Etosha National Park have burnt as firefighting teams battle wildfires in the park; preliminary assessments as of Wednesday show the total burnt area is 2,587 square kilometres, with active fires remaining small but unpredictable winds continuing to pose risks.
17 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Preliminary assessments show approximately 2,587 square kilometres of land in Etosha National Park have been affected by wildfires that broke out last week. Despite three fires being extinguished by Monday, strong winds caused remaining fires to flare up again around the Halali area.
16 September 2026 · Informanté →
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has extinguished three of four wildfires ignited by lightning last Wednesday in Etosha National Park, with the remaining fire still under control. More than 1.2 million hectares have been destroyed by wildfires across Namibia from about 1,300 reported cases since last year.
16 September 2026 · New Era →
Firefighting efforts in Etosha National Park have successfully extinguished three of four wildfires sparked by lightning strikes on Wednesday, with the remaining fire under control. The fires affected areas around Halali, Kamaseb and Tsam, and no animal losses or injuries have been reported.
14 September 2026 · Informanté →
The Namibian Defence Force's week-long sports games in Grootfontein brought together athletes from all NDF services across nine sporting codes. Minister of Defence Frans Kapofi said the event strengthened unity, teamwork, discipline, physical fitness and fighting spirit, and urged athletes to apply lessons learned to military duties.
13 September 2026 · Informanté →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →