Namibia Minute.
Friday, 24 April 2026
A daily Namibian brief · Est. 2026
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Organization

National Youth Council

National Youth Council — government organization managing youth development programmes and services, currently led by interim executive chairperson Patience Masua.

Sport

Deputy minister presents youth, sports budget for 2026/27

The News

Deputy Minister Dino Ballotti presented the N$35.104 million youth and sports budget for the 2026/2027 financial year to the National Assembly, framing it as a strategic investment in Namibia's future given that 71.1% of the population is under 35. The budget allocates funds for youth skills training and entrepreneurship, the National Youth Service, sports development and infrastructure including N$140 million for basic sporting facilities across regions.

15 April 2026 · The Namibian

Wednesday 15 April

  1. Deputy minister presents youth, sports budget for 2026/27

    Deputy Minister Dino Ballotti presented the N$35.104 million youth and sports budget for the 2026/2027 financial year to the National Assembly, framing it as a strategic investment in Namibia's future given that 71.1% of the population is under 35. The budget allocates funds for youth skills training and entrepreneurship, the National Youth Service, sports development and infrastructure including N$140 million for basic sporting facilities across regions.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian

Tuesday 7 April

  1. President appoints new ministerial and deputy ministerial officials

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has appointed several new officials to ministerial and deputy ministerial positions, including Charles Mubita as minister in the Presidency, Hambeleleni Ndjaleka as deputy minister of health and social services, and others to various portfolio positions across government departments.

    7 April 2026 · The Namibian

Wednesday 11 February

  1. Youth embrace Uvhungu-Vungu agro-processing project in Rundu

    Young people in Rundu Rural constituency have welcomed a government plan to establish an agro-processing facility at Uvhungu-Vungu that would process juice and jam from locally grown fruits, with expectations of creating over 50 jobs and providing skills training in fruit processing and value addition. The project, which aligns with the Sixth National Development Plan and Vision 2030, stems from agreements made in August 2025, though officials warn that delays could worsen poverty and increase crime among youth.

    11 February 2026 · New Era

Thursday 5 February

  1. Venezuela's ambassador warns Namibia to protect oil interests

    Venezuela's ambassador to Namibia has urged the country to learn from Venezuela's political crisis and develop mechanisms to protect its emerging oil and gas sector, cautioning that traditional international law and respect for sovereignty cannot be relied upon. The warning comes as Namibia positions itself as a key oil and gas frontier following major offshore discoveries in the Orange Basin.

    5 February 2026 · New Era

  2. NYC and Venezuela expand youth education and scholarship ties

    The National Youth Council met with Venezuela's ambassador to solidify bilateral relations, with focus on youth development programmes, education, skills training, and cultural exchange. Venezuela announced nine scholarships in petroleum and 50 additional scholarships in agriculture, science, engineering, and medicine for Namibian youth.

    5 February 2026 · New Era

Wednesday 4 February

  1. Namibia and Venezuela discuss youth development cooperation

    The National Youth Council's interim executive chairperson and Venezuela's ambassador to Namibia met to strengthen diplomatic ties and establish youth development programmes, with plans to expand cooperation in education, skills development, and cultural exchange.

    4 February 2026 · New Era

Wednesday 28 January

  1. New NYC interim chair pledges ownership, revived programmes

    Patience Masua, newly appointed interim executive chairperson of the National Youth Council, said young people must take ownership of the institution and vowed to restore confidence through functional, meaningful programmes that respond to youth aspirations. She plans to hold a General Assembly soon and revive strategic partnerships while ensuring compliance with the NYC Act.

    28 January 2026 · New Era

Friday 23 January

  1. NYC interim chief's N$100,000 salary draws youth leader criticism

    Acting National Youth Council executive chairperson Patience Masua says she does not set her own salary, responding to backlash over her reported N$100,000 monthly remuneration for three months. Youth leaders, including the National Council of Students president and Popular Democratic Movement Youth League spokesperson, have criticized the amount as disproportionate given the council's limited financial support to affiliate organizations.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian

Wednesday 21 January

  1. Masua appointed NYC interim chairperson following Kariseb resignation

    Former parliamentarian Patience Masua has been appointed interim executive chairperson of the National Youth Council by Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp, following Kennedy Kariseb's resignation in December. The appointment aims to ensure continuity and stability at the council during the interim period.

    21 January 2026 · New Era

Tuesday 13 January

  1. Kavango West investigates 43 illegal fencing cases in 2025

    The Kavango West Communal Land Board investigated 43 cases of illegal fencing throughout 2025, mostly linked to land allocations backed by traditional authorities; 40 cases were referred to traditional authorities for resolution while three went to the minister for removal. The Board identified illegal land sales as the biggest challenge and noted that offenders often refuse to voluntarily remove structures and that appeals delay action.

    13 January 2026 · New Era

Namibia Minute