Sunday, 6 September 2026

Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026

Sunday, 6 September 2026

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Namibian press · Organization

National Democratic Party

Also known as: NDP

Opposition party in Namibia led by Martin Lukato, which won one National Assembly seat in 2024 elections and holds seats on local councils.

2024-09-222026-09-06

What’s been said

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

September 2026
3 SeptThe Namibian
National Democratic Party is led by Martin Lukato
Source
“National Democratic Party (NDP) leader and member of parliament Martin Lukato says Namibia needs a non-partisan speaker of the National Assembly who can treat all political parties equally.”
Lukato wants a non-partisan speaker
August 2026
30 AugThe Namibian
National Democratic Party leader Martin Lukato says was not invited to the ceremony despite being a parliament member
Source
“Lukato, meanwhile, says he was not invited to the ceremony despite being a member of the parliament.”
Opposition questions criteria for heroes status
27 AugNamibian Sun
The National Democratic Party (NDP) has expelled three senior members who publicly questioned the party's handling of finances
Source
“The National Democratic Party (NDP) has expelled three senior members who publicly questioned the party's handling of finances and who accused NDP leader Martin Lukato of running t...”
NDP boots out three members over Lukato criticism
25 AugThe Namibian
National Democratic Party fired three top structure leaders following dictatorship accusations
Source
“The National Democratic Party (NDP) has fired three top structure leaders following their dictatorship accusations against the party's president, Martin Lukato.”
Lukato’s party fires three members after dictatorship allegations
July 2026
30 JulNew Era
National Democratic Party (NDP) dismisses proposal to extend Parliament's working hours
Source
“the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) supporting the proposal while the National Democratic Party (NDP) dismisses it.”
IPC backs longer Parliament sittings … as NDP pushes back
15 JulThe Namibian
National Democratic Party president Martin Lukato says cannot support Sindano as candidate while he remains Swapo member
Source
“National Democratic Party president Martin Lukato says he cannot support a candidate with active ties to the ruling party.”
ECN nominee Sindano faces opposition scrutiny over past Swapo ties
April 2026
14 AprThe Namibian
National Democratic Party called for the ministry to strengthen the fodder feeding scheme to support struggling farmers
Source
“National Democratic Party leader Martin Lukato calls on the ministry to strengthen the fodder feeding scheme to support struggling farmers.”
Agriculture funding woes deepen as MPs warn of food security risks
March 2026
24 MarThe Namibian
National Democratic Party is led by Martin Lukato
Source
“Political leaders and National Democratic Party leader Martin Lukato are blaming past failures and corruption for the continued, illegal use of the Botswana pula in Namibia's eastern Zambezi region.”
Eastern Zambezi still uses Botswana pula as NDP's Lukato blames past leadership for bridge delays
23 MarNew Era
National Democratic Party was represented at the Independence Day celebrations by leader Lukato Lukato
Source
“He specifically called on National Democratic Party (NDP) leader Lukato Lukato to come forward and greet the crowd.”
Mubita sings unity
19 MarThe Namibian
National Democratic Party is led by Martin Lukato
Source
“National Democratic Party leader Martin Lukato says despite positive financial reports, the N$104 billion budget for the 2026/2027 financial year tabled in the National Assembly last month, defaulted on a promise to increase senior citizens' pensions.”
Lukato dismayed by unfulfilled promise to pensioners

Politics

NDP leader calls for non-partisan National Assembly speaker

The News

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 →

Thursday 3 September

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 →

Sunday 30 August

Opposition urges broadening of national honours beyond liberation struggle
Opposition leaders say Namibia should expand its national honours criteria to recognise contributions of ordinary citizens and diverse leaders beyond those from the liberation struggle, 36 years after independence.
30 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 27 August

NDP expels three members over Lukato finance criticism
The National Democratic Party has expelled three senior members who publicly questioned the party's handling of finances and accused NDP leader Martin Lukato of mismanagement.
27 August 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Tuesday 25 August

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 →

Thursday 30 July

IPC backs longer Parliament sittings; NDP opposes plan
The Independent Patriots for Change support calls by the Institute for Public Policy Research to extend Parliament's sitting hours and days to address the backlog of bills, while the National Democratic Party rejects the proposal. IPC previously tabled a motion to have the National Assembly sit Monday to Friday, which was rejected by Swapo, and argues that systemic parliamentary changes beyond just extended hours are needed.
30 July 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 15 July

Opposition challenges ECN nominee over Swapo membership ties
Opposition parties oppose Gerson Sindano's nomination to chair the Electoral Commission of Namibia, citing his past role as personal assistant to a Swapo official and his current Swapo membership as undermining the commission's independence ahead of the 2030 elections. The National Democratic Party president says he would only support Sindano if he publicly renounced his Swapo membership.
15 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 14 July

MPs warn ACC leadership must ensure impartial corruption investigations
Members of Parliament have challenged the incoming Anti-Corruption Commission leadership to demonstrate independence and impartiality, with lawmakers warning that the institution's credibility depends on investigating corruption without fear or favour. Swapo MP Tobie Aupindi criticized the outgoing ACC leadership and alleged the commission had been weaponized to settle political scores and applied investigations selectively.
14 July 2026 · New Era →

Saturday 16 May

Katima Mulilo proposes servicing 200 plots annually
Katima Mulilo mayor Kabende Kabende has proposed servicing 200 residential plots annually for five years to address a housing backlog exceeding 6,000 units and over 2,000 applicants on a waiting list dating back to 2008. The plan aims to reduce informal settlements and introduce predictability and accountability in addressing land demand.
16 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 17 April

Political leaders unite at memorial for late MP James Uerikua
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and leaders from across Namibia's political spectrum paid tribute to former Otjozondjupa governor and Swapo MP James Uerikua at a Wednesday memorial service, celebrating his legacy as a bridge-builder who commanded respect across party lines. Uerikua, who died in a car accident on 3 April along with his 14-year-old son Venturo, was praised for his dedication to inclusive development and democratic dialogue.
17 April 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 14 April

MPs warn persistent agriculture ministry underfunding threatens food security
Members of parliament have expressed concern over the continued underfunding of the agriculture ministry, with lawmakers warning that declining allocations for land distribution, drought support, and veterinary services risk compromising national food security and employment. The ministry received N$1.8 billion for the current financial year, with over N$1.4 billion allocated to operations and over N$300 million to development.
14 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 8 April

National Assembly adjourns to honour deceased Swapo parliamentarian Uerikua
The National Assembly adjourned on Tuesday following the death of Swapo parliamentarian James Uerikua, who died on Friday. The Speaker announced the adjournment after consultation with party chief whips, and President Nandi-Ndaitwah visited Uerikua's family.
8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 28 March

National Assembly budget cuts risk crippling parliamentary work
Parliament members say the National Assembly's budget allocation of N$410.7 million for 2026/27 is inadequate, with only 1% allocated to development and 19% to core NA activities. MPs warn the underfunding threatens the institution's capacity for lawmaking and public outreach.
28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 24 March

Eastern Zambezi communities still use Botswana pula currency illegally
Political leaders including National Democratic Party chief Martin Lukato are blaming past corruption and poor planning for Impalila and Kasika islands' continued illegal use of Botswana pula 36 years after Namibia's independence, and are calling for government action to build a delayed bridge linking the islands and addressing transport challenges in the flood-prone region.
24 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 23 March

Deputy Minister calls for unity, action against corruption
At Namibia's 36th Independence Day celebrations in Bukalo, Deputy Minister of Defence Charles Mubita urged the country to move beyond reflection and embrace action on national development, warning that corruption, nepotism, and tribalism continue to undermine progress. In a show of political unity, Mubita invited opposition leaders, including NDP leader Lukato Lukato, to join him on stage, emphasizing that national development transcends party lines.
23 March 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 19 March

Lukato criticises unfulfilled pension increase promise
National Democratic Party leader Martin Lukato has criticised the government's 2026/2027 budget for failing to fulfil President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's promise to increase senior citizens' monthly old-age pensions from N$1,600 to N$3,000, noting that the budget contains only a N$100 increase and citing instead a shift in priorities toward youth development.
19 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 16 March

LPM proposes labour export to address Namibia's unemployment crisis
Landless People's Movement leader Bernardus Swartbooi has called on the government to consider exporting labour to address Namibia's 36.9% unemployment rate, citing examples from Kenya, Uganda and Ghana that place workers in Gulf Cooperation Council states. He criticised the government's emphasis on education without corresponding job creation and argued that investment in productive sectors like agriculture and energy should be prioritised over social spending.
16 March 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 4 March

NDP honours 25 members for election campaign contributions
The National Democratic Party held a recognition ceremony in Katima Mulilo to honour 25 members for their contributions to the party's performance in the 2024 national elections and 2025 regional and local elections. Party president Martin Lukato praised their dedication and commitment to advancing the party's mission of economic emancipation, job creation, and youth empowerment.
4 March 2026 · New Era →

Monday 2 March

NDP honours 25 members for election campaign contributions
The National Democratic Party held a recognition ceremony to honour 25 members for their contributions to the party's performance in the 2024 presidential and National Assembly elections, where it secured one National Assembly seat, and the 2025 regional and local elections, where it won seats on the Bukalo Village Council and Katima Mulilo Town Council.
2 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 24 February

Labour rights body blames govt inaction for rental crisis
The African Labour and Human Rights Centre accuses the government of failing to enforce existing rental laws under the Rental Ordinance No 13 of 1977, leaving tenants vulnerable to exploitation. The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development is drafting a new bill and reviving a rent control board, but the Centre's director argues the government should immediately enforce the laws already in place while rental prices surge in urban areas.
24 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 21 February

Minister rejects claims president will issue petroleum licences
Environment Minister Indileni Daniel said the president will not be issuing petroleum licences, contrary to opposition claims, as this is an administrative duty. The amendment bill to place the petroleum sector under the Presidency requires oversight by the highest executive level for strategic national resources, though opposition parliamentarians dispute the move on constitutional and accountability grounds.
21 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 19 February

Parliamentary debate on presidential power over petroleum industry bill
The Petroleum Amendment Bill, which would vest petroleum sector oversight powers in the Office of the President rather than the Ministry of Mines and Energy, faced mixed scrutiny in the National Assembly. Critics including Bernadus Swartbooi raised concerns about the legal doctrine of functus officio limiting presidential review powers and complicating court challenges, while others questioned whether oil advisors at State House are already performing duties that legally belong to the ministry.
19 February 2026 · New Era →
Namibian MPs study Rwanda's governance and security practices
A parliamentary delegation led by James Uerikua visited Rwanda to exchange best practices on international relations, defence and security. The MPs identified Rwanda's anti-corruption measures, technology-driven governance, security sector professionalism and public accountability mechanisms as models Namibia could realistically adopt to strengthen oversight and service delivery.
19 February 2026 · New Era →

Friday 6 February

Katima Mulilo NPD councillor prioritises fighting corruption, reform
Re-elected NPD councillor Simasiku Mukendwa outlined his priorities for Katima Mulilo Town Council, citing corruption and maladministration as the council's "biggest enemies" and pledging to reform governance systems, improve accountability, and tackle long-standing service-delivery challenges including roads and sewer infrastructure through gradual, realistic progress.
6 February 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 20 January

Parliamentarians divided over Venaani's early recall proposal
Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani has called on President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to recall parliament early to address youth unemployment and other national issues, but lawmakers are divided on the proposal, with some opposing it as a breach of agreed standing rules while others support early resumption to hold government accountable.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →