Also known as: founding president Nelson Mandela · President Mandela · anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela · comrade Nelson Mandela
News reports
Order a long-term news report on Nelson Mandela
Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
Windhoek Observer
Nelson Mandela delivered a lesson in sovereignty in 1990 exchange with journalist Ted Koppel
“When aggressively grilled over his refusal to abandon global allies who had supported the anti-apartheid struggle but were deemed adversaries by the West, Mandela delivered a timeless lesson in sovereignty: "One of the mistakes which some political analysts make is to think that their enemies should be our enemies."”
The new gunboat diplomacy: Why Windhoek and Pretoria refuse to bow to US bullyingWindhoek Observer
Nelson Mandela walked free from Victor Verster Prison
“On 11 February 1990, I was glued to the television in my sister's home in the township of Selosesha in Thaba Nchu, where I had just started Standard 8 (Grade 10) at Moroka High School. I had taken a weekend off from the school hostel and, together with a global audience, watched as Nelson Mandela walked free from Victor Verster Prison.”
Xenophobic tendencies will kill our South African dreamThe Namibian
Nelson Mandela said Education is the greatest equaliser
“Nelson Mandela said, "Education is the greatest equaliser."”
What Is Going Wrong with the Boy Child?The Namibian
Nelson Mandela publicly apologised for human rights violations by the ANC
The Namibian
Nelson Mandela was with us at Namibia's midnight independence ceremony on 21 March 1990
The Namibian
Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of the 27 years at Robben Island
“The 70 personal items include a cell key from Robben Island, where Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of the 27 years he was locked up, a pair of Aviator sunglasses and one of his signature floral shirts.”
Mandela's prison key, sunglasses and shirt can be sold after daughter wins court battleThe Namibian
Nelson Mandela was given the name by his teacher; his traditional name is Rolihlahla, meaning 'troublemaker'
“One example is South African president Nelson Mandela. His traditional name is Rolihlahla – meaning "troublemaker", but his teacher gave him the name 'Nelson'.”
What’s in a Name? Reclaiming Africa’s SoulThe Namibian
Nelson Mandela said education is the most powerful weapon for change
“As Nelson Mandela said, education is the most powerful weapon for change.”
The Hard Life of a StudentThe Namibian
Nelson Mandela reminded us that the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow
“As the late Nelson Mandela reminded us: "The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow."”
Youth Must Take Charge of Local and Regional ManagementThe Namibian
Nelson Mandela said education is the most powerful weapon to change the world
“Nelson Mandela once said education is the most powerful weapon to change the world.”
Patriotism: The Heartbeat of a Thriving NationAn opinion piece argues that US Ambassadors in Namibia and South Africa have overstepped diplomatic bounds by interfering in domestic affairs and pressuring nations on critical minerals, uranium, and oil extraction, citing a public rejection of the US Ambassador at Namibia's National Fisheries Indaba as evidence.
6 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
An opinion piece argues that US Ambassadors in Namibia and South Africa have overstepped diplomatic bounds by interfering in domestic affairs and pressuring nations on critical minerals, uranium, and oil extraction, citing a public rejection of the US Ambassador at Namibia's National Fisheries Indaba as evidence.
6 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah honoured late Colonel Helao Joseph Shityuwete, a former Robben Island political prisoner who spent 16 years imprisoned for his role in Namibia's liberation struggle, saying his legacy should inspire future generations.
13 September 2026 · Informanté →
A Namibian Sun opinion piece argues that heroism standards have degraded since independence, with undeserving figures elevated to hero status based on connections rather than genuine sacrifice, while the real appeal lies in the state funeral package and ceremonial trappings rather than actual contribution to nation-building.
12 September 2026 · Namibian Sun →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on Namibians, particularly youth, to take responsibility for the country's economic future, saying Namibia has entered the "second phase" of its struggle after achieving political independence. She stated that political independence marked one phase while economic liberation represents the next phase of the struggle.
7 September 2026 · New Era →
Malian musician Salif Keita has cancelled his upcoming concerts in South Africa in response to anti-migrant protests and xenophobic violence in the country. According to AFP figures, more than 160,000 people have left South Africa since late May following the unrest.
3 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Junior National Council member Emma Tangi Muteka delivered remarks at the close of the 1st Session of the 4th Junior National Council, emphasizing that young Namibians who participate in the programme do not simply participate but contribute, challenge, and lead. The session focused on universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene for Namibian children.
1 September 2026 · The Namibian →
McHenry Venaani has paid tribute to Helao Shityuwete, a liberation struggle veteran and former Robben Island political prisoner who died at 92. Venaani described Shityuwete as a courageous and humble Namibian whose sacrifice for the country's freedom, from his work at Walvis Bay docks through military service and imprisonment, should be remembered as part of Namibia's history.
31 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia and South Africa have advanced efforts to resolve their long-standing Orange River boundary dispute, with a joint committee of experts' report submitted to the fourth session of the Namibia-South Africa Bi-National Commission. President Nandi-Ndaitwah described the report as an important milestone on a matter unresolved for more than three decades.
17 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, principal of North-West University, warns that xenophobic violence and threats against foreigners risk making South Africa "one of the world's pariahs," contradicting the nation's post-1994 commitment to openness and moral leadership.
30 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The principal and vice chancellor of North-West University argues that recent xenophobic attacks and threats of violence against immigrants risk reversing South Africa's trajectory as a moral leader since 1990, and warns that citizens must reject both xenophobia and tolerance of illegal immigration.
29 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibian girls have recently outperformed boys in Senior Secondary Certificate exams and increasingly dominate tertiary institutions and graduation figures, while teachers report boys struggle with discipline, concentration, substance abuse, absenteeism and motivation. In Kavango West alone, boys accounted for 785 dropouts compared to 675 girls, reflecting a broader trend driven by challenges including unemployment, poverty and alcohol abuse.
6 June 2026 · The Namibian →
ANC veteran Tokyo Sexwale has disputed President Cyril Ramaphosa's explanation of US dollars stolen from his Phala Phala farm, calling it a "cock-and-bull story" and demanding Ramaphosa appear before the impeachment committee. Ramaphosa has said the cash was proceeds from cattle and game sales to a Sudanese businessman and was left at the farm to secure future purchases before being stolen.
24 May 2026 · The Namibian →
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 →
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Roelf Meyer, a former apartheid-era negotiator and longtime friend of Ramaphosa, as ambassador to the United States. The appointment comes after the country's previous envoy, Ebrahim Rasool, was expelled last year following his criticism of President Trump, leaving the post vacant amid strained diplomatic relations.
16 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Zebaldt Ngaruka Eric Quest, a former star midfielder for Black Africa and African Stars, now runs Quest Eleven academy mentoring youth players across multiple age groups since its establishment in 2023. The 57-year-old retired player aims to develop technically skilled players for Namibia's national teams while emphasizing character building and discipline.
14 April 2026 · New Era →
An analysis marking Namibia's 36 years of independence contrasts the jubilation of 1990 with present-day inequality and governance failures, arguing that the liberation movement's slogans of "Solidarity, Freedom, Justice" have been compromised by elite self-enrichment and a persistence of class-based oppression under continued Swapo rule.
20 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Mosiuoa Lekota, a prominent anti-apartheid campaigner who served as South Africa's defence minister and ANC chairperson before founding the rival Congress of the People party, has died after a period of illness. He was imprisoned on Robben Island during apartheid and broke from the ANC in 2008 over corruption concerns.
5 March 2026 · The Namibian →
An Affirmative Repositioning MP has moved a motion in Parliament calling for the preservation of founding president Sam Nujoma's legacy, pointing to how other African nations such as Ghana and South Africa have honored their founding leaders through museums and heritage sites.
4 March 2026 · The Namibian →
American civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, who died at 84, visited Namibia in February 1990 just before independence and met with founding president Sam Nujoma. Namibian leaders including President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and PDM leader McHenry Venaani praised Jackson's support for Namibia's liberation struggle and his broader advocacy for justice and human rights globally.
23 February 2026 · The Namibian →
John Steenhuisen, leader of South Africa's Democratic Alliance and agriculture minister in the coalition government, announced he will step down at the party's April congress following multiple scandals including poor handling of foot-and-mouth disease, personal financial mismanagement, and controversy over the sacking of Environment Minister Dion George. His departure opens the way for successors including Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.
17 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Newly released US Department of Justice records show convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein cultivated extensive ties to South Africa dating to the 1980s, networked with prominent South African businessmen and officials, and used scouts and intermediaries to recruit South African women and girls through modelling opportunities and employment offers.
4 February 2026 · The Namibian →
South Africa's Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini used a derogatory term for African migrants and called for them to leave the country during a speech in KwaZulu-Natal, drawing concern from human rights experts who warn his comments risk encouraging vigilante action against foreigners in a region already marked by anti-migrant tensions.
2 February 2026 · The Namibian →
South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed a bid by the heritage authority to block the export and sale of 70 personal items belonging to Nelson Mandela's daughter and a former prison guard, including a cell key from Robben Island, sunglasses, and a signed constitution copy. Mandela's daughter plans to use proceeds from the auction to build a memorial garden at the late president's grave.
24 January 2026 · The Namibian →
A social justice scholar argues that the US bombing and kidnapping of Venezuelan President Maduro breaches the UN Charter and sets a dangerous precedent for sovereign nations, particularly in the global South. He contends the military action was justified by false pretexts about drug trafficking when the real motive is access to Venezuela's oil reserves, and warns that Namibia faces similar risks given its recent oil discoveries.
12 January 2026 · New Era →