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Thursday, 22 October 2026
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Namibian press · Place

Omaheke

2020-09-252026-10-22

News reports

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In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. September 2026
  2. The Namibian

    … The experiences of young people in Erongo may differ from those in Kavango East, Omaheke or the Khomas Region. …

    Prime Minister Tjitunga Ngurare Calls on Junior Council Members to Champion Water, Sanitation and National Development
  3. August 2026
  4. The Namibian

    … Travelling through the rural landscapes of the Erongo, Omaheke, Oshikoto and Kavango East regions, Courtney-Clarke zooms into the challenges and ingenuity of the San and other indigenous peoples eking out a living amid displacement and drought. …

    Drought and Displacement, Frame by Frame
  5. Informanté

    … several planned processing facilities aimed at supporting local production and job creation, including a mango processing plant in Katima Mulilo, a tomato sauce processing plant in Omusati, a watermelon processing plant in Kavango East, a peanut butter processing plant in Omaheke …

    Governors urged to turn regional funding into tangible results
  6. Windhoek Observer

    Kae Matundu Tjiparuro Developing Omaheke or dicing with its development? This question crops up naturally if one reads between the lines of the happenings in the region. …

    Nuwehoop – a development or a matter of dicing with it to feather your own nests?
  7. Informanté

    … With the exception of Khomas, regions without REDs performed poorly, with //Kharas being the worst performer, followed by Hardap and then Omaheke. …

    Namibia’s electricity infrastructure in good condition, says ECB
  8. The Namibian

    … Council-run areas in the ||Kharas, Hardap and Omaheke regions had the most issues, while Khomas and Otjozondjupa had the best network conditions. …

    Regional electricity distributors outperform councils
  9. The Namibian

    … The ||Kharas region carried the highest risk of continued non-compliance, followed by the Hardap and Omaheke regions. …

    ECB threatens to strip electricity licences of underperforming councils
  10. Windhoek Observer

    CHAMWE KAIRA Most of Namibia’s regional electricity distribution infrastructure has been classified as poor, with the //Kharas, Hardap and Omaheke regions identified as facing a high risk of continued non-compliance. …

    ECB rates most electricity infrastructure poor
  11. The Namibian

    An inmate escaped from Witvlei Police Station in the Omaheke region on Friday, with the police yet to provide details on the circumstances surrounding the escape. …

    Inmate escapes from Witvlei Police Station
  12. Namibian Sun

    … arks.“That's leadership,” /Goagoses said.She also acknowledged the presence of the regional culture officer and her team, an education inspector from Omaruru, law enforcement officers, artists and cultural practitioners.Delegates from Oshikoto, Khomas, Ohangwena, Zambezi, Omaheke …

    Governor fumes as education officials skip arts festival
Society

Low ECC applications suggest widespread illegal sand mining in Namibia

The News

The environment ministry told parliament that only 56 applications for environmental clearance certificates were received over three years, raising concerns that many sand and gravel operators may be extracting without required approval. The ministry reported 15 cases of illegal mining but noted that the low application numbers across most regions prevent establishing the true scale of illegal extraction or adequacy of enforcement.

20 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 20 October

  1. Low ECC applications suggest widespread illegal sand mining in Namibia

    The environment ministry told parliament that only 56 applications for environmental clearance certificates were received over three years, raising concerns that many sand and gravel operators may be extracting without required approval. The ministry reported 15 cases of illegal mining but noted that the low application numbers across most regions prevent establishing the true scale of illegal extraction or adequacy of enforcement.

    20 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 18 October

  1. Government planning 50 VIP toilets in Otjozondjupa region

    The government plans to build 50 ventilated improved pit (VIP) toilets in five constituencies in Otjozondjupa, adding to more than 125 already constructed in the region. The facilities are intended to improve sanitation access, particularly for elderly residents and pensioners who currently lack nearby toilet facilities.

    18 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 12 October

  1. N$25 million eco-village project opens in Epukiro

    Forty houses worth N$25 million have been completed in Epukiro, Omaheke region, as part of the N/a'an ku sê Eco-Village Project aimed at improving living conditions for marginalised communities. Vice President Lucia Witbooi inaugurated the project on Friday, describing it as an investment in human dignity and family stability, with a community garden and traditional ceremony area expected to be completed by end of November.

    12 October 2026 · New Era →

  2. Witbooi secures N$260,000 school equipment for Omaheke region

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi has called on businesses to help address education challenges in marginalised communities after securing school and hostel equipment worth more than N$260,000 for Mokganedi Tlhabanello High School and Goeie Hoop Primary School in the Omaheke region. The donation by NAM-MIC Holdings includes mattresses, chairs, desks and dining tables following Witbooi's January visit to the schools.

    12 October 2026 · New Era →

Saturday 10 October

  1. Zambezi Region to host 2027 Miss and Miss Teen Namibia pageants

    Young people in Namibia's Zambezi Region view the 2027 Miss Namibia and Miss Teen Namibia pageants—which the region will host for the first time—as an opportunity to showcase local talent and creative industries. Fashion designers and craftspeople expect the national event to significantly increase business demand for their work.

    10 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 9 October

  1. Swakopmund school decay prompts urgent questions about rural education

    A Windhoek Observer editorial highlights videos of deteriorating government school facilities in Swakopmund, warning that the poor conditions revealed there may reflect a broader crisis in schools beyond affluent towns, where some Namibian children still learn under trees more than three decades after independence.

    9 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. September inflation at 5.4%, northern zones show lowest rates

    Namibia's headline annual inflation for September stood at 5.4%, with core inflation at 4%. Zone 1 (northern regions) recorded the lowest annual inflation at 4.3%, while Khomas Region recorded the highest at 6.2%.

    9 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 7 October

  1. Zambezi region selected to host Miss Namibia 2027

    The Zambezi region has been chosen to host the Miss Namibia 2027 national beauty pageant, with Zambezi governor Dorothy Kabula-Simushi receiving the honour from the outgoing host region Omaheke. Kabula-Simushi said the event will showcase the region's natural beauty and cultural diversity to Namibians and international visitors.

    7 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 6 October

  1. Kavango West records highest fertility rate at 5.45 children per woman

    According to Namibia Statistics Agency's 2023 Population and Housing Census, Kavango West, Ohangwena and Omaheke recorded the highest fertility rates, with women averaging more than five children each, while Namibia's overall total fertility rate stood at 3.897 children per woman, with marked differences between rural areas at 5.027 and urban areas at 3.166.

    6 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 4 October

  1. 2023 census reveals sharp quality-of-life disparities across Namibia

    Secondary census data from the Namibia Statistics Agency show vast regional and rural-urban differences in fertility, infant mortality, and life expectancy. Women in Kavango West expect 5.5 children over their lifetimes compared to 2.7 in Khomas; under-five mortality ranges from 26.8 per 1,000 live births in Khomas to 61.4 in Omaheke; and life expectancy at birth varies by 12 years between Khomas (72.4 years) and Omaheke (60.3 years).

    4 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 3 October

  1. Parliamentary inquiry finds widespread failing health infrastructure

    A parliamentary oversight investigation across 10 regions found Namibia's public health system under severe strain, with patients treated in tents and homes, unfinished hospital projects, medical waste in public spaces, and inadequate emergency transport. The standing committee on gender equality, health and social welfare conducted visits between July and August 2025, with the report tabled in parliament this week.

    3 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Thursday 1 October

  1. Namibian men's life expectancy nine years less than women's

    The 2023 Population and Housing Census Mortality Report shows Namibian men have a life expectancy of 64 years at birth, compared to 72.7 years for women. The gap persists across all age groups except those 80 and above, with males accounting for 54.8% of the 20,822 household deaths reported in the 12 months before the census.

    1 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 30 September

  1. Namibia's response to foot-and-mouth disease outbreak

    Namibia began preparing for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in November 2025 and confirmed an outbreak in September when ten of eleven cattle tested positive in ||Kharas. The government responded by suspending movement and sale of cloven-hoofed animals, slaughtering, and imports and exports.

    30 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 28 September

  1. Private vets flag FMD response capacity gaps in Karasburg

    Private veterinarians supporting Namibia's FMD response have raised concerns over field surveillance capacity and the pace of restrictions being relaxed following the outbreak in Karasburg. They warned that insufficient field teams—only one operating in the affected area as of 25 September despite over 20 volunteers offering to assist—create biosecurity risks, as surveillance teams moving between farms without knowing previous holdings' status could spread the virus.

    28 September 2026 · Informanté →

Sunday 27 September

  1. IPC demands emergency funding to contain foot-and-mouth disease

    The Independent Patriots for Change has called on the government to provide emergency funding to contain the current foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, urgently cull animals on the infected farm, and compensate affected farmers. Surveillance results show 17 of 199 samples tested positive for FMD, with all positive cases confined to the Karasburg State Veterinary District.

    27 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 26 September

  1. FMD outbreak confined to Karasburg district, surveillance ongoing

    The ministry of agriculture reports that Foot-and-Mouth Disease cases remain confined to the Karasburg State Veterinary District in //Kharas Region following nationwide surveillance; of 199 samples collected from five regions between 22–25 September, 17 tested positive, all from Karasburg, while 30 cattle moved to Otjozondjupa tested negative.

    26 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. FMD restrictions will ease once surveillance results assessed

    Restrictions on cloven-hoofed animal movement imposed on 23 September will be gradually eased once the Ministry of Agriculture completes surveillance and traceability assessment following the detection of foot-and-mouth disease. Of 199 samples collected across five regions, 17 tested positive, all from Karasburg.

    26 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Seventeen FMD-positive samples confirmed at Karasburg

    Seventeen samples have tested positive for foot-and-mouth disease in the Karasburg State Veterinary District following detection of clinical cases on a farm on 22 September. Out of 199 samples collected across five regions between 22 and 25 September, all positive results so far remain confined to Karasburg.

    26 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 25 September

  1. Ovambanderu Repatriation Day commemorates historic heritage this weekend

    The Ovambanderu Repatriation Day will be held this weekend at Eiseb 10 in Otjombinde constituency, Omaheke region, to remember and reflect on the legacy of returnees and educate younger generations about sacrifices made. Organisers say preparations are complete, with Friday reserved for delegate arrival and traditional rituals.

    25 September 2026 · New Era →

  2. Widespread showers and flash floods forecast across country today

    Namibia Meteorological Services forecasts widespread showers, strong winds, and flash floods today, with the Hardap and //Kharas regions expected to be most affected and severe thunderstorms anticipated in southern regions. Isolated to scattered thundershowers are also expected in interior areas including the north-western regions, Erongo, and Omaheke, while moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast for coastal areas.

    25 September 2026 · Informanté →

Sunday 20 September

  1. Gender ministry has filled 23 of 55 social worker positions

    The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare has filled only 23 of 55 social worker positions targeted for recruitment during the 2025/2026 financial year, despite an allocation of over N$19 million. The shortage stems from limited availability of qualified social work graduates and the preference of available social workers for urban placements, leaving rural areas underserved.

    20 September 2026 · Informanté →

Saturday 19 September

  1. Mutjanga Bena steps solo in Namibian oviritje music

    Mutjangatjike Ben Muundjua, known as 'Mutjanga Bena' and called the crown prince of oviritje, has left the Upambians group to pursue a solo career in the traditional Otjiherero-speaking music genre. He emphasizes authenticity and developing a distinctive sound that sets him apart from other oviritje artists.

    19 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 17 September

  1. Namibian Police Force secures NQF Level 5 accreditation

    The Namibian Police Force has secured accreditation for its basic police training programme at National Qualifications Framework Level 5, following 17 years of curriculum development and review. The new accredited Police Basic Course runs for 12 months with 11 core modules, expanding from the previous six-month, six-module programme.

    17 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 15 September

  1. Labour Ministry reports 257 job placements, workplace safety concerns

    The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations recorded progress in employment services and labour-law enforcement in the first quarter of 2026/27, registering 3,487 jobseekers, reporting 706 vacancies, and making 257 job placements. During the quarter, 759 workplaces were inspected with 70% found compliant, while four cases of child labour were identified and five non-fatal workplace accidents were reported.

    15 September 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 11 September

  1. Annual inflation rose to 5% in August

    Namibia's headline annual inflation rate for August reached 5%, up from 3.2% in August 2025, with monthly inflation at 0.6%, according to the Namibia Statistics Agency. Zone 2 (Khomas Region) recorded the highest annual inflation rate at 5.9%, while Zone 1 recorded the lowest at 4%.

    11 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 10 September

  1. Three in four Namibian children lack school readiness

    A national early childhood development study cited by Development Workshop Namibia found that three out of four Namibian children are not considered ready for school. The organization's ECD project, which began in 2023, is working to improve learning quality in informal settlements by supporting 30 centres, 64 teachers, and over 1,042 children through infrastructure construction, learning materials, and educator training.

    10 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 9 September

  1. Omaheke and Zambezi regions exceed national maternal mortality averages

    Namibia's national maternal mortality ratio has declined to 139 per 100,000 live births from over 450 in 2000, but regional disparities persist, with Omaheke and Zambezi regions recording significantly higher ratios. A confidential inquiry found that 54% of maternal deaths reviewed between April 2021 and March 2024 could have been prevented through improved clinical care, with critical gaps identified in nearly 80% of maternal-death records.

    9 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 8 September

  1. Namibia to face hotter, drier season from October 2026

    The Namibia Meteorological Services forecasts above-average temperatures and below-normal rainfall from October 2026 to March 2027, driven by rapidly intensifying El Niño conditions in the Pacific Ocean. Maximum temperature anomalies are projected to reach about 1°C above average over eastern areas and up to 2°C above normal in the extreme south-east.

    8 September 2026 · Informanté →

Sunday 6 September

  1. Namibia records 122 deaths, 122,612 malaria cases this year

    Namibia has recorded 122 malaria deaths and 122,612 confirmed cases so far this year, with the government preparing to spray 1.2 million households in malaria-prone regions. The health minister announced that 99,078 cases were contracted locally while 23,354 were imported, and Kavango East region accounts for 30.6% of cases.

    6 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 1 September

  1. Defence lawyer withdraws from Windhoek murder trial

    Tjizake Murangi (25), accused of murdering his former girlfriend in a knife attack two years ago, will reapply for state-funded legal aid after his defence lawyer withdrew from the case citing conflicting instructions from his client. Murangi faces nine charges including murder and domestic violence-related offences.

    1 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Omaheke — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute