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

New Era

Namibian national newspaper publishing news and opinion on politics, health, sports, development, and social issues.

Society

Condom shortage reported across Namibian public health facilities

The News

Members of the public report condoms are out of stock at public hospitals and clinics across Namibia, raising concerns about potential increases in HIV infections, STDs, and teenage pregnancies. The health ministry acknowledged the shortage's importance but stated that HIV prevention relies on multiple interventions beyond condoms, and reassured the public that efforts are underway to stabilise supply chains.

Why it matters

Condom shortages at public health facilities risk undermining Namibia's progress against HIV—with the country at a critical moment, as 6% new infection rates and a 19% teenage pregnancy rate remain serious concerns. Access to reliable contraception is essential for vulnerable populations, particularly young people, who depend on public clinics for prevention.

21 April 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 21 April

  1. Condom shortage reported across Namibian public health facilities

    Members of the public report condoms are out of stock at public hospitals and clinics across Namibia, raising concerns about potential increases in HIV infections, STDs, and teenage pregnancies. The health ministry acknowledged the shortage's importance but stated that HIV prevention relies on multiple interventions beyond condoms, and reassured the public that efforts are underway to stabilise supply chains.

    21 April 2026 · New Era →

Friday 17 April

  1. Columnist reflects on motherhood, patience and choice not to have children

    A New Era lifestyle columnist shares her observation of her mother's endless demands as a caregiver and explains her own decision not to have children, citing lack of patience and a desire to give mothers like her own the space to rest and feel valued.

    17 April 2026 · New Era →

  2. Ondangwa CEO outlines town's health, housing, road projects

    Ondangwa Town Council CEO Isamel Namugongo told New Era that the long-delayed Ondangwa State Hospital is back on track with central government support and environmental studies underway, while the council has doubled residential areas, upgraded roads to tar in several extensions, and is preparing to modernise the town's struggling sewerage infrastructure. Key challenges include high unemployment affecting residents' ability to pay municipal bills and ageing infrastructure designed for a much smaller population.

    17 April 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 16 April

  1. Young Marenga pursues professional football career dreams

    16-year-old Junior Marenga from Okomumbonde village aims to become a professional footballer and represent Namibia internationally, having joined Juninho Athletic Academy in 2023 to develop his skills as a versatile defender and midfielder. The grade 10 student at Centaurus High School has already played for Epukiro All-Stars and won a league title in the MTC Hopsol Youth league.

    16 April 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 14 April

  1. Lüderitz mayor pursues development despite budget cuts

    Lüderitz mayor Brigitte Fredericks says central government budget cuts have slowed capital projects but the town remains committed to infrastructure expansion, including water systems, wastewater treatment, and land servicing to address a housing backlog of nearly 6,000 residents. The municipality has also prioritised social housing and is calling for investor interest.

    14 April 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 8 April

  1. Parents boycott Okahao school after five-year-old drowns

    Parents at Sam Nujoma Junior Primary School have withdrawn their children following the drowning of a pre-grade pupil in a nearby well on 10 March, and are demanding the removal of school principal Betty Munashimwe. They allege the principal failed to notify police or the child's parents and did not respond to the incident, and cite additional concerns about her conduct towards teachers and pupils.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 7 April

  1. Windhoek must prioritize liveable apartments over density, editorial argues

    The City of Windhoek's plan to build apartments instead of freestanding houses is pragmatic given land and funding constraints, but developers risk sacrificing community spaces and livability. The editorial warns that apartment living requires planning for recreation areas and social infrastructure, drawing lessons from Singapore's approach, and calls on the municipality to address internal corruption and executive salaries before expanding housing.

    7 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 2 April

  1. Omaruru struggles with ageing water infrastructure and unpaid rates

    The town of Omaruru needs millions of dollars to replace ageing water infrastructure, including asbestos pipes dating back to pre-independence, while residents and businesses owe at least N$92 million in unpaid rates and taxes. The municipality is considering a phased upgrade approach beginning with main distribution lines, with infrastructure upgrades in informal settlements alone estimated to cost about N$28 million.

    2 April 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 1 April

  1. Dismissed Roads Authority managers allege unfair process

    Three dismissed Roads Authority managers have alleged that CEO Mbahupu Tjivikua interfered in their disciplinary proceedings, changing a recommendation from written warning to dismissal, and that the appeal process violated internal policy timelines and procurement procedures. Their legal representative said the developments point to serious flaws and a lack of fairness and due procedure in the handling of the matter.

    1 April 2026 · New Era →

Monday 30 March

  1. Namibian Theatre and Film Awards return after six years

    The Namibian Theatre and Film Awards (NTFAs) 2026 returned on Saturday after a six-year hiatus, celebrating excellence across 36 categories in film and theatre. International actor Hakeem Kae-Kazim attended as guest of honour and emphasized the importance of telling authentic African stories from pan-African perspectives.

    30 March 2026 · New Era →

Namibia Minute