The Ombudsman has released a damning report concluding that the Namibia Revenue Agency's recruitment process violated the Constitution through maladministration, lack of transparency, and apparent discrimination based on race and ethnicity, including the use of "tribal groupings" in shortlisting candidates. The report calls for urgent reforms including stricter adherence to merit-based criteria, independent oversight, and regular audits of hiring practices.
The Ombudsman has released a damning report concluding that the Namibia Revenue Agency's recruitment process violated the Constitution through maladministration, lack of transparency, and apparent discrimination based on race and ethnicity, including the use of "tribal groupings" in shortlisting candidates. The report calls for urgent reforms including stricter adherence to merit-based criteria, independent oversight, and regular audits of hiring practices.
Health Minister Dr Esperance Luvindao told Parliament that malaria cases have risen significantly to 8,760 as of late January, largely due to the public's reluctance to allow indoor residual spraying, particularly in the Zambezi, Kavango and Ohangwena regions. She emphasized that the ministry has adequate medical supplies and treatment stocks, but stressed the importance of community cooperation in prevention efforts.
The Namibian government has challenged a TotalEnergies–Petrobras agreement to acquire controlling stakes in Petroleum Exploration Licence 104 offshore, stating it was informed only minutes before the public announcement and was not formally consulted despite legal requirements for ministerial approval. The ministry stressed that all petroleum transactions require prior approval under Namibian law and reaffirmed its commitment to regulatory compliance and transparency as the country's oil sector develops.
An MP argues that Namibia's fragmented climate response is inadequate to address severe droughts and desertification, and calls for a high-level Climate Delivery Unit in the Prime Minister's Office or Presidency to coordinate climate action, drive green job creation, and prepare for the EU's incoming Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.
Namibian Parliament has incorporated artificial intelligence tools to transcribe debates, translate documents, and analyse amendments to support MPs in decision-making and legislative work. The adoption aligns with a regional SADC initiative to modernise parliamentary processes, though challenges including outdated IT systems, poor data quality, and ethical concerns remain across the region.
Namibia's new Dissolution of Marriages Act, assented in October 2024, simplifies divorce procedures by replacing fault-based grounds with a single irretrievable-breakdown standard, while placing strong emphasis on children's rights and fair property division. The law requires courts to ensure proper custody, guardianship, and maintenance arrangements for children before granting divorce, and removes outdated mechanisms like restitution of conjugal rights.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah opened Namibia's legal year at the Supreme Court today, marking the start of a year the justice ministry hopes will bring meaningful reform, improved efficiency, and strengthened public confidence. The judiciary has established a Safety and Security Task Force to address concerns following recent attacks on prosecutors, while legal professionals advocate for plea bargaining reforms and amendments to obsolete laws.
Swapo President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah told party lawmakers at an induction workshop that discipline, coordination, and service delivery must define their work, warning that public trust depends on visible improvements in people's lives. She stressed that Swapo's electoral dominance brings responsibility to deliver on its manifesto and the Sixth National Development Plan.
Ahead of Parliament's 2026 opening session, Namibian residents have called on MPs to prioritize poverty eradication, service delivery, and job creation, with some arguing that laws have been implemented without substantially improving conditions on the ground, particularly in informal settlements.
Parliament's second session approved the Appropriation Bill and advanced key legislative reforms including the Land Bill, Mental Health Bill, and public enterprise governance amendments, according to National Assembly Speaker Dr Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila. The Speaker said the session strengthened parliamentary oversight, public participation and democratic debate while addressing pressing national challenges such as health care, land reform, unemployment and economic growth.