National Assembly

Also known as: Secretary to the National Assembly · eighth National Assembly · 2024 National Assembly and Presidential Elections · National Assembly elections · National Assembly in 2006 · the National Assembly standing committee on public accounts

Namibia's legislature, currently experiencing parliamentary dysfunction marked by opposition walkouts, disruptive conduct allegations, and a motion to remove its speaker.

2018-02-092026-09-06

What’s been said

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

March 2026
11 MarThe Namibian
National Assembly received contributions on the recently tabled budget.
Source
“She said this on Tuesday while contributing to the recently tabled budget in the National Assembly.”
PDM’s Hengari alarmed by country’s debt burden
11 MarThe Namibian
National Assembly tabled a budget criticised for failing to fund GBV shelters
Source
“The recently tabled budget in the National Assembly has been criticised for failing to address the lack of shelters for gender-based violence (GBV) victims across all regions.”
Namibia’s budget criticised for failing to fund GBV shelters
11 MarThe Namibian
National Assembly received Aupindi's proposal during national budget contribution on Tuesday
Source
“Aupindi made this proposal during his contribution to the national budget in the National Assembly on Tuesday.”
Aupindi proposes gold, uranium as dividends for Govt
10 MarThe Namibian
National Assembly received a letter from Emma Theofelus requesting that information commissioner recruitment process be halted
Source
“In a letter to the National Assembly secretary, dated 27 February, Theofelus requests that the process of recruiting a new commissioner be halted until further notice.”
Minister halts commissioner recruitment
10 MarInformanté
Racist and tribal members of the National Assembly are harming democracy, service delivery and democratic progress
Source
“Racist and tribal members of the National Assembly who wrongly call themselves "parliamentarians" and "honourable" are harming democracy, improved service delivery and democratic progress in unity.”
Tribalism and racism destroys
9 MarNew Era
National Assembly received for scrutiny Kandjeke's audit report tabled in November
Source
“In his report submitted and recently tabled in the National Assembly in November for scrutiny, Kandjeke audited the Fund's books for the three FYs.”
Bravo, Kandjeke tells disaster fund
9 MarThe Namibian
National Assembly received ACC's annual report for 2024/25
Source
“Out of 127 investigations received by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), only 12 have been finalised in court, according to its annual report for 2024/25 tabled in the National Assembly last week.”
ACC closes 12 of 127 investigations in 2024/25
7 MarThe Namibian
National Assembly received report from parliamentary standing committee recommending Headspring Investments proceed with uranium exploration and mining
Source
“The committee, chaired by Tobie Aupindi, tabled its report in the National Assembly on Tuesday, arguing that allowing the project to proceed would enable the government to gather scientific data on natural contamination and develop mitigation strategies.”
Rosatom uranium project continues to divide opinion
6 MarNew Era
National Assembly witnessed on 4 March an incident touching on colonial land dispossession
Source
“The incident that occurred on 4 March in the National Assembly awakened my mind and raised many questions.”
Opinion – Unfinished business: Namibia’s land, national reconciliation
5 MarThe Namibian
National Assembly suspended the recruitment of an information commissioner and deputy
Source
“In a newspaper notice on Wednesday, the parliament announced that the recruitment process for these two positions was halted.”
Parliament stops search for N$1.4m-per-year information commissioner

Politics

Swapo condemns AR MPs for disruptive conduct in parliament

The News

Swapo has accused the Affirmative Repositioning movement of "deliberate and politically motivated disruptive conduct" in the National Assembly, citing incidents in which AR members were removed after allegedly wearing jeans and using cellphones in the chamber. AR leader Job Amupanda dismissed the allegations as "cheap, frivolous and intellectually bankrupt," defending his MPs' parliamentary contributions.

4 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 4 September

Swapo condemns AR MPs for disruptive conduct in parliament
Swapo has accused the Affirmative Repositioning movement of "deliberate and politically motivated disruptive conduct" in the National Assembly, citing incidents in which AR members were removed after allegedly wearing jeans and using cellphones in the chamber. AR leader Job Amupanda dismissed the allegations as "cheap, frivolous and intellectually bankrupt," defending his MPs' parliamentary contributions.
4 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 3 September

National Assembly clarifies speaker's security personnel are police
The National Assembly clarified that police officers protecting speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila are employed by the police, not parliament, following claims from Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda. Police command, deployment, and pay remain under the police establishment, though the National Assembly may cover travel-related security expenses authorised under the State Finance Act.
3 September 2026 · The Namibian →
IPC moves to remove speaker Kuugongelwa-Amadhila
The Independent Patriots for Change has tabled a motion to remove National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, with opposition parties backing the bid, alleging she is ruling parliament with an "iron fist" and bias, and has repeatedly exercised powers that belong to parliament itself and failed to follow parliamentary procedures.
3 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Parliament clarifies Speaker's security arrangements and funding
The National Assembly has clarified that police officers assigned to Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila are members of the Namibian Police Force deployed and controlled by police authorities, not recruited or employed by the Speaker or parliament. Their salaries are paid through the police establishment, and any assembly expenditure for official travel follows state finance procedures and does not create an employment relationship.
3 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
SWAPO condemns disruptive conduct by AR MPs in parliament
The SWAPO Party has condemned what it describes as deliberate and politically motivated disruptions by members of the Affirmative Repositioning party and opposition MPs in the National Assembly, calling for sanctions. The party alleges that AR members under Job Amupanda's leadership have repeatedly disrupted parliamentary proceedings on more than three occasions, including recent incidents where members were forcibly removed and the Speaker adjourned the sitting.
3 September 2026 · Informanté →
NEFF asks speaker to step aside for one month
The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters have called on National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila to voluntarily step aside for one month, citing concerns about disorder, tension, and perceived unequal treatment of opposition members in parliamentary proceedings.
3 September 2026 · The Namibian →
NDP leader calls for non-partisan National Assembly speaker
Martin Lukato argues that Namibia needs a speaker of the National Assembly who is neutral and free from political party affiliations, rather than replacing the current speaker with another Swapo member. He proposes constitutional and electoral amendments to allow thorough screening of candidates and a rotation system where the speaker and deputy speaker would come from opposing political sides.
3 September 2026 · The Namibian →
SWAPO accuses AR of disruption and anarchy in parliament
SWAPO's Hilma Nicanor has accused Affirmative Repositioning members under Job Amupanda of deliberate disruptions of parliamentary proceedings, citing incidents including attempting to speak in jeans and using a cellphone in the chamber, which forced the Speaker to adjourn proceedings.
3 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
NEFF MP calls for Speaker to step aside temporarily
NEFF deputy leader Kalimbo Iipumbu has called on National Assembly Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila to voluntarily step aside for one month, citing recent parliamentary disorder and concerns about her impartiality toward opposition MPs. The call follows an IPC motion seeking the Speaker's removal and consecutive days of disorder in the chamber.
3 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Asoli party urges president to intervene in parliamentary dysfunction
The Asoli Progressive Party has called on President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to intervene in what it characterizes as dysfunction in the National Assembly, with party president Josef Kauandenge accusing the ruling party and speaker of contributing to parliamentary disruptions and a slow pace of legislation. Kauandenge urges greater consultation between Swapo and opposition parties to improve parliamentary proceedings.
3 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Opposition MPs walk out during ECN appointment vote
Opposition MPs walked out of the National Assembly on Tuesday during a vote on three nominees to the Electoral Commission of Namibia, stalling the appointment process.
3 September 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Wednesday 2 September

IPC MP moves to remove National Assembly speaker
IPC member Michael Mulunga filed a motion to remove National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila from office, citing failures in her duty to act fairly and impartially and apply parliamentary rules. Kuugongelwa-Amadhila deferred ruling on whether the motion can be tabled, noting that Mulunga could not appeal to remove the same person he was appealing to.
2 September 2026 · The Namibian →
IPC moves motion to remove National Assembly speaker
The Independent Patriots for Change filed a motion in the National Assembly on Wednesday seeking the removal of speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, citing her failure to uphold the rules fairly and impartially and citing two incidents this year in which parliamentary proceedings were disrupted.
2 September 2026 · The Namibian →
IPC tables unprecedented motion to remove National Assembly Speaker
The Independent Patriots for Change tabled the first-ever motion in Namibian parliamentary history seeking a vote of no confidence in National Assembly Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, citing her failure to act fairly and impartially in presiding over the House.
2 September 2026 · Informanté →
Minister calls for accountability after opposition MPs walk out
Information and communication technology minister Emma Theofelus called for MPs who walked out of the National Assembly on Tuesday to be held accountable, saying such conduct undermines parliament's work and wastes the assembly's time. Opposition MPs walked out during voting on the Electoral Commission of Namibia chairperson nomination, stalling the vote due to lack of quorum.
2 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 1 September

Venaani demands details on government's 14-region manufacturing plan
PDM president McHenry Venaani is demanding the government disclose details about its plan to establish manufacturing and processing facilities across all 14 regions, including which projects have been identified, how they will be funded, and how many jobs are expected to be created.
1 September 2026 · The Namibian →
ECN chairperson nomination stalled over quorum shortfall
The National Assembly failed to reach the required 49-vote quorum to decide on Gerson Sindano's nomination as Electoral Commission of Namibia chairperson, with only 45 MPs supporting the motion on Tuesday. Opposition MPs walked out of the chamber in protest, with disagreement over whether this constitutes a genuine absence of quorum or a deliberate obstruction of the voting process.
1 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 31 August

National Assembly resumes Fourth Session on September 1
The National Assembly will resume the Fourth Session of the Eighth Parliament on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, to consider several agenda items including continuation of debate on the Land Bill, Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill, Regional Councils Amendment Bill, Public Enterprises Governance Amendment Bill, Income Tax Amendment Bill, and the Accountants and Auditors Regulatory Authority Bill, as well as reports and tabled motions.
31 August 2026 · Informanté →

Sunday 30 August

MOUs are not deals; Namibia should measure diplomacy results
An editorial argues that Memoranda of Understanding do not constitute binding agreements and typically bypass parliamentary scrutiny, and that Namibia should focus on measurable economic outcomes rather than ceremonial "signing" events with other countries.
30 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Mental health bill passes National Council, sent to president
The mental health bill has passed its final hurdle in the National Council without amendments and will now be sent to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah for consideration under the Namibian Constitution.
30 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 29 August

National Assembly resumes with bills on land, petroleum, taxation
The National Assembly is set to resume on Tuesday for a sitting scheduled at 14h30, with lawmakers expected to continue second-reading debate on six pieces of legislation including a land bill, petroleum amendment bill, regional councils amendment bill, public enterprises governance amendment bill, income tax amendment bill, and accountants and auditors regulatory authority bill, as well as consider reports and debate motions.
29 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 27 August

Parliament committee examines tribal favouritism claims in teacher promotions
The Teachers Union of Namibia has raised concerns that tribal favouritism in promotions has resulted in unequal representation in senior teaching positions in some regions. A National Council standing committee acknowledged the concerns but cautioned that such claims should be supported by statistics, and stressed the need to balance inclusivity and diversity with merit and good performance.
27 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Opposition leader calls for broader definition of Namibian heroes
Immanuel Nashinge, leader of the official opposition, argues that Namibia's definition of national heroes should expand beyond liberation struggle figures to include citizens who serve communities, protect others, create employment, and build the economy. He contends the current system for awarding national honours favours individuals with liberation credentials or political ties while overlooking contemporary contributions.
27 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 26 August

Witbooi honours Nandi-Ndaitwah's liberation struggle journey
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 →

Tuesday 25 August

Government workers authorised early departure before Heroes Day
Government employees have been authorised to leave work at 13h00 on Tuesday, except those in emergency and critical services, to prepare for Heroes Day commemoration on Wednesday. The directive, issued by the Cabinet secretariat on behalf of Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, applies to executive directors, accounting officers, National Assembly and National Council officials, and other senior public servants.
25 August 2026 · The Namibian →
NDP fires three leaders over dictatorship allegations against Lukato
The National Democratic Party has dismissed secretary general Alex Linyando, regional coordinator Allen Mwilima, and presidential affairs manager Obrien Lisulo following their public accusations that party president Martin Lukato runs the party as a one-man operation, misuses funds, and creates a hostile environment for dissenting members. NDP deputy president David Mwilima rejected the allegations as false and intended to tarnish the party's reputation.
25 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Opinion: Namibia's constitution needs decolonisation
An opinion piece argues that Namibia's constitutional framework treats opposition parties as inferior and enables majority rule to suppress truth and facts in parliamentary and cabinet decisions, calling for amendment of Articles 32 and 35 to establish a consensus-based system of governance.
25 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 24 August

Zambezi farmers accuse Zamco of unpaid cattle deliveries
Livestock farmers in Zambezi region say the Zambezi Meat Corporation has collected 770 head of cattle since June but failed to pay for them, despite promising payment within four to seven days. The payment delays follow Meatco's handover of Katima Mulilo abattoir operations to Zamco in June, and farmers report lack of communication about the transition.
24 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 20 August

Government assures oil and gas investors of policy certainty
At the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference, mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse reassured investors that policy uncertainty will not derail Namibia's most advanced offshore oil projects, citing institutional, policy, and fiscal certainty. The move of upstream petroleum control from the energy ministry to the Office of the Presidency is a deliberate realignment to protect the sector, Amutse said, while a new local content policy approved this month provides investors with clear expectations.
20 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 19 August

Labour hire middlemen blamed for worker exploitation
A parliamentary standing committee is assessing employment conditions in Namibia's wholesale and retail sectors in Erongo, where labour hire practices and middlemen are reportedly contributing to worker exploitation and poverty. Union representatives have called for a review of the Labour Act to address provisions allowing these practices to continue.
19 August 2026 · The Namibian →