Also known as: NDF · Namibia Defence Force
Namibian Defence Force — military organization that operates bases in Otjiwarongo and Otavi, conducts graduate training, and provides naval enforcement of fishing regulations.
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New Era
Namibian Defence Force explained international aviation guidance allows countries to establish restricted or controlled airspace over sensitive military installations.
“The Namibian Defence Force explained that international aviation guidance allows a country to establish restricted or controlled airspace over sensitive military installations and training areas where civilian aircraft operations could pose safety or security risks.”
NDF clarifies Erongo airspace reclassificationInformanté
Namibian Defence Force was served by Erkki Nghimtina, who continued to shape and protect the nation's sovereignty
“He trained, he served, and he led — first in the ranks of the People's Liberation Army of Namibia, and later in the Namibian Defence Force, where he continued to shape and protect the sovereignty of the nation he helped liberate.”
Erkki Nghimtina helped shape Namibia's destiny — NNNThe Namibian
Namibian Defence Force lost a member who died in a vehicle accident near Karibib
“A member of the Namibian Defence Force died after he was hit by a vehicle on the C33 road near Karibib on Friday.”
Defence force member killed on Karibib roadNew Era
Erkki Nghimtina joined Namibian Defence Force after independence in 1990, rising to rank of colonel
“After independence in 1990, he joined the Namibia Defence Force, rising to the rank of colonel before transitioning to politics.”
Nghimtina gets military farewell … Eenhana Shrine beckonsThe Namibian
Erkki Nghimtina joined the Namibian Defence Force with a rank of colonel until 1995
“After independence, he joined the Namibian Defence Force with a rank of colonel until 1995, when he joined active politics, serving as a member of the National Assembly from 1995 to 2020.”
A Tribute to Erkki Nghimtina (1947-2026)Informanté
The Namibian Defence Force received affirmation of commitment to strengthening defence cooperation and promoting diplomacy
“FOREIGN military attachés accredited to Namibia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence cooperation and promoting diplomacy during a New Year courtesy call on the Chief of the Namibian Defence Force, Air Marshal Martin K. Pineas, at Defence Headquarters.”
Military attachés meet NDF ChiefInformanté
Namibian Defence Force benefited from Nghimtina's contribution to establishing its communications department after independence
“Shalli highlighted Nghimtina's significant role in the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN), particularly in military communications, and his contribution to establishing the communications department of the Namibian Defence Force after independence.”
From liberation fighter to national leader: Tributes for late Minister Erkki NghimtinaInformanté
Namibian Defence Force will benefit from knowledge and skills gained during the courses by officers
“the knowledge and skills gained during the courses will be critical for participants' future roles as officers in the Namibian Defence Force.”
Brigadier General Diyeve opens key leadership courses at Nehale Lyampingana Battle SchoolInformanté
Namibian Defence Force is part of coordinated FMD outbreak response team
“Stakeholders, including the Namibian Defence Force, police, and private sector producers, are part of a coordinated response team.”
Strict measures urged as Foot-and-Mouth Disease threat looms in Southern AfricaInformanté
Namibian Defence Force rolled out nationwide pre-entry and physical fitness assessments for applicants seeking to join as Officer Cadets and Recruits
“THE Namibian Defence Force (NDF) rolled out nationwide pre-entry and physical fitness assessments for applicants seeking to join the force as Officer Cadets and Recruits, with candidates tested across all 14 regions of the country.”
NDF conducts nationwide fitness and aptitude tests for officer cadet and recruit applicantsThe National Youth Service has operated with only four board members for more than a year, below the statutory minimum of seven prescribed by the NYS Act 6 of 2005. A governance expert warned the arrangement creates compliance concerns and heightens governance risks, with sources fearing resolutions passed under the current arrangement could be deemed void.
4 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The National Youth Service has operated with only four board members for more than a year, below the statutory minimum of seven prescribed by the NYS Act 6 of 2005. A governance expert warned the arrangement creates compliance concerns and heightens governance risks, with sources fearing resolutions passed under the current arrangement could be deemed void.
4 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
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 →
Two members of the Namibian Defence Force were found dead in suspected suicides on Thursday and Friday night at military bases in Otjiwarongo and Otavi in the Otjozondjupa region. Police said no suicide notes were found and investigations continue.
1 June 2026 · The Namibian →
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 →
Defence Minister Frans Kapofi told 1,703 new Namibian Defence Force graduates that indiscipline, drug abuse, and irresponsible social media use would not be tolerated.
27 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →
The Namibian Defence Force will on 21 May 2026 graduate its 18th Intake at Osona Military Base after 12 months of training, with recruits taking the oath of allegiance and being formally commissioned as soldiers. The ceremony will be officiated by the Defence Minister and presided over by the Chief of Defence Force.
26 May 2026 · Informanté →
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 →
The Namibian Navy apprehended the foreign vessel Fu Yuan Yu 9878 near the Angolan border for illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, with the vessel fully loaded with fish and its Automatic Identification System disabled. The 22-member crew, comprising four Chinese and 18 Angolan nationals, was detained, and a Ministry spokesperson stated the government is committed to protecting Namibia's fisheries resources and enforcing its regulations.
21 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Hesron Kapanga Women's Super League leaders Ongos FC drew 0-0 with Unam Bokkies on Saturday, relinquishing first place with two matches remaining. The result allowed title rivals Mighty Gunners to move to the top of the table.
18 May 2026 · New Era →
Namibian Defence Force Chief Air Marshal Martin Kambulu Pinehas told newly accredited Defence Attachés from Zambia, Botswana, Türkiye, and Zimbabwe that collaborative efforts among nations and international organisations are essential for maintaining peace and preventing conflict, reaffirming the NDF's commitment to international military cooperation.
17 May 2026 · Informanté →
A poaching suspect in custody in Omusati Region has been charged with perjury after admitting he lied when alleging he had been tortured by NDF, NamPol, and Environment Ministry officials on 28 April. The charges against the officials are likely to be dropped following the retraction.
15 May 2026 · Informanté →
A former owner of Lifeline Body Workshop and Car Sales has been arrested in connection with an alleged N$179,508 corruption scheme involving repairs for the Namibian Defence Force.
15 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →
Former vehicle workshop owner Tweulongelwa Ndeiluka was arrested by the Anti-Corruption Commission for allegedly defrauding the Namibian Defence Force of over N$179 000 through false quotations and unpaid repair work between November 2019 and February 2020. He was granted bail of N$10 000 and has been charged under the Anti-Corruption Act with using office or position for gratification, with fraud as an alternative charge.
14 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested a 46-year-old former owner of Lifeline Body Workshop in connection with an alleged scheme between November 2019 and February 2020 in which fraudulent payments totaling approximately N$179,508.91 were made to his company for vehicle repairs never rendered and inflated quotations, allegedly in collusion with NDF members.
13 May 2026 · Informanté →
Erongo Red has announced planned power outages on 21 May (08H30–17H30) and 1 June (08H00–17H00) affecting the Ruby 11kV network in areas including Namwater, the airport, Rooibank, NDF Military Base, Dune 7, and Clean Energy to allow NamPower to conduct infrastructure maintenance.
13 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani has questioned a N$179 million quotation from August 26 Construction for a 400-kilometre border fence project along the Namibia-South Africa border aimed at containing foot-and-mouth disease, citing cost concerns and procurement issues.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Opposition leaders say Cassinga Day and Workers' Day have become political mobilisation events for Swapo rather than state occasions reflecting national unity, citing concerns about the presence of the Ndilimani Cultural Troupe and the absence of national institutions at these public holidays.
6 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has removed Namibian Police inspector general Joseph Shikongo from his post, with major general Anne-Marie Nainda appointed as acting inspector general for one year. No grounds for the removal were given, though it came four days after a security breach at State House where an intruder reached the president's private floor.
5 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Former inspector general Sebastian Ndeitunga says the failure to detect a man who entered the presidential residence last week exposed weaknesses across the police chain of command. The breach has fuelled speculation about the status of police inspector general Joseph Shikongo and raised questions about the VIP Protection Unit's head Michael Abraham.
5 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Defence Minister Frans Kapofi denied reports that the Namibian Defence Force has assumed responsibility for protecting President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, saying the military could step in only if required. The denial comes after an alleged security breach at State House on Thursday, when an unidentified man allegedly entered the presidential residence and reached the private living area before being apprehended, though details of how he gained access and whether he was arrested remain unclear.
5 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Namibian Police in Omusati are investigating law enforcement officers for allegedly abusing a poaching suspect during questioning following an operation in Etosha National Park. The suspect was reportedly subjected to severe physical abuse by a joint team of NDF, NamPol, and Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism officials, resulting in serious injuries, and was taken to hospital for treatment.
30 April 2026 · Informanté →
Members of an anti-poaching unit at Etosha National Park have been accused of assaulting and burning a 35-year-old man during questioning in April following a poaching incident. The officials involved are from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Namibian Defence Force, and Namibian Police, and investigations are ongoing.
30 April 2026 · The Namibian →
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 Anti-Corruption Commission announced the arrest of Heita Vilho, a suspended NDF member, for a corruption scheme involving fraudulent payments to a civilian company for vehicle repairs that were never carried out between November 2019 and February 2020, resulting in a financial loss of approximately N$179,508.91 to the NDF. Vilho appeared in court and was granted N$10,000 bail, with his matter remanded to June 2026 for plea.
24 April 2026 · Informanté →
Fourteen individuals and six corporate entities pleaded not guilty to 75 fraud and corruption charges in the Windhoek Magistrate's Court, with allegations including a N$53.2 million filling station transaction and N$331 million in unpaid fuel supplied to three entities. The case was postponed to 28 October pending a prosecutor general decision.
22 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Petrus Shikwaya, 21, testified at his bail hearing that his uncle, former police officer Abner Mateus, used his bank account and sent money through him without his knowledge, including funds allegedly used to buy acid for the attack on prosecutor Justine Shiweda. Shikwaya denied knowing Shiweda or being present during the incident, saying he was in Windhoek at the time.
21 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's government has begun phased implementation of Vision April 2026, an initiative to transform public healthcare by improving accessibility, quality and citizen confidence. The programme, which mandates senior government officials to use public facilities starting April 2024, includes infrastructure upgrades, N$239 million in medical equipment procurement and recruitment of 2,307 health workers, with expansion to additional facilities planned for 2027.
17 April 2026 · New Era →
President Nandi-Ndaitwah announced expanded government programmes to address youth unemployment through training, skills development, and funding. The initiatives include mushroom cultivation and biomass training, the Youth Credit Scheme, and the Youth Development Fund, which has approved 211 projects worth N$63.1 million with potential to create 898 jobs.
15 April 2026 · New Era →
Deputy Minister Dino Ballotti presented the N$35.104 million youth and sports budget for the 2026/2027 financial year to the National Assembly, framing it as a strategic investment in Namibia's future given that 71.1% of the population is under 35. The budget allocates funds for youth skills training and entrepreneurship, the National Youth Service, sports development and infrastructure including N$140 million for basic sporting facilities across regions.
15 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Austin Elindi, director of fuel companies alleged to have defrauded the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) of millions of namibian dollars, was granted bail in the Windhoek Magistrate's Court after spending more than eight months in custody. He is the last of 14 accused persons in the case to be released on bail and faces charges including fraud, corruption, and money laundering related to fuel sales and unpaid credits.
12 April 2026 · The Namibian →