Namibian Defence Forceis included inVision April 2026 healthcare initiative
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“This initiative also encompasses senior officials from various government departments and agencies, such as the National Planning Commission, the Electoral Commission of Namibia, the Namibian Police Force and the Namibian Defence Force.”
Namibian Defence Forcetrained2,419 members in combat and academic skills for digital era operations
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“A total 2 419 Namibian Defence Force (NDF) members were trained in combat and academic skills, providing them with the necessary abilities to operate effectively in the digital era, as per the sixth National Development Plan.”
Namibian Defence Forcewill receiveadvanced network laboratory with modern IT infrastructure at Osona military base
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“Deputy minister of defence and veterans affairs Charles Mubita has inaugurated an Indian-funded advanced network laboratory at Osona military base to enhance information technology training within the Namibian Defence Force.”
NDFsays leaked information on proposal could cause confusionamong public and aviation industry
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“THE Namibian Defence Force (NDF) says leaked information on a proposal to reclassify a military operations area in the Erongo region could cause confusion among the public and in the aviation industry.”
“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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.