Namibia Minute.
Friday, 24 July 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Friday, 24 July 2026
Windhoek—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Namibian press · Organization

Namibian Defence Force

Also known as: NDF · Namibia Defence Force

Namibian Defence Force — military organization conducting recruit training, conducting operations, and maintaining discipline, with recent focus on mental health and vehicle safety.

2020-07-242026-07-24

What’s been said

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

  1. March 2026
  2. The Namibian

    Namibian Defence Force recruited 1 500 personnel

    Source

    the Namibian Defence Force recruited 1 500, and the Namibian Correctional Service recruited about 400.

    LPM slams Govt for prioritising security jobs
  3. The Namibian

    Namibian Defence Force will participate in a parade

    Source

    The governor said the Namibian Defence Force will participate in a parade, and that the activities lined up will include multi-cultural entertainment, choreography and the inclusive participation of pupils from Eluwa Special School.

    Oshana Independence Day celebrations set for Independence Stadium
  4. New Era

    Namibian Defence Force explained international aviation guidance allows countries to establish restricted or controlled airspace over sensitive military installations.

    Source

    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 reclassification
  5. February 2026
  6. Informanté

    Namibian Defence Force was served by Erkki Nghimtina, who continued to shape and protect the nation's sovereignty

    Source

    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 — NNN
  7. The Namibian

    Namibian Defence Force lost a member who died in a vehicle accident near Karibib

    Source

    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 road
  8. New Era

    Erkki Nghimtina joined Namibian Defence Force after independence in 1990, rising to rank of colonel

    Source

    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 beckons
  9. The Namibian

    Erkki Nghimtina joined the Namibian Defence Force with a rank of colonel until 1995

    Source

    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)
  10. Informanté

    The Namibian Defence Force received affirmation of commitment to strengthening defence cooperation and promoting diplomacy

    Source

    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 Chief
  11. Informanté

    Namibian Defence Force benefited from Nghimtina's contribution to establishing its communications department after independence

    Source

    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 Nghimtina
  12. Informanté

    Namibian Defence Force will benefit from knowledge and skills gained during the courses by officers

    Source

    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 School

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

Sunday 21 June

  1. Murder accused spent allegedly stolen Sanlam funds at KFC, suppliers

    Petrus Shikwaya (22), facing murder charges in connection with prosecutor Justine Shiweda's death and fraud charges tied to an alleged N$2.1 million Sanlam scam, allegedly used part of the fraudulently obtained funds for purchases at KFC and building material suppliers, police told Ondangwa Magistrate's Court during his bail hearing.

    21 June 2026 · The Namibian

Saturday 20 June

  1. Family disputes funeral policies taken out without patient's consent

    A cancer patient's relatives allegedly took out multiple funeral policies on her life without her knowledge while neglecting her care and treatment costs; her sister was denied her own policy coverage, and the deceased's two children may not inherit from policies taken out in their mother's name.

    20 June 2026 · Namibian Sun

Friday 19 June

  1. NDF holds motor vehicle safety workshop in Grootfontein

    The Namibian Defence Force held a week-long motor vehicle accident awareness workshop at the Lieutenant-General Dimo Hamaambo Garrison in Grootfontein, aiming to reduce accidents and become accident-free on the country's roads. Deputy Army Commander Brigadier General Andreas Diyeve urged transport officers and drivers to conduct proper vehicle inspections and apply road safety knowledge in their units.

    19 June 2026 · Informanté

Friday 12 June

  1. Namibian netball star Kaspar steps back from court

    Namibian Navy and Desert Jewels netball star Anna Kaspar has been away from competitive play since last year, nursing her newborn baby. The Walvis Bay-based shooting star has won multiple awards and built a reputation as one of the most clinical shooters for club and country.

    12 June 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Zambezi farmers call for military deployment against cattle rustlers

    Farmers in Zambezi's Liselo-Kamenga border region report daily cattle theft by heavily armed rustlers who drive livestock into Zambia, and are calling for government intervention and deployment of the Namibian Defence Force to address the escalating crisis.

    12 June 2026 · New Era

Thursday 4 June

  1. NYS operates below statutory board member minimum for over year

    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

Tuesday 2 June

  1. IPC calls for stronger mental health support for soldiers

    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

Monday 1 June

  1. Two defence force members die in suspected suicides

    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

Saturday 30 May

  1. NDF confirms deaths of two soldiers in separate incidents

    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

Wednesday 27 May

  1. Defence Minister warns 1,703 new NDF recruits on indiscipline

    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

Tuesday 26 May

  1. NDF 18th Intake graduates at Osona ceremony Thursday

    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

Friday 22 May

  1. NDF modernising training to include drone warfare systems

    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

Thursday 21 May

  1. Navy intercepts foreign vessel for illegal fishing in Namibian waters

    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

Monday 18 May

  1. Ongos draw with Unam, surrender Women's Super League lead

    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

Sunday 17 May

  1. CDF stresses defence diplomacy role in global peace efforts

    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

Friday 15 May

  1. Poaching suspect charged with perjury after recanting torture claim

    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

  2. Former workshop owner arrested over N$179,508 NDF repairs scheme

    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

Namibian Defence Force — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute