Namibia Minute.
Monday, 8 June 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 8 June 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

Parliament

Also known as: Parliament of the Republic of Namibia · The Namibian Parliament · the Eighth Parliament

Namibia's legislative body that debates bills, conducts oversight, and addresses national policy including petroleum reform, divorce law, and genocide reparations negotiations.

2018-03-092026-06-08
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What’s been said

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

  1. June 2026

  2. Informanté

    Parliament enacted the Dissolution of Marriages Act, 2024

    Source

    “This follows the enactment by Parliament of the Dissolution of Marriages Act, 2024 (DoMA), which fundamentally reforms the law governing divorce in Namibia and officially came into effect today, 3 June 2026.”

    ‘Irretrievable breakdown of marriage’ now the only ground for divorce

  3. Informanté

    Parliament was adjourned early on Wednesday after chaotic scenes erupted

    Source

    “PARLIAMENT was adjourned early on Wednesday after chaotic scenes erupted in the National Assembly barely a day after the fourth session of the eighth Parliament resumed yesterday, following a month-long recess.”

    Parliament adjourned amid chaotic scenes as Speaker calls for order following disruption in National Assembly
  4. May 2026

  5. Windhoek Observer

    Parliament evolves and adapts over time

    Source

    “Parliament evolves. Courts evolve. Businesses evolve. Even constitutions are amended when necessary.”

    Chiefs, customs and the cost of standing still

  6. The Namibian

    Parliament must review and audit contracts, revenue flows, and official compliance

    Source

    “Parliamentary oversight with teeth: Parliament must do more than receive reports. It must: review contracts; summon officials; audit revenue flows and report to the public.”

    How Namibia Can Get Its Resource Wealth Right

  7. Informanté

    Parliament is asked to support passage of the Petroleum Amendment Bill

    Source

    “I call on honourable members to support the passage of the Petroleum Amendment Bill, with whatever constructive amendments strengthen its accountability provisions.”

    Knowledge Katti backs Petroleum Amendment Bill and Upstream Petroleum Unit

  8. New Era

    Parliament enacted Financial Institutions and Markets Act of 2021 and Namfisa Act of 2021

    Source

    “He said Namfisa undertook a comprehensive review and restructuring of legislation governing the non-banking financial sector, which resulted in Parliament enacting the Financial Institutions and Markets Act of 2021 and the Namfisa Act of 2021.”

    Fima Pension payout unchanged: Matomola

  9. Informanté

    Parliament saw Members engage on range of matters aimed at promoting accountability, transparency, and responsive governance

    Source

    “The session, which commenced on 3 February 2026, saw Members of Parliament engage on a range of matters aimed at promoting accountability, transparency, and responsive governance, while addressing the country's socio-economic priorities.”

    National Assembly resume in June
  10. February 2026

  11. Informanté

    Parliament will receive Namibia's 2026–2027 National Budget

    Source

    “FINANCE Minister Ericah Shafudah is set to table Namibia's 2026–2027 National Budget in Parliament today, outlining government spending priorities amid mounting fiscal pressures.”

    Namibia’s National Budget to be tabled amid revenue shortfalls and rising debt

  12. New Era

    Parliament received Kandjeke's audit report last week

    Source

    “Kandjeke's report was tabled in Parliament last week.”

    City gets disclaimer audit

  13. Informanté

    Indileni Daniel made remarks in Parliament while outlining her position on the Petroleum Exploration and Production Amendment Bill

    Source

    “She made the remarks in Parliament while outlining her position on the Petroleum Exploration and Production Amendment Bill.”

    Indileni Daniel supports placing petroleum under presidential control
Politics

Namibia shifts to no-fault divorce system

The News

Namibia's new Dissolution of Marriages Act, 2024, which came into effect on 3 June 2026, replaces fault-based divorce with a single ground of irretrievable breakdown of marriage. Courts may now consider factors including lack of companionship, emotional estrangement, and communication breakdown, rather than infidelity alone, though a divorce will not be granted automatically.

Why it matters

Namibia's shift to no-fault divorce under new 2024 Act fundamentally changes marriage dissolution law and family law landscape.

4 June 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 4 June

  1. Namibia shifts to no-fault divorce system

    Namibia's new Dissolution of Marriages Act, 2024, which came into effect on 3 June 2026, replaces fault-based divorce with a single ground of irretrievable breakdown of marriage. Courts may now consider factors including lack of companionship, emotional estrangement, and communication breakdown, rather than infidelity alone, though a divorce will not be granted automatically.

    4 June 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 3 June

  1. Parliament adjourned early after chaotic scenes disrupt assembly

    Parliament was adjourned early on Wednesday after chaotic scenes erupted in the National Assembly, with the Speaker struggling to maintain order during heated exchanges between MPs over speaking procedures and points of order. The Speaker reminded members that parliamentary rules must be followed and warned that continued disruptions could not be allowed to derail proceedings.

    3 June 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Vitol sole fuel supply deal draws monopoly concerns in Parliament

    The Independent Patriots for Change has accused the government of monopolistic tendencies after the Minister of Mines and Energy announced Vitol Bahrain E.C. as Namibia's sole supplier of bulk petroleum products from July to September 2026. The three-month deal is expected to save the country about N$1 billion, though the Namibian Competition Commission earlier found Vitol controlled an estimated 75% to 85% of the intra-wholesale fuel market.

    3 June 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 26 May

  1. Namibia must balance tradition with communal land reform progress

    An opinion piece argues that while traditional leaders' concerns about communal land reform deserve respect, Namibia cannot allow defence of custom to obstruct economic transformation. The article contends that current customary systems leave communal land residents trapped in poverty, unable to use land productively or secure financing, and vulnerable to inconsistent allocation practices.

    26 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 12 May

  1. Natural resources create choices, not automatic prosperity

    The Namibian publishes an opinion piece arguing that as Namibia approaches major oil and gas production, history—including Iran's experience and Namibia's own resource management of fisheries, diamonds, and uranium—shows that natural resources must be strategically managed to avoid pitfalls like price dependency, reduced transparency, and lagging non-energy growth.

    12 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Oil and gas investor backs petroleum reform bill

    Namibian oil and gas investor Knowledge Katti has issued a statement supporting the Petroleum Amendment Bill and the proposed Upstream Petroleum Unit in the Office of the President, arguing the reforms are necessary to strengthen oversight, attract investment, and accelerate Namibia's transition to oil production.

    12 May 2026 · Informanté →

  3. Ramaphosa rejects resignation calls, pursues legal review

    President Cyril Ramaphosa said he will not resign over the Phala Phala matter and instead will seek a legal review of Parliament's Section 89 panel report on the theft of US$580,000 from his farm. The review process could take up to a year and may run in parallel with an impeachment committee proceeding.

    12 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 11 May

  1. South African police generals arrested over precious metals dealing

    Two high-ranking South African Police Service generals, Feroz Khan and Ebrahim Kadwa, have been arrested for alleged illegal dealing and unlawful possession of precious metals. They are among 15 senior police officers scheduled to appear in Gauteng courts this week.

    11 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Businessman calls for Parliament backing of oil sector reforms

    Knowledge Katti has urged Parliament and national leaders to support the creation of the Upstream Petroleum Unit (UPU) and the Petroleum Amendment Bill, arguing these reforms are necessary to help Namibia transition from oil exploration to production and address long-standing governance challenges in the sector.

    11 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 8 May

  1. South Africa's Ramaphosa respects court ruling on Phala Phala matter

    South Africa's Presidency says President Cyril Ramaphosa respects the Constitutional Court's judgment declaring Parliament's decision to reject the Section 89 Independent Panel Report into the Phala Phala scandal unconstitutional, reaffirming his commitment to the Constitution and the rule of law.

    8 May 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 7 May

  1. Health Ministry pushes accelerated Food Safety Bill review process

    The Executive Director of the Ministry of Health and Social Services has criticised the nine-year drafting process of the Food Safety Bill and urged its expedited review to ensure inclusion on Parliament's legislative calendar this financial year. The Ministry is engaging a consultant to refine the Bill in line with current realities and best practices.

    7 May 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 6 May

  1. Namibian MPs demand greater role in genocide reparations talks

    Parliament's Standing Committee on International Relations, Defence and Security, visiting Germany, has called for a more inclusive and transparent process in ongoing negotiations over Herero and Namaqua Genocide reparations, arguing that Parliament must be a central participant rather than an observer. While acknowledging Germany's 2021 recognition of the genocide and €1.1 billion development support pledge, the committee shares affected communities' view that the offer is inadequate and not genuine reparations.

    6 May 2026 · Informanté →

  2. FIMA and Namfisa Act operational from May 2026

    Namfisa CEO Kenneth Matomola announced that the Financial Institutions and Markets Act (FIMA) and the Namfisa Act came into operation on 1 May 2026 to modernise regulation of the non-banking financial sector. Matomola stated that existing pension commutation rules remain unchanged and that pension preservation regulations are on hold pending further review.

    6 May 2026 · New Era →

  3. Constitutional Court to rule on Ramaphosa's Phala Phala scandal

    South Africa's Constitutional Court will deliver judgment on 8 May on an application by the EFF and ATM challenging Parliament's blocking of an impeachment inquiry against President Cyril Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala scandal, involving the concealment of a farm theft of nearly $4 million in cash.

    6 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 4 May

  1. National Assembly to resume sessions on 2 June

    The National Assembly will resume on 2 June following the adjournment of the third session of the eighth Parliament. During the recess period, Members of Parliament are expected to continue with oversight visits and other parliamentary responsibilities.

    4 May 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 29 April

  1. Finance Minister questions Parliament's lengthy debates with little outcome

    Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah criticised prolonged parliamentary deliberations that yield little substantive progress, saying nearly two hours were spent on procedural matters without reaching decisions. Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila acknowledged the concern but held that adjournment rules must be enforced.

    29 April 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 28 April

  1. President calls on Namibians to defend democracy at Tjitendero commemoration

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah honoured founding National Assembly Speaker Mose Tjitendero at his 20th death commemoration at Heroes Acre, calling on Namibians to defend and strengthen democracy by following Tjitendero's legacy of transparency, inclusivity, accountability and the rule of law in building Parliament after independence.

    28 April 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 23 April

  1. ANC demands members choose between party, SACP

    The ANC has given its members who also belong to the SACP a 10-day deadline to declare which party they will campaign for in local elections, after the SACP announced it would contest independently. The move highlights tensions within the historically intertwined alliance and poses practical complications for senior figures like SACP chairperson Blade Nzimande and ANC Chair Gwede Mantashe, both of whom hold ministerial positions.

    23 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 17 April

  1. Namibia's corruption rating falls to worst-ever score

    Namibia scored 46/100 in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, dropping six places to 65th globally and recording its worst-ever performance. A criminal intelligence analyst outlines international anti-corruption policy options—including asset disclosure, whistleblower protection, extractive industry transparency, and fiscal openness—that Namibia could adopt to strengthen enforcement and accountability.

    17 April 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 7 April

  1. Ministry of Defence allocates N$1.5 billion for veterans welfare

    The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs spent N$2.5 million on funeral assistance for 363 veterans in 2025/2026, with minister Frans Kapofi reporting that 94% of the department's N$1.5 billion allocation went toward veterans' welfare and preserving liberation struggle history. For 2026/2027, the ministry is requesting a similar N$1.5 billion budget, primarily for monthly grants benefiting nearly 24,000 veterans.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 2 April

  1. Minister Tolashe accused of false statement about luxury SUV donation

    A Daily Maverick investigation suggests South African Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe falsely told Parliament that two luxury SUVs were donated to the ANC Women's League, when records show the vehicles were registered in the names of her children in April 2024 without being disclosed in accordance with government ethics codes.

    2 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 1 April

  1. Defence Minister seeks approval for N$7.5 billion budget

    Defence and Veterans Affairs Minister Frans Kapofi presented the ministry's N$7,535,500,000 budget for 2026/27, a 0.7% increase from the previous year, aimed at improving security, defence capabilities, and socio-economic development through key focus areas including training, land operations, and offshore defence.

    1 April 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 31 March

  1. Youth leader calls for job creation reforms and NYC funding

    The secretary general of Nudo Youth League urged the government to allocate sufficient funding to the National Youth Council and reform Affirmative Action legislation to help graduates enter the job market, citing Namibia's youth unemployment rate of 44.4% as a serious concern requiring effective policies on job creation.

    31 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. Defence ministry tables N$1.52 billion veterans welfare budget

    The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs has proposed a N$1.52 billion budget for 2026/2027 to improve welfare for liberation struggle veterans, including monthly grants, medical support, and heritage preservation. Deputy Minister Charles Mubita said the allocation will support about 23,694 veterans receiving monthly grants and address socio-economic challenges through medical care, psychosocial support, and settlement of outstanding Individual Veterans Projects.

    31 March 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 30 March

  1. South Africa's military cannot track billions in assets amid troop deployment

    South Africa's Auditor-General has found that the Department of Defence cannot locate portions of its R68.95-billion military asset base, raising concerns about resource management as the country deploys 2,200 troops to crime-affected areas at an estimated cost of R823 million. The department has received recurring qualified audit opinions for nine years and overspent its budget by R2.51 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year.

    30 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 26 March

  1. Parliament warns public of fake video using Speaker's image

    The National Assembly has warned the public against a fraudulent deepfake video circulating on social media that falsely depicts Speaker Dr Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila endorsing an investment scheme promising unrealistic returns of up to USD 12,600 per day. The Assembly stressed that the Speaker has not endorsed or associated herself with any such scheme and urged caution against online material promising unusually high financial returns.

    26 March 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 20 March

  1. Namibia celebrates rural progress while gaps persist after 36 years

    Three decades into independence, Namibia has expanded rural infrastructure including water supplies reaching 92.85% of rural households, constructed 419 new schools mostly in villages, and grown the road network from 41,800km to nearly 49,000km. However, challenges including high poverty, food insecurity, and uneven access to services remain, with experts noting the urban-rural development gap has not been fully closed.

    20 March 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 18 March

  1. NC chair urges inclusive development, participatory democracy

    National Council chairperson Lukas Sinimbo Muha addressed members of the 7th National Council at an induction seminar in Swakopmund, urging them to strengthen their role in promoting inclusive development and participatory democracy as a constitutional imperative. He stressed that parliament must listen to citizens' voices and hold the executive accountable, while the NC serves as a bridge between regional and central government interests.

    18 March 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 10 March

  1. Trophy hunting generates N$292.5 million for Namibian conservancies

    Communal conservancies earned over N$292.5 million from trophy hunting between 2013 and 2024, with the Environment Minister confirming that selective hunting removes less than 1% of annual wildlife population and contributes to conservation funding, habitat management and community development.

    10 March 2026 · New Era →

Saturday 28 February

  1. Pensioners to receive N$100 monthly increase from April 2026

    Minister of Finance Ericah Shafudah announced that pensioners will receive an additional N$100 from 1 April 2026, with N$447 million allocated to accommodate the increase. The announcement was made during the presentation of the Budget Statement for the 2026/27 financial year in Parliament.

    28 February 2026 · Informanté →

Parliament — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute