Namibia Minute.
Thursday, 22 October 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hourWork with us
Thursday, 22 October 2026
Windhoek—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Namibian press · Organization

Parliament

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

Parliament — Namibia's legislative body debating bills on petroleum, trade, and governance; participants in international parliamentary forums.

2018-03-092026-10-22
Share on WhatsApp

News reports

Order a long-term news report on Parliament

Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.

Order a news report

Tell us where to reach you and we’ll be in touch to agree the period and format.

What’s been said

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

  1. February 2026

  2. New Era

    Parliament are not systematically engaged in climate policy design

    Source

    “Lawmakers are not systematically engaged in climate policy design.”

    Opinion – Namibia needs high-level climate delivery unit

  3. New Era

    Parliament has incorporated AI to transcribe debates, translate documents and analyse amendments

    Source

    “The Namibian Parliament has incorporated the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to transcribe debates, translate documents and analyse amendments.”

    Parliament embraces AI

  4. New Era

    Parliament heard Immanuel's statement that the previous divorce regime often failed couples

    Source

    “"Many people found it challenging to navigate the system, especially when faced with emotional and financial hardships," Immanuel told the Parliament.”

    Divorce law places children at centre

  5. New Era

    Parliament showed effort last year

    Source

    “Meanwhile, Natangwe Simon said, while Parliament showed effort last year, MPs must focus more on fulfilling promises made to voters and promoting economic empowerment.”

    Address poverty, public tells MPs

  6. Informanté

    Parliament advanced several key legislative reforms including budget approvals and land reform legislation

    Source

    “PARLIAMENT advanced several key legislative reforms during its recently concluded second session, including budget approvals, land reform legislation, governance reforms for public enterprises and regional councils, and progress on the Mental Health Bill, National Assembly Speaker Hon. Dr Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has said.”

    Parliament advances key reform bills, budget and governance agenda – Speaker

  7. New Era

    Parliament passed only two budget-related bills out of nine bills considered in 2025

    Source

    “Regrettably, of all these nine bills, only two budget-related bills went through.”

    NNN ups ante on ‘lacklustre’ Parliament

  8. Informanté

    Parliament must ensure Namibia's natural resources are used responsibly and sustainably

    Source

    “As Parliament continues to pass legislation, it must ensure that Namibia's natural resources are used responsibly and sustainably.”

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah stresses urgency of legislative reforms

  9. The Namibian

    Parliament has demanded accountability following oversight visit revealing stalled infrastructure and equipment shortages

    Source

    “The parliament has demanded accountability following an oversight visit that revealed stalled infrastructure projects and critical equipment shortages at Okakarara District Hospital.”

    Zero tolerance for ‘illness’ of incomplete hospitals

  10. Informanté

    Parliament will hold Official Opening on Tuesday, 3 February 2026

    Source

    “This was announced by Parliament spokesperson Sackey Kadhikwa, who explained that the road closures are necessary to accommodate preparatory activities and official proceedings for the Official Opening of Parliament, which will take place on Tuesday, 3 February 2026.”

    Roads around Parliament building to be temporarily closed on Monday and Tuesday
  11. January 2026

  12. New Era

    Parliament is scheduled to open in February 2026

    Source

    “Venaani also urged President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to use her powers to recall Parliament earlier than the scheduled opening in February 2026.”

    Venaani tears into dormant Parliament
Politics

NamPol seeks major ICT overhaul to modernise ageing systems

The News

The Namibian Police is embarking on a technological modernisation programme to address performance challenges in its ageing electronic policing infrastructure, aiming to strengthen criminal investigations, accelerate administrative processes, and improve case docket management. Acting Inspector-General Anne-Marie Nainda confirmed the system has experienced slow processing and intermittent interruptions requiring urgent overhaul.

16 October 2026 · New Era →

Friday 16 October

  1. NamPol seeks major ICT overhaul to modernise ageing systems

    The Namibian Police is embarking on a technological modernisation programme to address performance challenges in its ageing electronic policing infrastructure, aiming to strengthen criminal investigations, accelerate administrative processes, and improve case docket management. Acting Inspector-General Anne-Marie Nainda confirmed the system has experienced slow processing and intermittent interruptions requiring urgent overhaul.

    16 October 2026 · New Era →

  2. Ministry disputes audit finding on missing government vehicles

    The Ministry of Works and Transport has challenged an audit finding that 53 government vehicles worth N$35.5 million were missing from the pool vehicle register, arguing they had been recorded in a Permanent Allocated Vehicle Register instead. The Windhoek Observer editorial calls for complete records and independently verifiable evidence to resolve the discrepancy.

    16 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 13 October

  1. NSFAF audit finds weak systems for recovering N$11.7 billion

    The Auditor-General's latest findings on the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund show it recovered only N$21.5 million in student loans during the 2024/25 financial year, raising concerns about ineffective recovery systems, inadequate debtor tracing, and poor validation of borrower information against national databases.

    13 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 9 October

  1. Dr Aupindi backs Petroleum Amendment Bill, emphasizes governance

    Dr Tobie Ocean Aupindi told Parliament on 6 October 2026 that he supports the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill, which establishes an Upstream Petroleum Unit in the Office of the President and transfers certain powers from the Minister and Commissioner for Petroleum Affairs to the President and the Unit's leadership. He argued that Namibia requires a governance structure equal to the strategic importance of the petroleum sector as the country prepares for significant oil and gas discoveries and capital investment.

    9 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 8 October

  1. Namibia participates in 153rd IPU Assembly in Tanzania

    Namibia is participating in the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Arusha, Tanzania, from 5 to 9 October 2026, under the theme "Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all." National Assembly Member Hon. Dr Peya Mushelenga said the participation reflects Namibia's commitment to multilateral diplomacy and the parliament's role in discussions on health, climate change, trade and other global issues.

    8 October 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Minister tables International Trade Management Bill in Parliament

    Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi has tabled the International Trade Management Bill in Parliament, which seeks to establish an International Trade Management Commission to oversee Namibia's tariff regime and international trade matters. The Commission will investigate, determine, and recommend tariff adjustments based on economic analysis and consistency with Namibia's regional and international obligations.

    8 October 2026 · Informanté →

  3. MPs scrutinise oil bill's royalty safeguards and presidential powers

    Parliament has questioned whether the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill adequately protects state revenue as it proposes transferring powers from the minister of industries, mines and energy to the President, including establishment of an Upstream Petroleum Unit in the President's office and changes to oversight of royalties, licences, local content and environmental obligations. PDM Chief Whip Winnie Moongo raised concerns that the bill weakens existing safeguards requiring finance ministry concurrence for royalty decisions.

    8 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  4. Welwitschia Fund bill lacks safeguards, governance gaps warn analysts

    Simonis Storm warns that Namibia's draft Welwitschia Fund Bill, which is set to be tabled in Parliament this month, is "not ready to enact" due to missing critical formulas and governance safeguards. The firm cited concerns including unspecified petroleum deposit and withdrawal parameters, a fixed revenue threshold that could halt savings during downturns, and excessive concentration of powers in the finance minister without parliamentary checks.

    8 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 7 October

  1. Government rejects communal land privatisation

    The government has rejected privatisation of communal land, saying it could lead to land concentration among wealthy individuals and increase poverty in rural communities. The agriculture minister said communal land is a state resource held for the benefit of traditional communities and supports procedural land allocation under the Communal Land Reform Act instead.

    7 October 2026 · New Era →

Friday 2 October

  1. Land reform success requires more than hectares acquired

    An editorial argues that Namibia's land reform should be measured by whether beneficiaries can make a living from the land, not by hectares redistributed or farms purchased. The piece raises concerns about Agribank's sustainability, noting it lends over N$250 million annually while receiving about N$99 million in Treasury support, forcing dependence on capital markets to sustain its lending programme.

    2 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 30 September

  1. Namibia's decentralisation remains delegation, not true devolution

    Nearly three decades after adopting decentralisation as a pillar of democratic governance, Namibia has delegated 42 functions from six ministries to regional councils, but most are delegated rather than devolved—meaning councils perform functions on behalf of central government rather than acquiring independent authority, leaving political power concentrated centrally.

    30 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 29 September

  1. Ministry of Trade reports 9,343 jobs created via initiatives

    The Ministry of International Relations and Trade announced that 28 projects with N$66.85 billion in collective investment have created 9,343 permanent jobs. The update follows a presidential pledge to create 500,000 jobs over five years through private and public sector efforts.

    29 September 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 28 September

  1. Ombudsman Bill 2026 grants office financial autonomy

    Justice and Labour Relations Minister Fillemon Immanuel has tabled the Ombudsman Bill 2026, which seeks to replace the 1990 Ombudsman Act and establish a modern legal framework that grants the Office of the Ombudsman full financial and administrative autonomy, separating it from the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations. The Bill aligns the office with the Constitution and UN Paris Principles, removes its budgetary dependence on the ministry, and broadens its powers to investigate systemic human rights violations and maladministration.

    28 September 2026 · New Era →

Saturday 26 September

  1. FMD detection in free zone tests Namibia's leadership response

    Namibia's confirmation of foot-and-mouth disease in its internationally recognised FMD-free zone is presented as an economic and livelihood test for the country's leadership. The government has suspended movement of cloven-hoofed animals and their products, and is considering dividing the FMD-free zone into smaller zones to contain the disease geographically.

    26 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 22 September

  1. Namibia faces 330-position shortage in regional social work

    Namibia has 330 vacant regional social worker positions out of 807 approved posts, with only 477 filled. Minister Emma Kantema attributed the shortfall to limited availability of qualified graduates and a preference among social workers for urban over rural postings, leaving remote areas underserved.

    22 September 2026 · New Era →

  2. Opposition party demands transparency in Electoral Commission chairperson approval

    The Affirmative Repositioning Movement objected to the appointment of Gerson Sindano as Electoral Commission chairperson on procedural grounds, demanding access to the Selection Committee report, interview scores, and other documents to test the transparency required by the Electoral Act. The party's challenge signals a shift toward demanding legal accountability and checks and balances rather than accepting presidential nominations without scrutiny.

    22 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

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 →

Friday 18 September

  1. Namibia's growing fixation with titles and social status

    An opinion piece examines Namibia's proliferation of titles and social designations, arguing that the recent parliamentary debate over honorary doctorates reflects a broader societal obsession with status and recognition. The author questions whether Namibians are becoming so focused on titles that they risk losing sight of their names and identities.

    18 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. Mariental Hospital oxygen plant undergoing major repairs since June

    Mariental State Hospital has relied on oxygen cylinders while its main oxygen plant undergoes major repairs following an explosion on 6 June and intermittent operational problems. The Ministry of Health pursued a longer-term solution, appointing a new company in August to address underlying issues rather than continue with temporary maintenance.

    18 September 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 17 September

  1. Prime Minister pledges probe into Home Affairs research restrictions

    Prime Minister Dr Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare has undertaken to investigate concerns over a directive allegedly restricting research into the systems, processes and information held by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security. The issue was raised in the National Assembly by Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda, who questioned whether the Ministry's reported position against permitting research—even by its own employees—was consistent with national research governance through the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology.

    17 September 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 16 September

  1. PM updates Parliament on housing, sanitation emergency response

    Prime Minister Ngurare told Parliament that government has allocated N$34 million towards sanitation and is implementing interventions in informal settlements as part of its response to the declared state of emergency on housing and sanitation. A Disaster Risk Management meeting chaired by the Secretary to Cabinet and comprising relevant ministries has been convened to address both sanitation and housing issues.

    16 September 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 15 September

  1. Minister clarifies same-sex marriage remains illegal in Namibia

    Justice Minister Fillemon Wise Immanuel clarified that same-sex marriage is not currently legal in Namibia, following National Assembly comments suggesting a court ruling had legalized it. He explained that a May 2023 Supreme Court judgment concerned recognition of same-sex marriages concluded outside Namibia for immigration purposes only, and that the Marriage Act No. 14 of 2024 defines marriage as a union between persons of opposite sex, though it has not yet been operationalized.

    15 September 2026 · Informanté →

Sunday 13 September

  1. Mobile number cancellation creates real human consequences

    An opinion piece argues that telecommunications companies' cancellation of inactive phone numbers disproportionately harms unemployed people, pensioners, and seasonal workers who rely on those numbers as a digital identity and point of contact with employers, banks, and government services.

    13 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 3 September

  1. Agriculture ministry challenges phosphate mining environmental clearance

    The Minister of Agriculture is challenging an Environmental Clearance Certificate granted to marine phosphate mining company Namibian Marine Phosphate, citing a moratorium placed on phosphate mining in 2013, while the Environment Minister said the Environmental Management Act process will take its course and environmental groups oppose the project citing ecosystem damage risks.

    3 September 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 1 September

  1. Prime Minister addresses Junior National Council on water and development

    Prime Minister Tjitunga Ngurare delivered a keynote address to the 4th Junior National Council, urging young members from Namibia's fourteen regions to champion water, sanitation, and national development as participants in parliamentary democracy.

    1 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. National Council approves updated Mental Health Bill

    The National Council has passed the Mental Health Bill (no. 8 of 2025) without amendments. The Bill replaces the Mental Health Act of 1973 and provides an updated legal framework for mental health care, expanded community-based services, stronger patient rights protection, and treatment aligned with modern human rights standards.

    1 September 2026 · Informanté →

  3. Junior National Council convenes on water and sanitation access

    Prime Minister Elijah Tjitunga Ngurare has opened the Fourth Junior National Council session in Windhoek, bringing together 42 young Namibians from all 14 regions to deliberate on universal water and sanitation access. The session runs from 31 August to 3 September and focuses on developing practical solutions to the country's water and sanitation challenges.

    1 September 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 31 August

  1. National Assembly resumes Fourth Session on September 1

    The National Assembly will resume the Fourth Session of the Eighth Parliament on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, to consider several agenda items including continuation of debate on the Land Bill, Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill, Regional Councils Amendment Bill, Public Enterprises Governance Amendment Bill, Income Tax Amendment Bill, and the Accountants and Auditors Regulatory Authority Bill, as well as reports and tabled motions.

    31 August 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 27 August

  1. Lüderitz vulnerable children's centre seeks more resources

    The Empowerment Centre for Vulnerable Children in Lüderitz called for increased support for food, educational materials and other resources during a Parliamentary Standing Committee oversight visit to child-care facilities in //Kharas and Hardap regions. The centre provides breakfast and lunch to children and produces learning materials from recycled items, but says monthly food assistance remains insufficient and quality educational materials are needed.

    27 August 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 25 August

  1. Opinion: Namibia's constitution needs decolonisation

    An opinion piece argues that Namibia's constitutional framework treats opposition parties as inferior and enables majority rule to suppress truth and facts in parliamentary and cabinet decisions, calling for amendment of Articles 32 and 35 to establish a consensus-based system of governance.

    25 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Parliament — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute