Namibia Minute.
Friday, 24 July 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Friday, 24 July 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

New Era

Also known as: New Era Corporation

Namibian newspaper publishing news coverage across government, development, infrastructure and social issues.

2022-09-102026-07-24

What’s been said

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

  1. January 2026
  2. New Era

    New Era visited the school on Tuesday at 12h00

    Source

    When New Era visited the school on Tuesday at 12h00, it was empty, and the security officer, who was alone, confirmed the shutdown, highlighting that the dilapidated state of the toilets forced the administration to close the school to protect pupils.

    Poor sanitation shuts Rundu Rural school
  3. New Era

    New Era spoke to employees at a vaping shop and three teenagers about vaping habits

    Source

    Employees at a vaping shop told New Era that strict control measures are in place.

    Namibia’s vaping crisis … primary school learners addicted to ‘choef ’
  4. New Era

    New Era publishes Frieda Mukufa's lifestyle section on women-related issues and parenting

    Source

    *Frieda Mukufa's lifestyle section in the New Era concentrates on women-related issues and parenting.

    Mavutu Conversations – Shall we
  5. New Era

    New Era profiles constituency councillors from Omaheke region

    Source

    In today's edition, New Era profiles constituency councillors from the Omaheke region.

    Know your Regional Councillors – Omaheke Region
  6. New Era

    New Era interviewed Hardap education director Paulus Lewin

    Source

    Hardap education director Paulus Lewin, in an interview with New Era, said the feat was no fluke but the result of deliberate, fast-tracked interventions aimed at addressing long-standing systemic weaknesses across all grades, not just NSSCO and NSSCAS.

    Hardap’s academic blueprint pays off …Region jumps from 12th to 2nd on AS
  7. New Era

    New Era caught up with Elise Ndafelai, a teacher

    Source

    New Era caught up with Elise Ndafelai, a teacher, who said it is not easy to buy stationery for many children in January.

    ‘Januworry’ back-to-school blues … parents feel pinch
  8. February 2024
  9. The Namibian

    State media house New Era reported that Geingob was admitted to an intensive care unit after returning from the United States

    Source

    State media house New Era reported that Geingob was admitted to an intensive care unit after returning from the United States of America, where he had undergone cancer treatment.

    Geingob in ‘critical condition' in hospital
  10. October 2022
  11. The Namibian

    New Era reported N$300 million NSFAF headquarters built without finance ministry approval

    Source

    New Era reported that the N$300 million NSFAF headquarters in Windhoek has no owners, was built without the finance ministry's approval, and was set up without passing the City of Windhoek's stringent vetting requirements.

    Who Will Pay For the NSFAF Mess?
  12. September 2022
  13. The Namibian

    New Era published an interview with Sam Nujoma on genocide reparations.

    Source

    Namibia's founding president, Sam Nujoma, also reiterated in an interview with New Era that the German government's reparations quantum of 1,1 billion euros over 30 years "is woefully insignificant".

    Genocide Issue: A Call For a Mediator

Yesterday

  1. Engela hospital condom shortage affects reproductive health services

    Engela District Hospital has experienced a three-month condom shortage affecting sexual and reproductive health services in the Ohangwena region, while also facing challenges with hypertension medications and lacks dedicated adolescent and men's health corners.

    12 hours ago · The Namibian

Tuesday 21 July

  1. Witkop Primary learners recover after fish cake food poisoning

    101 learners from Witkop Primary School were clinically assessed at St Mary's District Hospital in Rehoboth after developing gastrointestinal symptoms following consumption of fish cakes at GoodHope Hostel on 9 July 2026; 19 required admissions due to dehydration. Preliminary laboratory results indicated Salmonella bacteria, with investigations ongoing into the cause.

    21 July 2026 · New Era

  2. President visits China, signs nine cooperation agreements

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah completed a seven-day state visit to China aimed at persuading the country to help Namibia build manufacturing and processing industries rather than exporting raw minerals. The visit culminated in nine cooperation instruments and elevation of bilateral ties to a Namibia-China Community with a shared future, focusing on long-term development and strategic cooperation.

    21 July 2026 · New Era

  3. City of Windhoek admits security gap at Groot Aub Cemetery

    The City of Windhoek has acknowledged that dedicated municipal security services have not yet been deployed at Groot Aub Cemetery following the vandalism of Joseph Willem Modise's grave. The cemetery remains in a transitional phase after its incorporation into the City and has not yet been fully integrated into formal cemetery operations.

    21 July 2026 · New Era

Monday 20 July

  1. Samson Kaulinge steps down after nine years leading tennis

    Samson Kaulinge has resigned as president of the Namibia Tennis Association after more than nine years in the role, closing a leadership chapter spanning more than three decades of service to Namibian tennis. Kaulinge discovered tennis in Swakopmund after high school and went on to serve in various roles at club level before his national leadership.

    20 July 2026 · New Era

Wednesday 15 July

  1. City employee arrested in Old Mutual insurance fraud investigation

    A City of Windhoek employee, Doreen Zullnola Zamuee, was arrested and appeared in court on charges of fraud, forgery and uttering in connection with a scheme involving fake death certificates and fraudulent insurance claims worth millions. According to court documents, she allegedly induced Old Mutual to pay out N$5 182 391 between October 2020 and August 2025, and sources allege she is a cousin of the alleged mastermind who remains on the run.

    15 July 2026 · New Era

Friday 10 July

  1. Nored loses N$4.5 million yearly to cable theft and vandalism

    The Northern Regional Electricity Distributor incurs N$4.5 million annually to repair sabotaged networks and replace stolen copper cables, with the worst-affected areas in Oshana, Omusati, Kavango East and Kavango West. CEO Sylvester Wayiti said the figure excludes revenue losses from power outages and broader costs including customer dissatisfaction, reputational damage, and business losses.

    10 July 2026 · New Era

Thursday 9 July

  1. Government institutions' municipal debt to Windhoek drops 60%

    Outstanding municipal debt owed by government institutions to the City of Windhoek fell from approximately N$67 million in May to N$27 million in June, a 60% decline attributed to government's crackdown on unpaid accounts. The City's overall debtors' book also improved over the same period, declining from N$912 million in May to N$845 million in June.

    9 July 2026 · New Era

Tuesday 7 July

  1. Namibia seeks Chinese technology to improve road safety

    Minister Veikko Nekundi said Namibia is pursuing advanced Chinese road safety technology to reduce crashes at accident hotspots, following discussions during President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's State Visit to China. The government aims to introduce systems capable of preventing accidents at blind spots and complement existing enforcement measures such as speed cameras.

    7 July 2026 · New Era

Thursday 2 July

  1. Mother of seven dies after appeal touched Namibians

    Elizabeth Stuurman, 37, of Drimiopsis died at Gobabis District Hospital on Sunday, days after New Era highlighted her family's extreme living conditions and Namibians responded with help. She had not fully recovered from giving birth to twins and was unable to afford transport for a required hospital follow-up appointment.

    2 July 2026 · New Era

Tuesday 30 June

  1. Windhoek children lack safe access to public parks

    Namibian children have limited access to safe outdoor spaces for play despite Windhoek having 32 city park facilities. Residents report that some parks are unsafe, under-maintained, or unfit for different age groups, limiting their use.

    30 June 2026 · The Namibian

Thursday 25 June

  1. More than 470 African-flagged vessels secretly controlled by foreign owners

    Over 470 fishing vessels operating under African flags are secretly controlled by foreign owners, with profits channelled through shell companies and offshore accounts, according to data compiled by Oceana. Namibia has 30 such foreign-beneficially owned vessels; the African Defence Forum reports the continent loses at least N$212.8 billion annually in its fishing trade, primarily through illegal and unreported fishing.

    25 June 2026 · New Era

  2. Kavango school without water since February borehole breakdown

    Satotwa Primary School in Kavango West has been without reliable water supply since February after its borehole broke down, affecting about 278 learners and teachers. The school board chairperson says the Rural Water Supply department has recommended drilling a new borehole, but the school is waiting for the regional council's response to their request.

    25 June 2026 · New Era

Tuesday 23 June

  1. Capricorn Foundation donates N$25,000 to struggling Drimiopsis family

    After New Era reported on 37-year-old Elizabeth Stuurman's struggle to raise seven children in a makeshift shack with little food and inadequate winter shelter, the Capricorn Foundation donated N$25,000 in food, blankets, clothing, nappies, and construction support. The donation also included Genesis nutritious shakes for the mother breastfeeding three-month-old twins, and portions of the supplies were distributed to local soup kitchens and other vulnerable families in Omaheke.

    23 June 2026 · New Era

Tuesday 19 May

  1. Ministry: Angolan street children ineligible for refugee status

    The Ministry of Home Affairs says Angolan nationals, including children on Namibian streets, do not qualify for refugee status under Namibian law and international conventions, as they left Angola seeking socio-economic opportunities rather than fleeing persecution.

    19 May 2026 · New Era

Friday 15 May

  1. NHE targets 905 houses for 2025/2026 financial year

    The National Housing Enterprise plans to construct 905 houses across Namibia during the 2025/2026 financial year as part of efforts to reduce the country's housing backlog. Since its establishment in 1993, NHE has constructed more than 21 545 housing units nationwide.

    15 May 2026 · New Era

  2. Gobabis cemetery neglected, turned into dumping site

    Epako Cemetery in Gobabis, which has served the community for almost 60 years, has deteriorated into a dumping ground with trash, broken tombstones, and litter, with residents using the unfenced gravesite as a shortcut and dumping site for household waste.

    15 May 2026 · New Era

Wednesday 13 May

  1. Namibia secures four finalists in RASA awards

    Namibia has four finalists announced for the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Regional Annual Sports Awards, a prestigious ceremony scheduled for 23 May in Luanda, Angola, honouring athletes, journalists and sports personalities across Southern Africa.

    13 May 2026 · New Era

  2. Namibia pushes for permanent UN Security Council seats for Africa

    Namibia's trade and international relations minister, attending a ministerial meeting in Nairobi, reaffirmed Africa's demand for two permanent seats on the UN Security Council, together with additional non-permanent seats, as part of the Committee of Ten's push for UN system reform.

    13 May 2026 · New Era

Wednesday 6 May

  1. Ohangwena plans desalination at 10 boreholes for saline water

    Ohangwena region aims to install desalination plants at least 10 boreholes to treat saline water that has made many government-drilled boreholes unusable. Governor Kadiva Hamutumwa said a contractor was appointed in April by NamPower, with implementation expected within four months, as part of broader interventions to improve water security across the region.

    6 May 2026 · New Era

Tuesday 28 April

  1. Naftal Sakaria appointed to lead presidential security detail

    Oshana regional police commander Naftal Sakaria is set to lead the unit protecting President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, replacing commissioner Andreas Nelumbu. The appointment follows a police reshuffle conducted by inspector general Joseph Shikongo.

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian

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

Wednesday 15 April

  1. Teen with leukaemia fights on despite financial and health struggles

    Catherine Mayumbelo, an 18-year-old from Aus, was diagnosed with leukaemia in May and must travel to Cape Town for a bone marrow transplant. Her family is financially strained by monthly medical visits to Windhoek and appeals for public assistance to cover the estimated N$210,000 cost of the transplant journey.

    15 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

Friday 10 April

  1. Otumbonde SC aims to develop players for top-level football

    Otumbonde Sport Club, known as Red Fire, is focused on developing players for local and international football competition. The Omaheke-based club has produced players who now compete in the Namibian Premier League and South African professional leagues, and plans to participate in major tournaments this year.

    10 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

New Era — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute