Namibia Minute.
Monday, 7 September 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 7 September 2026
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Namibian press · Person

Ndumba Kamwanyah

Also known as: Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah · Kamwanya · Ndumbah Kamwanyah · Ndumba J Kamwanyah

Political analyst who comments on Namibian governance, national commemorations, and policy issues in media coverage.

2024-02-062026-09-07

What’s been said

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

  1. August 2026
  2. Windhoek Observer

    Ndumba Kamwanyah argued that the legislation did not provide sufficiently clear guidelines for determining who qualifies for hero status

    Source

    Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah, however, argued that the legislation did not provide sufficiently clear guidelines for determining who qualifies for hero status.

    Heroes Dialogue | Have Namibia’s national honours lost their allure?
  3. The Namibian

    Ndumba Kamwanyah told The Namibian that Shikongo's case was dealt with in secrecy with no transparency

    Source

    Public policy and political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah told The Namibian yesterday that Shikongo's case was dealt with in secrecy, adding that there was no transparency with the public.

    Ex-top cop Shikongo awaits NNN decision
  4. July 2026
  5. The Namibian

    Political commentator Ndumba Kamwanyah says selling land and a house in a rural area may reduce inheritance available to future generations

    Source

    Political commentator Ndumba Kamwanyah says selling land and a house in a rural area may benefit the current owner, but could reduce the inheritance available to future generations.

    ‘Communal land not for sale’
  6. The Namibian

    Ndumba Kamwanyah says both the speaker and MPs are responsible for the delays in passing legislation

    Source

    Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah says both the speaker and MPs are responsible for the delays in passing legislation.

    Calls for MPs to work more hours
  7. Windhoek Observer

    Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah said that he supports parties questioning and interrogating the process because transparency must not only exist but also be seen to exist

    Source

    Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah on Monday said that he supports parties questioning and interrogating the process because transparency must not only exist but also be seen to exist.

    High Court adjudicates ECN appointment records dispute
  8. Windhoek Observer

    Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah described as irresponsible Kandorozu's remarks on protests

    Source

    Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah described Kandorozu's remarks as irresponsible, saying concerns over illegal immigration should be addressed through lawful processes rather than public protests.

    Angula rejects calls for anti-immigrant protests
  9. June 2026
  10. The Namibian

    Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah says the regulatory council's decision raises questions about transparency and communication under Nandi-Ndaitwah's administration

    Source

    Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah says the regulatory council's decision to announce the safety clearance of the paracetamol syrup a month later raises questions about transparency and communication under Nandi-Ndaitwah's administration.

    Fabupharm paracetamol syrupcleared
  11. Windhoek Observer

    Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah described the incident as unfortunate and disappointing

    Source

    Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah described the incident as "unfortunate and disappointing".

    ‘LPM must fix internal structures after Keetmanshoop meeting disruption’ – Analysts
  12. The Namibian

    Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah says declarations alone will not solve the housing problem

    Source

    Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah says the declaration is an important acknowledgement of the housing crisis, but warns that declarations alone will not solve the problem.

    ‘State of emergency’ alone won’t fix housing crisis – churches
  13. The Namibian

    Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah says verified findings of financial liabilities should be considered in vetting for public office

    Source

    "Any verified findings of this nature should, therefore, be carefully considered as part of the vetting process to ensure appointments uphold the principles of integrity, accountability, and public trust," Kamwanyah says.

    NNN adviser Shindume faces scrutiny over N$15m Agribank debt

Monday 24 August

  1. Namibia's national honours losing credibility, clarity questioned

    An opinion piece in the Windhoek Observer argues that Namibia's national honours risk losing moral authority because the public does not clearly understand the criteria and process for awarding them, despite the formal legal framework established by the Conferment of National Honours Act of 2012.

    24 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Sunday 23 August

  1. Security Commission recommends on suspended police chief Shikongo

    The Security Commission has made a recommendation to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on the future of former inspector general Joseph Shikongo, who was suspended in May following a security breach at State House. The details of the recommendation remain unclear, with the commission declining to comment pending the president's decision.

    23 August 2026 · The Namibian

Wednesday 29 July

  1. Ombalantu warns against illegal communal land sales

    The Ombalantu Traditional Authority has warned against illegal land sales after a businessman advertised an unfinished mansion for N$27 million in the communal area near Outapi. The authority says land in its jurisdiction cannot be sold; leaseholders are only granted 99-year leases and must consult the authority and Ministry of Urban and Rural Development if compensation is sought.

    29 July 2026 · The Namibian

Tuesday 28 July

  1. Civil society calls for parliament to extend sitting hours

    Civil society and MPs have called for the National Assembly to extend its sitting hours from 14h30 to 17h45 to properly debate and pass laws. Institute for Public Policy Research director Graham Hopwood said parliament currently works about 90 days a year and warned that deadlocks in passing laws will be an early warning sign for Namibia's political future.

    28 July 2026 · The Namibian

Friday 24 July

  1. Government defends N$39.5m US agriculture AI contract amid scrutiny

    Namibia's government awarded a N$39.5 million contract to US company 6th Grain Corporation to use satellite imagery and artificial intelligence to monitor staple crops and improve food security, but analysts are calling for greater transparency, safeguards, and local participation in the one-year agreement.

    24 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Wednesday 15 July

  1. High Court declines ECN commissioner interdict but affirms transparency concerns

    MP Job Amupanda welcomed the High Court's judgment in his case against the Speaker of the National Assembly and others, saying the ruling declined to grant an interdict but affirmed his position that ECN commissioner appointments must comply with constitutional transparency and accountability principles. Amupanda had sought to stop Parliament from approving ECN nominees until key selection process documents were disclosed.

    15 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Wednesday 1 July

  1. Former PM Angula rejects calls for anti-immigrant protests

    Former Prime Minister Nahas Angula said the ministry of home affairs, immigration, safety and security is capable of dealing with illegal immigrants, rejecting calls for anti-immigrant protests similar to those in South Africa. The statement came after NUDO MP Vetaruhe Kandorozu called for nationwide protests against illegal immigrants and foreign workers in sectors including diamond polishing, mining, and transportation.

    1 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Wednesday 24 June

  1. NMRC clears Fabupharm paracetamol syrup after safety tests

    The Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council has cleared Fabupharm Pty Ltd's paracetamol syrup for use after independent laboratory tests confirmed it met safety and quality standards. The clearance was issued in May following the product's recall last year, which came after routine inspection shortcomings were identified.

    24 June 2026 · The Namibian

Monday 22 June

  1. Violence at National Youth Council election forces postponement

    The state-funded National Youth Council's general assembly in Swakopmund was postponed after violence erupted during the election of a new executive chairperson, injuring nine delegates. The education minister condemned the incident as "unacceptable, unruly conduct and violence," and critics are calling for the institution to be dismantled.

    22 June 2026 · The Namibian

  2. NYC assembly descends into chaos, wastes N$2 million

    The National Youth Council's general assembly in Swakopmund descended into violence on Saturday, injuring nine delegates and forcing the electoral committee to resign over safety concerns. The suspended election process, marred by allegations of political interference and back-door deals, has wasted an estimated N$2 million in public funds.

    22 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Tuesday 16 June

  1. LPM must strengthen grassroots structures after Keetmanshoop disruption

    Political analysts say the Landless People's Movement needs stronger regional and local branches after its community meeting in Keetmanshoop was disrupted on Saturday. An analyst warned that parties without robust local structures risk becoming disconnected from supporters and overly dependent on individuals.

    16 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Monday 15 June

  1. Churches welcome housing emergency but warn declarations lack teeth

    Churches and analysts have welcomed Namibia's proposed housing state of emergency, but caution that declarations alone will not address a backlog of over 300,000 homes. The Council of Churches in Namibia says the move must be accompanied by concrete measures, adequate resources, and clear implementation timelines, and calls for faster implementation of free residential plots and increased investment in land servicing.

    15 June 2026 · The Namibian

Thursday 11 June

  1. Presidential adviser faces scrutiny over N$15m Agribank debt

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's newly appointed economic adviser Shali Shindume reportedly owes Agribank over N$15 million from a loan obtained while he was the bank's credit manager. Agribank sought High Court action in 2021 over breach of contract, with a settlement agreement requiring Shindume to subdivide his mortgaged farm property and make specified monthly payments.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

Tuesday 2 June

  1. 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. Analyst: Genocide Day creating divisions instead of unity

    Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah argues that the Genocide Remembrance Day commemoration is creating divisions rather than promoting unity and collective healing as intended. He says the government's approach, selection of speakers, and messages delivered are contributing more to division than unity, and warns that regional activities and speeches reflected limited knowledge of the genocide.

    1 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

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

  2. PM Ngurare defends President Nandi-Ndaitwah's right to full two terms

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare said President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah should be allowed to serve her full two constitutional terms without distraction from succession debates, which he called premature and deliberately designed to undermine the administration.

    20 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Wednesday 13 May

  1. Analyst questions whether boy child concerns lead to reforms

    Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah has questioned whether President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's recent remarks about the boy child—prompted by lower male graduation numbers at Nust—will produce actual policy changes, cautioning that past public discussions on the issue have not yielded major reforms and that conclusions should not be drawn from graduation statistics alone without broader evidence-based research.

    13 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Wednesday 6 May

  1. Opposition groups criticise political dominance at national commemoration events

    Opposition leaders say Cassinga Day and Workers' Day have become political mobilisation events for Swapo rather than state occasions reflecting national unity, citing concerns about the presence of the Ndilimani Cultural Troupe and the absence of national institutions at these public holidays.

    6 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Sunday 26 April

  1. Swapo's authoritarian populism rooted in liberation struggle mentality

    An opinion piece argues that Swapo, like other former liberation movements in government, has failed to deliver on promises and uses patriotic narratives of its struggle history to justify remaining in state control, drawing parallels to critiques of post-colonial African governments by Frantz Fanon and Angolan author Pepetela.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian

Wednesday 22 April

  1. Lüderitz considers renaming street and airport after Lubowski

    The Lüderitz Town Council has received a proposal to rename the town's main street and Lüderitz Airport after late anti-apartheid activist and lawyer Anton Lubowski, who was assassinated in 1989. The proposal, backed by an endorsement from his widow, must be formally tabled before council for consultation before any decision can be made.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian

Tuesday 21 April

  1. Swapo marks 66 years; leaders warn history cannot secure future

    On Swapo's 66th anniversary, party leader Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah stated that while the party's liberation struggle history is important, it alone cannot carry the party forward as people now expect tangible improvements in jobs, housing, healthcare, and education. Political analysts noted Swapo's waning electoral support over recent elections due to corruption and declining leadership quality, though the party remains the country's strongest with functional regional structures.

    21 April 2026 · New Era

Saturday 18 April

  1. Exclusive hospital units for officials mirror apartheid, columnist argues

    A public policy expert argues that creating separate, upgraded hospital units for senior government officials—while the rest of the public system deteriorates—represents a form of "class apartheid" that undermines genuine healthcare reform and breaches the principle of equal rights.

    18 April 2026 · The Namibian

Sunday 12 April

  1. VIP hospital unit contradicts healthcare reform drive, critics argue

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah ordered government officials to use public hospitals from April, but Windhoek Central Hospital's new VIP unit exclusively for senior officials has drawn opposition criticism as discriminatory and contrary to equitable healthcare goals. Opposition leaders and analysts argue the separate facility undermines the reform and mirrors apartheid-era segregation.

    12 April 2026 · The Namibian

Thursday 26 March

  1. Analysts warn against panic buying amid global fuel supply fears

    Global conflict and shipping disruptions threaten fuel supply and prices, prompting analysts and government officials to warn Namibians against panic buying and illegal fuel storage, which could create fire hazards, environmental damage and market distortions. Namibia is particularly vulnerable as it imports all refined petroleum products, and rising fuel costs are expected to increase transport, food and operating costs across the economy.

    26 March 2026 · The Namibian

Wednesday 25 March

  1. Water sector criticises N$3 billion national airline plan

    Activists and analysts warn that the government's plan to launch a state-owned airline for N$3 billion is a risky use of public funds that should instead go to water infrastructure and essential services. They cite the previous airline's collapse, which cost over N$8 billion in subsidies, and note that private operators already serve many routes.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian

Monday 23 March

  1. Deputy minister proposes N$5,000 monthly grant for liberation veterans

    Deputy Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs Charles Mubita has proposed increasing monthly veteran allowances from N$2,200 to N$5,000, citing 18 years without increment and poor living conditions for liberation struggle veterans. A political commentator argues the proposal lacks fiscal planning and could strain the national budget.

    23 March 2026 · The Namibian

Friday 20 March

  1. Namibia's Parliament maturing but facing oversight challenges

    Since independence in 1990, Namibia's Parliament has evolved into a democratically elected body and now has its first female speaker, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, elected in March 2025. However, political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah notes that despite its progressive constitutional framework, Parliament has struggled with weak oversight of the executive due to single-party dominance and the executive being drawn directly from Parliament, resulting in limited depth in legislative debate.

    20 March 2026 · New Era

Thursday 19 March

  1. Walvis Bay Municipality plagued by seventeen years of governance failures

    Walvis Bay Municipality has been without an internal audit, performance management system, or general manager for 17 years, with further gaps including poorly designed job descriptions, a recently established procurement unit, and reports of staff conducting business with the municipality. Mayor Johannes Shimbilinga revealed these systemic governance failures to residents and called for reforms to address deep-rooted institutional problems affecting service delivery.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

Sunday 15 March

  1. Political backlash over Chinese majority stake in desalination plant

    Opposition MPs and analysts have criticized the government's agreement to give China General Nuclear Power Group a 70% controlling stake in a N$3-billion coastal desalination plant while the state retains only 30%, raising concerns about water sovereignty and affordability for poor Namibians. NamWater and Swakop Uranium defended the joint venture structure as necessary to finance critical infrastructure while maintaining public sector participation.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian

Ndumba Kamwanyah — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute