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.

August 2026
2 AugThe Namibian
National Assembly unanimously approved Bryan Eiseb's nomination
Source
“Two weeks ago, the National Assembly unanimously approved his nomination.”
Unexplained wealth a red flag for corruption – Eiseb
July 2026
26 JulThe Namibian
The National Assembly made a decision in 2006 that excluded indigenous communities from direct participation in negotiations
Source
“Similarly, a decision taken by the National Assembly in 2006 refers to it as a point of departure but has excluded relevant agencies of the most affected indigenous communities from direct participation in the negotiations.”
The Namibian and German Governments’ Post-Colonial Colonialism
22 JulWindhoek Observer
National Assembly confirmed Namibia's participation in Pan-African Parliament provides important platform for country contribution
Source
“The National Assembly confirmed that Namibia's participation in the Pan-African Parliament provides an important platform for the country to contribute to discussions on matters affecting the African continent.”
Namibia’s PAP delegation begins committee sittings
20 JulNew Era
Parliament has failed to pass substantive laws during its current term beyond the budget
Source
“He said Parliament has failed to pass substantive laws during its current term beyond the budget.”
Swapo Old Guard preach compliance
15 JulWindhoek Observer
National Assembly adjourned for mid-year recess
Source
“As the National Assembly adjourns for its mid-year recess, the Eighth Parliament finds itself at an important juncture.”
Parliament must match Namibia’s moment
14 JulThe Namibian
National Assembly has growing backlog of legislative matters
Source
“Emvula told The Namibian on Tuesday that the proposed changes would expedite parliamentary business, reduce the growing backlog, strengthen oversight and improve the legislature's effectiveness.”
Emvula proposes National Assembly overhaul
13 JulWindhoek Observer
National Assembly unanimously approved Bryan Eiseb as next director general of the Anti-Corruption Commission
Source
“The unanimous approval of Bryan Eiseb as the next director general of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) by the National Assembly on Friday was accompanied by an unusually united warning from lawmakers that the commission must shed perceptions of selective justice and restore public confidence by pursuing corruption without fear, favour or political interference.”
Parliament warns new ACC chief against selective justice
12 JulThe Namibian
National Assembly inherited the programme in March 2025
Source
“Implemented since August 2020 and inherited by Namibia's eighth parliament in March 2025, the programme strengthened cooperation between the parliament, the government and civil society organisations, promoting improved oversight, inclusive policymaking, and public participation.”
EU pumps N$127 million into Namibia’s democracy drive
12 JulThe Namibian
Opposition members in National Assembly collapsed quorum by refusing to attend two consecutive days
Source
“By scurrying out of the National Assembly two days in a row, the opposition brilliantly collapsed the required quorum, leaving 47 ruling party members blinking in an empty room, holding the heavy, embarrassing bag of their own thwarted ambitions.”
ECN a Pawn Again
10 JulThe Namibian
National Assembly approved Bryan Eiseb's nomination as director general of Anti-Corruption Commission
Source
“The session concluded with the National Assembly approving the nomination of Bryan Eiseb as the next director general of the Anti-Corruption Commission.”
MPs to conduct oversight visits during parliamentary recess

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 →