Namibia Minute.
Monday, 8 June 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 8 June 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

National Assembly

Also known as: Secretary to the National Assembly · eighth National Assembly · 2024 National Assembly and Presidential Elections · National Assembly elections

Namibia's legislature, which reconvened in June 2026 to debate land, petroleum, and public enterprises governance bills amid parliamentary procedural disputes.

2018-02-092026-06-08
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What’s been said

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

  1. September 2024

  2. The Namibian

    National Assembly speaker Peter Katjavivi told NEFF deputy president NEFF may not return to parliament without ECN letter confirming registration

    Source

    “He said on Monday he was told by National Assembly speaker Peter Katjavivi that NEFF may not return to parliament without a letter from the ECN confirming that they are registered as a party.”

    Electoral commission reviews NEFF High Court ruling as party remains registered
  3. May 2024

  4. The Namibian

    MPs in the National Assembly and National Council appear to have supported bills making same-sex relationships illegal

    Source

    “Led by demagogues and the foul-mouthed Swapo backbencher Jerry Ekandjo, nearly all 146 MPs in the National Assembly and National Council appear to have supported bills that make it illegal to engage in same-sex relationships.”

    MPs Have Blood on Their Hands
  5. March 2024

  6. The Namibian

    National Assembly received the 2024/25 national budget delivery

    Source

    “The first headline referred to the minister of finance and public enterprises, Iipumbu Shiimi, who delivered the 2024/25 national budget in the National Assembly, while the Capricorn Group (Bank Windhoek) and FirstRand (FNB) are corporations from the financial sector.”

    A Caring Budget?
  7. July 2023

  8. The Namibian

    National Assembly received at least 13 proposed laws to urgently close loopholes on money laundering and related crimes

    Source

    “The country's political executives rushed at least 13 proposed laws to the National Assembly to urgently close loopholes related to money laundering, human trafficking, terrorism, extradition and cross-border crime-fighting mechanisms.”

    Do the Right Thing, Voluntarily
  9. June 2023

  10. The Namibian

    National Assembly's committee on natural resources expressed displeasure after James Mnyupe avoided appearing to explain the green hydrogen scheme

    Source

    “Tweya, as chair of the National Assembly's committee on natural resources, made his and other lawmakers' displeasure known after James Mnyupe, president Hage Geingob's hydrogen team leader, avoided appearing in person to explain the green hydrogen scheme to parliamentarians.”

    When Green Hydrogen Smells Fishy

  11. The Namibian

    National Assembly was subject to vehement protests by civil society and opposition parties

    Source

    “However, because of vehement protests by Namibian civil society and opposition parties in the National Assembly, the declaration has not been ratified.”

    Germany and Namibia: A Mockery of Reconciliation and Justice
  12. February 2023

  13. The Namibian

    National Assembly was the venue for Swartbooi's statement calling Nujoma a thug

    Source

    “"Who is Sam Nujoma? What is special about him? He is a thug," Landless People's Movement leader Bernadus Swartbooi said in the National Assembly yesterday.”

    ‘Sam Nujoma is a thug’ – Swartbooi
  14. November 2022

  15. The Namibian

    National Assembly adopted a resolution in 2006 regarding genocide negotiations requiring National Assembly endorsement

    Source

    “In a submission to foreign minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and attorney general Festus Mbandeka, they claim the negotiations were in violation of a resolution adopted by the National Assembly in 2006 and, as a result, unconstitutional.”

    Namibian-German Genocide Negotiations – Is the Master's Voice Speaking?
  16. October 2022

  17. The Namibian

    the National Assembly adopted a resolution in 2006

    Source

    “they claim the negotiations were in violation of a resolution adopted by the National Assembly in 2006 and, as a result, unconstitutional.”

    Namibian-German Genocide Negotiations – Is the Master's Voice Speaking?
  18. September 2022

  19. The Namibian

    National Assembly adopted a 2006 resolution on tripartite negotiations on genocide.

    Source

    “It further seeks tripartite and direct negotiations on an equal footing among the three parties (Namibian and German governments and representatives of the descendants of the victims of genocide) as per the 2006 resolution of our National Assembly.”

    Genocide Issue: A Call For a Mediator
Politics

Speaker urges media to portray women leaders more fairly

The News

Speaker of the National Assembly Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila called on media institutions to improve coverage of women in leadership positions, saying disproportionate focus on controversy and personal conduct over professional achievements erodes public confidence in women leaders and discourages their participation in public life.

Why it matters

The Speaker's call for fairer media coverage of women leaders addresses bias in public discourse and women's participation in governance.

6 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 6 June

  1. Speaker urges media to portray women leaders more fairly

    Speaker of the National Assembly Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila called on media institutions to improve coverage of women in leadership positions, saying disproportionate focus on controversy and personal conduct over professional achievements erodes public confidence in women leaders and discourages their participation in public life.

    6 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 5 June

  1. Black Namibians lack meaningful economic transformation, lawyer argues

    Legal practitioner Sisa Namandje contends that 37 years after independence, black Namibians remain unable to pursue the happiness promised in the Constitution's preamble, accusing both legislature and executive of insufficient action on racial economic imbalances and policies favouring those disadvantaged under apartheid.

    5 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 4 June

  1. Government launches EV charging station pilot at ministry headquarters

    The Ministry of Works and Transport has installed an electric vehicle charging station at its Windhoek headquarters as a pilot project to assess the feasibility of a nationwide charging network. The facility, designed by ministry engineers, will serve as a case study to guide future EV charging infrastructure deployment across the country, initially targeting government-owned vehicles and government employees before expanding to the public.

    4 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. PDM MP raises questions on police vehicle and fleet shortages

    A PDM member of parliament has tabled questions to the home affairs minister about persistent administrative and operational deficiencies in police stations, including inadequate fleet management, delayed vehicle maintenance, and uneven resource distribution between regions. She is seeking details on how many police stations lack adequate vehicles, measures to address maintenance delays, and the impact of suspended border patrol activities on border security.

    4 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 3 June

  1. Parliament adjourned early after chaotic scenes disrupt assembly

    Parliament was adjourned early on Wednesday after chaotic scenes erupted in the National Assembly, with the Speaker struggling to maintain order during heated exchanges between MPs over speaking procedures and points of order. The Speaker reminded members that parliamentary rules must be followed and warned that continued disruptions could not be allowed to derail proceedings.

    3 June 2026 · Informanté →

  2. ACC director-general tenure ending, calls for new leadership

    With Anti-Corruption Commission Director-General Paulus Noa's tenure ending this month after leading the agency since its 2006 inception, voices including former parliament member Hidipo Hamata are calling for new leadership and endorsing candidates like legal practitioner Norman Tjombe. Affirmative Repositioning MP Job Amupanda confirmed his party is engaging government to ensure the ACC director-general and deputy director-general positions are advertised before their June/July expiry.

    3 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 2 June

  1. Public enterprises bill divides opposition and Swapo in parliament

    Opposition and Swapo lawmakers are divided over a governance amendment bill that would grant the prime minister authority to oversee state-owned enterprises and appoint board members in consultation with line ministers. Critics argue it concentrates political power and weakens accountability, while supporters say it clarifies reporting structures and improves coordination.

    2 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Land and petroleum bills dominate National Assembly agenda

    The National Assembly has resumed with focus on several key legislative items, including the long-awaited land bill, the petroleum bill, the public enterprises governance amendment bill, and the mental health bill. A political analyst says the land bill should receive highest priority due to its implications for livelihoods, investment, housing, agriculture and social equity.

    2 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 1 June

  1. National Assembly resumes fourth session with MPs from oversight duties

    The National Assembly reconvenes on 2 June 2026 after a month recess during which MPs conducted oversight visits, stakeholder consultations, and regional and international parliamentary engagements. Deputy Speaker Katamelo was appointed chairperson of the Pan-African Parliament Committee on Cooperation, International Relations and Conflict Resolution, while parliamentary committees assessed poverty alleviation and service delivery, including concerns over an incomplete N$41 million Eenhana Town Council building project.

    1 June 2026 · Informanté →

Saturday 30 May

  1. National Assembly speaker emphasises deeper Namibia-China cooperation

    National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila on Wednesday emphasised the need to deepen Namibia-China cooperation during a visit by a Chinese parliamentary delegation headed by Zhu Yongxin, vice chairperson of China's national committee of the People's Political Consultative Conference. Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said Namibia seeks to build on its longstanding relationship with China to advance mutual development, economic growth and prosperity for both nations.

    30 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 28 May

  1. Speaker urges commitment to genocide recognition and reparations

    National Assembly Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said that while commemorating Namibia's 1904–1908 genocide is necessary, the country must remain committed to addressing unresolved questions of recognition and reparation. She stressed that the 2021 joint declaration with Germany represented progress, but Namibia's concerns must be fully reflected in its implementation to achieve true justice and reconciliation.

    28 May 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Deputy Speaker calls unity at Shark Island genocide remembrance

    At Shark Island's joint ||Kharas and Hardap regional commemoration on Genocide Remembrance Day, Deputy Speaker Phillipus Katamelo urged Namibians to embrace forgiveness, unity, and historical truth while preserving memory of the 1904–1908 genocide, noting the island's use as a German concentration camp between 1905 and 1907 where Ovaherero and Nama prisoners faced starvation, forced labour, violence, disease, and death.

    28 May 2026 · Informanté →

  3. Katamelo urges Germany beyond words on genocide

    National Assembly deputy speaker Phillipus Katamelo said that the 1904–1908 genocide against the Ovaherero and Nama people can only be addressed through meaningful action, not words alone. He urged companies operating in Namibia to focus on improving social conditions and creating jobs in local communities as a way to help correct historical injustices.

    28 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. PM calls for continued documentation of 1904–1908 genocide

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, speaking at Genocide Remembrance Day commemorations in Otjinene, urged ongoing academic research and publication of the 1904–1908 genocide to preserve memory of colonial-era atrocities. He stressed that documentation through books, archives, universities, museums, and films is essential to prevent historical records from fading and to ensure future generations have access to truthful accounts of the affected communities' suffering and resilience.

    28 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Genocide remembrance requires justice and healing, says speaker

    National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said Namibia's Genocide Remembrance Day commemorates the systematic killing of Ovaherero and Nama people by German colonial forces between 1904 and 1908, and stressed that remembrance alone is insufficient—addressing unresolved recognition and reparations issues remains necessary, despite the 2021 Joint Declaration between Namibia and Germany.

    28 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 27 May

  1. ||Kharas and Hardap regions host unity and development programme

    The ||Kharas and Hardap regions are holding a two-day programme in Lüderitz led by regional governors, bringing together government, traditional authorities, youth, and development partners to promote unity, remembrance, and development ahead of the annual Genocide Remembrance Day commemoration on 28 May. The programme includes a Heritage Meets Development Stakeholder Conference themed "From Genocide to Renaissance," focusing on youth participation, cultural preservation, sustainable development, and inclusive economic growth.

    27 May 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Petroleum Amendment Bill raises questions about governance and presidential power

    An opinion article argues that Namibia should not rush to formalize a more centralized petroleum governance structure that would shift authority to the Office of the President and the Upstream Petroleum Unit before parliament and the public fully consider the constitutional and accountability consequences.

    27 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 24 May

  1. Sexwale challenges Ramaphosa's Phala Phala farm scandal account

    ANC veteran Tokyo Sexwale has disputed President Cyril Ramaphosa's explanation of US dollars stolen from his Phala Phala farm, calling it a "cock-and-bull story" and demanding Ramaphosa appear before the impeachment committee. Ramaphosa has said the cash was proceeds from cattle and game sales to a Sudanese businessman and was left at the farm to secure future purchases before being stolen.

    24 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 22 May

  1. Speaker urges parliaments to expand financial oversight scope

    National Assembly Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has called on parliaments across Southern Africa to expand financial oversight beyond central governments to include pension funds.

    22 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Wednesday 20 May

  1. PM Ngurare backs Nandi-Ndaitwah for second term

    Prime minister Elijah Ngurare publicly supports president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah serving a second term, arguing that previous elected presidents served more than one term and that premature succession debates distract from government service delivery. Swapo's elective congress to choose a presidential candidate for the 2029 elections is expected next year.

    20 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 19 May

  1. Former PDM MP Hamata denies plans to join Swapo

    Hidipo Hamata, who recently quit the Popular Democratic Movement, has clarified he is not joining the ruling Swapo party and may take time to reflect and pursue other work instead.

    19 May 2026 · New Era →

Monday 18 May

  1. ECN commissioners to declare assets under proposed amendments

    Proposed amendments to the Electoral Commission of Namibia Act will compel commissioners to declare their assets within 60 days of the act coming into force and thereafter annually, a move political parties say could strengthen public trust and transparency. Commissioners must submit declarations to the speaker of the National Assembly, with failure to comply constituting grounds for misconduct.

    18 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Former PDM parliamentarian Hamata resigns, rules out new party

    Former National Assembly member Hidipo Hamata has resigned from the Popular Democratic Movement, saying he will not join another political party. He indicated he prefers to explore opportunities beyond politics and described leaving one party as not automatically meaning joining another.

    18 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. ECN reviews Electoral Act ahead of 2029 elections

    The Electoral Commission of Namibia has resumed review of the Electoral Amendment Bill to strengthen the electoral framework ahead of the 2029 presidential and National Assembly elections and 2030 regional and local authority polls. The ECN's proposals cover voter registration, election management, political party regulation, and the powers of the Electoral Court, including measures to strengthen the ECN's independence from government.

    18 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 14 May

  1. Botswana's Boko pays respects to late president Mogae

    Botswana president Duma Boko paid respects to former president Festus Mogae, who died on 8 May after a long illness, praising him as a distinguished leader whose stewardship strengthened Botswana's democracy and stability. Botswana declared 15 May an unpaid public holiday in his honour.

    14 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 13 May

  1. Nurses must be supported and protected—Nanu statement

    The Namibia Nurses Union says nurses remain the backbone of the healthcare system despite facing staff shortages, burnout, unsafe working conditions and limited professional development opportunities, and called on government, healthcare institutions and policymakers to prioritize nurses' welfare and protection. A PDM MP also called on government to prioritize the mental well-being of psychiatric nurses, proposing dedicated psychological support and a special mental wellness allowance for those working in psychiatric departments.

    13 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 12 May

  1. Calls for Ramaphosa resignation premature without impeachment process

    An analysis of South Africa's Constitutional Court judgment on the Phala Phala matter argues that demands for President Ramaphosa's resignation are premature, as impeachment requires careful legal scrutiny and can only proceed on grounds of serious constitutional violation or misconduct under Section 89 of the Constitution.

    12 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Ramaphosa rejects resignation calls, pursues legal review

    President Cyril Ramaphosa said he will not resign over the Phala Phala matter and instead will seek a legal review of Parliament's Section 89 panel report on the theft of US$580,000 from his farm. The review process could take up to a year and may run in parallel with an impeachment committee proceeding.

    12 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. South African president seeks legal review of impeachment report

    President Cyril Ramaphosa announced he will pursue a judicial review of a Section 89 independent panel report that could lead to his impeachment over the Phala Phala saga. The Constitutional Court cleared the path for a public impeachment hearing into Ramaphosa's conduct on 8 May.

    12 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 11 May

  1. South African President Ramaphosa refuses to resign after court ruling

    South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced he will not resign following a Constitutional Court judgment on the Section 89 impeachment process linked to the Phala Phala matter, stating the ruling does not compel his resignation and that he intends to challenge the independent panel's report through judicial review.

    11 May 2026 · Informanté →

National Assembly — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute